A WILLIAM F. HARRAH COLLEGE OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION PUBLICATION ISSUE 21 VOLUME 5

PPFALL/WINTERREMIER 2009

A True Gaming Pioneer Remembering Claudine Williams PREMIER Alumni Association International

The of!cial magazine of the Board of Directors Advisory Board William F. Harrah College David W. of Hotel Administration Bobbie Barnes, ’93, ’05 M.Ed. William Allen III UNLV Career Services Outback Steakhouse/OSI, Inc. Captain D’s OFFICE OF THE DEAN Marco Benvenuti, ’02 William Anton Barbara Kane Box 456013 Wynn Las Vegas Anton Airfood Ecolab 4505 S. Maryland Parkway Dennis Gradillas, ’91 George E. Baggott, CFSP Dean McClain Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013 Platinum Hotel & Spa Baggott Consulting McClain Consulting Group (702) 895-3161 Scott Ballantyne Jordan Meisner hotel.unlv.edu Ken Haas, ’75 Las Vegas Convention & Debi Benedetti Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Stuart H. Mann Visitors Authority Beyond the Possible Stephen G. Michaelides Dean Christine (Paskvan) Kiely, ’90 Elizabeth Blau Words, Ink Christine Bergman Nevada Public Radio Blau and Associates Jim Moore Associate Dean Dean Kissel, ’92 Stan Bromley Moore Ideas, Inc. Seyhmus Baloglu Holly Mae (Sparks) Lindsay, ’99 Meadowood Napa Valley Bill Paulos, ’69 Associate Dean for Research Delmonico Steakhouse Tola R. Chin Cannery Casino Resorts Andy Nazarechuk, ’79, ’85 MS Pat Moreo, ’69, ’83 Ed.D. Qin’s, Inc. Lise Puckorious Dean, UNLV Singapore Faculty Liaison Russ Dazzio, ’73 Smith Bucklin Corporation Pat Moreo, ’69, ’83 Ed.D. Fayyaz Raja, ’92, ’95 R & R Global Hospitality Thom Reilly Chair, Food & Beverage Raja Enterprises Lorna C. Donatone Harrah’s Entertainment Management Sal Semola, ’81 Sodexo, Inc. Patricia Sahlstrom Bill Werner Warner Gaming Paula Eylar, ’89, ’97 MBA A&W Food Services of Canada, Inc. Chair, Hotel Management Chris Smith, ’98 Boyd Gaming Christopher Silva Dan McLean Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Deirdre Flynn St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Chair, Recreation & Lynda Tache, ’97 North American Association of Susie Southgate-Fox Sport Management Vegas Vino Food Equipment Manufacturers Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. Tony Henthorne Marvin M. Franklin Arch Stokes, Esquire Chair, Tourism & Commercial Growth Partners Shea Stokes Roberts & Wagner Convention Administration Executive Members Guy Fieri, ’90 Douglas K. Fryett Robert L. Van Ness, ’83 Pearl Brewer Fryett Consulting Group Preferred Hotel Group Director, Graduate Studies Food Network/Johnny Garlic’s Restaurants Tom Groeninger Mark Waltrip Robyn Hadden, ’05 MS Wyndham Vacation Ownership Westgate Resorts Director of Alumni & James Germain, ’75 College Relations Castle Valley Inn Robert N. Grimes Fritzi Woods Accuvia PrimeSource Foodservice Equipment, Inc. Judy Nagai Bill McBeath, ’86 Director of External Relations ARIA Resort & Casino Anne Hanson CamCris LLC Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA Anthony Santo, ’84 Editor, Premier Greenspun Media Group Phil Harte Harte Management Pty Limited

Cover photo by Geri Kodey, ’85. TOC photo by Marsh Starks. Design and production by Reprographics/Design Services UNLV is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Achieving Excellence Through Diversity In This Visit us at hotel.unlv.edu. Issue

! "!! In memoriam—Claudine Williams

#$!! HotlinkHR establishes faculty development fund

$"!! Social networking trends continue to grow

$%!! Four Seasons provides vital support to deserving students

Departments

Dean’s Message ...... 2 Industry Insights ...... 3 News Briefs ...... 4 Student Spotlight ...... 8 News From the Departments .... 10 In the Kitchen ...... 16 Congratulations ...... 34 Alumni Updates ...... 35

1 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER Dean’s Message y summer began in a unique way, as and business acumen, we found a location MI had the pleasure of addressing our in the National Library for our . first graduating class of the UNLV College After that, it was Andy’s turn to develop the of Hotel Administration in Singapore June operating structure. 6. We were pleased to have the Singapore And operate it, he has. He has done an Minister of State for Trade and Industry and excellent job of putting together the campus, Minister-in-Charge of Entrepreneurship Lee no easy feat. In addition, he has attracted Yi Shyan, then-President Ashley, and other worthy students to our programs by traveling distinguished guests in attendance for the with the Singapore Tourism Board, promoting momentous occasion. UNLV within Singapore whenever he had the I was excited to share that our vision of an chance, and being a wonderful ambassador. international campus had become a reality Now the first class has graduated from and that even though we’ve had international UNLV Singapore, and I feel like a proud students in our Las Vegas program for many parent. This group of adventurous graduates years, hospitality and tourism have become is not afraid to seek the unknown; has an a global phenomenon requiring managers obvious willingness to try something new; to understand multiple cultures and their and does so with the attributes of courage, Stuart H. Mann requirements for outstanding customer perseverance, and hard work. Dean service. As Singapore Minister Lee Yi Shyan told The Singapore campus was created to the group: “This graduation ceremony is the get closer to those geographic areas where starting point of your professional journey. students demand the program and begin to You have the distinct honor and privilege of create an international network of campuses being the inaugural graduating group of those for students wanting to study hospitality who represent the best of an international management. This, in turn, increases UNLV’s education in hospitality. Today, you become brand equity and makes visiting such role models to the students who will follow in hospitality hot spots as Beijing, Shanghai, your footsteps.” Hong Kong, and Macau more convenient. “These graduates are to be congratulated Although I was told in my initial meeting not only for their accomplishments with Singapore’s Economic Development academically but also for their pioneering Board (EDB) that it would take a minimum spirit,” says Nazarechuk. “We have every of five years to develop our campus, I am reason to believe that they will carry this pleased to say that it took less than two and pioneering spirit into the workplace and a half years. Of course, there was lots of lead the way for the graduates who will learning that needed to take place: First, I follow in their footsteps.” He also expressed learned of Singapore’s economic strategy and his confidence that the tourism industry in the place of education within that strategy, Singapore will provide ample professional and second, I learned about the concept of opportunities for UNLV Singapore graduates the Global Schoolhouse and bringing many of to become leaders in the hospitality industry. the world’s best academic programs into an I’m excited to follow these graduates’ education hub. careers as they infiltrate the international Next, I focused getting the requisite hospitality world. I hope they can all find approvals from Nevada and the university positions that they forward to each day administration, including our Board of while they continue to grow in the industry. Regents, the governing board for the university system. Obtaining the support from n a different note, we received news in the EDB came next. This group has been OJune that Governor Jim Gibbons signed a fantastic partner from the very beginning, the Capital Improvements Program bill and and this campus would not have happened that the hotel college will be getting $3.2 without its support. million in planning funds for the new academic We then selected the campus building, to match the $2.5 million we have administrator, the campus’s academic already received from Harrah’s Entertainment. officer. The perfect candidate was Dr. Andy On behalf of the college, I thank everyone for Nazarechuk. With his international knowledge helping make this a reality. ᵪ 2 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Industry Insights “...what used to be the attention to detail on people and product has to be transferred to a different skill set that deals with revenue generating and expense managing...”

n Oct. 18, 2007, CNN conducted a poll Much of that has dropped off sharply as Oabout the economy and discovered companies prohibit their employees from that 46 percent of those polled believed the indulging in spending that smacks of country was already in a recession. Fast conspicuous consumption, a policy likely to forward to Jan. 4, 2008, at which time John remain in place once the country recovers Ryding, chief market economist for Bear from this mess. Stearns, told the media that he was on what Here is sound counsel from fellow UNLV he called “a recession watch.” Three months Advisory Board member Stan Bromley, later, March 14, the 85-year-old investment who for his entire career spanning more bank was toast. Between that CNN poll than 45 years worked in the hotel business, and today, the country has weathered the most formidably and recently (he retired Stephen Michaelides agonizing twists and turns of an economy nearly three years ago) as regional vice Words, Ink gone amok. The details are as evident as president, Four Seasons Hotels, and as International the weather and often as unstable and general manager of its hotel in . unpredictable, and we need not dissect them Bromley still finds himself immersed in the Advisory Board here. We know what they are, and we are for hotel business, currently troubleshooting a Member the most part glum. hotel in Napa. In the meantime, the hospitality industry “Throughout my career, I practiced that has been scrambling to hang on to business, if you hire the best people, them, treat Ruminations to increase guest room and cover counts them right, and are relentless about an eye and the revenues and profits that result. The for detail and attention to detail, you will make tactics and strategies are all too familiar: Cut money. That’s no longer true. I’ve had to food and labor costs, cut prices, slash hours, change my approach by reversing the people/ offer incentives and discounts, deal and product mix process: What used to be the trade, institute an assortment of favors from attention to detail on people and product has elaborate amuses and lagniappes (often more to be transferred to a different skill set that than one), introduce happy hours that make deals with revenue generating and expense sense, and last, but not least (remembering managing. that service is your ace), fire employees, both “If I were teaching a hotel school class front and back, visible or not, who grumble, in 2010, I’d make the director of finances as complain, and infuriate guests. important as anyone else in the hotel. Look at Also, shuck the obvious, introduce the your 90-day forecast and identify how much surprise (however short-lived it might be). money you can spend, given the revenue At the Benoit bistro (NYC), Alain Ducasse shifts and changes (or lack of), then spend (believe it or not) is serving sliders and deviled time explaining to every employee why you’ve eggs for a buck apiece. Or so noted the April done what you’ve done, involving them in 3, 2009, Wall Street Journal, which went on understanding what the business needs are to say, “Around the country, proprietors are and how bad they are so that they can begin turning their restaurants — or significant parts to believe in the fact that what you’re doing is of them — into glorified bars ... proving [that absolutely necessary.” it’s] more cost-effective to serve lower-priced Finally, let me leave you with this optimistic dishes that diners can munch on as they buy note from Matt Creighton, co-exec chef, drinks.” Melange, Beachwood, Ohio: “When guests “Industry Insights” is a featured Not noted in the article was why upscale, leave Melange, I want them to look back on column in Premier. A member luxurious dining has fallen off. A plump the experience and decide that — absolutely of the college’s International Advisory Board, Michaelides is percentage of sales restaurants depend on — every minute they spent here was the best a freelance writer, speaker, and results from expense-account business. thing they could’ve done with their time.” ᵪ food service consultant. 3 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER News Briefs Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA Industry Expert Rainmaker Donates Software for Learning

Especially during times like our current economic optimal availability conditions. situation, the question on many people’s minds is, “What “Our executive education programs will be enhanced by does it take to make a profit in the casino hotel industry?” allowing us to add revenue management to our offerings,” says Students aspiring to become hotel and gaming leaders now Stuart H. Mann, dean and Michael D. Rose distinguished chair have access to figuring out the secrets to the trade. To help of UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. students understand the role of revenue management in the “The Rainmaker software will be a great addition to the hospitality industry, The Rainmaker Group, a world leader in programs we offer through the International Gaming Institute. automated profit-optimization software and services for the While these times of stressful economic conditions make gaming hospitality industry, recently donated its revolutionsm revenue management critical for the success of hospitality product suite to the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hotel operations, the concepts will be important throughout the Administration. careers of our students. This contribution from Rainmaker will Valued at $1.23 million, this gift of software and support allow our students to learn from the industry standard.” services will enable hospitality students to gain valuable According to Tammy Farley, principal of The Rainmaker experience with the gaming industry’s most widely used Group: “Rainmaker partners with the top gaming hotel casino hotel revenue-management system. Rainmaker companies worldwide to implement our systems, so it is provides revenue-optimization services to companies that appropriate that we also provide our revolution system to include Wynn Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE, Trump Entertainment the industry’s most respected educational gaming program at Resorts, and Harrah’s Entertainment. revolution is the only the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Using our system gives system that considers “total customer value,” which includes UNLV students a chance to get hands-on experience as they hotel revenues plus revenue from gaming, food and beverage, learn revenue management, particularly with a focus on total spa, and other sources of customer value for determining customer value to the gaming enterprise.” ᵪ

Leo A Daly Scholarship Fund Provides

Support for Students April Seelig Giving back to the community is “Mr. Leo A. Daly III, FAIA, is pleased “This scholarship has provided what the international architecture firm to provide scholarship funding to Native incentive for me to reach my goals and Leo A Daly is all about. As a business American students so that they may provided a reward for my hard work in whose success depends on the supply attend UNLV’s prestigious William F. the classroom,” says Jeremy Braga, a of well-educated and committed Harrah College of Hotel Administration,” senior majoring in hotel management employees, the company understands says Patrice Sowers, vice president and a recipient of the scholarship. “I am the importance of a college education. of Leo A Daly. “Our firm’s intent is to very thankful for the scholarship, and I With the establishment of a scholarship perpetuate the spirit of ‘giving back’ and will continue to work hard.” set up through the William F. Harrah self-governance as graduates return to “A college education starts you on a College of Hotel Administration, Leo their tribes to successfully manage their lifelong journey for knowledge, and if we A Daly is able to give back to the own tribal casino resorts.” can help that spark start, then we are community and provide educational With this scholarship, students will proud to be able to do what we can,” opportunities for the work force of the receive financial support as they pursue says Charles Dalluge, executive vice future. undergraduate degrees in the college. president of Leo A Daly. ᵪ Leo A Daly hopes this will provide Native American students with the educational resources and inspiration Notice about our last issue to pursue careers in the Native American The listing of executives offering expertise to students as featured in spring 2009’s Premier hotel and gaming industry. was not meant to be a complete listing but served as a representative record.

