One of the most meaningful ways that Western Nevada College can recognize its long-serving and dedicated employees is by awarding them emeritus status — a distinguished honor that reflects their exceptional contributions to the college community.

With six longtime faculty members retiring following spring semester, WNC is pleased to announce that they have received this prestigious appointment.

Those receiving emeritus honors are:

• Maxine Cirac – 36 years
• Lisa Dunkelberg – 13 years
• Dr. Gary Evett – 32 years
• Debi Ingraffia-Strong – 20 years
• Holly O’Toole-Parker – 19-plus years
• Dr. Gary Schwartz – 15 years

Together, these remarkable educators have dedicated 135 years, inspiring and educating students across a range of disciplines including nursing, science, foreign language and mathematics.

Maxine Cirac’s specialty has been international languages, teaching Spanish and French. As he third-longest-serving faculty member, Maxine has worked for eight of the college’s nine presidents and left a legacy of cultural enrichment and linguistic excellence.

Lisa Dunkelberg, joined WNC in 2012 as a nursing instructor, has prepared students to work in area health care facilities and shown them the importance of giving back and helping those in need.

Dr. Gary Evett began teaching chemistry and physics in 1993. The Professor of Biophysical Sciences was instrumental in the Science Lab renovation project in 2022 and for leading INBRE biomedical research students on the Fallon campus.

Debi Ingraffia-Strong launched her WNC teaching career in 2005 and helped shape the nursing program into one of the best in Nevada. She served as interim director of Nursing and Allied Health from 2021 to 2024 and was honored by the Nevada Nurses Foundation with the 2022 People’s Choice Dean of Nursing Award.

Holly O’Toole-Parker has been a favorite among students for her engaging approach in teaching biology and anatomy. In 2018, she expanded her leadership by becoming the Fallon campus and rural outreach director before returning to the classroom.

Dr. Gary Schwartz has been both a leader of students studying mathematics, as well as faculty and staff. Besides providing students with a better understanding of Calculus, he stepped up to serve as interim director of Liberal Arts in 2016.

To receive consideration for an emeritus status appointment, appointees must have served as an academic or administrative faculty member for at least 10 years and have a distinguished history of service to the college. 

Emeritus appointees are considered to have lifetime status as WNC employees. Emeritus recipients, their spouses and financially dependent children are eligible for grant-in-aid privileges. They are also eligible to participate in certain departmental and college events, including WNC commencement, as well as receive other employee-related perks.