Western Nevada College hosted its Fall Kickoff 2024 and Benefits and Wellness Fair on Aug. 14 to celebrate the approaching semester and to recognize outstanding employees.

President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe honored employees for their dedication and hard work over the past year during his upbeat presentation covering the upcoming semester and year. Honorees included Dr. Brigitte Dillet, Faculty Employee of the Year; Delia Bottoms, Classified Employee of the Year; Songhai “Song” Liu, Administrative Faculty Employee of the Year; and Disability Support Services, President's Team Award.

The 2024-25 student government group (ASWN) was also introduced, including President Catalina Wilson, Vice President Lahaina Estomin, Treasurer Benny Buchanan, Senator Jordany Arevalo, Senator Elena Guzman, Senator Logan McAlister, Senator Emily Sanchez and Senator Sherlyn Vasquez.

Tenured professors Nigel Harrison and Robert Ciminski were formally recognized for their appointments last spring by the Nevada System of Higher Education, and following President Dalpe’s presentation, employees enjoyed a BBQ lunch in Rotary Plaza.

After the barbecue lunch, employees visited with a variety of the college’s business partners and enjoyed some ice cream treats during the Benefits and Wellness Fair presented by Human Resources.

As for the employee award winners, Dr. Dillet grew up on a farm in France more than 5,000 miles away and still found her way to WNC. She discovered a love of teaching near the end of her college education when she was hired to teach junior high students. She pursued her doctorate of geology at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., and also married, changing her plans of returning to France. After briefly teaching at Lake Tahoe Community College, Dr. Dillet accepted a full-time teaching position on WNC’s Fallon campus in 1995 and has been part of WNC ever since.

It is her first time receiving the Faculty Employee of the Year Award.

“This was quite a surprise,” said the professor of Earth Sciences. “It means a lot to be recognized by colleagues. I am not award oriented because I did not grow up in a culture that grants awards. I just do my

job to the best of my abilities and with student success in mind.”

Delia is an Accountant III who works in the Controller’s Office. She started at WNC in the fall of 2007.

“It is wonderful to be recognized and honored for my work with a lovely award. It means a lot to me,” she said.

Delia also stated that it helps to work with a great team within the Controller's Office, along with the teams of Admissions & Records, Financial Aid and Counseling.

 

"We all work together like one big family within the student lobby. A positive work environment with great co-workers makes all the difference,” she said.

Like Dr. Dillet, Song is one of Western’s longest-serving employees. The network engineer began working at WNC in 1997. He, too, is a first-time recipient of the Administrative Faculty award.

“Wow, what an incredible honor! I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this recognition,” Song said. “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Administrative Faculty Member Committee and my colleagues for this honor.

“This award is not just a reflection of my efforts but also a testament to the support and collaboration I’ve received from the Computing Services and the college community. Working here has been a rewarding journey, and I feel truly fortunate to be part of such a dedicated and talented team.

Song went on to thank colleagues Phyllis Mason and Troy Wadsworth for their support in his role and for receiving the honor.

“I want to especially acknowledge Phyllis and Troy, who have been instrumental in helping me achieve this. Their guidance, encouragement and teamwork have made a significant impact on my success,” he said.

“This award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to contribute even more to student success here. I’m excited about what the future holds for the college and I look forward to further contributing to its success.”

ASWN's 2024-25 members were introduced at Fall Kickoff 2024.

Human Resources presented the Benefits and Wellness Fair after the Fall Kickoff 2024 event.