With deep respect and gratitude, we celebrate the life and contributions of Lyle Rivera, who passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 82. Lyle held many prestigious positions at UNLV before retiring in 1997, including General Counsel and founding vice president of the UNLV Foundation.

Rivera served in the Clark County district attorney’s office and as Nevada's Chief Deputy Attorney General after earning his law degree at the University of Utah. He joined UNLV in 1979 as chief development officer and assistant general counsel for the statewide university system. In 1981, he was elected to oversee fundraising through the university’s new Foundation, which he led as UNLV's vice president for development and university relations until 1995. He then went on to fundraise for and help establish the William S. Boyd School of Law.

Rivera was a founding member and first president of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys. He was also instrumental in bringing Jerry Tarkanian to UNLV’s basketball program and the Nationals Finals Rodeo to Las Vegas.

Colleagues and those he mentored deeply appreciated his energy, integrity, and kindness; he was always willing to give back and help others. UNLV is thinking of his family during this difficult time.

Rivera's obituary can be found here; a private service was held earlier this month. He will be honored by UNLV Foundation Interim President Bo Bernhard at the organization’s upcoming Annual Dinner, and an in-depth story on his life and contributions will be published soon.