Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement News
The Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement strives to build meaningful relationships with UNLV alumni and steward private investment in the university. We do this by supporting the mission and vision of the UNLV Foundation and the UNLV Alumni Association, two 501(c)3 organizations.
Current Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement News

UNLV’s origin story traces back to one vote by one man, Herb Derfelt. And his legacy continues through generations of family members who followed in his educator footsteps.
Pate Thomas initially had no desire to add his name to the long list of family members who became Rebels and then educators. Now? He’s a proud alum, a difference-making educator, and the boss of a brand-new high school.
The Engineering Advising Center director rediscovered his true calling — and now helps UNLV students do the same.

Join fellow Rebels on March 27 in a day of giving, celebration, and friendly competition — all for a great cause.
The associate vice provost of academic effectiveness plays a key role in the accreditation process.

Author, activist, and alum Dennis McBride on how classmates and allies established one of the city’s first LGBTQ organizations — the Gay Academic Union.
Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement In The News

UNLV welcomes more than 5,000 students, staff, faculty, and alumni for Rebel Homecoming Week. The university calls it the Happiest Homecoming on Earth as people gathered in the Student Union Courtyard & Plaza.
The UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality announces a $1 million philanthropic gift from Marco Benvenuti to establish the Marco Benvenuti Excellence Endowment. The gift represents the culmination of years of support from the local entrepreneur and 2002 graduate.

Before closing out the fall semester, many schools observe different holidays through unique and time-honored traditions.
How does a new foundation CEO ensure long-term success? The first 100 days in office are critical to a successful tenure and depend on the CEO establishing candid, trusting relationships with the institution president, the foundation board, and internal and external stakeholders. Success also depends on the new CEO’s ability to understand the entire gamut of the position’s responsibilities, the corresponding gaps in their experience and expertise, and the means to address limitations.
'Pioneering' grant announced one day before ESPN BET sportsbook launch

Cindy Rivelli is a seasoned fundraiser and manager who found her calling while studying and working abroad. After graduating from the University of Oregon, she taught English in Lille, France, before moving on to pursue her master’s degree in international relations at King’s College London. While there, Rivelli stumbled into fundraising after taking a job at UNICEF UK.