Siobhan McAndrew

smcandrew@rgj.com

Kenny Warthan lived to see his youngest daughter graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno.

“I will tell her to keep up the good work,” said Warthan, who along with family and friends celebrated the college graduation of Kendra Warthan, 22, on Tuesday.

It’s advice Kendra might not have heard on her graduation day if she waited for her official ceremony from the College of Education in May.

Kendra, the youngest of eight siblings, was given an early ceremony when UNR professors and a faculty adviser found out the hard-working student’s father and grandfather were diagnosed with lung cancer late last year.

“I am just so proud,” said Kenny Warthan, 59. In a wheelchair, he sat in the front row of the auditorium. Near him were a dozen yellow roses for his daughter.

Faculty advisor Jenna Dewar lobbied the university to allow Kendra, who has been an exceptional student, to attend UNR’s winter commencement

But when her grandfather passed away before the December graduation ceremony and her father was too sick to attend, Dewar said she wanted to do something special.

“She’s that student who always has such a positive attitude,” Dewar said. "Always a smile on her face."

Kendra said she and her family aren’t sure how much time her father has left, but it is unlikely that it will be more than a month.

“Having him be able to see me graduate means everything.”

School officials said this may the first time UNR has hosted an early graduation ceremony. Complete with a program, cap and gown and faculty speaker, the almost graduation ceremony, was attended by about 40 people including the Dean of the College of Education.

Kendra, who graduated from Wooster High School in 2012, has inspired many at UNR.

While a senior in high school, Kendra found out she was pregnant.

“But college and finishing college was always a dream and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me,” said Kendra. She is the first of her seven siblings to graduate from college.

Her daughter, Genesis, 4, was there to see her graduate. Kendra said she used to read her daughter her textbooks for her college classes.

Kendra said she did this for herself but an added bonus was being able to do this in front of her daughter.

She said there is a stereotype of teen moms not being able to accomplish their goals.

She said she wants to someday work with teen moms to give them the confidence and to be a mentor. She will graduate with a degree in Human development and Family Studies.

“I don’t want people to think what I’ve gone through makes me special,” she said. “What everyone is going through is something.”

But for some there is no debating that Kendra is the most special.

“I love you mommy,” Genesis said. “I’m so glad we got to see you graduate.”

Kendra's dad agreed.