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Alumni & Friends

Harrah Hospitality College Alumni Are Making a Global Impact

Upon graduating from the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality you instantly join an elite alumni family consisting of some of the most accomplished and influential hospitality professionals in the industry today.

With the support of the college’s dedicated Alumni Services team—you’ll receive regular opportunities to stay connected with fellow alumni, engage with current students/faculty, and contribute to the success of your alma mater.

Get Involved with our Vibrant Alumni Community!

Become a mentor. Whether you are located in Las Vegas or around the globe, your knowledge, experience and advice can support the professional development of our students. Learn more about becoming a mentor.

Be a guest speaker. Share your industry expertise by serving as a guest speaker in a class or by participating on an industry panel.

Join us at an event. Many of our alumni gather for socials in Las Vegas, Rebel games, and local, national, and international alumni events. Our popular virtual series Cook Like a Rebel and Salud! Prost! Cheers! are attracting alumni participation from all over the country.  View past episodes on our YouTube channel.

 

Hire a student or search jobs. UNLV’s new online employment portal Handshake serves employers seeking to hire UNLV talent as well as UNLV students and alumni who are in the market for jobs and internships.

Volunteer your time. Show your Rebel Pride by volunteering to help the college’s highly-engaged Hospitality Alumni Chapter Board.

Make your mark on Hospitality Hall. Your name can be a permanent fixture at Hospitality Hall. Make sure your name is part of our outdoor Paver Garden.

Support the College. Make a gift to support a Hospitality College Fund that aligns with your passion or interest—whether it be student development, scholarships, research, etc.

Events

How UNLV Graduates are Changing the World

Harrah College of Hospitality graduates are using their UNLV experience to shape the hospitality and tourism industry. They’re leveraging classroom knowledge and hands-on skills to make an impact in the real world.

Waist up portrait of Monica Moradkhan

Monica Moradkhan, ’04 BS Hotel Administration and ’16 MS
2023 Hospitality College Alumna of the Year

Armed with a strong foundation in academia, development, and community engagement, Monica Moradkhan claimed vice president role at Wynn Resorts.

Waist up portrait of Chris Smith

Chris Smith, ’98 BS Hotel Administration
2022 Hospitality College Alumnus of the Year

Chris Smith fell in love with the bright lights of Las Vegas as a child, and since then, has carved a path in the hospitality industry through high-level human resources positions.

Waist up portrait of Rikki Tanenbaum

Rikki Tanenbaum, ’06 Master of Hospitality (MHA)
2021 Hospitality College Alumna of the Year

Rikki Tanenbaum came to Las Vegas on a family vacation and never wanted to leave. After working as a gaming executive in various markets, Tanenbaum still calls Vegas home.

We are Rebels Forever!

It's our goal to engage all alumni in support of the college and UNLV. By eliminating Alumni Association membership dues, we've created a comprehensive community of connected Rebels. Read more about Rebels Forever membership, service, and benefits.

Help Us Keep You in the Loop

As true hospitality enthusiasts, we love sharing college updates and engagement opportunities with our alumni and friends. Help us keep you informed by updating your preferred contact information. Also, remember to follow us on social media for the latest on Hospitality College alumni, events, faculty & staff, and students.

Class Notes

Jon Bayer

Jon Bayer, ’87 BS Hotel Administration, is a middle school English teacher. He has been teaching for 16 years. Before that, he spent 12 years in the hospitality industry, primarily working in restaurant management. His hobbies are hiking, fishing, biking, weight training, jogging, reading, travel, and gourmet cooking. He and his wife, Jenny, have six sons between them. The family lives in Salinas, California.

Constance Burrell-Escobar

Constance Burrell-Escobar, '93 BS Hotel Administration, worked in various hotel/restaurant management positions in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta for 25 years. She now is starting a seventh school year at a K-8 school in Phoenix, having spent most of that time as school librarian. She also is studying for a master of special education degree at Grand Canyon University. In her spare time, she runs a local Boys and Girls Club kitchen. Writing for competitions and producing art to exhibit at art shows are her hobbies. She has two children, Justin, 13 and Nicole, 11.  

Questions

Maggie Hausbeck Photo

Margaret Hausbeck

Assistant Dean of External Affairs
Phone: 702-895-1052
Fax: 702-895-4109
margaret.hausbeck@unlv.edu