For the Associated Students of Western Nevada, it’s all about continuity following the election returns.

The three elected officers are all returning ASWN members. In addition, half of the six senators are returning to the student government group for the 2023-24 academic year at Western Nevada College.

Suzanna Stankute has been elected as ASWN president for a second term. Benny Buchanan will also return as treasurer, and Alyssa Butler will transition from senator to vice president.

"Congratulations to the incoming ASWN officers!” said WNC Student Life Coordinator Heather Rikalo, who also serves as ASWN adviser. “I am honored to work every day with this amazing group of students and would like to say thank you for everything they do for our college community. I am looking forward to the year ahead and seeing what amazing things our student government association has in store for WNC!"

Stankute said there were several reasons why she returned as president.

“Since I first started here, I have noticed a great sense of community and support in our office, and I believe that has only grown in the last year. I am surrounded by an incredible team who consistently inspires and pushes me to do better in every area of my life. I have also met many individuals from other institutions in NSHE, and I want to ensure we are using ASWN to its full potential,” Stankute said.

Returning senators include Logan McAlister, Ibis Hood and Jordany Arevalo, and Sherlyn Vasquez will transition from representative to senator. Joining the senator ranks is Catalina Wilson.

“I want to thank Heather Rikalo, Student Life, and the officers and senate of the Associated Students for their continued support and work to help us serve our students,” Stankute said.

As ASWN’s returning president, Stankute looks forward to more ways that the student government group can support WNC students.

“We have so much power in student government to serve, advocate and support the students of Western Nevada College,” said Stankute, who is working toward a Bachelor’s degree in English and an Associate of Science degree in Deaf Studies. “During the 2023-24 Administration, I want to focus on that power and explore ways that we can better support our students. We will be taking a focus on mental health and looking at ways to help our students as they navigate this new path in their lives.”

Stankute spent a year learning about student government at WNC, building a rapport with other students with the same interests, before pursuing the presidency.

“ASWN offered me a new look into WNC’s campus,” she said previously. “I learned about different initiatives and resources that are offered to students. I found that ASWN offered a unique community and I felt welcomed by the group. I noticed the wide impact that ASWN has on WNC’s students and wanted to see how I could help that.”

Students interested in joining ASWN can contact Rikalo at heather.rikalo@wnc.edu or at 775-445-3241.