UNLV Foundation

“As a black girl, my community is not as represented in the past. Being given scholarships has allowed me to pursue my dreams with less financial stress. I work two jobs already to fund living and education, so having the extra support allows me more time to focus on my dreams. My family is from developing countries where there isn’t always reliable access to necessities. I hope to volunteer my time and skills in countries that could benefit from both my engineering and life experiences. I want to thank the donor for my scholarship for changing my life in unimaginable ways.”
-Elham, Mary Dougherty Honors Endowment Scholarship recipient

Students like Elham’s lives are changed by the generosity of donors who include UNLV in their estate plans. This National Make a Will Month, consider leaving a legacy at UNLV. Get your free estate planning kit here: https://bit.ly/3Sj0Icx

For Dr. John Pierce, ‘98, giving back is not simply a gesture of goodwill; it is a moral obligation from within to make life a little easier for those who can use the help. A veteran himself, he established the Dr. John Pierce Endowed Scholarship, which supports undergraduate student veterans enrolled in the School of Integrated Health Sciences. Read on: https://bit.ly/3Wu6TvG

“Like many, we spent much of our 20s either in college or working to save money for college,” Darryl said. “As recipients of student loans, grants, and other financial aid, we’ve been grateful for the career opportunities and life experiences these gave us, and would like to do what we can to afford others similar opportunities and experiences.”

Darryl and Karen Seale want to help students with financial need stay in school. The retired UNLV professors recently committed to a planned gift of $250,000 to fund student scholarships. Read on: https://bit.ly/3A3uThB

“I am very proud of graduating Summa Cum Laude in three years with the Honors College distinction. My education has been a priority, and I am proud to have achieved straight As during my undergraduate studies. I’ve made meaningful friendships with students and professors in the real estate program, I’ve enjoyed the great sense of community. I am grateful for this generous scholarship. It lessened the pressures of getting my undergraduate degree and allowed me to focus on my education. I’m looking forward to attending law school next. It means a lot to have generous people believe in students like me and support the pursuit of our goals.”
-Michael Gugino ‘24, Jerald M. Dick Family Trust Scholarship recipient

Alumni like Michael are able to celebrate their graduation thanks to the generosity of donors who include UNLV in their estate plans. This National Make a Will Month, consider leaving a legacy at UNLV for future Rebels. Get your free estate planning kit here: https://bit.ly/3Sj0Icx

“Marco is a true champion of our students and a Rebel through and through. With this new gift, we have the potential to change the lives of students for years to come. We are so fortunate to be on the receiving end of such generosity.”

The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality announces a $1 million philanthropic gift from Marco Benvenuti ‘02 to establish the Marco Benvenuti Excellence Endowment. Read on: https://bit.ly/46pkSHT

“I am proud of being accepted into the biochemistry graduate program and to be researching at UNLV. This scholarship has helped me update my electronics so I can do my research as well as ensure I have transportation to and from campus. After graduating, I plan to give back to the community through critical research and creating products that are desperately needed in the medical field.”
-Erica Bacab, Harold V. and Mayme Stocker Scholarship in Chemistry recipient

Students like Erica can pursue their degrees thanks to the generosity of donors who include UNLV in their estate plans. This National Make a Will Month, consider leaving a legacy at UNLV for future Rebels. Get your free estate planning kit here: https://bit.ly/3Sj0Icx

“One of the more rewarding things about doing family medicine in a rural setting is that it’s a small enough town that your impact is felt on an individual basis.”

Discover how the rural family medicine program is transforming small-town healthcare. From humble beginnings in Winnemucca, NV, to a cornerstone of community health, the medical residents are making a profound impact. Learn more about their journey, challenges, and the deep connections they form with the towns they serve: https://bit.ly/3SiQcSE

“As a mom of toddlers, I am proud of my academic success while at UNLV. Thank you for the support and opportunity to achieve my dreams and goals.”

-Rachel Dice
Edwards & Olswang Geology Scholarship recipient

Why does Justin LeMay ‘19 give back to the UNLV School of Nursing? One word: opportunity.

“My life’s mission is to nurture the human spirit and change the world. It’s crucial that we support those who are incapable of supporting themselves. I was in their shoes, and I want to provide them with the opportunity someone provided to me.”

