Western Nevada College hosted its Fall Kickoff 2024 and Benefits and Wellness Fair on Aug. 14 to celebrate the approaching semester and recognize outstanding employees.
President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe honored employees for their dedication and hard work over the past year during his presentation covering the upcoming semester and year. Honorees included Dr. Brigitte Dillet, Faculty Employee of the Year; Delia Bottoms, Classified Employee of the Year; Songhai “Song” Liu, Administrative Faculty Employee of the Year; and Disability Support Services, President's Team Award.
The 2024-25 student government group (ASWN) was also introduced, including President Catalina Wilson, Vice President Lahaina Estomin, Treasurer Benny Buchanan, Senator Jordany Arevalo, Senator Elena Guzman, Senator Logan McAlister, Senator Emily Sanchez and Senator Sherlyn Vasquez.
Tenured professors Nigel Harrison and Robert Ciminski were formally recognized for their appointments last spring by the Nevada System of Higher Education. Following President Dalpe’s presentation, employees enjoyed a BBQ lunch in Rotary Plaza.
After lunch, employees visited with various business partners and enjoyed ice cream treats during the Benefits and Wellness Fair presented by Human Resources.
As for the employee award winners:
Dr. Dillet grew up on a farm in France more than 5,000 miles away before joining WNC. She discovered her love of teaching near the end of her college education when she was hired to teach junior high students. She pursued her doctorate in geology at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., married there instead of returning to France as planned. After briefly teaching at Lake Tahoe Community College, Dr. Dillet accepted a full-time teaching position on WNC’s Fallon campus in 1995 and has been part of WNC ever since.
“This was quite a surprise,” said Dr. Dillet about receiving her first Faculty Employee of the Year Award. “It means a lot to be recognized by colleagues."
Delia Bottoms is an Accountant III who works in the Controller’s Office since fall 2007.
“It is wonderful to be recognized and honored for my work with a lovely award," she said.
Bottoms emphasized working with great teams within Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Counseling along with her own team makes all difference: "We all work together like one big family within student lobby."
Songhai “Song” Liu began working at WNC as network engineer in 1997 received Administrative Faculty award first time this year:
“Wow what incredible honor! I am deeply humbled grateful receive this recognition," he said thanking colleagues Phyllis Mason Troy Wadsworth specifically supporting him role achieving honor: "Their guidance encouragement teamwork made significant impact success.”
ASWN's 2024-25 members were introduced at Fall Kickoff 2024 event while Human Resources presented Benefits Wellness Fair afterward.
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