For more than 50 years, the UNLV Alumni Association has celebrated exceptional alumni who demonstrate significant impact and influence on UNLV and their communities. This year, the association will recognize 21 alumni and community leaders for their impressive achievements and exemplary leadership at a special ceremony on October 10, 2025, during Rebel Homecoming week.
"Every year we look forward to bringing our community together to recognize our most accomplished and loyal alumni and friends," UNLV Alumni Association Executive Director Blake Douglas said. "Our award recipients are models of generosity and excellence in their professions, academia, and communities. They inspire us all to serve and give."
College Alumnus/a of the Year Awards
These honorees have demonstrated a history of outstanding service to UNLV and the community through their impressive professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments.
Lee Business School Alumnus of the Year
- Leo Poggione, '92 BS Business Marketing
School of Dental Medicine Alumni of the Year
- Dr. Megan Tufteland, '13 Doctor of Dental Medicine, '22 Pediatric Dental Specialist
- Dr. Nadim Guirguis, '11 Doctor of Dental Medicine
College of Education Alumna of the Year
- Debbie Palacios, '07 M.Ed Curriculum & Instruction, '18 M.Ed Educational Policy and Leadership
Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering Alumnus of the Year
- David Swallow, '94 BS Civil Engineering, '04 MS Civil Engineering
College of Fine Arts Alumnus of the Year
- Dr. Iñaki Sandoval, '02 MA Music, Jazz Studies, and Piano Performance
Graduate College Alumna of the Year
- Dr. Anne Weisman, '02 BA Communications, '11 MPH Social & Behavioral Health, '16 Doctorate Public Health, Social & Behavioral Health
Honors College Alumnus of the Year
- Andrew Belanger, '98 BA Political Science, '00 MA Political Science
William F. Harrah College of Hospitality Alumnus of the Year
- Peter Arceo, '96 BS Hotel Administration
School of Integrated Health Sciences Alumnus of the Year
- Kevin T. Pitt, '95 MS Exercise Physiology, '08 BS Nutrition Sciences
William S. Boyd School of Law Alumna of the Year
- Shane Jasmine Young, '04 J.D.
College of Liberal Arts Alumna of the Year
- Felicia Hersh, '09 BA History
School of Nursing Alumnus of the Year
- Justin LeMay, '19 BS Nursing, '24 MS Nursing Education
Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine Alumna of the Year
- Dr. Faun Lee Powers, '11 BS Comprehensive Medical Imaging, '21 MD Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine
School of Public Health Alumna of the Year
- Sarah Bussmann, '14 MA Healthcare Administration
College of Sciences Alumnus of the Year
- Scott Wade, '87 BA Chemistry
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Alumnus of the Year
- David Valenta, '97 BA Criminal Justice
Additional Honors
The awards program has evolved over the years to honor campus and community leaders for their success, service, and philanthropy.
Fred C. Albrecht Outstanding Alumnus of the Year
- David D. Ross, '95 BS Business Administration & Management, '05 MA Hotel Administration
This award is the highest and most prestigious award given to an alumnus/a by the association. It is bestowed in recognition of an individual's impact on UNLV through a lifetime of significant contributions made to society in their professional field and through personal achievements. The award is named in memory of Fred C. Albrecht '71, a champion of alumni relations.
Silver State Award
- Aldo J. Madrigano, Former Owner of Beer Capitol Distributing and a UNLV Foundation Trustee
This award of distinction is the highest award presented to a non-alumnus/a by the association. It recognizes support for the university and the community at large.
Patrick T. Smith Achievement in Service Award
- Heather Brown, '08 BA Political Science
This award recognizes service to UNLV, the UNLV student body, and/or the association in support of Alumni Association-related activities and events. This award is named in memory of Patrick T. Smith '97 '01, a dedicated Rebel at heart and in service.
Outstanding Faculty Award
- Dr. James W. Navalta, '98 MS Kinesiology
The Alumni Association recognizes a faculty member for outstanding contributions to the university and community, including commitment to students, service, and research.
Please visit our websites UNLV Alumni Association or Rebel Homecoming for more information.
About the UNLV Alumni Association
The UNLV Alumni Association was established in 1964 as a not-for-profit organization to promote and enhance alumni engagement on campus. With an alumni base of nearly 155,000 strong, the Alumni Association offers various services and opportunities to support alumni and their families. UNLV alumni are encouraged to support the values of higher learning through advocacy, involvement, and giving.
Contact
Blake Douglas, UNLV Alumni Association Executive Director, 702-895-3621, blake.douglas@unlv.edu