4 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 News Briefs Keeping Your Eye on the Ball While Contributing to Great Causes

You’ve no doubt heard of speed dating, but what about speed golfing? Well, for the director of UNLV’s PGA Management program, Chris Cain, and fellow golf enthusiast and founder of Par for The Cure, Brian Esposito, it was a challenge they couldn’t refuse. On May 1, the two embarked on a quest to play 1,000 consecutive holes of golf in just 12 hours. (If you’re trying to figure out the math, that’s about 80 seconds a hole!) ’06

With proceeds from the event to benefit both UNLV’s PGA program Mayes, and Par for The Cure, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those Aaron who suffer from breast cancer, Cain by and Esposito took their quest seriously. They trained with a physical therapist Photo specializing in golf, watched their diets, and practiced certain conditioning our feat, and we are just waiting on professional lives, all while giving back techniques. confirmation,” says Cain. “Brian and I to their communities.” Luckily, the weather cooperated that set individual marks as well.” This year’s event raised $8,000— day, with cloudy skies and temperatures Cain went on to say: “I’d like to not too shabby for a first-time event, in the 80s. Together, the two men use this event as a jumping board especially in light of the current played 1,068 holes of golf during the to start a tradition of getting our economic conditions. “We felt pretty 12-hour time allotment, resulting in an UNLV golf management students to good about it,” says Cain. “We were achievement they have submitted to participate in golf marathons. These thankful that the Las Vegas the Guinness Book of World Records. events can broaden their networking donated its facility for the event and that “Guinness has initially approved base and spread enthusiasm into their we had many great supporters.” ᵪ

UNLV PGA Family and Friends Event

On August 22, the UNLV PGA Golf Management program held its annual Family and Friends Tournament and Banquet. In attendance were (left to right): Monica Stratton, PGA, supervisor of staff programs for Callaway Golf Company; Amy Bush, PGA, UNLV assistant women’s coach; Nicole Dutt-Roberts, PGA, executive director, Southern Nevada Golf Association; and UNLV PGA 5 golf management students Lindsey Hoskins, Ashley Keller, and Shawna Richardson. FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER In Memoriam laudine Williams. The mere mention of her name brings these scholarship winners through her many contributions to Cabout thoughts of a pioneer, a woman who overcame the hotel college. the obstacles of a male-dominated era in gaming to make “One of my favorite memories of Claudine was the day her mark. To others, her name embodies the true meaning of she reached into her purse and pulled out a check already philanthropy — giving others a chance to make their mark. prepared for a five-figure sum and said, ‘I am sure you can And still others knew that her name simply meant friend put this to good use,’” recalls Mann. “She was truly a very and a woman of her word. Her passing leaves a legacy of special person.” accomplishment. Williams’ good friend and UNLV Foundation Board As someone who was comfortable working around the of Trustees Executive Committee member Kitty Rodman “good old boys” of Las Vegas’ past, Williams made a name says, “She was truly one of a kind. From her status as a for herself in the hospitality industry. With husband Shelby, gaming and community leader to the special friendship we she helped develop the Holiday Casino, which became the shared over the years, she never let anyone down.” Rodman foundation for Harrah’s Hotel and Casino. After his death, she continues, “She believed in UNLV and the opportunities continued to improve the property until she sold her interests education presented.” in 1983 to the Holiday Corporation. Her contributions to Las According to Peter Michele, director of Special Vegas, in both the gaming realm and the community, are still Collections at UNLV’s Lied Library, “Claudine Williams was in place today. a remarkable woman in many respects — as an extremely After moving to Las Vegas in 1963, the couple turned accomplished, successful, and respected businesswoman the Silver Slipper casino around, sold it to Howard Hughes, in an industry dominated by men and as a civic leader, role and prepared for the construction of the Holiday Casino. model, and philanthropist. Her generosity to UNLV is, of When Shelby’s health failed, Williams assumed more duties course, well known.” and eventually took over the operation. She became the He continues, “Our mission in Special Collections president and general manager of the Holiday Casino in is to document the history of both the city of Las Vegas 1977. She was the first female executive of a major casino and the gaming industry, so any collection documenting and the first woman to serve as chair of the American Bank and illustrating the life and career of Claudine Williams is of Commerce board of directors for the state of Nevada. In important and essential. We were, therefore, very pleased addition, she was the first woman to serve as the president when her family donated material that had been in her home of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. In 1992, she to us after her death. We already have much material on her was honored by her peers as the first woman inductee into life and role in the gaming community: an extensive photo the Gaming Hall of Fame, and in 2008, received the hotel collection documenting her life. And the Holiday Casino and college’s Dean’s Medal of Distinction award for a lifetime of Hotel, which she owned and managed, is well represented in commitment to hospitality education. our Harrah’s corporate archives when Harrah’s took over that One of the principles Williams lived by was giving property. back to the community in which she resided. Numerous “The material we recently acquired includes much organizations and Las Vegas institutions have benefited from personal material, photographs, and awards documenting her generosity. She made a commitment to help advance the recognition she received from the community as well as education in the Las Vegas valley and was among a small business files related to the management and sale of her group of residents who started the UNLV Foundation. Always gaming properties. These collections illustrate her life as a a proud supporter of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, community leader, a shrewd businesswoman, and someone and especially of the hotel college, Williams’ generous who was committed to UNLV and higher education in donations provided scholarships for deserving students and Southern Nevada.” created a residence hall on campus. Dean Stuart Mann says, “Claudine loved to participate in In 1997 and again in 2005, Williams was interviewed as part the activities of the hotel college. She attended many of our of UNLV’s Women’s Research Institute of Nevada for the Las lunches and dinners, but I think her favorite was the annual Vegas Women Oral History Project. To hear about her life in scholarship luncheon where she could see the eagerness her own words, please visit http://wrin.unlv.edu/oral-history/ and enthusiasm of our students,” he continues. “Claudine claudine-williams.html. ᵪ was happy to know that she made a difference in the lives of

6 Photo by Geri Kodey, ’85 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Claudine Williams 1921–2009

7 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER Student Spotlight Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA

Ed Bobbett

ever the typical student, Ed Bobbett has already completed to understand revenue Na tour of duty in Afghanistan as an Air Force Reservist, and management better.” that’s only one of many adventures this young man has under his Never one to sit still for belt. long, Bobbett joined the Air Born in Ireland, his family relocated to California when he Force Reserve in 1999. “I am was 10 years old. After completing a bachelor’s degree from Cal stationed at March Air Reserve State Fullerton in 2001, Bobbett settled into the financial industry, Base in Riverside, Calif., and recently spent the summer deployed first working as a bank teller and later promoted to several other to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.” He has kept a blog about his positions during his 11 years with the bank. During this time, he first deployment, which can be found at http://summer09-edward. often recalled a family vacation years earlier to Lake blogspot.com/. that had an impact on his future. In addition to his educational and military pursuits, Bobbett “The hotel we stayed at really impressed me, even at a young completed a Habitat for Humanity project in El Salvador last spring. age,” says Bobbett. “I was completely taken by the atmosphere Helping construct two homes, Bobbett is not one to take the easy and on that trip decided I wanted to work in that type of way out. “I plan to travel to Costa Rica and Guatemala in the next environment. As a child, it appeared like work would be a daily few years and work with Habitat for Humanity again,” he says. “I’m vacation.” excited to do it again — this time with my father and brother.” With his mind set on UNLV’s hospitality program (which he Bobbett is on track to finish his thesis and graduate with his had learned about as a high school student), he moved to Las master’s degree in 2010. Vegas to pursue his dream in 2005. “I started at UNLV in 2007 Who knows where the world will take him in the future? and left the bank in 2008 in order to complete my master’s Learn more about Edward Bobbett’s Habitat for Humanity degree. I worked as a graduate assistant at UNLV while working work at https://www.habitat.org/cd/gv/participant/participant. to publish a paper and mentoring with a revenue manager aspx?pid=71027108 ᵪ 8 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Spring Luncheon Recognizes Academic Excellence

Robyn Hadden, ’05 MS

ach year, Dean Stuart Mann and Boyd Distinguished Research, Teaching, 19 students since that time. Ethe Harrah Hotel College host and Service awards were presented to Students Alexandra Ainsworth a scholarship luncheon, providing Tony Lucas, Michael Dalbour, and Pearl and Heidi Berger spoke about how recognition for scholarship recipients. The Brewer, respectively. scholarships made completing their university’s hotel college faculty and staff This year’s keynote speaker was degrees first a possibility and then a are invited to attend, along with donors to Teresa Cookson, vice president of reality. “I am truly thankful that there the scholarship program. This year’s event Middle East and European Marketing for are people out there who care enough was held April 16. In 2008-09, the college MGM MIRAGE, who began by speaking about us, the students, to provide awarded $532,957 in scholarships. about the Delores Owens scholarship, assistance of this scale,” says Berger. In addition to the scholarships, established in the memory of one of the “This recognition makes getting through three important awards for faculty are most respected women in gaming. The school that much more manageable. It is also announced at this luncheon. The scholarship was established in 2004, and an inspiration for all of us to continue with recipients of this year’s Sam & Mary more than $28,000 has been awarded to our education.” ᵪ

Vallen Dinner of Distinction

he fifth annual Vallen Dinner of Distinction was held April 30 at Tthe Orleans Hotel & Casino. This year’s event raised more than $31,000 toward the Jerry Vallen Professorship Endowment Fund, which honors founding hotel college Dean Vallen and his wife, Flossie. After a cocktail reception (including a silent auction) and dinner, a live auction commenced. One highlight of the evening’s action was a package that sold twice. Executive Chef John Gremo, Food and Beverage Chair Pat Moreo, and Dean Stuart Mann auctioned a dinner they would prepare and serve to two lucky winners and their guests. Honors for the evening began with the Harrah’s Excellence in Innovation Award to Tapcode Inc., an entertainment and software Patty Becker, Stan Fulton, and Stuart Mann company. The inaugural International Gaming Institute Recognition enjoy the evening’s festivities of Achievement Award was presented to Stan Fulton, and industry executives of the year were also recognized: Don Ross by the food and beverage management department, Sal Semola by the hotel management department, and Kevin Rabbitt by the tourism and convention administration department. Prior to Bob Boughner, president of Echelon Resorts, being awarded the college’s alumnus of the year, a video tribute was shared with those in attendance. In the video, Boughner’s colleagues described their experiences working with and knowing the honoree. There are many donors, volunteers, alumni, and friends who helped make the Vallen Dinner of Distinction a success. Top: Jerry and Flossie Vallen with their From donations of many items daughter Becky Gabriele to the concessions made by The Orleans, the event was a success because of loyal supporters of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Left: Bob Boughner accepts his award Administration. ᵪ from Stuart Mann

9 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER ! HOTEL MANAGE M ENT Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA

