Western Nevada College’s student government group is ensuring that the students, faculty and staff who helped make the 2022-23 school year special are appropriately celebrated and recognized.

The Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN) will recognize outstanding students, faculty and staff during its Awards and Appreciation Ceremony in Casino Fandango Grand Ballroom on Friday, April 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

“Each year we take just a few hours to recognize outstanding students in academics, service and leadership,” said Heather Rikalo, Student Life coordinator and ASWN adviser. “We celebrate the best of WNC with family and friends and help close our year with real joy and celebration for these students.”

The reception will enable the student government group the opportunity to present awards to students in a variety of academic areas, including Workforce, Career and Technical Education; Jump Start; Liberal Arts; and Nursing. Student of the Year and Outstanding Student Leadership awards will also be presented. Regents’ award winners Taylor O’Daye, Rachel Stiff and Amy Ghilieri will be recognized as well.

In addition to recognizing academic excellence, awards will be presented to academic and administrative faculty and classified staff for outstanding performance or service in the following categories: Outstanding Student Leadership (Wildcat Way Award), JumpStart Second-Year Cohort, Latino Leadership Academy and Veteran Student of the Year. Special recognition by ASWN will be given to an Outstanding Student Club and Outstanding WNC staff from various departments.

For their contributions to students and voted on by students, Advisor of the Year, Academic Faculty of the Year and Adjunct Faculty of the Year awards will be announced. 

Awardees will be invited to attend the ceremony in person to be recognized and receive a personalized award. Formal invitations will be mailed out when awardees are determined. Students and staff receiving invites will get tickets for themselves and one guest but have the option to bring additional guests for $25 each.