Classified Council selects one staff member each month to highlight his or her outstanding contributions to WNC. Anyone from the college can nominate staff for this award. Profiles of the staff members selected are sent to the President's Office and a special celebration is held in the spring to recognize the outstanding achievements of these staff.

Debra Yates (June)

Debra Yates provides professional and constant care to students both in the Counseling department and the Disability Support Services office. She contributes hours above and beyond her normal work hours to make sure her work is done and students are always ready to begin or continue their college career. She juggles both positions between Counseling and Disability Support Services, always with a smile. She accomplished her duties without a blink of the eye when Counseling and DSS were moved to the library on two different occasions due to floods. Everything went as smooth as one would want because she dove in and made sure everything was moved and up-n-running. She has always and continues to help me every day with my job so I can do it efficiently. She loves living out in the desert with all her animals, especially the ducks and her bird. I have never seen anyone take such good care of a duck in all my life.

Alex Quintero (May)

Alex is a pleasure to work with. The ABE office has been under construction for a few months. Alex has graciously moved trash for us at the most inconvenient times and after his normal 'trash runs'. He has supplied trash cans that we asked for and ensured they are always empty the next day. The Bristlecone office area is always sparkling as a result of Alex's efforts, my office which often has door debris on the carpet, is always well vacuumed. The classrooms at the south end of the Bristlecone building are tidier than they have been in a few years. Alex does his job with pride and a friendly smile. Alex rocks!

Julie Lewis Dewitt (April)

Julie is a unique asset to the Admissions and Records Department. She works tirelessly to take care of WNC students preparing for graduation. She also handles student residency issues with efficiency. Julie is hard-working, easy to work with, and friendly to students and co-workers alike. She also helps to coordinate WNC graduation, which she does to perfection each year. The "over and above" effort Julie contributes to make graduation special for our students should be commended. It is a pleasure to work with such a unique and caring employee.

Ron Belbin (March)

Nomination Reasons: Ron is always courteous, helpful, friendly, and eager to solve problems. He has helped students and instructors by offering library resource discussions. Whenever problems with equipment occur, he responds promptly, analyzes the situation quickly and always has the appropriate solution. Ron helped to lead a book club discussion on the Maltese Falcon. He also serves on the recycling committee, eagerly helping to make Fallon a 'green' campus.

Ellen Schafer (February)

Ellen Shafer, despite her busy job, has found time to serve on many WNC committees - some as chair. Being the chair of any committee is not an easy task; a lot is involved with scheduling committee members, verifying criteria for the nominees and members, etc. I had the pleasure to serve on a committee with her, and we all worked together efficiently enough to meet, discuss and vote in a single day. She is humorous, energetic, and pleasant to all she comes in contact with, and is dedicated to the goals of WNC.

Jacky Gentine (January)

Jacky Gentine has performed duties which support faculty, staff, students and the WNC community outside of her normal job description. Jacky has volunteered for three committees in the last year: the Classified Retreat Committee, the Christmas Potluck Committee, and a Student Grievance Committee. Jacky gave up personal time to attend meetings and perform duties required to ensure successful outcomes for these committees. She is a person who goes above and beyond in supporting the WNC community. Jacky has been with Western Nevada College since 1993.

Peggy Stutsman (December)

Peggy has worked in the Business Office for 18 years. She is Program Officer and keeps all Business Office employees aware of changes that affect us and our students, so everyone provides correct information. She is a team player and does not hesitate to help resolve issues presented by students. During the past few months, Peggy has been part of the Integrate team. This has taken her away from her desk during many important deadlines, but she still has kept Business Office personnel up to date not only with the many changes but also in allowing us to test the new computer system before it goes into production. Thank you, Peggy, for your patience in taking on this challenge!

David Wooner (November)

There are so many employees that we sometimes over look who are not involved with the main area of students and staff. Dave is one of these people who is always in the background, keeping the college in good working order. Have you ever seen Dave and said I could really use some help? If so he is always willing to lend a helping hand. Dave is a real pleasure to deal with no matter what the situation may be. He is always gracious and very helpful toward the people that need his help. I have been to the Fallon campus on many occasions and Dave has gone out of his way to be helpful. Our department has approached Dave with some interesting challenges. He handled each situation very successfully and with great capability. He is not a high profile individual but is a down to earth person who always gives his utmost to whatever task that is required of him. What would the college do without people like Dave and his whole department; they are always making sure that everything runs smoothly? He has a lovely wife and has lived in Fallon for many years. He is an upstanding individual in the community as well as here at the college. With pleasure I nominate Dave Wooner for the November Classified Employee of the month.

Ken McClure (October)

Ken is one of the college grounds workers who is always out in the weather doing the things that keep our campus looking so wonderful. He was instrumental in the painting of the parking lot last month, and those of us who come to work early can be thankful that Ken will be here to keep the sidewalks clear of ice and snow this winter. He is an avid model builder and has a collection of animals at home. He is also a professional pet sitter who works upon request for vacations and the like.

Ralph Schilling (September)

Ralph Schilling is an extremely competent employee in Library & Media Services. He seems to be continually moving equipment, checking equipment, and resolving problems. Our department has called on him many, many times to assist us with technical problems. He always shows up with a smile, listens to the problem, then finds and fixes it. Most important, Ralph always finds the time to help in tight situations (ten minutes or less before the start of a class or training). He works well with his library and media team, is always a gentleman and shows great pride in his work.

Elvia Garcia (August)

Elvia deserves recognition for her outstanding patience, dedication and team spirit over the summer during construction work in the Adult Basic Education office. Elvia worked with fine, powdered dust descending all around her for two weeks and a sheet of plastic cordoning off a section of the ABE office for four weeks. Elvia was flexible - managing to support students and teachers through the controlled chaos, and acting as the 'glue' that kept operations running smoothly. She graciously escorted students through the appropriate entries and exits, took phone messages and returned calls when she couldn't hear the caller on the line, and quietly located misplaced paperwork and textbooks moved from the construction. Elvia truly embodies the team spirit, industrious effort and student focus that characterizes our college community.

Kim Coker (July)

Kim Coker is a great employee here at the WNC Financial Aid Department; she has worked for this department for many years. She has a wealth of knowledge regarding financial assistance, and has used this information to help students, staff, and parents as well. I have worked with Kim and no matter what question was asked, she had the answer. She never made you feel as if your question was silly or if you asked the same question more then once she always answered it with a smile. This is a very high stress department; so many students and so very little time to accomplish all that is needed to get these students the financial help they need to attend WNC. She is organized, and carries out her responsibilities in a professional way. Everything is done in a timely manner with attention to detail. Kim not only completes her work but also anticipates what may be needed to be accomplished for later semesters. Kim lives in Gardnerville, with her daughter and son. She is very active in her families' lives and activities. I truly feel Kim should be honored with this recognition by all who know her.