Konami Gaming, Inc. has made a $30,000 donation to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in support of faculty research on gaming in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and other academic programs on campus. The gift was made through the UNLV Foundation.

Dean McClain, president-designate of Konami Gaming, Inc., delivered the check to UNLV President Carol C. Harter during a recent visit to the university. In making the presentation, McClain said, "Konami is honored to now be part of the gaming industry here in the gaming capital of the world, and we are just as eager to become an active member of the Las Vegas community and the great state of Nevada as well."

In receiving the donation, Harter said, "I am pleased that Konami Gaming has selected UNLV as the beneficiary of this award. It is a pleasure to welcome Konami to the growing list of businesses that support the pursuit of scholarly research and academic excellence here at UNLV."

Stuart Mann, dean of the hotel college noted, "Konami Gaming's recognition of the importance of research in the gaming industry is greatly appreciated. As the industry becomes increasingly competitive, research will play an important role in helping gaming executives determine strategic directions for their companies."

Konami Gaming, Inc. intends to construct its global headquarters in Las Vegas and will begin selling video slot machines and gaming devices designed specifically for U.S. gaming markets by the third quarter of this year.

Founded in 1967, the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration includes the departments of hotel management, food and beverage management, tourism and convention administration, the UNLV International Gaming Institute, and the Hospitality Research and Development Center. The college's mission is to provide outstanding educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as education and research for industry professionals.