Julia Ratti

Jason Geddes’ life story was the story of Nevada. He was born in Winnemucca, spent his early years in Gabbs and graduated from Traner Middle School, Sparks High School and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry, served as ASUN president, and was awarded his Ph.D. in environmental sciences and health. He was elected to the Nevada State Assembly after walking his entire district, listening to the broad cross-section of people who shared with him their dreams and goals for the future and then served as a legislator who never forgot those important conversations with his constituents. As governor of Nevada and as president of the University, I always admired Jason’s ability as a member of the Board of Regents to advocate in his commonsense and highly effective way for the students, faculty and staff of all of Nevada’s institutions of higher education. In his words and actions, in his personal and professional lives, in his many achievements and in the countless friendships he forged throughout our state, Jason was Nevada personified. It should not go unnoticed that Jason almost always eschewed a traditional tie for a bolo tie that was in the shape of Nevada. This was who he always was. This was how he proudly chose to represent himself. Lauralyn and I wish to extend the heartfelt condolences of our University to Jason’s wife Cindie, his son Joseph and his family.