Join the Harrah College of Hospitality for an extraordinary evening celebrating excellence in hospitality: The 2026 Vallen Dinner of Distinction. Rather than a traditional gala, this year's Vallen Dinner is a luxury lounge-style event with chef tasting stations, elevated beverage activations, immersive entertainment, and exclusive suite-style seating. The evening is an opportunity to honor the leaders who are shaping the global hospitality industry and recognize the college for ushering in a new and innovative era in hospitality education.

Your support fuels scholarships, leadership development, and life-changing opportunities for UNLV Hospitality students.

The 2026 Vallen Dinner Honorees Include:

• 2025 Alumnus of the Year Peter Arceo '96 (Chief Gaming Officer, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation) 
• 2024 Alumni of the Year Dave '04 and Wyndee Forrest '04 (Owners/Founders, CraftHaus Beer)
• 2023 Alumna of the Year Monica Moradkhan '04 BS, '16 MS (VP of Community Relations, Wynn Resorts)
• 2022 Alumnus of the Year Chris Smith '98 (Senior VP Human Resources, Stations Casinos)

 The college will also pay special tribute to former deans, the late Jerry Vallen and the late Stuart Mann.