First Annual WNC Fundraiser a Success

by Rachel Dahl -- The First Annual Western Nevada College Fallon Campus Foundation Dinner was held at the Fallon Convention Center, with over 250 people attending. The dinner raised nearly $16,000 for scholarships, equipment for the welding and mechanic programs, the art gallery, and the nursing program. County Commissioner Bus Scharmann, former Dean of the College, traded master of ceremonies duties with President Vincent Solis, and throughout the evening shared the history of the Fallon Campus. He shared his memories of the growth of the college during the 1970s when he was hired away from Hawthorne, the expansion of the Fallon Campus during the 80s, and the development of new programs programs through the 90s. He talked about the development of the successful rural nursing program in 1993, and the importance of the Fallon Campus to the community. President Vince Solis talked about the importance of the college for workforce development in Northern Nevada with the unprecedented growth of high-tech companies. He also introduced Fallon Campus Director Holly O’Toole and thanked her for building a strong team at the Fallon Campus who are working hard to serve WNC students. Going to an incredible amount of work to pull together fundraising prizes, decorating the room, and all the other details of such and event, the organizing committee was headed up by Angela Viera, with support from Marie Nygren, and Rochelle Tisdale from Oasis Academy, a partner in the Jumpstart program. There were four different fundraising games throughout the evening, run by students from the various CTE programs. Over 50 raffle prizes were donated by local area businesses and alumni, as well as silent auction items, and a live auction performed by Ted Guazzini. Sponsors for the evening, who contributed to the foundation and to host the dinner, include Assemblywoman Robin Titus, and Regent Carol Del Carlo, Manpower, Gary and Susan Imelli, Banner Churchill Community Hospital, Widmer and Mills CPA, Ott’s Farm Equipment, Fallon Nugget and Bonanza Casino, CC Communications, Ward and Angela Viera, and A&K Earthmovers. Presidents Solis made a special presentation to recognize the development of the newest CTE program to the college. Through a partnership with S.S. Hert Trucking, the Fallon Campus now offers a CDL program to assist students through the Commercial Drivers License process. Solis recognized Nate Strong, Executive Director of Churchill Economic Development Authority, Steve Hert owner of S.S. Hert Trucking, and Bert Stephens who will teach the program. Solis also honored Fallon Campus staff for their dedication to students through the CTE programs, bringing up to stage Hank Wohle, Don Keele, Bob Oakden, Marie Nygren, and Director of Workforce Development programs, Georgia White. Mike Berney, who has served on the WNC Fallon Foundation board also paid tribute to Bus Scharmann and the work that he has done over the years to grow and develop and continuously support the college. Lem Mackedon was the winner of $500 raffle which he donated that back to the foundation in the name of his mother Michon Mackedon, a long time English professor at the college and Chair of the Fine Arts department, and his aunt Michelle Dondero, who also served WNC as a counselor, dean, vice-president, and interim president.   Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon. Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page.