Kristal Surick in front of the soon-to-be-opened Mandarin Oriental

10 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Photo by Aaron Mayes, ‘06 Despite Tough Times, Mandarin Oriental Prepares to Enter the Las Vegas Market

andarin Oriental, Las Vegas, is taking Station Casinos), but I have been through Mon a challenge despite the country’s four acquisitions. During acquisitions, it economic woes and is preparing to debut was challenging to take on new ideals for its new property just before the winter operations and integrate them into the holidays. Located at the entrance to MGM current culture. Mirage’s CityCenter, the nongaming “urban I believe Mandarin Oriental is different resort destination” will consist of 47 stories from other seemingly similar properties with dining options and a spa/fitness because we are bringing an unparalleled center. With a mixture of hotel rooms and service level. It is evident, even from our suites as well as 227 residences, Mandarin recruitment process, that the company Oriental, Las Vegas, will also feature values every minute detail of its operations. functional space. For Kristal Surick, ’94, director of human How and why did you choose UNLV for resources for Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, your hospitality education? life has been extremely busy. Premier I was raised in Southern California and spent a few moments asking her about the had worked in various hospitality jobs experience and her career path thus far. during school. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to establish a long- What kinds of challenges have you term career in the hospitality industry, and found working in human resources? I wanted to attend a well-known hospitality How is the recession affecting your program. UNLV was an obvious choice. job applicants/the job market as far as Plus, there is always something new every your property is concerned? day in this field, especially in Las Vegas. We are lucky to be opening at a time There is something very unique about when there are so many candidates looking UNLV that stems from the energy of the for jobs, but it is difficult knowing that we city. UNLV is a “working” university in can hire only a select few! Our objective is that students are presented with great to be our colleague’s employer of choice opportunities within the market due to the in the Las Vegas market and to have a close relationships and support from the working environment that is inclusive and gaming market. rewarding and that values individuality. As mentioned previously, now might not seem like the best time to open such Have you ever opened a property a property, but according to Professor before? What are the challenges? Vince Eade: “This is a renowned brand What makes Mandarin different from with a global presence. With that in mind, other high-end properties in Las as well as being part of this incredible Vegas? project called CityCenter, it only adds Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is my first to its potential for success. Likewise, opening as a human resources director Mandarin Oriental has a strong reputation (I was part of a human resources pre- for extraordinary management, which opening team that assisted with the Green is a formula for success, even in these Valley Ranch opening during my tenure with economic times.” ᵪ 11 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER HotlinkHR Provides for Faculty Professional or faculty in the companies, managing the FHarrah Hotel College, human resources compliance opportunities for additional regulations is a daunting task professional development and — including, for example, research activity related to Development maintaining compliance human resource management with the laws related to the are available through complete life cycle of an the Faculty Professional employee. HotlinkHR guides Development Fund established by Michelle Mouton the user through each process by HotlinkHR. The company, from start to finish, ensuring founded by alumnus David Photo by Aaron Mayes, ‘06 that all steps are followed and Black, ’96, known as “The Big compliance is maintained. For Guy,” his brother Steve Black, the hospitality industry, the and John Boggs, Esq., has generously because of my experience. I’ve always program provides a much-needed tool provided a gift of $100,000 that will allow been proud to be an alumnus,” says to assist human resource departments. faculty to attend conferences, engage in David Black. “UNLV gave me the Black says that supporting faculty research, and enhance their knowledge foundation and really set the stage for development is a good fit for their in human resource management. The me. I was able to take that knowledge company. “We always want to be on company has been recognized as a to the marketplace.” Black says that he the cutting edge of best practice. What member of the UNLV Foundation’s and his company are looking forward better way than to have faculty learning Benefactor Society as a result of their to continuing their relationship with the the best practices in the industry and generosity. Harrah Hotel College, including being relaying that to the students — and to us Through HotlinkHR’s success, the involved with Innovation UNLV and too?” company is able to give back to the enhancing students’ understanding The funds are designated for faculty community, and the area of faculty of how technology can help solve HR involved in research in the area of human development is one that David Black is challenges and labor law compliance resource management and have been proud to support. He recalls the work issues. used to send several faculty to national of his teachers, including Vincent Eade, HotlinkHR provides software conferences in human resources a professor in the hotel college, who tools now used by more than 1,000 management. Gail Sammons, MS ’87, taught him human resources courses. companies that allow employers to more a professor in hotel management, used Through that experience, he says he easily comply with federal and state the funds to attend a training conference came to understand the value of human labor regulations. The sophisticated sponsored by the American Society of resources and the role the HR manager software aims to simplify the daily HR Training and Development. ASTD is the plays in the industry. tasks and force compliance through a world’s largest professional organization “I wanted to partner with UNLV series of integrated processes. For many for human resource managers and

12 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Through his company, HotlinkHR, David Black helps provide funding to assist faculty with human resource management research

professionals. Through the conference, Eade notes that in addition to faculty educated and engaged, and that Sammons was able to identify best development through conference translates to what happens in the practices and teaching methods for attendance, funds are also being used to classroom. “The research we do, we online courses, which has helped her support research initiatives of the faculty. take and use in the classroom,” says frame the online course being offered “Most recently, we used the funds to Eade, who also teaches courses in this fall, where undergraduates will conduct a survey with human resource human resources management in the get an overview of human resource directors at hotel/casinos in Las Vegas, hotel college. He says incorporating that practices — including recruitment, asking them to identify human resource knowledge and experience makes the selection, training, and performance. issues they’re dealing with now,” says teaching experience richer and provides Sammons was able to bring back Eade. The funds were used to conduct greater context in which the students many of the ideas she learned and the survey, publish results, and host a can learn. share them with other faculty, some of luncheon to review the survey findings Eade is grateful for the partnership whom have adopted new tactics and with participants. “It turned out to be a with HotlinkHR and the opportunity to materials as a result. She says that nice session, in that the human resource have a former student now support the faculty development funds like these give professionals could mutually discuss continued development of the program departments opportunities to try new issues that are going on locally with the and faculty. “I’m a Rebel at heart,” says things and expand the resources they economy and HR issues,” says Eade. Black. “It’s been nice to bring things share with students. “I believe we’re in Research like this and the back to where it started for me.” ᵪ the business of lifelong learning, and we information gleaned from conferences can’t stop learning,” says Sammons. helps keep the faculty members

13 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER ! T OURIS M AND CONVENTION A D M INISTRATION Gael D. Hancock

DUSK Project Gives Students Real Planning Experience

he vision of homelessness. For most, from juvenile court were available to kids and helping them out for a day was Tit’s an older man panhandling on a “forgive” offenses such as jaywalking, very satisfying. I wish these kids didn’t street corner or a woman, swathed in panhandling, and loitering and to help have to go through these issues.” coats in the heat of summer, pushing clear warrants and arrange hearings. But “DUSK” is an acronym for an overstuffed grocery cart. Few people most importantly, this was a day when “Destigmatizing and Understanding can envision or even admit that there are these homeless young people could get Street Kids.” The DUSK Project is the homeless young people — teenagers, needed services and materials in what teenage version of the Stand Down kids, people under the age of 21 — they perceived as a safe environment — for the Homeless, a similar services sleeping every night on the street. one free of police, parents, predators, and fair held each year in Las Vegas. Kate For the past five years, students pedophiles. Hausbeck, Ph.D., associate professor in in one of the Tourism and Convention The students hosting the event, held sociology and senior associate dean of Administration (TCA) Festival and Event at University United Methodist Church, the Graduate College, originally partnered Management capstone classes have were totally responsible for the planning with Kathy Nelson, Ph.D., assistant more than admitted there is a problem. and execution of the services fair. They professor in tourism and convention They have taken their event-planning developed a marketing plan, secured administration, and her TCA Festival and knowledge and translated it into a real- sponsorships, hired security, organized Event Management class to plan and world “services fair,” known as the DUSK food providers, scheduled entertainment, execute the first DUSK Project event. Project, for Southern Nevada’s homeless and created the décor. Whether it is Since the first event, TCA and youth. an extravagant fundraiser or a daylong sociology students have continued to Last spring’s more than 170 attendees retreat for homeless youth, the event work together under the direction of experienced a full day of activities and planning tasks are the same. Nancy Matheny, MA, CSEP, adjunct services. They received free HIV tests The students’ learning wasn’t limited professor in the Harrah Hotel College, and dental checkups with the offer of to classroom subjects. One student said, and Andrew Harper, ABD, outreach additional free treatments for cavities “My favorite part of working for the DUSK and student liaison in the Sociology or other issues. They got haircuts and Project was seeing the faces of the kids Department. took showers and were given personal light up the day of the event. I have done In addition to providing services for the hygiene products. Food and drinks were community service work before, but homeless teens, the project has provided available throughout the day. Free school nothing like this.” an opportunity for continuing research on supplies and backpacks were given away, Another student wrote, “I was just the needs, challenges, and future of this as were clothes and other items. Local surprised how many kids were living on homeless population. According to Clark impersonators provided entertainment, the street, having family-related problems, County School District statistics, there are and face painters created realistic wash- suffering domestic abuse … etc. I know 5,607 homeless students in the county. away tattoos. these issues are happening all over the Street Teens, a local day shelter, indicates In addition, two district attorneys world, but actually interacting with these these numbers are growing. ᵪ 14 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 ! FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGE M ENT April Seelig Students Attend National Restaurant Association Show in

n the hospitality industry, Iclimbing the ladder to success is based on who you know and the experience you have. Opportunities to network are extremely beneficial to students in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. The Micatrotto Restaurant Group wanted to provide students with unique opportunities to be better prepared for professional work. As a result, the Micatrotto Restaurant Group Professional Development Fund of $50,000 was recently established to support students in their career development. With this funding, two UNLV students attended the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago last May and networked with some of the top names in the restaurant industry. The Micatrotto Restaurant Group, a Nevada-based restaurant franchise company that currently operates four Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers locations in Las Vegas, has always been active Micatrotto Restaurant Group partners Joe Micatrotto, Jr. (far left), Justin Micatrotto, in community service and Joe Micatrotto, Sr. (center), and Mike Santos (far right) brought UNLV students Jeff supporting education and was Holoway (front) and Michael Tomorsky (second from right) to the Chicago National eager to get involved with the Restaurant Association show for a truly unique experience. Photo by Marsh Starks. hotel college. “I noticed there wasn’t anything in place yet for students them the opportunity to meet industry leaders, gain access to go to national restaurant shows. We saw this opportunity to new innovation, and see firsthand how the Micatrotto and decided to take some students to the show in Chicago,” Restaurant Group markets its company on the backdrop of a says Joe Micatrotto, Jr., president of Micatrotto Restaurant restaurant show. Group. Along with his business partners, Micatrotto took the “The insight to the industry will be very beneficial to my students on an all-access tour of the show, and the students career in the hospitality industry,” says Jeffrey Holoway, a who attended agree that the experience was a huge help for junior majoring in food and beverage. “After attending the them as they begin to pursue professional work. show, I now realize the extent of the hospitality industry, “The Chicago trip was unlike any experience I’ve had,” which can be seen under one roof.” says Michael Tomorsky, a junior majoring in culinary arts The Micatrotto Restaurant Group plans to build a management. “We were given a chance to see the hospitality relationship with the Harrah Hotel College and continue industry as members and not just as students. The trip was funding trips like these to help students gain experience in designed to enhance our networking ability so that when we the industry. “With this fund, we’ll always be attending the graduate, we have a head start in the real world.” events with the students and be able to give them our input The Micatrotto team worked with the students and gave and share each aspect of the shows,” says Micatrotto. ᵪ 15 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER IN THE KITCHEN WITH KERRY SIMON Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA Photos by Geri Kodey, ’86

lthough Kerry Simon’s been dubbed the “rock and roll Simon wasn’t one to worry about it. “I had studied jazz and Achef,” he’s truly a renaissance man at heart. With a classical music and went to art school for a while too,” he background that includes studying music and art, practicing says. “My dad and stepmom went with the flow of it and were yoga, and even driving a Chicago cab, Simon’s true love is very supportive.” cooking and food. At the age of 20, Simon enrolled in the prestigious Growing up in Chicago, Simon would occasionally cook Culinary Institute of America in New York, followed by a for his brothers and help his father prepare the food for his nearby apprenticeship at Jean Morels’ L’hostellerie Bressane, beer and crab/lobster summer parties. While working at Little where he learned the basics of French cuisine. “I worked like Caesars, he gained an appreciation for the chemistry of food a dog,” he remembers. “And afterward, I worked for little or and began experimenting with soufflé recipes from the Julia nothing for a long time. It’s all about the training, learning all Child & Company cookbook. What started as a self-imposed the background information you can, and understanding the challenge led to an interest in food and its preparation that basics. To be a chef, you need to learn, see, explore, and get continues to this day. any information anywhere you can. Today’s chef is not just the “The first real recipe I remember making came out of the guy in the kitchen.” newspaper,” recalls Simon. “It was for chicken cacciatore, and After a whirlwind career that has taken him to Europe, I cooked it for my family. I loved making the soufflés because Russia, Los Angeles, and Asia, Simon is back in Las Vegas they’re very hard to do and I was trying to understand the after originally being here in 1998 to help open Prime in concept.” Bellagio. “When I lived here in the late ’90s, the success While his family may have found his future hard to predict, of Prime was unexpected,” he says. “We weren’t mentally 16 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 prepared for how well it was going to do, and we had to work quickly to get our step and meet the challenge. I love that stuff, but not everyone does.” While living here, Simon became friends with the Maloof brothers and constantly talked with George Maloof, ’88, about some day opening a restaurant together. “A few years later, when I was in L.A., I had a conversation with George about opening a restaurant at his about-to-open Palms property that could serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not many restaurants do that, and George knew that I had such an operation in California.” It was good timing for Simon, as the Hard Rock Hotel, where his previous restaurant, Simon kitchen + bar, had been located, had just been sold. “George knew where he was going with the Palms, and I’ve always had a good feeling about him. It’s nice to have a partner that is accessible, supportive, and easy to Chef Simon explains his restaurant philosophy to UNLV students work with.” Maloof feels the same way. “First of all, Kerry’s a to the time they leave the place,” he says. “I want to recreate a good guy,” he says. “He’s extremely talented and has great family existence at the table, and it takes a lot to do that. You food. What more could you want in a restaurateur? He works have to take everybody into consideration … people in bad hard and is a pleasure to be around.” moods, people from all walks of life. All of this needs to be So what’s Simon’s favorite food? “I appreciate everything noted in order to make them feel fulfilled.” for what it is,” he says. “Food is so endless. You can’t limit On Oct. 15, Chef Simon participated in the Chef Artist yourself; there are no limitations. I can’t even think of one thing dinner series at UNLV. This series is held each semester to to say that’s my favorite.” provide students a unique opportunity to work directly with a How does he hope people remember the experience of guest chef in preparing a gourmet dinner event open to the dining at his restaurant? “I want them to remember the entire public. Proceeds from the event benefit the students, faculty, experience — from the moment they call to make a reservation and facilities of UNLV’s Food and Beverage Department. ᵪ