We’re grateful for Graduates of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) supporters like Justin who give back to UNLV to support fellow Rebels ❤️

“As I end my senior year at UNLV, the idea of being a college graduate is no longer a dream but a reality. It has not been an easy road getting even this far. And I am genuinely grateful for the scholarship support.

This scholarship has allowed me to work less and have more time to focus on my studies. It feels even more special as it is the first scholarship I have ever received in my college career.”

-Scheherazade Pollins ‘24
Crankstart Re-Entry Scholarship Recipient

“I'm grateful for the experience because getting my master’s is a tool that's under my belt. And now I have a skill set that I feel like I could leverage for life and it's only something that can evolve.” -DeAira Williams

Through the College Opportunity Program, MGM Resorts International employees can attain certificates and degrees at no cost and contribute to the state's demand for an educated workforce, all while taking significant steps toward their personal and professional growth: https://bit.ly/4biMxLb

Ogletree Deakins-Nevada and Stan Fulton scholarships recipient Christen Smith recently traveled to Morocco with the Lee Business School Global Entrepreneurship Experience. Read her reflection on the trip here: https://bit.ly/3XX8755

“The scholarships I have received from UNLV have given me the opportunity to pursue my education and do what I love. Thanks to these scholarships, I have been able to pursue my passion of social justice and change through studying sociology. They have allowed me to learn and grow personally and academically, and have contributed to my goal of pursuing a Ph.D after my undergraduate degree. Thank you to all donors for all that you do! I love UNLV!”

-Chloe Bombara
Sidney Green Sociology Scholarship Recipient

This summer, UNLV has its chef hat on and is serving up an academic BBQ of knowledge🔥
How can you stay safe in this summer heat? Curious how to beat post-sickness blues? Looking to brush up on what your teens are saying at the dinner table? How about keeping yourself current ahead of the presidential election? We’re cooking up everything from the best golf bags to the history of the Mirage hotel.

Take a look at the headlines:

UNLV Newsmakers 2024: May & June News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.

After decades of talk, work on the nation’s first high-speed rail project began this spring when Brightline West broke ground on a 218-mile passenger rail service connecting Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California. UNLV railroad engineering expert Harry Teng gives an inside look on what it took to get Nevada’s high-speed rail project on track: https://bit.ly/45S2E1w

"I’m extremely grateful for the honor of becoming a Lee Scholar. Because of this scholarship, the stress of tuition was no longer an issue and I was able to have a sole focus on my studies. Thank you and keep inspiring!"

-Adonaie Reda ‘24
Lee Scholar

A warm welcome to Sigrid Ladores, new dean of UNLV’s School of Nursing! Ladores, an accomplished pediatric nurse practitioner and researcher, joins us Sept. 1 with an exciting vision to propel the school to new heights in nursing education and healthcare innovation. Read on: https://bit.ly/3Xx4Au8

“With the support that donors provide, my life at this great academic institution is not only easier, but I can better give back to the community in hopes of building more leaders who can then support students like me.”

Zachary Billot graduated this spring with a degree in political science, minor in Brookings Public Policy, and a certificate in great works of literature and philosophy. He is a recipient of UNLV scholarships like the MGM Academic Excellence Scholarship, Devos Fine Arts Scholarship, Gary Gray Endowed Scholarship, and the Dr. Richard Harp Great Works Scholarship. He was also heavily involved in College of Liberal Arts and Honors College organizations, played for UNLV’s Symphony Orchestra, and was a key member of UNLV’s Sustainability Task Force. All while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Zachary has received prestigious national awards including the Truman Scholarship and the Udall Foundation Scholarship. He is one of six students selected to receive the “Outstanding Graduate” honor this semester.

Navigating New Beginnings: UNLV’s First Year Experience supports incoming first-year and transfer students through engagement opportunities on campus, increasing belongingness and making the transition to campus life smoother as they begin their academic journeys. Read on:

Navigating New Beginnings: UNLV's First-Year Experience Program FYE supports incoming first-year and transfer students through engagement opportunities on campus, increasing belongingness and making the transition to campus life smoother as they begin their academic journeys.

A recent gift from MGM Resorts International will allow the UNLV College of Education to develop programs to increase the number of Board Certified Behavior Analysts qualified to assist children with autism and their families. Read on:

Donation to College of Education Aimed at Accelerating Access to Autism Care MGM Resorts International helps UNLV resolve bottlenecks in internships for future practitioners.

