Renee Brna, '13 BA Psychology, is pursuing her master's degree in marriage and family therapy at UNLV (expected December 2026). Brna is a co-author of the new book A Happy, Healthy Mom: Your Guide to Less Stress, Better Teamwork, and More Joy on the Journey (BenBella Books, August 2026). A former Broadway performer, Brna transitioned to the mental health field to focus on maternal wellness and psychological recovery for mothers.

Keri Hales Patterson, ’10 MHA, recently became the narrator of the audio soap opera Haven Falls. She is also preparing to release new recordings of two songs her mother originally recorded in 1978. After tracking down the Nashville producer behind the original recordings, Patterson surprised her mother with the opportunity to bring the songs back to life. Nearly 50 years later, the two are recording them together as a mother-daughter project. The original 45 received radio airplay on KBUH and KSOP, and a video of the surprise has garnered more than 200,000 views on TikTok ahead of the songs’ Aug. 28 release.

Cari Byers, ’02 MA Communication Studies, took over Premier Showgirls in 2014, an agency that books talent for events and specializes in Las Vegas showgirls. Under her leadership, the agency has expanded to produce live performances for events and a cabaret show that ran for three years. Byers said Premier Showgirls is proud of its Las Vegas roots and connection to UNLV, as well as its role as a locally based small business that gives back to the community. Byers said her UNLV experience reinforced the importance of communication in both business and life: “Listen first!” she said.  

Marty Gross, ’79 BS Hospitality Management, works in national sales and marketing for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He has spent his career in the casino/hotel industry, including executive-level positions at Cannery Casinos, Station Casinos, M Resort, The Mirage, Riviera, and tribal gaming operations. He and his wife, Bonnie, have been married 46 years and have three children.