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.

John March (June)

John March frequently goes above his normally assigned duties. He is a hard worker, cheerful and willing to help. He makes suggestions which increase his colleagues' ability to streamline their jobs and offers ideas to lessen financial impact on the college's budget. Whenever John is asked to complete a task, it is accomplished in a professional and helpful manner. John is a very positive example of a WNC employee, and is deserving of this recognition.

Delia Bottoms (April)

Numerous employees nominated Delia for recognition because of the outstanding service she provides at the WNC Douglas campus. As the administrative assistant who greets students, answers phones and fields continual questions, she is seen as an exceptional employee. Among the comments: "Delia holds the Douglas campus together;" "She is always ready to help students and staff;" "Her previous experience working in other departments of WNC have given her a knowledge of the system that we all rely on;" and "Delia has a natural tendency to be helpful beyond her duties, beyond her desk, beyond her office.... she sets the tone, the life, the spirit. If she doesn't know how to help, she does know someone who does. Delia is WNC Douglas!"

Ralph Schilling (March)

The college nursing faculty unanimously nominated Ralph for an employee appreciation award because he is always so helpful with any media issues they have. Ralph comes over to help quickly when they have a problem, and he always knows how to fix it. Ralph has been helpful in a variety of circumstances - setting up lab media presentations, patient care scenarios, new equipment, and faculty interview audio/visual equipment. In addition, Ralph has been willing to fill in for facilitators and help with simulation equipment. The nursing faculty would be lost without him!

Rico Lutao (February)

Sage Hall has never looked so great since Rico has moved into our building. He asks if there is anything he can help with--anything we want done differently. He has re-arranged the tables and chairs to make our seating area more "student friendly." He even found a microwave for students to use. As a result, we have spotted groups of students coming into our building for study group. Our building is brighter because Rico took down all the light covers and cleaned them so the light shines through brightly." He has even ventured into our computer labs to dust monitors and clean desk areas. In addition to all of this--he has a wonderful attitude. He always has a smile on his face and a friendly word. What more can I say---he is deserving of this nomination.

Shelina Thomas (January)

Shelina is an employee who always goes above and beyond to help others in her job as a facilities scheduler. She is cheerful and walks everyone through the scheduling process by the hand. Many outside agencies who rent facilities at our college remark about how helpful Shelina is and how she makes the process easier. She has served on the Student Employee Recognition Committee and has come to the rescue of our committee chairs whenever they are preparing an event. She's often spotted walking potential students to the offices that they need, and has mentored students who were starting at our college. A working mother, she has made time to earn her bachelor's degree and will soon become a teacher. She volunteers with students at the Boys & Girls Club to improve their writing skills, runs an active children's ministry at her church.

Tina Magro (December)

Tina is an efficient employee who always has time to answer questions and resolve problems for classified employees. If she does not know the answer, she is willing to "dig" until she gets an answer or resolution. She is always cheerful and helpful, and I know I can trust her to be confidential. Tina volunteers her time to act as the Classified Council secretary, and helps with athletic, Foundation, and other college functions on and off campus. She truly cares for WNC employees. Thank you, Tina!

Howard Collett (November)

As one of our college's few video technicians, Howard Collett of Media Services has gone above and beyond many times to help our college host many diverse events on campus. Often, they require Howard to be available in the evenings and on weekends, for hours at a time. But this semester, Howard has been especially important to the college in its efforts to provide culture and meaning to our college community. Howard spent 10 Friday evenings this fall at Marlette Hall, serving as the audio video specialist who showed our International Film Series to substantial crowds of students, faculty and community members. He also set up draping, tables, food and drinks, and transported supplies from the Dini Center to Marlette Hall in cold, dark and sometimes snowy conditions. Howard is always helpful and talented, but this fall, he was truly indispensable!

Chelsie Hamtak (October)

Chelsie is not only a hard-working and professional employee but she is also the most helpful and positive-minded colleague I have encountered. Chelsie's willingness to lend a hand in any situation is greatly appreciated and her depth of knowledge is always a blessing. I am certain I am not alone when I say that Chelsie deserves to be recognized as one of the most valuable classified employees at Western Nevada College.

Shannon Segale (September)

Shannon is very hardworking and is willing to go above and beyond when it comes to helping out students. She will take the time to explain details and rules to students who otherwise would be lost. Shannon works hard every semester to make sure all athletes have all of their correct documents in so they can play and Shannon is always on top of her daily tasks especially with the increase in enrollment. She is always willing to help out with the Latino club and she has volunteered her time on different committees. Shannon is a valuable asset to the WNC community. Shannon is a newlywed and was recently married in May. She lives locally and LOVES to cook and watch old reruns of past TV shows.

Don May (July)

Don May has worked in the college mailroom for four years, but the other day he was seen moving heavy rocks in the ditch outside of the Cedar Building. When asked about it, he said that he was caught up with his work and thought that the grounds guys could use some help. Good for you, Don, for having such a great attitude about your work. Don also has much to be proud of when it comes to WNC athletics: his son Tyler is playing for the Wildcats baseball team this season.