Carson Nugget Hall was brimming with excellence on Thursday, April 29.
With the Associated Students of Western Nevada presenting its annual Awards and Appreciation Reception, it was an opportunity to honor students, faculty and staff for their excellence and contributions in academics, instruction, leadership and service over the past year.
Only dignitaries and people receiving and presenting awards were permitted to attend the in-person reception because of COVID event capacity restrictions, but others were able to view the event on Zoom.

Students receiving awards were Abby Galahan, Brandi Ziegler and Angelica Alvarez-Wallace, Professional and Applied Technology; Amberlee Ketten and Kimberly Torres, Jump Start College; Victor Clavel, Latino Leadership Academy; Micah Woodruff, Liberal Arts; Aubrey Tedesco, Nursing and Allied Health; Gabrielle Clark, ASWN President Award; JR Emmanuel Demillo, Outstanding Student Leadership; and Aadra Reed, Student Employee of the Year. Clark also was recognized for earning the Sam Lieberman Regents Scholar Award, which was presented by Nevada System of Higher Education Regent Carol Del Carlo.
The Student Club of the Year Award went to the Nerd Herd, which was busy on the day of the reception with its Hawaiian barbecue fundraiser.
For their contributions to students, ASWN presented awards to Advisor of the Year Ashley Osborne, Academic Faculty of the Year Cindy Frank and Adjunct Faculty of the Year Scott Morrison.
ASWN presented a special service award to the Financial Assistance Office, which was accepted by director JW Lazzari.
Graphic Design Professor Jayna Conkey and Counselor Lauren Stevens were honored for being selected as NSHEs 2020 Regents Teaching Award and 2021 Regents Advisor Award winners, respectively.
ASWN also took the time to introduce its 2021-22 officers, including President Andrea Sanchez De Loza, Vice President Victor Clavel and Senator Guadalupe DeSantiago.