The UNLV International Gaming Institute moved another step closer in its quest for a new building thanks to a $25,000 donation from First Interstate Bank of Nevada. In recognition of the gift, the new building will feature a First Interstate Bank conference room.

David Christianson, dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, and Vince Eade, institute director, accepted the gift on behalf of UNLV. Clint Arnoldus, chief operating officer; Jay Kornmayer, senior vice president and head of the bank's gaming division; and Mendy Cavanagh, vice president for community and corporate affairs, presented the donation.

"First Interstate Bank has participated in more than $6 billion in loans to the Nevada gaming industry in the past 10 years," said Kornmayer. "This donation continues our tradition of supporting this vital industry. We want to assist the UNLV International Gaming Institute in becoming a valuable state asset."

The UNLV International Gaming Institute was created in July 1993 to provide information and training for the gaming industry. Its mission is to provide educational programs, conduct gaming research and disseminate gaming knowledge through seminars, classes and publications. The institute is located within the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

The institute is developing plans to erect a new 22,000-square-foot building on the southeast corner of Flamingo Road and Swenson Street across from the Desert Research Institute. Features will include the IGT Library, First Interstate Bank conference room, a multi-purpose room and a 5,000-square-foot gaming laboratory.

First Interstate Bank of Nevada is one of the most generous supporters of academic programs at UNLV. Two of the many programs it sponsors are the FIB Scholarships and the First Interstate Bank Institute of Business Leadership. The bank was inducted into the university's Palladium Society of million-dollar donors during the UNLV Foundation annual dinner last April.