In 1993, Jacky Gentine started working at Western Nevada College (then Western Nevada Community College), not knowing that shed found her employment home for nearly the next 30 years.
WNCs program officer in Admissions and Records has decided to retire after dedicating nearly 29 years to the college and being among the 10 current longest-serving employees.
I have remained here because its a great place to work, my colleagues are amazing, and I enjoy helping and watching students succeed, she said. Its been a pleasure to be here. I fell in love with the college and never left.
Jacky was honored with a retirement reception on Friday, July 8 in the Student Services department in the Bristlecone Building.
And just imagine: Jacky received her start at Western from someone who is still serving the college.
Jackys first position at the college was an administrative aide in the Performing Arts/Community Service Office. She worked for Stephanie Arrigotti, who now is Westerns Professor of Music and the producer and director of the Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company.
Jacky was a strong asset to the Performing Arts office when she started at the college. She worked well with our audiences and helped our program to grow in our early years, Arrigotti said.
Since then, Jacky has been utilized in many capacities, including in the offices of the Dean of Arts & Sciences, Dean of Instruction, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, Counseling and Admissions and Records. She has spent the better part of the past decade in Admissions and Records.
She has been so good for the department such an asset, said Dianne Hilliard, who recently retired as Admissions and Records director and registrar. She has such a great work ethic, she cares about the students and makes sure we treat them right. She has just been really, really wonderful to have here, shes pleasant and timely. Shes really the model employee, and shes a really good person, too.
We really appreciate all that shes done for Admissions and Records, and Western Nevada College, and we are going to miss her greatly.
One of Jackys favorite and most rewarding times of the year is commencement.
I always enjoy working commencement each year, as it is rewarding to see the students succeed and being able to share in that special moment of their academic lives with them, Jacky said. I also enjoyed working at the college fundraisers such as the Steve Garvey and Leo Buscaglia events and seeing the community come together to support our students.
Jacky was recognized as the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents Outstanding Classified Employee and the Western Nevada College Classified Employee of the Year in 1998.
It was such an honor and made me feel so good to have my hard work recognized, Jacky said.
As for her retirement plans, Jacky intends to spend more time with her two grandchildren, Austin and Addison.
I also look forward to many camping excursions in our motorhome with our boat, as well as exciting new adventures in the Jeep I bought as a retirement gift to myself! she said. Im so excited for the challenges and opportunities that will come as I embark on this next chapter of my life journey!