From advancing their professions to improving the lives of others, this year’s honorees are putting their expertise to work in ways that reflect the values and experiences they gained at UNLV.
For more than 50 years, the UNLV Alumni Association has been recognizing members of the Rebel community whose work and accomplishments have brought distinction to the university. The Alumni of the Year awards offer a chance to celebrate those stories and the different paths UNLV graduates have taken since leaving campus.
The honorees will be recognized during Homecoming Week at the association’s annual awards dinner.
An ‘eventful’ life and career led the 2026 Silver State Award honoree to develop a philanthropic relationship with UNLV that has proven to be mutually beneficial.
The 2026 Outstanding Alumnus shows his profound appreciation for UNLV through personal and professional deeds that resonate today, tomorrow, and far beyond.
The Outstanding Faculty Award winner is committed to ensuring that all Rebels begin their careers with a wealth of financial knowledge
For the Patrick T. Smith Achievement in Service honoree, offering a helping hand to those in need isn’t an obligation — it’s a way of life.
The Engineering Alumna of the Year leads data and business intelligence analysts at the Nevada National Security Sites while helping connect UNLV students with industry opportunities.
The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality Alumnus of the Year reflects on the people and experiences that shaped his career in hospitality.
With a science bachelor's and MBA, the Lee Business School Alumna of the Year honoree built a career at the intersection of technology and business.
The College of Sciences Alumna of the Year and NASA planetary geologist fosters internship opportunities for UNLV's next generation of scientists.
University Libraries Alumni of the Year honorees have spent their careers and volunteer work supporting education, libraries, and their Southern Nevada community.
Urban Affairs Alumna of the Year founded Foster Kinship to support relatives raising children in foster care. The nonprofit has since helped nearly 24,000 Nevada children.
The College of Education Alumnae of the Year co-founded Spread the Word Nevada, expanding access to books and literacy resources for young readers across the state.
The internationally recognized architect and College of Fine Arts Alumnus of the Year has built a practice inspired by Southern Nevada while mentoring the next generation of designers.
The Dental Medicine Alumnus of the Year founded UNLV’s veterans dental clinic to expand access to care while teaching dental students the value of service.
The Public Health Alumnus of the Year addressed critical need by spearheading the first accredited, hospital-based paramedic training program in Las Vegas.
The Nursing Alumni of the Year met at UNLV and have since built distinct careers in patient care and behavioral health leadership while raising their family in Las Vegas.
The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine Alumnus of the Year left biotechnology to join UNLV’s charter class. Now he's teaching the next generation of physicians.
The Integrated Health Sciences Alumnus of the Year has built an international career in sports medicine and safety, working with Japan’s Olympic teams and World Baseball Classic tournaments.
The Honors College Alumnus of the Year says UNLV gave him the confidence to tackle complex problems, a skill he now puts to work as a software engineer at Google.
The College of Liberal Arts Alumnus of the Year helps homeowners and community associations navigate property rules and controversies in contract law.
The William S. Boyd School of Law's Alumnus of the Year has worn three different uniforms as a public servant.
The director of UNLV's Tribal Education Initiative has been named the Graduate College Alumna of the Year for her work expanding opportunities for Indigenous students.
