Topic: The Back Story

a man and woman posing in a formal garden
| April 15, 2025

The garden is among the many contributions to UNLV from Elaine Wynn. The business leader and philanthropist passed away April 14, 2025.

man clearing away palm tree branches
| January 13, 2023

A living reminder of the late arborist and UNLV Grounds supervisor of 35 years is rising up along the Academic Mall.

UNLV's Flashlight sculpture with red lighting shining outwards of it
| July 18, 2022

The Flashlight has become a treasured part of the UNLV landscape. Here's the back story on how it came to be.

Red stone wall with bronze sculptures
| September 10, 2021

After UNLV's first building had long outlived its usefulness, it was torn down. But its historical significance was preserved as a memorial to the university's most influential supporters.

a mace on a stand
| May 18, 2019

The processional marshal at commencement will be wielding the mace — a 12-pound symbolic weapon for defending the university and its people.

Person holding UNLV fan license plate
| January 7, 2019

The Alumni Association is driving school spirit and fundraising through UNLV license plates. Here's how the association led the way with the state's first specialty license plate.

Presidential Medallion
| December 13, 2017

When commencement calls for full regalia, our president takes the stage in style. Here's how our presidential bling came to be.

entrance to library
| August 29, 2017

Ernst Lied and his namesake library continue to play an important part in the everyday lives of UNLV students.

Jerry Vallen and Larry Ruvo
| March 23, 2017

Annual fundraising event has grown from warehouse gamble into a full-blown food festival. Former dean shares the story of how it started.