As part of UNLV's 50th anniversary celebration, a new book is available chronicling the decisions and controversies that influenced the university during its formative years. "The University of Nevada, Las Vegas: A History", written by historian and Professor Eugene P. Moehring, was published in conjunction with the 50th festivities and showcases the personalities who created and guided the school to what it is today.

Moehring's work explores the university's growth, from its initial campus inside old Las Vegas High School where 12 students took evening classes, to the now 28,000 students who are educated on the university's sprawling campus. The book also examines the close relationship between the Las Vegas metropolitan area and the university, which has developed since the 1957 campaign that raised money to purchase land for a permanent campus by sending students door-to-door to solicit donations.

"I wanted to emphasize the role played not only by presidents and faculty, but by students, the business community and especially the people of Southern Nevada in transforming the little college on Maryland Parkway into the thriving university it is today," said Moehring.

Moehring will speak at the University Forum Lecture on Wednesday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Barrick Museum auditorium. He will outline the decade-long effort by campus leaders, faculty and students to transform Nevada Southern into a university, which was the vital prerequisite for creating today's UNLV. Prior to the lecture, Dr. Moehring will be available to sign copies of his book. The event is free and open to the public.