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.

Howard Collett (April)

During this time of economic turmoil, Howard has kept a positive attitude and focus on his job responsibilities of providing audio/visual support to the college community. Howard does not complain when last second setups are requested. Instead, he rises to the occasion by coming in early and staying late when needed to set up and take down equipment for special events. One specific example came in April when Nevada Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford and Speaker of the House John Oceguera hosted a Nevada Business Meeting at WNC on very short notice. His staff requested last minute room location and setup changes. Howard made it happen and the event went smoothly, making WNC look good! Senator Horsford said it himself during the introduction of the meeting: "Good acoustics in this room!" - Good job Howard!

Kathryn Clark-Ross (March)

Kathryn Clark-Ross will retire in June after 20+ plus years of service at WNC. Kathryn's retirement will be a loss for Classified Council, the office of Financial Assistance, and the college. She has been active in Classified Council meetings and scheduled events since the council was formed. She always volunteers to serve on committees and at events. Kathryn was instrumental in in creating and/or coordinating many Classified Council events, including the book fair, bake sales, and the "Shabby & Chic" rummage sale. Kathryn goes well beyond the "call of duty." In her job as the VA coordinator in the Financial Aid department, she processes the funding for our soldiers. She takes pride in her job and it shows! Kathryn has overcome many obstacles in her life and has become a well respected colleague who has earned several degrees at WNC, as well as a bachelor's and master's degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. We are so proud of Kathryn and will miss her dearly!

Chelsie Hamtak (February)

CHELSIE HAMTAK - COMMUNICATIONS & FINE ARTS DIVISION Nomination Reasons: Chelsie is organized and flexible, and carries out her responsibilities in a professional way. Everything is done in a timely manner with attention to detail. These are all job requirements. That she not only completes work that is assigned but also anticipates what needs to be accomplished in the future, is hard-working, efficient, and a pleasure to work with cannot be written as easily into a job description but is crucial to WNC students, faculty and administrators. Chelsie truly embodies the team spirit, industrious effort and student focus that characterizes our college community. Chelsie is very deserving of this award.

Beth Blankenship (January)

BETH BLANKENSHIP - COMPUTING SERVICES Beth has been asked to take on additional responsibilities in addition to her daily tasks and has given 110 percent to do a really good job for Computing Services and the college community. She is very thorough and will not shortcut to get the job done. She recently volunteered to do an important server project that has turned into a large scale job, in addition to her daily workload. Beth is always willing to do more when asked, to help the department and the college community.

Kathy Lynch (December)

Kathy is the administrative assistant for the Environmental Health & Safety department. She is so good that many employees in the college do not realize that she is a part-time employee. Kathy's wonderful personality makes work activities enjoyable for all. At the recent end of the fall semester, EH&S needed to complete inventory updates, lab analysis, profiles and manifests for the department. Kathy made sure that these items were ready and organized for timely disposal of waste. We were also ready with the records that our property insurance consultant reviewed during their annual December visit. Kathy was prepared. EH&S is honored and privileged to have Kathy as a member of our team.

Shelly Bale (November)

Shelly rejoined Counseling Services in April and also assists Disability Support Services. Shelly has been a blessing to both departments. She has successfully taken responsibility for exam accommodations, supervising student employees, overseeing alternative text production, and helping to maintain high standards in the departments. She has a passion for the work she does and genuinely cares about helping students. Shelly brings a fresh, unique perspective to our office, generating creative ideas. She takes the initiative on projects and sees them through to completion. Shelly also attends UNR part-time, taking classes in Education. She is active in Classified Council, helping to organize the annual craft fair. She initiated and judged a diversity photo essay contest, serves on the Scholarship Committee, and co-chaired the Multicultural Festival last year.

Nick Redwine (October)

Nick has worked hard for the beautification and safety of WNC. His tireless efforts are apparent in the grounds around the Carson City campus. In the hot summer sun, Nick removed river rock in the creek beds by the Cedar Building just to get at the pesky weeds. He's been covered in mud and muck when he's dug out and fixed the sprinkling system. He always has a smile to brighten everyone's day, and he never complains! He loves what he does and takes pride in seeing the finished product.

Jennifer Cavanaugh (September)

Jennifer had to hit the ground running when she was transferred to Counseling Services. She quickly got the hang of it and keeps the counseling office running efficiently. In busy times, this is no easy task! She does it with her soft-spoken manner and a fabulous sense of humor. Jennifer is kind and generous to all who enter.She manages the student workers, and others have learned a lot from her easy going yet firm style. On her days off, she will still call the office to make sure everything is okay!

Mo Lockey (August)

Maureen "Mo" Lockey has worked at the Carson City campus as the division assistant to the director of Allied Health programs since 2006. Mo deserves recognition for going "over and above" the call of duty. In the face of a vacant position in Allied Health, Mo stepped up to the plate and took over the daily demands required for EMT and LTE programs from May until mid-August. Mo took on these additional responsibilities along with her own full-time job duties assisting the first and second year nursing program. Mo had to work extra hours daily to get all required work and records updated for the fall 2010 semester. Mo received no compensation for these extra duties or for the extra time worked. She did an exceptional job in assisting nursing faculty and most of all - the nursing students. Mo is truly a "team player" who assisted the college in a time of need.

Gail Montes (July)

Gail Montes is a great asset to the college. She is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the Business Office, and treats staff and students with respect and warmth. She takes the time to work with students who are often overwhelmed with navigating the registration and payment policies. When she is not at work, Gail is passionate about being in the great outdoors, and loves to hike and camp.