WHAT: UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration's third annual Vallen Dinner of Distinction emceed by retired Boyd Gaming President Don Snyder

WHEN: Thursday, May 3, 2007, beginning at 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Mirage Grand Ballroom
3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South

DETAILS: This year's event will recognize the following industry executives for exceptional contributions to hospitality education:

Alumnus of the Year:
Scott Sibella, president and chief operating officer, The Mirage

Industry Executives of the Year:
Peter C. Bernhard, Esq., chairman, Nevada Gaming Commission
Guy R. Fieri, host of Guy's Big Bite and CEO of Johnny Garlic's
David Saxe, CEO and owner of David Saxe Productions and V Theater

Dean's Medal of Distinction:
Joseph R. Kane, Jr., president, Wyndham Hotel Group; president/CEO, Days Inns Worldwide; 2006 chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association

The event will also feature silent and live auctions to benefit the Vallen Professorship Endowment Fund.