Jumbo Lump Crab and Avocado Crab Salad

Serves 4

3 C jumbo lump crab 1/4 C thinly sliced hearts of palm ½ C brunoise (diced) cucumber 3 tbsp shelled edamame ½ C brunoise (diced) roma tomato 2 small diced avocados 2 tbsp brunoise (diced) red onion 1 C petite micro lettuce mix 1 C grapefruit vinaigrette (recipe follows)

!"#$%&'#()'#*%+%,- Combine crabmeat, tomato, onion, cucumber, hearts of palm, and edamame in stainless steel bowl and toss with the grapefruit vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To assemble, place 2 tablespoons of avocado in the bottom of a 3-inch ring mold, topping avocado with crab salad mixture, approximately 4 ounces. Remove ring mold and garnish crab with micro greens and drizzle 1 tablespoon of grapefruit vinaigrette around salad to finish. ./%0'1/23(#435%36/'((' 2 C fresh grapefruit juice 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 C vegetable oil Salt and pepper

Reduce the grapefruit juice to ½ cup. Transfer to a blender and, on high speed, slowly drizzle in vegetable oil. Finish with rice wine vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper. This will make more than you need for four crab salads. You can refrigerate the rest for up to a week to use for another application.

17 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER ! R E C REATION AND S PORT MANAGE M ENT ’06

Mayes,

Aaron

by

Photo The women of UNLV’s PGA Golf Management program can put on a game face when necessary. From left: Charlene Fajardo, Shawna Richardson, Lindsay Hoskins, and Ashley Keller UNLV PGA Golf Management Program Continues to Make Strides Women becoming more prominent in the industry

ith names like Annika Sorenstam and Natalie Gulbis indeed becoming more prevalent in the world of golf. “We Wbecoming more recognizable to golf fans, it’s only natural are seeing more women instructors and more females on that women are becoming more involved in both the sport the business side of the industry as well. Golf is a sport for and the industry. Currently, there are four women students everyone.” participating in UNLV’s PGA Golf Management program, One of the women in the program, senior Shawna accredited by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Richardson, did not discover golf until high school but knew and administered through the Department of Recreation and almost immediately that it was her life’s calling. “I had done Sport Management of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel gymnastics until the middle of high school, and when I quit, I Administration. was looking for something else to do with my time,” she says. “I Program director Christopher Cain notes that women are joined my school’s golf team and learned that the father of one 18 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA of my teammates ran a junior golf academy. As I became more all necessary concentration requirements to obtain PGA interested in the sport, his wife suggested that I take lessons and membership. “We try to recruit a diverse, well-rounded student learn some more about the game. It all came together, and by population,” says Cain. “With our comprehensive internship the summer before my junior year, I was playing in tournaments.” programs that students complete during the summers at During her last year of high school, Richardson began a variety of top-notch courses, they learn all facets of golf looking into college programs. “Although I didn’t know how I management.” could use it in a career, I knew I wanted to study golf further,” As much as she loves working in golf facilities, Richardson she remembers. “I heard about the UNLV program from the has a goal of some day working for the PGA. “The organization same friend’s father who ran the academy so I decided to check really intrigues me. I’d like to work with them in their learning it out. Even when I began at UNLV, I really didn’t learn the full center, possibly at headquarters. I really feel that I could make extent of the program until later. a difference and that my education and experiences have “Once I started discovering the business side of golf, I prepared me for such a role.” knew that’s what I wanted to focus on,” says Richardson. “This Another PGA student, Charlene Fajardo, wants to “positively game is changing rapidly — the PGA has a goal of increasing affect the woman’s world of golf, whether that’s through the its female membership, and I want to help with that. They want business side, through marketing, or on the course itself.” She women involved and are open to it. It’s up to us to spread the decided to attend the UNLV program because she wanted word and help them diversify their membership, not just with to have golf as her career. “At first, the only way I saw that women but with all ethnic groups.” happening was playing on tour,” Fajardo notes. “That was until She comments that while many men “go to the golf club,” I read an article about the PGA program and realized there are their wives may feel intimidated to do the same because there other fields of golf that I can be a part of.” just aren’t as many women hanging around. “I want to help For Lindsay Hoskins, also a student in the program, the change that,” says Richardson. “I believe that the number internships have proved invaluable. “The main things I have of women participating in golf will increase if they’re more learned through our required internships are customer service, comfortable with the situation, and that will mean having more dedication, leadership, and attention to detail. These traits will women instructors and golf pros.” inevitably help me be successful in this industry.” Richardson feels that the internships she has completed As the program continues to grow and gain visibility within while a student have been very beneficial to her education. “I the golf industry, UNLV will remain on the forefront of golf have interned in some incredible golf clubs,” she states. “Two management education. years ago, I was at Meadow Club in Marin County, and last On August 22, UNLV’s PGA Golf Management Program summer, I was at Bandon Dunes on the coast. This year, hosted its sixth annual PGA Golf Management Family and I’m at the Golf Club in , which is getting ready Friends banquet. The evening’s guest speaker was PGA to host the 2010 Senior PGA Championship, so I’m learning how Professional Monica Stratton, supervisor of staff programs for they prepare for an event of this magnitude. It’s all been really Callaway Golf Company, who told students that their “PGA good for me to see.” membership will create opportunities and open doors. But it is The goals of the college’s PGA Golf Management program up to you to work hard, be diligent, and to be patient. I would include providing a challenging and comprehensive academic tell you to take challenges head on and know that you will wear experience and preparing students to successfully meet many hats.” ᵪ

Stats From the Four Rebel Golfers Lowest 18-Hole Golf Favorite Longest Age Started Score Handicap Course Drive Golfing

Charlene 75 6 Coyote Springs 260 yards 8 Fajardo

Lindsay 72 4 Montreux 300 yards 6 Hoskins

Ashley 75 7.4 Mountain Falls 265 yards 1 Keller

Shawna 72 10 Pacific Dunes/ 225 yards 16 Richardson The Olympic Club

19 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER 2008-2009 Donor Honor Roll UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration This year, we pay special thanks to the loyal donors allows the college to provide much-needed scholarships, This year we pay special thanks to the loyal donors who have demonstrated their support to the William F. Harrah who have demonstrated their support to the William F. professional development funds, and faculty-enrichment College of Hotel Administration for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The unprecedented downturn in the economy continues Harrah College of Hotel Administration for the 2008-2009 programs, to name just a few. to affect all of us, yet alumni and friends have continued to pledge their commitment to support today’s students as fiscal year. The unprecedented downturn in the economy Gifts from alumni and friends play an integral role in they prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders. This Honor Roll recognizes alumni, friends and companies who make it continues to affect all of us, yet alumni and friends have helping the college maintain the highest standards of possible for students to receive a premier hospitality education at UNLV. continued to pledge their commitment to support today’s excellence so that the faculty can respond to shifting Through scholarship endowments and annual support, the college awarded $532,957 in scholarships to students students as they prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders. academic priorities. Annual donors are the foundation during the 2008-09 academic year. During the past fiscal year, the college received $3,542,893 in cash and in-kind This honor roll recognizes alumni, friends, and companies of the college’s development program. Please know gifts from 419 donors. This outstanding support allows the college to provide much needed scholarships, professional who make it possible for students to receive a premier how much your contribution is appreciated and valued. development funds, and faculty enrichment programs, to name just a few. hospitality education at UNLV. On behalf of the entire college, we recognize and are Gifts from alumni and friends play an integral role in helping the college maintain the highest standards of excellence Through scholarship endowments and annual support, grateful for your past, current, and future support. It is with so that the faculty can respond to shifting academic priorities. Annual donors are the foundation of the college’s the college awarded $532,957 in scholarships to students gratitude and heartfelt thanks that we acknowledge the development program. Please know how much your contribution is appreciated and valued. On behalf of the entire during the 2008-09 academic year. During the past following benefactors listed in the Harrah Hotel College college, we recognize and are grateful for your past, current and future support. It is with gratitude and heartfelt thanks fiscal year, the college received $3,542,893 in cash and Honor Roll. that we acknowledge the following benefactors listed in the Harrah Hotel College Honor Roll. in-kind gifts from 419 donors. This outstanding support Recognition of the Dean’s Associates July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009 The Dean’s Associates program provides unrestricted of the industry, and they are truly a worthwhile investment. donations to fund priority projects and activities within the We wish to thank the Dean’s Associates members for college. Most importantly, this includes supporting student their annual support through unrestricted gifts, which is professional development so that students may represent vital to continue setting the bar as a premier international UNLV at national and international academic conferences, hospitality program. meetings, and industry events. Our students are the future

Dean’s Associates Inner Circle Dean’s Associates Bronze Stephen G. Michaelides Gold ($10,000+) ($1,000+) Moore Ideas, Inc. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts A & W Food Services of Canada James Moore The Patricia C. Miller Anton & Rosalie & Patrick, ’69, ’83 Moreo Dean’s Associates Inner Circle William C. Anton Foundation Judy A. Nagai ($5000+) Ann & David, ’96 Black Kathleen, ’94, ’96, ’04 & Dan ’06 Marcia, ’74 & Tola Chin Pearl & James Brewer Nelson Lorna Donatone Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen Patricia & Ellis Norman GES Exposition Services Russell A. Dazzio, ’73 North American Association of Food Louise & Felix Rappaport Paula E. Eylar, ’89, ’97 Equipment Manufacturers Sodexo, Inc. Deirdre T. Flynn John D. Peiser, ’78, ’07 John F. Gremo, ’02 Kathy & Fayyaz, ’92, ’95 Raja Robyn K. Hadden, ’05 Patricia Sahlstrom Dean’s Associates Silver Christian E. Hardigree, ’93 & Gail E. Sammons, ’87 ($2,500+) Christopher A. Brown Julie & Salvatore, ’81 Semola William A. Allen III Harrah’s Entertainment Christopher W. Silva Linda & George Baggott David W. Head Angie & Christopher, ’98 Smith Julia & Stan Bromley Tony L. Henthorne Susie Southgate-Fox Outback/Fleming’s LLC Hyatt Corporation St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Christine, ’90 & Jim, ’92 Kiely Arch Stokes Nancy & Dean, ’92 Kissel Skip Swerdlow Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Robert L. Van Ness, ’83 Doreen & Stuart H. Mann Mark Waltrip Sandra J. Marnell Westgate Resorts Jordan Meisner

