MORE THAN $75,000 RAISED FOR UNLV HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT STUDENTS
LAS VEGAS – UNLV’s top-ranked William F. Harrah College of Hospitality traded the ballroom for the Grand Prix Plaza on January 22, 2026, hosting a re-imagined Vallen Dinner of Distinction to honor exceptional alumni, introduce a new era of hospitality management education, and raise funds for hospitality management students. First held in 2004, this year’s Vallen Dinner is a departure from the traditional gala model. Guests enjoyed high-end social lounges, featuring eclectic chef tasting stations, a DJ, race simulators, and performances by the UNLV Pom Team.
The evening also served as a platform to recognize alumni who are shaping the global hospitality industry, specifically highlighting the college’s 2022-2025 Alumni of the Year honorees:
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Chris Smith '98 (Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Station Casinos)
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Monica Moradkhan '04, '16 MS (Vice President of Community Relations at Wynn Resorts)
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Wyndee '04 & Dave Forrest '04 (Owners/Founders of CraftHaus Brewery)
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Peter Arceo '96 (Chief Gaming Officer at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation).
Additionally, the College of Hospitality’s dean, David Cárdenas, unveiled a bold vision for the program’s future, focusing on new degree plans and expansion into sports, luxury, entertainment, and global learning opportunities.
“By developing new programs in these areas,” said Dean Cárdenas, “we are addressing a huge demand that exists both for the industry and our students, who are excited about career opportunities in these hospitality segments.”
Students, in fact, played a major role in organizing and supporting the event. More than a dozen students assisted with fundraising efforts, securing entertainment, room décor and layout, guest services, and food & beverage support – gaining the hands-on professional experience that defines UNLV’s top-ranked hospitality college.
UNLV Hospitality College junior Aleksandra Suk, who helped organize fundraising efforts for the evening, said, “Aside from being a fun event to work, these kinds of experiences inspire and push us to do better. The Vallen Dinner definitely reinforced my desire to be a part of the [hospitality] industry.”
The college also paid special tribute to its founders. Dean Cárdenas honored the late Jerry Vallen, the college’s founding dean and Vallen Dinner namesake, as well as former dean Stuart Mann, who passed away in 2025. Both leaders laid the groundwork for the college's longevity and high international standing.
To learn how you can support the College of Hospitality, email hospitalitycollege@unlv.edu.
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About the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
The Harrah College of Hospitality is consistently ranked as the top hospitality program in the nation and #4 in the world (QS World University Rankings). Studying just blocks away from the epicenter of the hospitality industry—the Las Vegas Strip, UNLV Hospitality Management students enjoy unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience. Each year, the college helps organize hundreds of internships, welcomes more than 100 national hospitality brands to recruitment events, and pairs an average of 150 industry mentors with students.
MEDIA CONTACT
Eduardo Hernandez
UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality