Close up of the "Rebels Forever" logo on UNLV undergraduate gown.

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

Gretchen Grierson sits on a gray chair in her office
People |

From her career to her philanthropy, the Liberal Arts Alumna of the Year is always quick to lend a helping hand (and ear).

Scott Hoffman sits on the Honors College sign outside the UNLV Honors College
People |

For nearly two decades, the Honors College Alumnus of the Year has been on the same mission: Make sure every UNLV student has a fulfilling college experience.

From left, Wyndee Forest and Dave Forrest each hold beers while seated at a table at their CraftHaus Brewery
People |

Raise a toast to the Hospitality College Alumni of Year and CraftHaus Brewery owners for serving their community and alma mater.

students practicing xrays within a lab
Campus News |

Sparked by the connection of two alumni, the partnership is key to UNLV being the top producer of radiologic technologists in Nevada.

Lynn Manning John poses in the desert facing to her left
People |

The College of Education Alumna of the Year works to land much-needed funding for the school where her educational journey began — and where she returned as principal.

Portrait of Kara Peterson holding a rock.
People |

The development director helps build the future STEM workforce by connecting donors to student programs.

Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement In The News

Hospitality Net

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.

U.S. News & World Report

Before closing out the fall semester, many schools observe different holidays through unique and time-honored traditions.

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges

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.

Sports Handle

'Pioneering' grant announced one day before ESPN BET sportsbook launch

Vegas Inc

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.

Pahrump Valley Times

Former Nevada Democratic Congressman James Bilbray has died at 83, officials said Sunday.

Recent Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Accomplishments

Robert Rippee (Black Fire Innovation), Amanda Belarmino (Hospitality), and Ph.D. alumna Nasim Binesh recently had an article published in Current Issues in Tourism. Their paper, "User segmentation in human–robot interactions: insights from sports betting patrons using diffusion of innovation theory," groups together different types …
Darren Noble (Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement) attended the Alumni Career Services Network’s (ACSN) Annual Conference, hosted by the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. The event brought together practitioners from 150 institutions and organizations dedicated to alumni career services support. This year's theme was "Grow * Adapt *…
Rickey N. McCurry (Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement) co-presented with Greta Daniels, CFRE, senior vice president, RNL, at the 2024 RNL National Conference on Enrollment, Student Success, and Fundraising in Dallas, Texas. The presentation on “Reimagining the Advancement Business Model to Promote Healthy Pipeline Growth” discussed the balancing…
Heather Torgersen, DPP (Liberal Arts; Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement) was chosen as a member of Leadership Las Vegas' class of 2024. Leadership Las Vegas is a 10-month executive leadership program sponsored by the Vegas Chamber designed to expand knowledge in the community so that participants become more effective leaders and change…
Cindy Rivelli (Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement), senior associate vice president for development and principal gifts, was featured in Vegas Inc.'s "40 Under 40: The Best and Brightest of Las Vegas" award series.
Anjala Krishen (Marketing and International Business) was appointed as the first Mel Larson Endowed Chair in Marketing. The endowed chair in was created to honor in perpetuity the memory and exemplary career of marketing pioneer Mel Larson and allows the Lee Business School department of marketing to recruit, retain, and recognize faculty for…