20 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Donor Honor Roll MJ Maynard, ’93 July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009 Assistant General Manager, Regional Transportation $100,000+ Julia & Stan Bromley Robert Boughner Cannery Casino Resorts Commission of Southern Angeliki & Stanley Fulton Carlson Companies Nevada The Harrah’s Foundation Circus Circus Adventure Dome Every day is an opportu- International Game Technology D&K Industries LLC nity to shape the future. Ac- Micros Systems. Inc David Saxe Productions The Rainmaker Group DeLuca Liquor & Wine, Ltd. knowledging the audacious Station Casinos, Inc. Lorna & Stephen Donatone dreams of college students Paula Eylar, ’89 ’97 by making monetary dona- $25,000 - $99,999 Farmer’s Brothers Coffee Amy & David, ’97 Campbell Kerry & Andrew, ’91, ’95 Feinstein tions is something I believe Guy Fieri, ’90 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & in. The education I received Club Managers Association of Wine Bar from UNLV, along with the mentoring of some in- America Four Seasons Hotels Limited credibly talented professors, culminated in a great Datacom Systems The Freeman Companies Professional Golfers Association Jessica Galindo experience and great career. Giving back seems of America Get Fresh Sales the right thing to do...it’s a way to say thanks. Robyn Hadden, ’05 My son has just begun his freshman year at David Head $10,000-$24,999 UNLV, and as a member of the marching band, I Banfi Vintners Foundation Las Vegas Hilton Conde Nast Publications Hyatt Regency Maui Resort have even more reason to remain invested in my Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts & Spa alma mater. Ensuring monetary funds are avail- GES Exposition Services Inc. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach able to all college students is important not only Hotlink HR, Inc. Resort & Spa IT Partners Kerzner International Limited for the institution; its positive impact on the com- George Maloof, ’88 Christine, ’90 & James, ’92 munity is priceless. I look forward to this lifelong Jung-Ho Suh, ’82, ’83 Kiely connection with UNLV, and as a new member of Nancy & Dean, ’92 Kissel the UNLV Parent’s Board, any opportunity to give $5,000 - $9,999 The Las Vegas Country Club Patricia Becker & Stephan, ’90 Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort back is one that I welcome. DuCharme The Las Vegas Photography Marcia, ’74 & Tola Chin Company, Inc. Paul Robinson Westgate Resorts Foundation, Dragon Ridge Country Club Lettuce Entertain You Roy’s Las Vegas Inc. Earth Water Sky Enterprises, Inc. Patricia Sahlstrom Women’s Southern Nevada Golf iView Systems Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Julie & Salvatore, ’81 Semola Association Las Vegas Golf Club Doreen & Stuart Mann Sheraton Universal Hotel Cheri Young and David Corsun Lee’s Discount Liquor MGM Grand Christopher Silva Leo A Daly Stephen Michaelides Silver State Schools Credit Union $1 - $999 Meeting Professionals James Moore Silverstone Golf Club Christopher Ades, ’75 International Foundation Rosalie & Patrick, ’69, ’83 Angie & Christopher, ’98 Smith Suzanne Alexander Micatrotto Restaurant Group Moreo Sonoma County Tourism Bureau Allegiant Air Pacific Event Productions Judy A. Nagai Susie Southgate-Fox Almaza Hookah & Lounge Kimberly & Scott, ’88 Sibella Kathleen, ’94, ’96, ’04 & St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. United Way of Southern Nevada Daniel, ’06 Nelson Stiletto Entertainment Anonymous Patricia & Ellis Norman Margaret & Arch Stokes Heather & Thomas, ’01 Anschutz $1,000 - $4,999 Palms Casino Resort Skip Swerdlow Anthem Country Club A & W Food Services of The Patricia Miller Anton & Tantric Nightlife Entertainment Daniel Apruzzese Canada Inc. & Associated William C. Anton Foundation Terra Verde Velma Delgado Armstead, ’05 & Companies John Peiser, ’78, ’07 Titan Nightlife Group, Inc. Roger, ’98, ’06 Armstead William Allen The Peninsula Beverly Hills Tournament Players Club - Glen Arnold Angel Park Golf Club Platinum Hotel & Spa Summerlin The Arroyo Golf Club Patricia & William Anton Sarah & James, ’78 Rafferty UNLV Alumni Association Avalon Hotel Linda & George Baggott Kathleen & Fayyaz, ’92, ’95 US Foodservice Dennis Ayde Bear’s Best Las Vegas Raja Robert Van Ness, ’83 Badlands Golf Club Benbow Inn Louise & Felix Rappaport Vino 100 Las Vegas Linda & Joseph, ’70 Baldini Ann & David, ’96 Black Rhodes Ranch Golf Club Carolyn Gilbey-Wagner & Roger, Zerrin & Seyhmus Baloglu Blush Boutique Nightclubs Rio Secco Golf Club ’69 Wagner BandVino Kathleen & James Brewer The Ritz-Carlton Mark Waltrip Barnes & Noble, Inc.

21 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER ,,

Base Entertainment Anne-Marie, ’99, ’02 & Gregg, Alexander Franco Lisa Hitz, ’85 Thomas Bath, ’01, ’08 ’98 Carnes Freshpoint Las Vegas Susan & John Hobbes Denise, ’95 & Bryan Beban Sean Carpenter Abbie & David Friedman Doreen, ’06 & Gregory, ’03 Tyra,’94 Bell-Holland & Robert CatHouse Denise Fulk Hoffman Holland Chili’s Gastronomy Management Group Jan & John, ’87 Hogan Marco Benvenuti, ’02 China Grill, Inc. Inc. Michael Hogan, ’03 Robert Benzo, ’77 Paul Christensen, ’86 George Wallace - Elements Benjamin Hooker, ’03 Shelly L. Berkley, ’73 John Cline, ’73 Entertainment Hooters Casino Hotel Bo Bernhard, ’99, ’02 Suzanne Cohen, ’94 Kathryn & Brian, ’94 Gerke Melissa & Brett, ’03 Hughett Archna & Rakesh, ’78 Bhatnagar Bridget & David, ’95 Coleman Chrysostomos Giannoulakis Rebecca & William, ’94 Hunt Black Angus Kelly, ’97 & Sean Connery Gifts In Kind International Hyper Sport, LLC Black Gaming David Corsun Norma & Bernard Gittelman ICY Racing Black Mountain Golf & Country Club Craftsteak Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino International Food Service Blue Man Group Sheree & David, ’80 Cross Gordon Biersch Brewery Chad Issaq, ’97 The Blue Martini Arthur Cusack, ’91 Restaurant Acquisition Inc. Nakia Jackson-Hale & David Charles Bombard Mike Davis Gourmet Foods Hale Bonefish Grill Henry DeEulio Tami & Dennis, ’91 Gradillas Mari Ann & Gary, ’99 James Bouchon Disneyland The Grand Canal Shoppes at The JC Penney Company, Inc. Boyd Gaming Company Doggie District Venetian Jann & Megan Jeffrey William Boyd Diana Donaldson Ann & Ted Greene Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Dawn & Edward, ’84 Boyle Leslie & James Donatelli John F. Gremo, ’02 Joanne & Dennis, ’73, ’84 BRAINtrust Marketing + Dos Caminos Raynboe Kerr-Grossman & Brian, Johnson Communications John Dumont ’96 Grossman Howard Johnson Stacy, ’90 & Antone Brazill Colleen Dunavan, ’00 Dottie & Kenneth, ’75 Haas JW Marriott Resort Dennis Brow, ’01 Eat N Run Terryl Haines, ’98 Kalman Kaplan Christian, ’93 Hardigree & Ecolab Seth Handley ’06 Albert Kim, ’07 Christopher Brown Christy Egbert Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Do Kim Buca di Beppo Adrienne Eghoian, ’06 Claude Harmon Eun Kyoo Kim, ’07 Cynthia Carruthers & James ElevenSpa Vegas Harrah’s & Harveys Lake Tahoe Lisa Kimelheim, ’96 Busser English Garden Florist Jennifer & Thomas, ’06 Hartley King’s Seafood Co Cafe` Mitz ENVY Steak House Christine, ’84 & Adam ’83 Harvey Terry Kisling, ’88 Don Cain Brian Esposito Leslie, ’82 & Daniel, ’79, ’82 Kitsopoulos Law Firm, PC Callaway Golf Center Joann & Andrew Esposito Hawkins Col. Erwin T. Koch Trust Canaletto Ristorante Veneto Kristen Eve Rosalie & Gregg, ’80 Hawkins Phyllis & Eric, ’88 Koff Canyon Gate Country Club Fitzgerald’s Gaming Corporation Tony Henthorne Kolberg Auctions Canyon Ranch Spa Sheree, ’96 & Philip Flood Barbara Hermes Christian & Lara Kolberg Caracol Carol & Jerry, ’06, Fox Hilton Hotel Randi, ’04 & Robert Kolesar

The Harrah Hotel College is a crucial hospitality industry resource not only for Las Vegas but also for the state of Nevada, the Western U.S. and, really, the global hospitality industry. It provides graduates who are ready and able to compete in today’s hospitality industry, enhances skills and education for people who are already in the industry who choose to study in the master’s degree program, and provides current and future hospitality educators to schools around the world through its doctoral program. The size of the program provides the critical mass to support all of these goals, where a smaller school would not be able to support so many programs. I got a great education, made great business and personal connections, and paid a fair price. The Harrah Hotel College offers an excellent price-value relationship. It has a great reputation in the hospitality education community, Dina Zemke, and I want to help in maintaining that reputation. I continue to collaborate with ’03, Ph.D. faculty at the Hotel College to this day. Associate Professor, Get involved! And donate! Strengthening our alumni group will strengthen Johnson & Wales the profile of UNLV. That’s good not only for current and future students; it will University also increase the value of our degrees!

22 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 ,,

Korner Kloset Nature’s Signature Photography Joe Micatrotto, Jr. Kozal’s Travel Connections Barbara Neal, ’89 President and chief Norman Krajkowski Linda & Bruce, ’78 Nelson Koren & Jarrett, ’93 Kratchman Consuelo & Joseph Nolan executive of Micatrotto Lake Mead Cruises Cindy & Robert Novich Restaurant Group LLC Theresa Lamb, ’83 Corey Nyman As a Las Vegas-based Jessica Lane ODS Chauffeured Transportation hospitality company, we at La Fond Food Brokers Elizabeth, ’95 & Sheldon Ohringer Las Vegas 51’s Kathleen, ’04 & Alex, ’98 Ostrove the Micatrotto Restaurant Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 & Group see a major priority Authority Kurt Ouchida in giving back to the Las Vegas Magazine Outback Steakhouse education of tomorrow’s Las Vegas Motor Speedway Outdoor Source Inc Laser Quest Las Vegas Bonnie & William, ’69 Paulos work force in our industry. Lawry’s The Prime Rib Paymon’s Mediterranean Cafe` & UNLV is the best university Randi, ’97 & Steven Leboyer Lounge in the country when it comes to hospitality Heechan Lee, ’96 Kimberly Peccole, ’92 Suah Lee, ’03 Rick Penza education. We consider ourselves lucky to be The Legacy Golf Club Pi Alpha Fraternity associated, and more importantly, we get to see Lance Lenon, ’72 Jeffrey Pitzer our dollars at work. Dean Mann and the entire Linco Sales & Marketing Patricia & Joseph Pius UNLV professional staff have opened their arms to Holly, ’99 & Robert Lindsay Colleen & Tyson Planz Murray Long, ’85 Pole Position Raceway our company. Not once did we ever feel pressure Dana Longfield, ’97 Gary Potts to give. Rather, we felt the need to be a part of the Curtis Love Jennifer Powers, ’04 program that ensures the success of tomorrow’s John Lovett Preferred Public Relations industry leaders. We find our relationship with Valerie Lucas, ’92 Jill, ’96 & Jeff Pressman Lucille’s Smokehouse RA Sushi Bar Restaurant the university to be a very hands-on, give-and- Anne Lyons, ’97 Rampart Casino take relationship. Everybody wins! Mac King Comedy Magic Show Joy & James Reese Douglas Mack, ’03 Regal Entertainment Group Madame Tussauds Celebrity Paula Reinhard Richard Sinderbrand, ’86 Frank Vitucci ’07 Encounter Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurants R. K. Singal Robin & Michael, ’94 Walsh Maggiano’s Little Italy Megan Rice, ’05 Sky High Marketing Warner Gaming Pamela & John, ’80 Maksimik Janie & Ken Richards Kami Smith George Warner, ’73 Matthew Marabello Riverside Resort & Casino South Point Hotel & Casino Paul Wawrzynski II Marcus Hotels & Resorts Riviera Hotel & Casino Marilyn Spears, ’72 The Westin Chicago North Shore Denise Martin RM Seafood Sport Chalet Hotel Jeannine, ’96 & Alberto Martucci Rockville Rose Inn Barbara, ’92 & Gunter Stannius Carolyn Wheeler Diana Bohen & David, ’82 Matyas Joseph Roman Laurie Steinmetz Rachel & Thomas, ’90 Wolf Mary, ’96 Maynard & Thomas Tiso Roni Josef Salon & Spa Sunbelt Foods Co. Dale & David, ’75 Wolfe Stephanie & Christopher, ’95 Rosemary’s Restaurant Sun Coast Donald Mazza Penny & Adam, ’83 Roth Kristena Szczesny, ’96 Guy Wood, ’78 Joni & Ron McCall Jennifer, ’93 & Clyde, ’93 Ruckle T-Fab Inc. World Variety Produce McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Jena & Andy ’96 Sabatini Table 34 Elizabeth & Clayton, ’88 Wright Restaurant Ancois-Mari & Joseph, ’99 Daniel Taccone, ’06 Gary Xavier, ’09 Shirleen & Paul, ’71 McGivney Salmore Geraldine & Rocco Testa Yard House MGM Mirage Voice Foundation Gail Sammons, ’87 Eric Thomson, ’94 Thomas Yasuda, ’79 Glen Millar Sands Regency Titan Systems Inc Dina Marie Zemke, ’03 Kathy Minkel The Schettler Family Foundation Tommy Bahama Minus 5 Ice Lounge Margaret & Jack Schlaifer Trader Joe’s Bold—Faculty, Staff, International Lynn Trujillo Advisory Board, College Alumni Board Maggie & Nathaniel, ’90 Mitchell Dorothy & Steve Secol of Directors or their related companies. MIX in Las Vegas See More Tyson Foods Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino Sharmark Las Vegas Inc UNLV Athletics A Final Note UNLV Bookstore We strive to ensure accuracy in this Timothy Morrissey, ’86 James Shaw, ’80 listing of benefactors who supported Mountain Falls Golf Club Deron Shields, ’84 Rachel & Christopher, ’99 Van the Harrah Hotel College from July 1, Zele 2008, through June 30, 2009. If there Mt. Charleston Lodge Sherri, ’83 & Joel Shows is an error in the way we listed your gift Myung Sae USA Inc. Scott Sibley, ’02 Darren Vaughn, ’89 or if you wish to make a change to your Joan Napolilli Siena Golf Club Vegas Vino name as shown, please accept our Venetian Casino Resort apology and bring it to our attention by Natalie Gulbis Silverton Casino Lodge calling 702-895-2934 or e-mailing The Venetian Foundation [email protected].

