The Engle family's connection to UNLV spans generations. Now, they're investing in its future with a new scholarship that will help Honors College students earn their degrees.
There’s Matt, ’91, who in 2022 was UNLV’s Alumnus of the Year. His wife, Elizabeth — the two met while Matt was working his way through college as a record shop manager. And daughters Tabitha, ’17, and Madison, ’20, both graduates of UNLV’s Honors College.
The family's devotion even extends to Rebel, their terrier-poodle mix, whose name leaves little doubt where the Engles' loyalties lie.
A Lasting UNLV Legacy
Matt Engle grew up in Las Vegas and paid his own way through UNLV, earning his Bachelor of Science in business administration over seven years. He was a member of the UNLV Alumni Board for eight years, and served as its president from 2010 to 2012.
Tabitha was in the first graduating class of UNLV’s entertainment engineering and design program. She spent a semester in Spain as part of UNLV’s travel abroad program. Today, she continues to feed her appetite for new adventures as director of travel operations at a local luxury travel company.
As a student, Madison was captain of the Scarlet Dance Line — a squad she now coaches. The experience prepared her for a later position as an NFL cheerleader for the Las Vegas Raiders. She graduated from the Honors College in 2022 with a degree in psychology.
We sat down for a conversation about what UNLV means to them and why they created an endowed scholarship in the Honors College.
What inspired you to establish the Engle Family Endowed Scholarship?
Matt: UNLV has always meant a ton to me. I was one of five kids growing up, and we were all scrambling, as we lost our parents at a young age. I was the only one to graduate from college. It took me seven years to complete my degree. It was great to be connected to UNLV. I felt as if I’d found my tribe.
The scholarship is a way for me to help others have the opportunities and experiences that I had, and my daughters have had. I want to create a legacy in our family’s name.
Elizabeth: We hope the scholarship will demonstrate to our daughters the value of giving back and helping others.
Tabitha and Madison, what advice did you get from your parents that helped shape you?
Tabitha: My dad always told us to "be ourselves." My mom really wanted me to buy a house in Las Vegas after graduation. But my semester in Spain changed everything. So I initially ignored her advice and traveled instead.
Elizabeth: And I came full circle and realized that Tabitha made the right decision, initially. She has since bought a home in Las Vegas!
Madison: For me, it was choosing UNLV over another school for soccer. At UNLV, I got involved with dance. And the public speaking course at the Honors College [taught at the time by now-Dean Lisa Menegatos] helped me as a Raiders cheerleader. It gave me the confidence and skills I needed to talk on camera.
Matt, how did your experience as a member and past president of the Alumni Board influence your family?
Matt: I know that being connected with UNLV would be a positive example to my daughters and show them the importance of a college education. They practically grew up on campus and at UNLV sports events. They’ve heard me say a million times, ‘Your school never leaves you.’
Let’s talk about Rebel. How did you decide on his name?
Elizabeth: We talked about other names, but with that face, it had to be Rebel!
Lightening round: how would you describe your UNLV experience in a word?
Matt: “Grateful”
Tabitha: “Eye-opening.”
Madison: “Memorable."
