Steve Young, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, shared his philosophies on life and education, while Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn praised UNLV's private donors for their support of the university at the UNLV Foundation Annual Dinner held recently at the Bellagio.

Young was the Wells Fargo Distinguished Speaker for the annual event that honors the university's major donors and members of the President's Inner Circle, Academic Corporate Council, and President's Associates annual giving programs. The UNLV Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises and manages private funds for the benefit of the university.

During the event, three new members of the Palladium Society were honored. This society is the Foundation's honorary organization that includes donors who have contributed $1 million or more in life-time gifts to the university. This year, the Foundation inducted Cox Communications, Inc., the Rebel Golf Foundation, and Stephens Group, Inc., parent company of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, into the society. The new inductees bring the membership to 55 for the Palladium Society.

UNLV President Carol C. Harter presented the Palladium Awards and also addressed the audience.

"I am proud to celebrate with you and acknowledge your marvelous generosity to our students and our faculty," she told the audience. "We are fortunate to live in one of the most extraordinary cities on the planet and UNLV shares in this characteristic, just as it shares in the pace and accomplishments of this great city."

Gov. Guinn, who served as the UNLV Foundation chairman in 1993 and as interim UNLV president in 1994, briefly addressed the audience of more than 600 of Nevada's top professionals, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.

"I can tell you without your support, the support organizations, and of the individuals who couldn't be here tonight, we would be in dire straights," the governor told the audience. "Without you, the state could not support the university."

Young's address was the finale for the evening. Along with his exuberant stories from his days on the football field, he encouraged the audience to cultivate the learning process and continue to support education.

"I'm so grateful for my traditional education," Young said. "All of us in this room have a responsibility to young people. I hope all of you will continue your passion for education and continue your support of education and UNLV."

Young earned both his undergraduate and law degree from Brigham Young University. He is the founder and chair of the Forever Young Foundation, which is actively involved in children's charities.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by student and faculty musicians and dancers from UNLV's College of Fine Arts.