23 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER ! ! " #$ % & '())( % * )($ + & ) * Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA A Show of Support Career center help experienced alums as well as recent graduates Illustration by Grant Codak

hen you think of a “support group,” their jobs or their passion for their current of alumni — from recent graduates to WUNLV’s Career Services is probably positions and are looking to see what else graduates from the 1980s. Most of the not the first thing that comes to mind. But is out there.” participants are looking for job resources with the downturned economy and the Don Snyder, one of the center’s (i.e., job fair information, good online job changes it has wrought on communities career counselors, begins each meeting search sites) as well as information on across the country, that’s just what the by establishing some ground rules. how they can stand out.” university has created to help alumni who “Please try to utilize ‘I’ statements, don’t Common questions at the support are looking for jobs or even new leases monopolize the conversation, only one groups have included what employers are on life. person speaks at a time, and everything looking for in a resume, how applicants Once a month, the UNLV Career stays in this room,” he says. should handle questions about desired Services Center, in conjunction with the During the course of the hour-long salaries, and exploring the most effective UNLV Alumni Association and the Bob gathering, attendees learn about the ways to network. Boughner Career Services Center, holds resources offered by the career center, An article in the June 22, 2009, edition a support group where ideas can be including computer programs, resume of HigherEdMorning.com discusses the exchanged, opinions are expressed, and evaluation, on-campus recruiting, and fact that many job seekers are turning everything is held in confidentiality. “We’re other helpful items. “We try to inform to their college career offices for help, here today to share stories, talk about them of things like CareerLink, which is a sometimes more than 30 years after how to change careers, and answer search engine that can pull down a list of graduating. While this has caused some questions,” said Eileen McGarry, executive jobs for more ‘experienced’ employees,” universities to hire additional career center director of Career Services, at July’s says Bobbie Barnes, director of the Bob staff, what are the universities getting in support group meeting. Boughner Career Services Center. “Many return? These meetings, which have been alumni have been out of the job search “We don’t look for anything in return,” held since last April, have gone through game for a while and simply don’t know says Barnes. “I personally feel it is interesting changes as the economy about all of the newer job search tools. As our responsibility to assist our alumni, continues to change. “When we first members of the alumni association, these especially in times like this.” started in the spring, there were definitely tools are available to them at no cost. For more information on career more recent graduates,” says McGarry. “The alumni support group has been services and the alumni job search “As time has gone on, we are seeing a great way to connect with alumni,” she support group seminars, please visit more experienced grads who have lost continues. “We have seen a broad range http://hire.unlv.edu. ᵪ

24 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 I N ME MORI A M Angela Farrar, 1966 - 2009

Associate Professor Angela Farrar, Ph.D., CHE, they actually enjoyed, and passed away August 20. A scholarship fund has been in a way that stretched their established in her name through the UNLV Foundation, thinking. I had never seen known as the Angela Farrar Memorial Scholarship such growth in a classroom Endowment Fund. Please join the hotel college in setting before, and I have remembering her as our colleague, friend, and advocate aspired to it ever since. for students. “I have another story Born in Danville, Va., Farrar received her B.S. and that I doubt many people Ph.D. degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and know about. Very quietly, State University. She was employed by Pennsylvania Angela reached out to my State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, mother — then the director as a professor in the Hotel Restaurant and Institutional of volunteers at Nathan Management Department and the College of Hotel Adelson Hospice across Administration, respectively. In addition, she was a the street from UNLV member of the following professional and community — and volunteered to develop from scratch a brilliant organizations: Faculty Development in Human educational program for hospice volunteers on diversity Resources, International Council on Restaurant and and dying. I got to observe again as Angela reached Institutional Education, Certified Hospitality Educators, a group of volunteers who were heading out into very Society for Human Resource Management, and the difficult situations, and led them through an exceedingly Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. thoughtful conversation and contemplation of ‘difference’ “I first met Angela in 1993 when she interviewed in hospice settings. for a faculty position at Penn State,” said Dean Stuart “Her legacy, of course, not only lives on in the lives Mann. “Immediately, one knew that this was a very of those of us who learned from her here on campus, special woman. When I accepted the dean’s position but also in the lives of those she reached more quietly,” at UNLV, I wanted her on this faculty because of all that Bernhard concluded. she could offer to our faculty and students. She was a Please remember Farrar by making a gift to this terrific colleague at Penn State and at UNLV. I will miss scholarship fund, which will support students in the hotel her greatly.” college, with preference for female students of African- “Everyone who knew her understood how much American heritage. The goal is to raise $25,000 so the she cared about student learning,” he continued. “This scholarship can be endowed and last in perpetuity in her scholarship will be a lasting memorial to Angela’s focus name. on students.” Associate Professor Cheri Young and David Corsun, How to make a gift to the Angela Farrar formerly of the hotel college and now the director of the school of hotel, restaurant, and tourism management Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund: at the University of Denver, remembered her by saying: Gifts in memory of Dr. Angela Farrar may be given to “Angela was a passionate person and educator, and the UNLV Foundation for the Angela Farrar Memorial gave everything to her students. We can think of no Scholarship Fund. Checks may be issued to the UNLV better way to honor her memory than to create a Foundation and sent to: UNLV Foundation, 4505 S. scholarship to keep that passion alive through the Maryland Parkway, Box 451006, Las Vegas, NV 89154- support of deserving students. We do not have many 1006. Donors should note that the gift is in memory ways to make a lasting contribution in this world, but of Angela Farrar, either in the memo line or in a note Angela did and will continue to do so through this accompanying the donation. Gifts can also be made scholarship and through our memories of her.” online at http://foundation.unlv.edu/give.html. Select “I was fortunate to get to team teach HMD 320 the link for the William F. Harrah College of Hotel (Working with Diversity in the Hospitality Industry) with Administration. Under “Designation,” select “Angela Angela Farrar,” said Assistant Professor Bo Bernhard. Farrar Memorial Scholarship Fund” from the drop-down “I learned from Angela how to confront without being menu. Angela’s name should be entered at the bottom of confrontational — to challenge students in a way that the screen under “Tribute Information.”

25 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER ately, it seems that everywhere you go, you hear about social L networking. While many of us have become familiar with the term and the myriad of opportunities it can provide, it’s amazing just how much it can help in your career and life. From reconnecting with classmates and instructors to hearing about special events and job openings, you won’t want to miss being part of this trend. The hotel college has found that social networking is a tool unlike any other. According to Robyn Hadden, director of alumni and college relations, sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter have allowed the college to keep interested parties updated as well as conduct discussions on a number of topics and events. “There is immediate interaction with social networking,” says Hadden. “We started by listing the college’s alumni association on LinkedIn, and soon had over 500 members. We’ve since set up pages on other social networking sites and have been impressed at the participation by our alumni and others. These sites have grown exponentially and we’re pleased with them from a marketing standpoint. Even if someone can’t make it to an event, they can still feel they were a part of it by looking at pictures and reading comments from those that did attend. This can encourage future participation.” The college first became involved with social networking because of instructor Patti Shock. To many, she’s known around the college as the “internet guru” and has been on the forefront of some of today’s brightest social networking trends. “I have been fascinated by technology,” she admits. “I was one of the early adopters of the internet and email on campus, back when it was all DOS-based. I remember the first time I saw a photo online — I went nuts! It was so exciting to me.” That excitement and love of technology continues today as Shock continues to enthuse her fellow instructors with the plethora of social networking opportunities that exist. “About ten years ago, I started a Yahoo listserv for students because communicating with them was difficult. Then I started one for graduate students 26 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 Shock teaches online Social Networking classes, speaks about social media, and faculty and staff in the Trends Continue intricacies of these tools. “Whatever new came to Grow along, I have always been one to get into it. I’ve Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA gotten more involved with and another for alumni. It doesn’t work were connected through LinkedIn, she the meeting planning today to just tack something to a bulletin was able to reach me. I interviewed industry through listservs, board.” Robert three days later and brought him Hadden plans to incorporate more on as an intern the following week. After and some of those online social networking in the future. “There’s two months as an intern, I hired him to definitely a need there and it’s a great join our casino marketing team at the Las relationships have turned resource for those looking for a job or Vegas Hilton. into true friendships now those who are recruiting. I have used the “Over the years, I’ve helped executive sites to communicate information about recruiters find several candidates that we know each other alumni association events and news and through my network on LinkedIn. I have want these to become a place to go to also introduced vendors I have existing in person. You connect to discuss current issues in the hospitality business relationships with potential people you never would’ve industry.” clients that I know in my network,” Speaking of job searches, the continues Arceo. “LinkedIn allows you to had the opportunity to college’s social networking efforts can make introductions between people in an already count one such success. When easy to use platform.” ᵪ meet otherwise.” the Las Vegas Hilton’s Executive Director of Casino Marketing Peter Arceo, ’96, contacted his former instructor Shock through LinkedIn, she mentioned a student who was interested in learning LOOK FOR THE UNLV HOTEL COLLEGE ON THESE SOCIAL more about social networking. Through NETWORKING SITES: the networking site, she introduced Arceo to a fellow alumnus (Robert Gaines, ’09), which led to an internship, and eventually a full-time position. http://www.linkedin.comgroups?home=&gid45516&trk=anet_ug_hm&goback=.anh_45516 “I created an account when LinkedIn Name of group: Harrah Hotel College at UNLV first launched in 2003,” says Arceo. “I’ve used LinkedIn to successfully connect people who have similar interests with one another for mutually beneficial projects. You can keep in contact with http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=57901828192&ref=ts your network and be able to get in touch Name of group: UNLV Hotel College Alumni with them, no matter where they go (as Fan Page for Hotel College: long as they keep their info current). http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/groupphp?gid=47434114793&ref=ts “Patti Shock, who I was connected Name of group: UNLV Harrah Hotel College to through LinkedIn, contacted me via the site about a recent UNLV graduate,

Robert Gaines, who was looking for an opportunity to intern at a large hotel/ casino property in Las Vegas. At the http://twitter.com/unlvhotel time, it had been over 13 years since Name: UNLV Hotel College I had spoken with Patti…but since we 27 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER A Gift for All Seasons Four Seasons contributes financially to hotel college

Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA

Photo by Marsh Starks

our Seasons … Just saying those words conjures up “Early on, I learned that most hotel college students at images of luxurious hotels in beautiful locales. Since UNLV work while attending school, so they have the added its first hotel opened in 1961, the company has made knowledge of being able to support themselves, which is a a name for itself as a worldwide leader in the upscale- key skill of good management,” says Bromley. “I also noticed hotel world. To that end, Four Seasons supports that the UNLV students had an eye for detail and service, key educational endeavors and provides scholarships to hallmarks of Four Seasons’ philosophy.” Fa small number of choice hospitality programs in the United Setting up the scholarship occurred after a Four Seasons States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, including the William regional vice president meeting where the company was F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. comparing the success rates among different universities. For Stan Bromley, one of the original members of the “Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp noted that the UNLV college’s national advisory board that was formed in 2000, students were doing as well as if not better than most being involved with UNLV was a “no-brainer.” Bromley, who and that those students fit in the company’s philosophy of served as the general manager of the Four Seasons San service,” says Bromley. “We have enjoyed a professional Francisco and a regional vice president overseeing four relationship with UNLV for almost two decades and feel that hotels in the Western states, says: “I had worked with Dean the scholarship is a fitting way to show our appreciation.” In Stuart Mann when he was at Penn State and I was at the addition, Four Seasons employs many UNLV graduates as Four Seasons. Our relationship evolved from one leaders throughout the organization. as colleagues to friends, and when we both ended up on Thomas Gurtner, regional vice president for Four Seasons the West Coast, he informed me that he was setting up an Hotels and Resorts, states, “The caliber of students at UNLV is advisory board at UNLV and that he wanted me on it.” high, and we have been pleased with the success of the many Bromley is a strong believer in educating the hospitality graduates we have recruited and trained who are now working work force and, because of this, advised the corporate office in our hotels around the world.” of Four Seasons to make a five-year pledge to the college in One such alumnus is Christian Gonzalez, ’00, who now 2006. Since then, the company has been a member of the works for Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. “I Dean’s Associates, with a pledge of $50,000. The hotelier take great pride in my education at UNLV because of the real also established the Four Seasons Scholarship in 2006, with a life experiences it provided me,” he says. “Having access to pledge of $25,000, which provides two annual scholarships at faculty who actively work in the hospitality industry, attending $2,500 each. the Summer Studies in Switzerland program, and participating 28 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 in the UNLV F&B Management Team are all opportunities that have benefited my career with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.” Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is the closest Four Seasons destination to UNLV, and the two entities work closely together. The hotel’s management team provides internships and mentoring to students, conducts tours of the hotel, and fills guest- lecture spots at the university to give students greater exposure to the culture and style of Four Seasons. Two students who have benefited directly from Four Seasons’ support are Heidi Berger and Ella Coon. At the college’s spring scholarship luncheon, Berger, who is majoring in hotel management with an emphasis in beverage management, spoke about her experience. “Once I had found my calling and my program, the only items standing in my way were a few classes, a piece of paper, and another huge tuition bill,” she says. “I was elated when I learned that the Four Seasons was giving me a scholarship. I have proved in my classes and throughout my UNLV tenure that I am capable of excellence, and it sure feels great and humbling to be recognized for that.” Coon, who just completed a year abroad in Spain, is a full- time student of UNLV’s Honors College in addition to the hotel program. She is studying hotel administration with a dual major of Spanish for the Profession. “A global perspective and awareness are embraced by the Four Seasons and embedded in its company culture,” says Coon. “I strongly believe Four Seasons recognizes the importance of supporting Ella Coon and Heidi Berger at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas academic development as a means of shaping future leaders of our industry. The Mutton, executive vice president of human resources for assistance I received enabled me to further my career goals corporate Four Seasons, “We have enjoyed a professional and take advantage of a unique opportunity by being enriched relationship with UNLV and wanted to show our appreciation by another set of values in Spain.” in the form of scholarships, financially supporting future College recruitment and relations are an important part of students.” ᵪ Four Seasons’ recruitment strategy as it expands its portfolio of hotels and resorts around the globe. According to Nicholas 29 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER

UNLV Hotel College Alumni Association Board of Directors Robyn Hadden, ’05 MS

his past June, the hotel college Alumni Association Board Tof Directors spent time at a retreat working on mission and vision statements. Since then, the statements have been finalized and are now being used to define just what the UNLV Harrah Hotel College Alumni Chapter is all about.

Vision Statement Our vision is to create and foster relationships for present and future alumni.

Mission Statement Our mission is to grow the Harrah Hotel College Alumni Association; to support the hotel college in achieving its strategic goals; and to promote fellowship among alumni, faculty, and friends of the college.

The UNLV Harrah Hotel College Alumni Board of Directors consists of hotel college alumni who represent various disciplines in the hospitality industry. Established in 2002, the board meets monthly during the academic year to discuss alumni engagement, events, and fundraising, and it is updated with important information from the William F. Peter, ’96, and Milena Arceo, Don Wood Harrah College of Hotel Administration. The board participates in a strategic planning retreat once a year to determine goals and objectives for the upcoming year. At this retreat, institutional events, alumni association events, and college events are discussed. Collectively, the board members determine which events to support with attendance and the best ways to reach out to fellow alumni. “The hotel college is dependent upon the alumni board to help inform other alumni and hospitality industry professionals of what is happening at the Harrah Hotel College,” says Stuart Mann, dean of the college. “The board plays an integral role in helping the college maintain the reputation of our hospitality program — nationally and internationally.” Currently, the board has 12 members who represent many segments of the hospitality industry. The goal of the board makeup is to have representation of different class years, segments of the hospitality industry, graduates from the different departments within the college, and cultural diversity. The alumni board also interacts with current UNLV students, as they are future alumni. Last year, the board Pat, ’69, ’83, and Rosalie Moreo, Lisa Young Thomas, ’07, and worked an alumni booth at the career fair, spoke to classes, Nick Thomas, ’02, ’06 and made a presentation to Hotel House (a designated

30 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009

residence hall floor for hotel college majors) residents. In addition, the board works with the UNLV Alumni ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Association. The chairman of the hotel college alumni Bobbie Barnes, ’93, Dean Kissel, ’92 Salvatore “Sal” board attends the UNLV Alumni Association board ’05 M.Ed. Recruitment Semola, ’81 Mentor Program Chairperson Special Projects meetings, participates in their retreats, and acts as a Outreach Chairperson Holly Mae (Sparks) Chris Smith, ’98 liaison between the boards. Marco Benvenuti, ’02 Lindsay, ’99 Special Projects “This much I know for sure — the diverse, Special Projects Membership Lynda Tache, ’97 multidiscipline hospitality approach to education UNLV Dennis Gradillas, ’91 Co-Chairperson Events Chairperson provided me has proven to be absolutely vital in Strategic Planning Pat Moreo, ’69, ’83 Chairperson Ed.D. my career and life successes,” says board member Executive Members Faculty Liaison Dean Kissel, ’92. “As a student who struggled to work Ken Haas, ’75 Guy Fieri, ’90 Special Projects Fayyaz “Raja” Raja, Jim Germain, ’75 and pay for his own education, I know firsthand how ’92, ’95 critical it is for students to be afforded as much time Christine (Paskvan) Bill McBeath, ’86 Kiely, ’90 Membership Tony Santo, ’84 as possible to be in the classroom, studying, and Chairperson, College Co-Chairperson taking full advantage of such a rich curriculum and Alumni Board culture. This is why I take great pride in contributing monetarily and donate my time as an alumni board member. If these efforts can afford just one student the opportunity to attend and/or take better advantage of the UNLV experience and achieve success in life, it is worth the efforts tenfold.” The alumni board is always interested in meeting alumni and developing relationships. There are many ways you can be involved with the hotel college alumni association — you can join the alumni association, attend alumni events, contact an alumni board member to find out what you can do to help, be a mentor through the mentor program, speak in a class, and much more. For more information about the alumni board, contact Robyn Hadden, director, alumni and college relations, at 702-895-3148 or robyn.hadden@unlv. edu. ᵪ Judy Nagai, Sal, ’81, and Julie Semola

Monica Moradkhan, ’04, and Kevin Allen, ’02 Angie Smith, Fayyaz Raja, ’92, ’95, and Chris Smith, ’98

31 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER Daniel

Rory

by Singapore Roundup Photo Gaylene Levesque

APacCHRIE given the opportunity to study at UNLV’s Conference 2009 Singapore campus for one session (six The seventh weeks). APacCHRIE conference Li Yue Feng and Wang Ying Chi came (APacCHRIE Conference from Shin Chien University in Taipei, Taiwan, 2009) was hosted by and Laowanitwisit Kwanjai and Piyanuch UNLV’s Singapore campus Boochangkool arrived from Dusit Thani May 28–31. With more College in Bangkok, Thailand, adding another than 200 delegates in international dimension to the campus. attendance, it was the Some of the Singaporean students have now first time the conference expressed an interest in going to Taiwan and was organized entirely by Thailand for their internships and a possible undergraduate students. It exchange. Because of this, the campus is was also the conference’s looking into establishing a UNLV Singapore inaugural APacCHRIE Student Exchange Alumni Association. Youth Conference. Next year’s conference will be in Instructors Visit Singapore Bangkok, and in 2011, it will Campus be in Hong Kong, so mark Teaching in Singapore offers visiting faculty your calendar. from UNLV’s main campus the opportunity to experience one of the most modern cities UNLV Singapore in Asia with its great variety of shopping, Celebrates First eating, and cultural experiences. Visiting Commencement instructors can savor the first-class facilities of UNLV Singapore while experiencing a unique On Saturday, June 6, culture and can take back to their students UNLV’s first international on the main campus an understanding of campus conferred 34 globalization and of the international contribution undergraduate degrees in that UNLV Singapore brings to the educational Hotel Administration and seven master’s degrees sector of the hospitality industry. in Hospitality Administration. Guests of honor Instructors who have taken advantage of this included Lee Yi Shyan, Ministry of Trade and opportunity include Karl Brandmeir, ’01 MS, ’06 Industry and Ministry of Manpower, Singapore; Ph.D.; Neil Baker, the world’s first Ph.D. graduate embassy officials from the U.S. government and in gaming; Heather Lusty, a doctoral candidate the government of the People’s Republic of China; with UNLV’s English Department; Andrew Hanson, GMs of leading hotels in Singapore; Dean Stuart with UNLV’s Geo-Science Department; Gary Mann of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Waters, ’79, ’93 MS; and Merry Xing, associate Administration; and then-president of UNLV David professor with the Shanghai Institute of Tourism, B. Ashley. the oldest hospitality university in the People’s Republic of China. UNLV Singapore’s First Exchange Andy Nazarechuk, dean of the Singapore Students campus, says he intends to continue bringing When professors in Thailand and Taiwan in professors from other universities. “With the announced the opportunity to study at UNLV opening of a UNLV campus in Asia, we are Singapore, students eagerly lined up to participate. ensuring the internationalization of our program. After a rigorous process that included applications, Exchanges with academics from other countries grade reviews, interviews, and essays, two provide our faculty and students the opportunity students each from Thailand and Taiwan were to learn from and share ideas and techniques with

32 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 educators from the global community.” So far, 32 instructors have taken part in the Visiting Professor Program of UNLV’s first international campus in Singapore.

UNLV Singapore’s First Cohort Begins Internships The rite of passage from student to professional has begun for UNLV Singapore’s first group of students who have finished their course work and embarked on their internships. The students are carving out a name not only for themselves but also for the UNLV program, since the concept of managerial interns is new to most hotels in Singapore. Students have been placed at top-ranked hotels such as the Four Seasons, the Ritz- Carlton, the Conrad, the Meritus-Mandarin, and the Intercontinental in Singapore, while others have found internships in Japan, Vietnam, Dubai, and the Maldives. ᵪ

33 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER " % & , " -('. !#' . + , "*

