Harry "Bus" Scharmann has dedicated his life to education, public service, and the betterment of rural Nevada for more than five decades. A steadfast advocate for Western Nevada College, Scharmann became known as the "Champion of Western Nevada College," working to ensure rural students had access to meaningful educational opportunities.
WNC has established the Bus Scharmann Scholarship in recognition of his tireless commitment. The scholarship honors a man who helped shape the college's future and impacted countless lives.
"This scholarship comes at a pivotal time in our college's history, as we prepare to expand our healthcare training programs — including nursing — through the renovation of the Pinon Building on the Fallon campus," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. "It is only fitting that this scholarship honors Bus Scharmann, who played a key role in helping WNC establish its nursing program and championed higher education in rural Nevada."
Scharmann's influence at WNC spanned generations. From his early years as a counselor and instructor to his leadership as a dean, he remained a driving force behind the college's success. Even in retirement, his dedication never wavered.
"Dad said he guessed the 'Champion of WNC' title came because he worked tirelessly and always stood up for the students," said his daughter, Terri. "He always saw the value of education in rural Nevada communities and fought hard for programs that supported the needs of students and communities. He truly was the champion for WNC by providing opportunities to rural Nevadans for over three decades."
The scholarship begins in the 2024–25 academic year and is funded with $5,000 from the President's Fund for Excellence through the WNC Foundation at the direction of President Dalpe.
"To Dad, it means that he was committed to the college for a lot of years, and this scholarship being named for him reaffirms to him that his contributions were valued and will continue to support the students and programs he loves," Terri said.
Scharmann's dedication to WNC and its students often meant time away from his wife, Lana, and their five children, but his family came to understand the sacrifices.
"Dad raised us to always serve the greater good, be community-minded, and remember that our contributions, no matter how small, matter," Terri said. "There were times he couldn't be home in time for a game or missed dinner, and he explained how sometimes we sacrifice what we want for the best interests of others.
"This scholarship, to us, means all those lessons he taught us are true. For his sons, daughters and their spouses, his 21 grandchildren, and his seven-and-a-half great-grandchildren who don't remember those early days of rural education, this scholarship represents a legacy of service, commitment to community, and the importance of education that their grandpa has instilled in them."
Scharmann began his career at WNC — then Western Nevada Community College — in Hawthorne in 1974 as a part-time administrator. He moved to Fallon in 1977 to accept a full-time counselor position. In addition to mentoring students, he taught English, mathematics, and physical education.
"He had a firm belief in the community college concept, realizing that traditional university settings in the city were not feasible in all cases," Terri said. "He believed that helping educate people in smaller communities helped to build an educated and industrious workforce for those communities, helping them remain viable."
In 1980, Scharmann became assistant dean to Michelle Dondero. His leadership grew in 1993 when he was named dean of the Douglas campus and director of the nursing and prison programs.
"He is literally one of the finest men I have ever known," said Holly O'Toole-Parker, longtime WNC biology professor and former Fallon campus director. "He was such a light for me and my family and someone who makes the world a better place."
O'Toole-Parker added, "He always did the right thing, whatever the cost. He's a human being that most of us don't ever get to work for."
In 2000, Scharmann became dean of the Fallon campus, a role he held until his retirement in 2011.
"It was one of the highlights of my 35 years at WNC to work with Bus Scharmann for about 30 of those years," said Dr. Doris Dwyer, former WNC history and humanities professor. "His devotion to the Fallon campus was total. He was often at the campus in the evenings when most non-teaching faculty were not there. He served on more than his share of committees, especially search committees, and his campus administration was fair and enlightened.
"Bus is a man of great integrity, and his decisions as dean were always in the best interests of the faculty and students. His management of the class schedule was based on full input from students and faculty."
Even after retiring, Scharmann remained actively involved in supporting the college. While serving as a Churchill County commissioner, he helped launch the Restore Our College Campus Committee to advocate for returning the nursing program to the Fallon campus. He also served on WNC's Institutional Advisory Council and regularly attended college fundraisers.
"Dad is a service-minded guy," Terri said. "But he stayed close to the college because it was his passion. It was more than just his career — he valued the people and programs."
In retirement, the "Champion of WNC" became the "Champion of Churchill County."
The Bus Scharmann Scholarship will be awarded annually to one full-time student from rural Nevada pursuing a healthcare career. Contributions to the scholarship are encouraged. For more information, contact the WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240 or [email protected].
.png)
Comment
Comments