This story was originally published in the Nevada Silver & Blue magazine's Sesquicentennial Issue.
In 1874, Jessie Yeates (pictured on left) was one of the seven members of the University’s first student body in Elko. Now, 150 years later, her great-great-great-grandson, Carson Petersen (Class of 2026, pictured right), is pursuing his mechanical engineering degree at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´. As it turns out, every generation of the Yeates family can tie a family member to the Nevada System of Higher Education. (Carson’s great aunt was even assigned the same dorm room her own grandmother occupied decades before!) We think Jessie would agree, the University has come a long way in 150 years — and Carson is just getting started.
Student enrollment
Then: In 1874, seven students began classes, including Jessie and her sister Margaret. The following year, 16 students enrolled.
Now: Today, the University is home to more than 21,000 students — like Carson — with 700+ international students representing more than 80 countries.
Building numbers
Then: For Jessie, campus was just one building, until a dorm was added in 1876.
Now: Since 2009, more than $800 million has been invested in residence halls, advanced labs and facilities.
Programs
Then: Jessie and her classmates each followed the same exact curriculum.
Now: Current students can choose from 560+ academic programs and 250+ student organizations. Carson belongs to the aerospace club.
Faculty and staff
Then: David Robert Sessions served as the school’s principal and sole teacher.
Now: These days, thousands of dedicated faculty and staff members support education, research and outreach in Reno and across the state.
Libraries
Then: If Jessie had access to a library, it was likely super limited.
Now: Carson has access to nearly 1.4 million printed volumes in the University Library’s collection.
Athletics
Then: Jessie’s fellow students started a baseball team in 1877. They wore red (gasp!) and white uniforms.
Now: Today’s silver and blue fans can cheer for 17 Nevada Wolf Pack teams. GO PACK!
Alumni support
Then: Since they were the very first students, Jessie and her classmates received no alumni support.
Now: In 150 years, the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ has graduated nearly 113,000 students. Last fiscal year, Nevada alumni donated $8.27 million to the University.