Christine Bergman was appointed by Dean administration, teaching, recruitment, and Stuart Mann as associate dean for Academic retention activities. Prior to this appointment, Affairs, a position she began in July. Renio held a similar position at Eastern Kentucky University for three years and from Congratulations to Bo Bernhard, ’99, on the 2001 to 2006, he was the assistant director birth of his daughter, Audrey Brynne, born for the PGA Golf Management program at August 6. New Mexico State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State Congratulations to Bradley Bigham, ’09, on University and recently completed his master’s the birth of his daughter, Ryley Kalista, born in degree at Eastern Kentucky University. November 2008. Master of Hospitality Congrats to the three professors who were Administration alumna honored as track chairs during the seventh Larissa Schultz, ’08, was APacCHRIE Conference 2009, held in end recently honored with the In April, three students attended the 24th International of May in Singapore: Jim Busser, Leisure & 2008 Professional Paper of Tourism Students Conference (ITSC), which was Recreation; Mehmet Erdem, ’03, Information the Year Award, given by the hosted by NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences, Technology; and Yen-Soon Kim, Foodservice. William F. Harrah College of The Netherlands. Delegates Breanne Davies, Gina Larissa Hotel Administration. The Galvan, and Jonathan Glidewell won two major awards The hotel management department welcomes Schultz title of her paper is “Meeting (the best research paper and the best market stall) Dana Cotham, appointed faculty-in-residence Planning Basics: A Guide for Administrative during the conference. UNLV was the only American beginning this fall. Cotham is a graduate of Professionals,” and the final product is an hospitality school in attendance although there were the William S. Boyd School of Law and has actual reference document that can be used by students from France, the United Kingdom, Portugal, practiced law in Las Vegas since 2001. Her administrative assistants for planning corporate Austria, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Spain, previous work experience includes serving as meetings. She hopes to have it published in Greece, Cuba, and South Africa. human resources director for several firms. She 2010. The theme of this year’s conference was “The will teach hospitality law and employment law New Tourist and Co-Creation.” Under the guidance of courses. Patti Shock was recently sworn in as a professors Seyhmus Baloglu and Mohsen Azizsoltani, member of the city of Henderson’s Commission the undergraduate students conducted their research Congratulations to Nakia Jackson-Hale on for Cultural Arts and Tourism. The board is on “Social Media (Network) Strategies Used in the birth of her son, Jackson Robert, born responsible for bringing a variety of art and Las Vegas Hospitality Industry: Co-creating New August 17. culture to the Henderson community through Relationship with Customers.” The students utilized sponsorship of concerts, festivals, special content analyses and telephone interviews to build Kathryn LaTour’s research was mentioned events, and performances. their case. The 30-page case study won the Best in the June 2009 issue of United Airlines’ Research Paper award and the student delegates Hemispheres magazine. The article, titled Congratulations to former student Michael were also honored for having the Best Market Stall. “Remembrance of Cocoa Puffs Past,” included Ty, who recently won the American Culinary Each year, the host school assigns a market stall to findings from LaTour’s 2007 study on the brand Federation (ACF) national presidency. A leader each participating institution, which they decorate meanings of cars using the Childhood Memory in the culinary world, Ty has served as chairman to represent their institutions and native countries. Elicitation method. of the board of the ACD and president of the These market stall presentations offer great Las Vegas Chapter of the ACF. He serves on opportunities for students to acquire information Stuart Mann received the Stevenson W. a number of university advisory boards as well about other institutions and learn about students from Fletcher Achievement Award at the 2009 and received an Industry Achievement Award different countries. ICHRIE Annual Conference in San Francisco from the Food and Beverage Program at UNLV. in August. This award, formerly called the Congratulations to the following faculty who have International CHRIE Achievement Award, Gary Xavier, ’09, spoke during had research recently published: was renamed in 1994 to honor Stevenson May’s afternoon commencement W. Fletcher, former program head of Hotel, ceremony. After submitting a • Kincaid, Clark S., and Baloglu, Seyhmus Restaurant, and Travel Administration at the speech, meeting academic (2006). An exploratory study on the impact University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The and leadership criteria, and of self-service technology on restaurant award recognizes an individual educator auditioning to be a speaker, operations, Journal of Foodservice Business for outstanding achievement in contributing Xavier says representing his Research, 8:3, 55-65. innovative ideas, methods, or programs class and the PGA program Gary • Kincaid, Clark S.; Baloglu, Seyhmus; and that have advanced teaching, learning, or was a “humbling honor.” Xavier Xavier Corsun, David (2008). Modeling ethics: The practice in the field of hospitality and tourism expressed his belief that his generation is in impact of management actions on restaurant education. The recipient must also demonstrate an “opportunity phase in their lives, despite workers’ ethical optimism, International Journal exceptional professional ability and commitment the floundering economy. It’s a time to create of Hospitality Management, 27:470-477. through service to International CHRIE and the different forms of industry and to reflect on • Kitterlin, Miranda, and Erdem, Mehmet (2009). hospitality industry. similar past situations and how people have A qualitative assessment of employee attitudes been resilient.” He is currently working in toward pre-employment drug testing in the In July, Eddy Renio began Vacaville, Calif., as a junior golf tournament full-service restaurant industry. The Consortium as the PGA Golf Management director for the Northern California PGA. To hear Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 14(1), 5-21. program’s coordinator. His duties his graduation speech, visit http://hotel.unlv.edu/ • Livengood, Jennifer S. (2009). The role of include coordinating Play Golf pga/alumni/xavier/. leisure in the personal spirituality of New America University programming Paradigm Christians. Leisure, 33(1), 389-417. and assisting the program in Eddy Renio 34 Photo by Aaron Mayes, ’06 PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 !"' #!/ " + %!0 1 ' . ) * Submit your updates to [email protected]

George McGann, ’81, is by 15 percent, and designing an 1 9 7 0 s the vice president, managing 2 0 0 0 s ordering and supply process that Jim Mikula, ’78, director of Pyramid Hotel Group Thomas Anschutz, ’01, earned allows Crystal Cruises to be fully is the general and the general manager of the his law degree from the University operational anywhere in the world. manager for Hotel Los Angeles Marriott Burbank of in 2004. He currently Baronette in Novi, Airport. Friends can contact him at serves as an Of Counsel attorney in Joe Lucchese, ’02, recently Mich. He has been [email protected]. the Labor and Employment Group toured with U2, hosting VIP events busy rebranding of Spencer Fane Britt & Browne and consumer engagements the hotel to become LLP in Omaha, Neb., but recently for the tour’s concert sponsor The Baronette, a Jim Mikula 1 9 9 0 s accepted an attorney position BlackBerry. Lucchese is the Renaissance Hotel. with a new law firm. Anschutz founder of EventJoe, an event and Roni Benenson de Sterin, ’99, continues to represent employers tour management company based moved back to Israel in 2006 after in all manner of traditional labor and in Las Vegas and Chicago. working as a sales manager at 1 9 8 0 s employment issues. Caesars Palace for several years. Kaitlin Riggio, ’07, is a hotel Jim Bunch, ’83, Since her return to Israel, she has Robert Gaines, ’09, is currently manager at Caesars Palace in was awarded worked for Lexus and Netafim, an working at the Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas. She recently received the Silver Beaver agricultural company. Currently, as Internet marketing specialist: recognition in MeetingNews designation by she is the global marketing running, overseeing, creating, magazine as one of the nation’s the Mid-America communications manager for the developing, and basically doing “Ones to Watch: 30 Under 30.” Council of the Boy Stockton Group, an agrochemical everything for the property’s social She currently sits on the American Scouts of America company that developed an all- media outlets. The Hilton’s social Hotel & Lodging Association’s Jim Bunch in Omaha, Neb., natural/organic biopesticide. She media sites are www.YouTube. Under 30 Gateway Council and the highest national award that can married David de Sterin earlier this com/theOriginalLVHilton, www. is also the chair for the Nevada be given by the local council for year in Tel Aviv. facebook.com/LasVegasHilton, Hotel & Lodging Association’s service to youth. and www.Twitter.com/ Under 30 Gateway Council. For Elliot Dubin, ’99, resides in LasVegasHilton. His contact info more information on the Under 30 Ed Conway, ’88, is and is attending NIU Law is [email protected], Twitter Gateways, please contact her at the general manager School. He can be contacted at name: @RobertGaines. [email protected]. of Sedona Rouge [email protected]. Hotel & Spa in Nina Hassing, ’08, moved to Yolanda Tuttle-Williams, Sedona, Ariz. He has Dorie Groudan, CMP, ’95, was Singapore for a management trainee ’07, was recently accepted into just expanded the recruited by CLI Groups, a premier position with the new St. Regis Hotel the accelerated master’s of spa and is currently destination management company after graduating. Recently, she was tourism administration program seeking re-zoning Ed Conway based in Las Vegas, as its national promoted to assistant manager of at George Washington University on the property to expand the sales manager in July 2009. Remède Spa, St. Regis Singapore. in Washington, D.C. She can be number of rooms and suites at She provides travel coordination She can be reached at nina. reached at [email protected]. the resort. He may be reached at and event planning services to [email protected]. [email protected], or corporate incentive and convention Maggie Vasquez, ’09, is working visit the resort’s website at www. groups of all sizes and can be Matt Higginson, ’07, is currently at the Wyndham Grand Desert sedonarouge.com. contacted at dgroudan@cligroups. the front office manager for Welk in Las Vegas as a PBX operator. com. Resorts. He is also co-founder and Friends are encouraged to contact Mary Beth vice president of operations for her at [email protected]. Cutshall, ’88, Lyra (Beck) Hynie, ’93, was PictureThis! Event Services LLC, is the director married two years ago in Key a unique event services company Joseph Wagner, ’00, is the director of business West and is currently residing in based in with affiliates in of VIP operations for Venetian Resort development for North Las Vegas. She is a revenue Orange County, San Diego, San Hotel Casino and Palazzo Resort Hotel Equities contractor for a California-based Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. He may (HE), an Atlanta- company and handles properties and Phoenix. He can be reached be reached at joseph.wagner@ Mary Beth based, full-scale in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs. at [email protected]. venetianpalazzo.com. Cutshall hotel management, She encourages anyone who development, and consulting wants a good deal to reach her at Adam Lopez, ’02, Heather L. firm. She spent her early years in [email protected]. works as the fleet Willden, CSEP, the hospitality business honing slot manager at ’05, is scheduled to her skills in various sales and Evelyn Ramos, ’94, is the Crystal Cruises in graduate from UNLV operations positions with Marriott executive manager of special the Louisville, Ky., in December with her International. She also served as events at the American Gem area. Some of his master’s degree in the corporate director of sales and Society in Las Vegas. Prior to this, accomplishments hotel administration marketing with Hotel Investors Ramos was the director of catering include: being Adam Lopez and is pursuing new Heather Trust, including the firm’s transition sales for Wolfgang Puck Catering selected by the senior vice opportunities in the Wilden to Starwood Lodging Corporation. at the Springs Preserve in Las president to take over the slot industry. She can be reached at Prior to joining HE, she managed Vegas. operations for Crystal Cruises, [email protected], or her own marketing and sales contributing to the new casino can be followed at Twitter name: consulting firm for several years. layout and networking system, @heatherwillden. successfully increasing revenue 35 FALL/WINTER 2009 ! PREMIER On June 7, the iconic One Times Square marquee 36 featured the UNLV Singapore graduation. PREMIER ! FALL/WINTER 2009 MAKE UNLV T H E P L A C E FOR YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT

old a cocktail party on campus? H How about a wedding reception Chef Gremo or a sports bash? It can be done, as can “We can do anything you need,” a number of different types of events, said Chef John Gremo when talking thanks to the banquet and meeting about holding events at the Stan Fulton Building. “Theme parties, room space available at the Stan Fulton bar mitzvahs, wedding receptions, Building. With more than 6,000 square alumni events, seminars, confer- ences…anything you can think of!” feet of space as well as a professional catering staff, the Stan Fulton Building can From plated dinners for 10 to 200 people, continental breakfasts, accommodate small meetings and conferences as well as receptions for up to 300 people and full-service basic lunches or buffets, Chef Gremo dinners for 200 people. The Stan Fulton Building is also home to a hip yet comfortable lounge-style bar. will figure out how to make your dream a reality. “We recently did an Conveniently located at the edge of campus on the corner of Flamingo Road and Swenson, the Stan amusement park theme, complete Fulton Building is an ideal setting for special events and meetings. Executive Chef John Gremo and his with video games, pool tables, chili talented culinary team will deliver an unforgettable dining experience, whether your group is in need of a cheese fries—the works.” continental breakfast, a working lunch, or an upscale, seated dinner. A variety of menu options are available Whether you need a wedding cake or an ice carving for your event, and Chef Gremo can also personalize a custom menu to enhance the overall goal of your event. know with confidence that Chef The next time you’re looking for the perfect space in which to host your special event, look no further Gremo’s staff can handle it. They than the experts at the Harrah Hotel College. With the range of services and room styles available, there is are also able to do nearly every type of ethnic food, from Chinese to certain to be one that fits your needs perfectly! Mexican to Italian, as well as health- FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT FRANK VITUCCI AT conscious and vegetarian menus. (702) 895-3903 OR [email protected]. University of Nevada, Las Vegas Non-Profit Org. William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration Office of the Dean US Postage Box 456013, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway PAID Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013 Permit No. 200 Las Vegas NV

Career Power at Your Fingertips!

“The MHA program definitely gave me an Staying ahead in the hospitality industry edge on the interview process. I really don’t means continuously increasing your think anyone would have taken a serious look knowledge and honing your skills. Isn’t it at me with three years off from the industry, time you added a master’s degree to your without some higher education under my long line of accomplishments? belt. I am a big fan of the program, as it has totally exceeded my expectations (which were 3 Courses offered totally online very high to begin with).” 3 Study on your schedule Cynthia Mejia 3 Books included in fees and shipped to Chef Instructor your door Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts Dallas 3 It’s education on YOUR terms.

MASTER’S OF HOSPITALITY ADMINISTRATION Executive Degree Program William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration Las Vegas Campus Ph: 702-895-5430 Fax: 702-895-2713 [email protected] Singapore Campus Ph: (65) 6332-9538 Fax: (65) 6332-9531 [email protected] Website: http://Hotel.UNLV.Edu