Western Nevada College celebrated its Fall 2026 Kickoff on Aug. 19 as the college prepared for the opening of the semester on Aug. 31.

The Fall Kickoff & Benefits, BBQ Lunch and Wellness Fair brought our campus together for a day of celebration, recognition, community, vision and campus updates.

President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe honored our institution's amazing employees and students for their dedication and hard work.

“Recognizing the outstanding people who make Western Nevada College such a special place is one of the highlights of our Fall Kickoff,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Katherine, Lisa, Nick and our ASWN student leaders have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their colleagues, our students and the college. I also want to congratulate Dr. Bell and Professor Kupferschmid on their tenure and all of our Scrappy Award recipients for the many ways they go above and beyond. These individuals represent the dedication, creativity and spirit that make WNC such a strong community. I’m proud to work alongside each of them and grateful for everything they do to help our students succeed.”

Congratulations to the following award winners:

• Katherine “Kat” Williams: Faculty Employee of the Year. Kat worked as a CNA for six years before becoming a registered nurse and has now been an RN for 10 years. Throughout her nursing career, she has served patients at Carson Valley Health, Renown Health, and Carson Tahoe Health before transitioning into her role as a clinical and didactic instructor for WNC’s Nursing program.

“I truly can’t imagine doing anything other than nursing and teaching nursing!” Kat said. “Nursing has been my passion since I first started as a CNA. Caring for patients and now having the opportunity to teach and support nursing students as they grow into confident nurses has been incredibly rewarding. I love being part of a team that supports one another, and it was an honor to help support my team through a challenging transition last semester.”

• Lisa Gallo Swan: Administrative Faculty Employee of the Year. Since 2024, Lisa has served as director of the Fallon Campus and Rural Outreach. She’s also fulfilled the role as interim coordinator for Nursing & Allied Health.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award,” Lisa said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful people across the college, especially the incredible Fallon team. I’m grateful for everyone who has supported, encouraged, and trusted me along the way.”

• Nick Myers: Classified Employee of the Year. For the past two years, Nick has filled the role of Academic Planning and Event Operations coordinator.

"I’m honored to be recognized as Classified Employee of the Year for the 2025-2026 year. I started at Western Nevada College in 2024, and since then I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful people across the college,” Nick said. “This recognition means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the support of my coworkers and for the opportunity to contribute to Western Nevada College and our students. I’m proud to be part of this community and truly appreciate being recognized by my peers."

• The Associated Students of Western Nevada (student government): President’s Team Award. ASWN members, under the direction of Student Life Coordinator/ASWN Advisor Heather Rikalo and Student Life Administrative Assistant Hilda Villafana, have transformed the Student Center into the heart of the campus throughout the school year, providing students and staff with a friendly gathering place for specially themed activities and lunches.

WNC also celebrated the tenure appointments of Professors Dr. Patrick Bell and Curtis Kupferschmid. They were honored in March after the NSHE Board of Regents approved their tenure.

For the first time, President Dalpe presented Scrappy Awards to employees who have gone above and beyond in some of their duties.

Rikalo and Villafana received the Hot Potato Award for baking 200 potatoes overnight for an event in the Student Center.

Facilities’ James Feser and Jeff Erickson were presented with the Golden Plunger Award for completing a long-awaited bathroom renovation in the Bristlecone Building.

Dan Smith received the Snake Wrangler Award for rescuing an employee who was trapped in an office by a snake, and Nigel Harrison and Cameron Carr shared the Wildcat Endurance Award for completing the grueling 100-kilometer race in the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs event.

The high-energy day was topped off with a pasta lunch, ice cream treats and connecting with the college's benefit partners.

Lisa Gallo Swan is honored with the Administrative Faculty Employee of the Year Award.

Nick Myers is recognized with the Classified Employee of the Year Award.

ASWN (student government) receives the President's Team Award.