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

archival image of four men posing in graduation regalia
UNLV History |

The former student body president and longtime donor passes away, 60 years after UNLV's first commencement. 

woman in dentist coat standing behind seated patient in exam room
People |

Dr. Eileen Huynh helped a patient receive expensive dental treatments — and a path for a needed kidney transplant.

Students in red caps and gowns walk out of an arena in front of a red Rebels Make It Happen sign
People |

Recent grads help illuminate the many different ways to achieve success with current Rebels.

fundraising event where one woman sitting at a table is hit by a pie
Campus News |

UNLV’s annual crowdfunding drive will raise money on March 21 for scholarships, programs, research, and diverse causes campuswide.

tribal dancers at outdoor festival
Arts and Culture |

Third annual gathering — to be held April 19-20 at UNLV — focuses on environmental advocacy and cultural offerings. 

two men inspecting mining samples
People |

Nevada Gold Mines internship helps UNLV students pursue research while the company uses their findings to streamline processes.

Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement In The News

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.

El Tiempo

Former Nevada Democratic Congressman James Bilbray has died at age 83, authorities reported Sunday.

Recent Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Accomplishments

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…
Darren Vetter (Career Services) published recently with Barnes & Noble a book about what can happen when someone chases their dreams! The chasing takes place in the greatest city on earth. Everyone who has visited Las Vegas can relate to this book and likely can connect to the main character. Enjoy the fun, surprises, and greatness of this…
A number of UNLV communicators and other staff members received high marks from the Las Vegas Valley Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America during the recent Pinnacle Awards ceremony. The Las Vegas chapter sends the entries to judges outside the local market for evaluation to provide the most objective evaluation and determination of…
Joakim Nyoni (Foundation) was selected and participated in the Institute for Educational Management (IEM) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, in July. IEM is a comprehensive executive education program that prepares senior leadership in higher education to address challenges and opportunities that face institutions of higher learning…