On Aug. 4, a years-in-the-making dream lit up (literally) near the Alumni Amphitheater located north of the Student Union. A massive UNLV letters installation, inspired by the iconic LOVE sculpture at the Venetian, took center stage along one of the most traversed campus areas. With a bold presence and color-changing programmable lights, the letters, sure to be a new campus landmark, are more than just a photo op. They are a love letter to Rebel pride and Vegas flair.
“[We] wanted to create a 3D sign that students could interact with — something iconic,” said Deborah Bergin, director of planning and facilities partnerships. “Like the LOVE sign, we wanted a place where you can sit on the bottom of the ‘U’ or stand on the ‘L.’ because it’s about giving students a place for photos, memories, and moments that last.”
Redefining UNLV’s First Impressions
The campuswide signage overhaul, led by Planning & Construction (P&C), replaced decades of mismatched signage with a cohesive system that brings clarity and character to the university’s terrain.
The project was envisioned as part of UNLV’s 2021 Campus Master Plan and implemented under the guidance of Bergin and Alberto Munoz, Planning & Design project manager.
“Our role was to manage the design and installation of the new signage across the entire campus,” said Bergin. “We replaced every sign, from building identifiers to parking and wayfinding signs, with a unified system that’s easier to understand and complements our architecture.”
P&C selected 330 locations needing signage and coordinated with building occupants on naming preferences.
The campus had accumulated layers of mismatched signage through more than two decades of additions without cohesive design standards. The result was fragmented visual signage that often made navigating UNLV challenging for first-time visitors and longtime community members. The new system provides clarity and cohesion that benefits pedestrians and drivers alike.
Design work began in June 2022 followed by the first new installation in June 2023.
P&C’s thoughtful approach included the integration of solar-powered lighting for key entry signs. It also included the placement of large gateway signage at major intersections like Harmon & Maryland Parkway and Harmon & University Center Drive. These upgrades address long-standing feedback from the community, which often cited difficulty in recognizing campus boundaries.
“This project significantly enhances the campus environment,” said Bergin. “The signs do more than just help you find your way. They visually unify the campus and reinforce our identity.”
The signage initiative was made possible through the support of the UNLV Foundation. Its $3 million donation empowered P&C to deliver all 330 signage throughout the project that reflects who UNLV is as a university — bold, modern, and welcoming.
