Reno, NV-- In the heart of the the University of Nevada, Reno’s Knowledge Center lays a hidden gem, the Center for Basque Studies.  Not many students know about all of the information on Basque history that is right under their noses at the university, or about the culture that encompasses a lot of rural Northern Nevada. The Center for Basque Studies, located on the third floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, is always welcoming visitors and encouraging those interested in learning Basque history.

 

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In the 1960’s, Basque migration to Northern Nevada became very important to the Nevada sheepherding scene.  Soon after, in 1967, the Great Basin Institute established a Basque studies program that has now grown into what the Center for Basque Studies at the university houses today.  Outside of the Spanish and French Basque country, Reno houses the largest Basque study center, and is the only Basque study center in the United States.

 

The research and education of students on Basque culture and topics has become very essential to the University and some of its programs. The University of Nevada, Reno offers minors in Basque Studies, Ph.D’s emphasizing Basque studies, and even grants and scholarships for studying Basque culture.  The center gives out two scholarships to undergraduate students annually, both to students of Basque descent if possible. They also have a grant available to students who want to come to Reno to do research on Basque topics, because other universities do not offer Basque programs similar to UNR.