UNLV's third annual Rebels Give event is right around the corner, and it provides an opportunity for the entire UNLV community to rally together for 1,957 minutes in support of our university. Rebels Give officially kicks off virtually at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2.
For those of you who, like me, are joining this tradition for the first time, Rebels Give happens once a year and is just one of many ways to get involved with UNLV. It’s a chance for UNLV’s large community of supporters to celebrate their connections to our university and, if possible, give a gift of support to any area of interest.
Since UNLV’s founding in 1957, our faculty, staff and students have not only helped us develop world class programs in area like hospitality, law, and engineering, we have also grown into one of the most diverse college campuses in the United States. We have dedicated our incredible time and talents to make UNLV a vital part of our Las Vegas and Southern Nevada community.
I’m reminded of a “midnight breakfast” I supported at one of my former universities for students at the end of the semester. The meal cost only $1, but I would pay for their meals and ask students to "pay it forward" by donating their dollar to the food pantry. All the money raised supported a food pantry on campus for students in need.
What inspired me about this effort was not just that we were able to feed students and help them push past the finish line during finals, but that we were able to create awareness of students in need. We also showed, in very real terms, that our students could make a difference through one dollar.
It’s this kind of collective spirit of philanthropy at every level that fuels our success as a university. Whether it’s a small one-time contribution or a major gift, private support sustains critical programs and launches new ones. It gives students the help they need to achieve their goals, and it ensures a bright future for UNLV.
Every gift, no matter the size, will make a lasting impact and will directly help Rebels create, inspire, learn, and succeed for years to come.
