Close up of the "Rebels Forever" logo on UNLV undergraduate gown.

Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement News

The Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement strives to build meaningful relationships with UNLV alumni and steward private investment in the university. We do this by supporting the mission and vision of the UNLV Foundation and the UNLV Alumni Association, two 501(c)3 organizations.

Current Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement News

UNLV red flag banner against green leaves of tree
Campus News |

Engelstad Scholars celebrate 15 years of leadership, scholarship, and service to the community.

Joyce Mack and her daughter Marilynn smile for a photo
UNLV History |

The philanthropist and her family bet on UNLV's success with contributions to help establish the campus, build the Thomas & Mack Center, and advance the law school.

couple at desk filled with holiday cards
UNLV History |

Faculty/staff donations to the annual holiday card tree fund have been providing scholarships for over 50 years.

photo of woman in red cap and gown on city street. "Rebels Thrive: 2024 Annual Report" is printed on graphic
Campus News |

UNLV is inspiring our students, fostering innovation, and transforming communities. Here in Nevada and around the world, Rebels Thrive.

Wearing a dark blue suit and blue tie, 2024 UNLV Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Randy Garcia poses with his hands in his pants pockets in front of logo for his company, the Investment Counsel Company
People |

After founding an investment firm, Randy Garcia has generously (and gratefully) invested in his alma mater. 

man posing by red metal pillars
People |

As a UNLV student, Izack Tenorio learned from friend and mentor Patrick T. Smith about the importance of giving back. Now the four-time Rebel graduate is getting the award named in Smith's honor.

Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement In The News

KSNV-TV: News 3

UNLV welcomes more than 5,000 students, staff, faculty, and alumni for Rebel Homecoming Week. The university calls it the Happiest Homecoming on Earth as people gathered in the Student Union Courtyard & Plaza.

Hospitality Net

The UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality announces a $1 million philanthropic gift from Marco Benvenuti to establish the Marco Benvenuti Excellence Endowment. The gift represents the culmination of years of support from the local entrepreneur and 2002 graduate.

U.S. News & World Report

Before closing out the fall semester, many schools observe different holidays through unique and time-honored traditions.

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges

How does a new foundation CEO ensure long-term success? The first 100 days in office are critical to a successful tenure and depend on the CEO establishing candid, trusting relationships with the institution president, the foundation board, and internal and external stakeholders. Success also depends on the new CEO’s ability to understand the entire gamut of the position’s responsibilities, the corresponding gaps in their experience and expertise, and the means to address limitations.

Sports Handle

'Pioneering' grant announced one day before ESPN BET sportsbook launch

Vegas Inc

Cindy Rivelli is a seasoned fundraiser and manager who found her calling while studying and working abroad. After graduating from the University of Oregon, she taught English in Lille, France, before moving on to pursue her master’s degree in international relations at King’s College London. While there, Rivelli stumbled into fundraising after taking a job at UNICEF UK.

Recent Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Accomplishments

Robert Rippee (Black Fire Innovation), Amanda Belarmino (Hospitality), and Ph.D. alumna Nasim Binesh recently had an article published in Current Issues in Tourism. Their paper, "User segmentation in human–robot interactions: insights from sports betting patrons using diffusion of innovation theory," groups together different types …
Darren Noble (Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement) attended the Alumni Career Services Network’s (ACSN) Annual Conference, hosted by the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. The event brought together practitioners from 150 institutions and organizations dedicated to alumni career services support. This year's theme was "Grow * Adapt *…
Rickey N. McCurry (Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement) co-presented with Greta Daniels, CFRE, senior vice president, RNL, at the 2024 RNL National Conference on Enrollment, Student Success, and Fundraising in Dallas, Texas. The presentation on “Reimagining the Advancement Business Model to Promote Healthy Pipeline Growth” discussed the balancing…
Heather Torgersen, DPP (Liberal Arts; Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement) was chosen as a member of Leadership Las Vegas' class of 2024. Leadership Las Vegas is a 10-month executive leadership program sponsored by the Vegas Chamber designed to expand knowledge in the community so that participants become more effective leaders and change…
Cindy Rivelli (Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement), senior associate vice president for development and principal gifts, was featured in Vegas Inc.'s "40 Under 40: The Best and Brightest of Las Vegas" award series.
Anjala Krishen (Marketing and International Business) was appointed as the first Mel Larson Endowed Chair in Marketing. The endowed chair in was created to honor in perpetuity the memory and exemplary career of marketing pioneer Mel Larson and allows the Lee Business School department of marketing to recruit, retain, and recognize faculty for…