Harry "Bus" Scharmann devoted over five decades to advancing education and public service in rural Nevada, particularly through his advocacy for Western Nevada College (WNC). In recognition of his enduring commitment, WNC has launched the Bus Scharmann Scholarship. This initiative honors Scharmann's influential role in the college’s development and his impact on countless lives.
WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe emphasizes the importance of this scholarship. "This scholarship comes at a pivotal time in our college’s history, as we prepare to expand our healthcare training programs — including nursing — through the renovation of the Pinon Building on the Fallon campus," Dalpe stated. "It is only fitting that this scholarship honors Bus Scharmann, who played a key role in helping WNC establish its nursing program and championed higher education in rural Nevada.”
Scharmann's influence touched generations at WNC. From his start as a counselor and instructor to his roles as dean, his commitment to education never faltered, continuing even after his retirement. His daughter, Terri, shared Scharmann's dedication. “Dad said he guessed the ‘Champion of WNC’ title came because he worked tirelessly and always stood up for the students,” she noted.
The Bus Scharmann Scholarship, funded by $5,000 from the President's Fund for Excellence through WNC Foundation, will support students starting in the 2024-25 academic year. Terri expressed that the naming of the scholarship affirms her father's valued contributions, noting, “To Dad, it means that he was committed to the college for a lot of years, and this scholarship being named for him reaffirms to him that his contributions were valued and will continue to support the students and programs he loves.”
Scharmann's commitment to WNC sometimes meant sacrificing time with his family. "Dad raised us to always serve the greater good, be community-minded and that our contributions, no matter how small, matter," Terri explained. The scholarship represents Scharmann's legacy of service and dedication to education, benefitting his family and future generations.
Scharmann began his career at WNC, then called Western Nevada Community College, in 1974. He initially worked as a part-time administrator and later took a full-time counselor position in Fallon. He also taught English, mathematics, and physical education.
Terri highlighted Scharmann's belief in education's role in sustaining small communities. “He believed that helping educate people in smaller communities helped to build an educated and industrious workforce for those communities, helping them remain viable,” she said.
In 1980, Scharmann became an assistant dean, eventually serving as dean of WNC's Douglas campus and director of nursing and prison programs. Holly O’Toole-Parker, a long-time WNC professor, described Scharmann as one of the finest men she has known, noting his integrity and leadership.
Scharmann continued his leadership as Dean of the Fallon campus from 2000 until his retirement in 2011. Dr. Doris Dwyer, a WNC faculty member, remembered Scharmann's commitment: "Bus is a man of great integrity, and his decisions as dean were always fair and in the best interests of the faculty and students."
Even in retirement, Scharmann continued to contribute to WNC and the community. He participated in various initiatives to support the college and served on the Institutional Advisory Council. Terri highlighted his ongoing engagement, noting, "But he stayed close to the college because it was his passion. It was more than just his career, and he valued the people and programs."
The Bus Scharmann Scholarship, aimed at rural Nevada students pursuing healthcare careers, underscores his commitment to education and community service. Contributions to the scholarship can be made through the WNC Foundation.
For more information about the scholarship, contact the WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240 or foundation@wnc.edu.