Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of campus events like Premier UNLV and Homecoming? Zoe Brill knows exactly what it's like. She’s part of the team that works behind the scenes of some of UNLV’s most cherished traditions.
Serving as the graduate assistant in Campus Activities and student director of homecoming, the MBA student is often busy strategically planning future events or making sure everything comes to fruition the day of. You'll get to see her hard work in action during all the 2022 Homecoming events Oct. 8-15.
Here's how her experience as an undergraduate alumna and current grad student brings fresh insight into our campus traditions.
What does a typical day in your life as a graduate assistant in Campus Activities look like?
If it’s an event day then I am running around bringing all the supplies down, checking students in to the event, and making sure the event runs smoothly. If it’s a planning day, then I am most likely in my office answering emails, ordering food or supplies for events, in meetings about Homecoming and working on marketing.
How does your role help with homecoming?
As part of the Rebel Events Board, we plan the student competition side of Homecoming. Throughout the week of Homecoming, the student organizations team up with one another and compete in events for points, and then we announce the winner at the Homecoming game at Allegiant Stadium. We have events such as Window Painting, Rebel Variety Show, and the Homecoming festival. We also plan the Rebel Royalty and the Most Spirited Rebel competition. There is so much that goes into Rebel Homecoming with so many people working hard to put this week together!
What’s your favorite homecoming event?
Definitely the Homecoming Festival! I remember going to this event for the first time during undergrad and just being amazed. All the food is so delicious and it’s such a great time. I also love the parade we have during the festival. When I was an undergrad I got the chance to drive the golf cart for my team, and it was such a blast.
[Mark your calendar for the UNLV Homecoming Festival at 5 p.m. Oct. 12, 2022]
Are there any new events at homecoming this year?
We are currently in the works of potentially planning some new events for Homecoming so stay tuned to hear more. You can follow us on Instagram at either @REBUNLV or @unlv.homecoming and we will post all our events there.
How was your undergraduate experience as a Rebel?
I absolutely loved my time at UNLV! I was a transfer student and right when I started here at UNLV, I got involved by joining a sorority and CSUN student government, which added a lot to my experience. It made me love being a Rebel even more and just enjoy going to school every day.
Why did you choose UNLV for grad school?
One of the reasons that influenced me to go to grad school here was the fact that I got a graduate assistantship. Being able to work here and go to school was a huge plus.
Also, since the pandemic hit in the middle of my junior year at UNLV, I felt like I had so many experiences that I still wanted to have. By going into this program it allowed for me to have those experiences–like attending Premier and Homecoming–that I wanted even after graduating from my undergrad. Also it allowed for me to stay close to my family and friends that I love so much.
What has been your favorite memory as a Rebel so far?
It is so hard to pick just one! However, I will try not to bore you with including a billion of them. Of course my graduation was a very important memory to me, but last year a memory that sticks out to me was the 80’s Prom that REB hosted. The whole event was so fun, but my favorite was the balloon drop that we did. It was just such a cool experience and so many students enjoyed the event which of course makes me happy.
What’s next after grad school?
I have a couple of ideas of what I want to do post-grad. Most likely I will try to do something in either marketing or event planning since I am passionate about both. However, I still have a year and a half to figure it out.
