More than 3,500 students will officially become UNLV alumni this week during the university’s spring commencement. And among them will be some new grads with great, only-in-Vegas experiences in business and hospitality on their resume. 

As they get ready to claim their diplomas, learn how the Class of 2023 is making it happen in their careers.

Shay Powell, Hospitality Management, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

How has college changed in the last 20 years? Shay Powell, graduating this spring with a degree in hospitality, has insight there. She seen an evolution in technology as well as her own mindset. She returned to the classroom after taking some time to raise her family and get a jump start in the hospitality industry.

“Coming back on campus after not being a student for 24 years and just interacting with students again of all diversity, all age groups, was memorable. Everyone was very genuine and nice. I’m not the same age as some of my classmates, but they really just welcomed me, and I appreciate the group projects that we had to do. They never made me feel old.”

Jillian Hooker, Hospitality Management, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

What’s one thing that UNLV provides an endless amount of? Opportunities to plan events. As a member of the Rebel Events Board (REB), Jillian received the hands-on experience necessary for her career in hospitality.

Coming from a family of professional chefs, hospitality is in her blood. “I’m going into corporate events after graduation to marry up my love of event planning with not having to work as many weekends.”

What advice does a student who planned some of the semester’s biggest events have for fellow Rebels? “Go to the Involvement Fair. Meet people. I went with the notion that I’m not going to find anything, and then I found two clubs and I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do on campus. Shout out to REB and the Weekend Club.”

Bailee Joubert, Hospitality Management, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

World traveler Bailee Joubert found a way to combine her love of adventure with a degree. Always knowing that she would run her own business one day, she welcomed experiences like planning Premier 2022 with the Rebel Events Board and the practice skills she learned through the hospitality program. Now, Bailee has the perfect job lined up after graduation: Exploring the world with Travelwealth, a local wealth and travel management company.

Thus began her growing interest in business. Next, she’s traveling to Italy to learn sustainability practices from local businesses for a summer course. After she returns (and officially graduates at the end of the summer), Zoe is planning to find a full-time job in event planning or marketing.

“I always liked the customer service side of the industry. Travel has always been my biggest passion, but I didn’t know how to get into that industry. I met people who were hospitality majors and found it was more than working at a front desk.

Coming from high school, you might not know what jobs are out there. It wasn’t until I got to college and started meeting people who were doing interesting things that I realized there were a lot more opportunities available than I thought.”

Zoe Brill, Master of Business Administration, Lee School of Business

Growing up, Zoe Brill was ready to pursue a career in engineering until she experienced what it was like to be a member of her high school’s student government.

“In high school, I was involved in student council and planned events, and that’s where I learned that management fit best with what I wanted to do for a career. I didn’t know how much of a leader I could be until I was in student council.”

Thus began her growing interest in business. She became even more certain after transferring to UNLV from a school in California. This summer — once her classes are finished — she’s planning to travel to Italy to learn sustainability practices from local businesses. After she returns, Zoe is planning to find a full-time job in event planning or marketing.

Corbin Lopez, Film, College of Fine Arts

A familiar face around campus from his work with Student Involvement and Activities, Corbin will soon be jetting off to Los Angeles or New York with his Bachelor of Arts degree under his belt. He’ll be pursuing a career in the film industry, so no doubt his face will always be familiar. Corbin says his life changed on stage at the Rebel Variety Show in 2021, one of his most memorable moments at UNLV. Because of his experiences in UNLV Student Involvement & Activities, Corbin’s advice to fellow students is simple, “Make the most of your time, it flies by.”

Isabel Ferguson, Vocal Performance, College of Fine Arts

Isabel is ready to take the stage! While you might not recognize her right away, you've undoubtedly heard her mesmerizing voice or seen her shining as “Gray” in the Glitter Squad on campus. As she graduates with a degree in vocal performance, we can't wait to hear her hit all the right notes while she sings the national anthem at commencement.

Isabel’s glittering advice for students is, “Have patience and ask for help when you need it! The transition to college is no small feat, so be patient and when things become challenging, look to the people who are there to support you (advisors, mentors, professors, and counselors) and ask them for help!”

Miranda Tantlinger, Film, College of Fine Arts

Lucky for us, film major Miranda is not leaving UNLV just yet. She’ll be starting her master’s in costume history this fall! Initially an engineering student, she switched gears after taking a film course and finding it to be the perfect blend of technical and creative. As she puts it, "After the first class, I knew that’s exactly where I wanted to go.”

Miranda’s advice to students: “Spend more time getting to know more of your peers!”