“This scholarship has given me the opportunity to access resources, attend conferences, and participate in academic events that would have otherwise been unattainable. Your kindness and dedication to supporting students like myself is truly inspiring, and I will always be thankful for the role you have played in my academic journey.”

Though many of us gaze up at the night stars and wonder how they got there, few actually explore the question. Shangjia Zhang is one of the few, and he’s become a rising star himself in the field of astrophysics. Shanjia’s passion extends beyond the lab, as he’s dedicated countless hours to helping local students and the public access and understand the principles of astronomy. This spring, Shangjia graduated with his Ph.D. in Astronomy as one of six “outstanding graduates” from the class of 2024. Shangjia received the Kenneth Sites Physics Scholarship and was the first student from the physics and astronomy department to earn the UNLV Barrick Graduate Fellowship.

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine’s core mission is to provide care to those with the greatest need in our community. By providing healthcare in local school-based clinics, faculty provide services to CCSD students facing financial, transportation, cultural/language, or other barriers. Through the new UNLV Community Clinic, the school hopes to expand access to healthcare for uninsured and low-income community members. Read more: https://bit.ly/3XkK9Ag

From humble beginnings to pivotal leadership, Don Snyder’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As Snyder transitions to an emeritus role on the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees, discover how he helped shape UNLV and southern Nevada through his dedication to service and philanthropy: https://bit.ly/3VE6kAc

“UNLV had such an impact on me. I had so many moments of awe and realization. Knowing how much my scholarships changed my life, I want to be a small part of someone else’s experience.”

At UNLV, Jannah Bowen ‘20 found a strong, supportive community. She received crucial financial help from the Lee Scholars program and other privately funded sources. The support allowed her to fully immerse in campus life and even study abroad. As a recipient of generous financial support, she was inspired to create a scholarship of her own. This spring, she funded the TradeMama Scholarship for Global Entrepreneurs, supporting Global Entrepreneurship Experience students. 🌏 Read on: https://bit.ly/3VBI69M

“I am deeply appreciative of your support and all the good that you do. Receiving these scholarships will allow me to make the most out of college resources and enhance my entrepreneurial mindset and skillset, hence, preparing me to become a full-stack social entrepreneur in the near future.”

Hieu Nguyen embraced his time at UNLV, becoming an outstanding scholar and dynamic, creative leader with a relentless passion for his peers and the field of hospitality. He mentored more than 100 fellow students, participated in countless conferences and professional events, joined more than 10 student organizations, and even founded his own experiential learning club for hospitality majors and enthusiasts, Books, Beverages, and Bites. This spring, he graduated cm laude with a degree in hospitality management. Hieu also received numerous scholarships, including the Michael Tata Memorial Scholarship, Osher Reentry Scholarship, and the Crankstart Reentry Scholarship. He is one of six students selected to receive the “Outstanding Graduate” honor this semester.

UNLV’s Oral History Research Center is launching "Game On! The Oral History of Las Vegas Sports," a project to document the rich history of sports in the Entertainment Capital of the World. From early teams to recent champions, the center’s newest project will capture 140+ stories over two years, preserving them for future generations. 🏆🏀🏎️

Read on: https://bit.ly/49N1F2J

“Development successes are emerging, which is why I think we are experiencing such a breakthrough in the world of Alzheimer’s treatment,” said Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, a leading Alzheimer’s clinician-scientist and research professor in UNLV’s School of Integrated Health Sciences. Read more about the UNLV Alzheimer’s drug development observatory’s work here: https://bit.ly/3w6W21B

Last weekend Elaine and Bill Cavagnaro hosted “Upsan Downs,” a derby day-themed fundraiser for the Sara Lynne Halsey Memorial Scholarship. 🏇 The scholarship in memory of Elaine’s daughter has supported UNLV STEM students like Paul Stanik, who earned his BS in computer science and is now pursuing his doctorate at UNLV.

UNLV food pantry coordinator Carmen Johnson’s self-determination and empathetic personality propelled the UNLV Food Pantry to increased usage. She remembers her experiences, and the stigma she felt, when she used her local food pantry in Iowa to feed her family, so she approaches food pantry guests with the same empathy and understanding she received in the past. Read more about Carmen’s dedication to UNLV students, faculty, and staff facing food insecurity: https://bit.ly/3JuCTtI