UNLV's Office of Planning and Construction was recently named the recipient of the 2003 Nevada Patron Award by the Nevada chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The AIA Nevada Patron Award recognizes annually the critical role of elected officials, public administrators, and community leaders for their efforts to provide quality architecture and to enhance the public's perception of architecture as an important part of the state's environment, lifestyle, and heritage.

Randy Lavigne, executive director of AIA Nevada, said the award is being presented to the staff of UNLV's Office of Planning and Construction for the consistently high standard of quality design that they demand in all structures on the UNLV campus. "The entire department is to be commended for their contribution and dedication to excellence in design and for working with architects and design professionals to provide that level of quality in their buildings," Lavigne said.

UNLV was nominated by AIA architect Eric Strain, who submitted a portfolio of some of UNLV's most recent projects, including the Beam Music Center, the Wright Hall addition and renovation, the Lied Library, and the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center, among others.

"We are both pleased and humbled to receive this professional recognition," said Tom Hagge, associate vice president of facilities management and planning at UNLV. "It is a tribute to the caliber of employees across the whole university. These successful projects represent the creative efforts of many people, from those in the highest leadership positions who provide the vision and support to the professional staff in the department of planning and construction who convert ideas into reality. I am very proud of the accomplishments of our entire facilities management and planning family."

UNLV will officially receive the award Oct. 11 at the AIA Nevada Excellence in Design and Distinguished Awards Banquet and Ceremony at the Caesar's Palace Hotel and Casino.