As is tradition at Western Nevada College, the new academic year begins with a Welcome Back Convocation to rally employees before students return for fall semester.

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe led an inspiring kickoff to fall semester on Aug. 23, providing college updates, recognizing outstanding employees, celebrating college accomplishments, welcoming new employees and outlining strategic planning for the 2023-24 academic year.

The gathering of faculty and staff was an opportunity to acknowledge three award-winning employees, as well as recognize Facilities as the President’s Team Award winner. Receiving the 2023 employee of the year awards were Desirae Blunt-Lamkey, Classified Rachelle Bassen, Faculty; and Heather Rikalo, Administrative Faculty.

Professor Rachelle Bassen, who became a tenured faculty member in 2021, has been a biology instructor at WNC since 2017. She completed both of her bachelor's and master's degrees in biology at New Mexico State University. Bassen enjoys helping students succeed and prepare for their varied professional careers.

 Rachelle Bassen is award the Faculty Employee of the Year.

“Teaching at WNC is a special opportunity because I have the flexibility of being creative and innovative in helping students succeed in STEM classes as they prepare for their dream careers,” Bassen said. “I also value the amount of growth I've experienced as an educator in the last six years because of all the support I get from WNC faculty and staff. I strive to make a positive difference for both students and colleagues, and this award was a great encouragement that I am on the right track.”

For the new academic year, Bassen has assumed the role of faculty senate chair.

Rikalo has been at WNC for more than nine years and became one of few employees to receive the award in different employee classifications. She won the Classified Employee of the Year Award in 2017.

During the past decade, Rikalo has worn many hats at WNC. She has made a tremendous impact with students as the Student Life coordinator and Associated Students of Western Nevada (student government) adviser since 2019. Her mission of late has been to transform the Student Center into a more engaging and welcoming venue for students. In addition, she has grown ASWN and made it more of presence on campus.

“The transformation of the Student Center, ASWN, and Student Life over the past couple of years has been a labor of love for me. Seeing the positive impact these changes have had on our students and the overall campus community fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction and pride,” she said. “This award serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can truly make a difference, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and improvement of our institution.”

Rikalo thanked the Administrative Faculty Employee of the Year Committee for selecting her for the award and for the college community for its contributions in strengthening the student experience at WNC.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award, and it means a great deal to me,” she said. “I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported and collaborated with me throughout this journey. None of this would have been possible without the incredible teamwork and shared commitment to enhancing the student experience. I look forward to continuing our efforts to create an even more vibrant and engaging campus environment in the future.”

Blunt-Lamkey’s accolades as a WNC student have continued into her professional career. The administrative assistant on the Fallon campus was recognized as the Student Worker of the Year in 2019. As a mother of three, Blunt-Lamkey graduated from WNC with a Bachelor’s degree in Organization and Project Management last spring. Previously, she earned her GED and associate degree from WNC.

"I am grateful to be recognized as Classified Employee of the Year, especially when we have so many amazing Classified employees that work hard every day to help WNC students be successful,” Blunt-Lamkey said.

Facilities received the President’s Team Award for their crucial efforts in removing snow and keeping the campus safe for students, faculty and staff during the harsh winter of 2022-23. Facilities employees include Deborah Alves, Steve Aurand, Allison DeCampos, Margaret Densford, Anjolie Fajayan, Christopher Fillmore, Linda Gasaway, Robert Martinez, Christopher Meitzner, James Muchmore, Jesse Pacheco, Alex Quintero, Rodney Ricks and Daniel Smith.

Desirae Blunt-Lamkey receives the Classified Employee of the Year Award.

 

The Facilities Department is recognized during the Welcome Back Convocation for earning the President's Team Award.