Terry Shonkwiler has been named the 2017 Achievement in Service Award recipient by the UNLV Alumni Association. His agency, Shonkwiler Partners Advertising, specializes in, but is not limited to, gaming and resort/hospitality marketing. He has created award-winning campaigns for gaming properties in numerous gaming jurisdictions, including California, New Jersey, Nevada, Mississippi, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other states. He was inducted into the Greater Las Vegas Advertising Federation Hall of Fame in 1997. He has been a long-time supporter of the university and has offered his marketing/advertising expertise and sponsorship support for numerous alumni functions and UNLV events.
Why I proudly support UNLV …
Like many of you, I came to Las Vegas from another part of the country and soon adopted UNLV and the Rebels. Or maybe more accurately, the Rebels adopted me. As a struggling sports writer new to town, one of the first persons I was fortunate to meet was Fred Albrecht. Fred had also recently relocated to Las Vegas to become an assistant Rebel basketball coach, so we hit it off right from the start.
Fred served in a long list of positions at UNLV from tennis coach to interim Athletic Director. When Fred was announced as the first executive director of the newly formed Alumni Association, I was proud to be one of the first members. Over the years, I have had some of my greatest memories being a Rebel.
From going to the school’s first Final Four game in 1977 to cheering our big win over Duke in 1991. It has also been my privilege to speak to a number of marketing and advertising classes over the years. I also think I was the first person to ever see the creation of ‘Hey Reb!’ Mike Miller, his creator, showed me the drawings just before he gave away all rights to the character to the school for $1.
Most of all, I have met some of the finest people who work and support UNLV in all aspects of the school. Now, working with the UNLV Alumni Association, I have gained even more appreciation for the many hours and hard work these dedicated people give to make our school one of the best in the country. Yes, I am proud to be a Rebel. Las Vegas and my adopted university have been such a wonderful part of my life. For me it will always be: Once A Rebel … Always A Rebel.
