Topic: The Back Story
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The Back Story: The Rose Garden
The garden is among the many contributions to UNLV from Elaine Wynn. The business leader and philanthropist passed away April 14, 2025.
The Back Story: UNLV's First Foray into Remote Education
Groundbreaking for its time, nursing students from UNLV and UNR were able to learn and debate via a live, two-way statewide microwave link.
Namesakes: The Paul Dzerk Water Oak Tree
A living reminder of the late arborist and UNLV Grounds supervisor of 35 years is rising up along the Academic Mall.
The Back Story: The Dr. Ray Rawson Auditorium
As the UNLV School of Dental Medicine celebrates its 20th anniversary, it recognizes one of its earliest proponents.
'A Beacon Shining in the Night'
The Flashlight has become a treasured part of the UNLV landscape. Here's the back story on how it came to be.
The Back Story: Pioneer Wall
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.
The Back Story: The Clock Tower
Do you hear what we hear? UNLV's clock tower chimes with holiday spirit.
The Back Story: The University Mace
The processional marshal at commencement will be wielding the mace — a 12-pound symbolic weapon for defending the university and its people.
The Back Story: UNLV License Plates
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.
The Back Story: The Presidential Medallion
When commencement calls for full regalia, our president takes the stage in style. Here's how our presidential bling came to be.
The Lasting Legacy of Lied
Ernst Lied and his namesake library continue to play an important part in the everyday lives of UNLV students.
The Back Story: UNLVino
Annual fundraising event has grown from warehouse gamble into a full-blown food festival. Former dean shares the story of how it started.
The Back Story: Constructing the Performing Arts Center
From one unified design, the realities of time and budget forced the Judy Bayley Theater and Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall into separate buildings.
The Back Story: And the Honor Goes To
From Frank Sinatra to Jimmy Kimmel, top entertainers have long been honored at UNLV Commencement with honorary degrees.
The Back Story: The Cube
Professor Moses Karakouzian wanted to create a structure that captured the essence of the College of Engineering departments. Here’s how his Cube came to be.
The Back Story: North Field
A look back on the events this patch of grass has hosted over the years.
The Back Story: Howdy Dances and Rebel Roasts
Fall events gathered UNLV's first students for fun on the shores of Lake Mead and formal dances in the old gymnasium.
The Back Story: The Sno-Ball
Our students once looked forward to this annual formal dance that featured a queen and her court.