Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah College College of Hospitality

Fall 2005

Premier

Dean Mann

Robyn Campbell-Ouchida

Russell Dazzio

Tony Allen

Karen Sharp

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Part of the Hospitality Administration and Management Commons

Repository Citation Mann, D., Campbell-Ouchida, R., Dazzio, R., Allen, T., Sharp, K. (2005). Premier. In Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, 1-32. Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/premier/24

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This Magazine has been accepted for inclusion in Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah Hotel College by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A WILLIAM F. HARRAH HOTEL COLLEGE OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION PUBLICATION REMIER PPF A L L 2 0 0 5 Sal Semola Supports Students

REALITY TV AND TOURISM STAYINGTAYING SSAFEAFE A “WYNN”INGWYNNING TEAM OPENS COMBINATION NEW RESORT invent the future . . . the 50th anniversary campaign for the university of , las vegas

harr ahleadership community legendary standard innovation of excellence creativity

celebrate these accomplishment hoteltraditions with us supportive faculty give to the harrah hotel transformational college annual fund talent For more information contact Karin Olsen, expertise Director of External Relations at (702) 895-3148 or [email protected] pride PREMIER National Advisory Board The official magazine of the William F. Harrah College William Allen, III In this of Hotel Administration Outback Steakhouse

OFFICE OF THE DEAN Patricia Anton 4505 Maryland Parkway Anton Airfood Box 456013 William Anton Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013 Anton Airfood (702) 895-3161 George E. Baggot, CFSP Stuart H. Mann BEE Thr LLC Dean Debi Benedetti Beyond the Possible James Busser Issue Associate Dean Elizabeth Blau 3 ...... UNLV Enrolls Students Elizabeth Blau & Assoc. Seyhmus Baloglu Displaced by Hurricane Associate Dean Jonathan Boulware Primm Valley Resorts Katrina Pearl Brewer, Director Stan Bromley Graduate Studies Four Seasons Hotel ...... International Hospitality Andrew Feinstein ’91, ’95 MS John R. Donovan, Jr. 3 Chair, Food & Beverage Aramark Summit A Success Management Deirdre Flynn Gail Sammons ’87 MS NAFEM Chair, Hotel Management Marvin M. Franklin 8 ...... A “Wynn”ing Team Opens Commercial Growth Partners Patti Shock New Resort Chair, Tourism & Convention Douglas K. Fryett Administration Fryett Consulting Group

Robyn Campbell-Ouchida ’00 MA Richard J. Goeglein 10 ...... Scholarship Luncheon Recap Editor Evening Star Hospitality Robert N. Grimes Judy Nagai-Allison Accuvia 12 ...... INNovation Village Update Director of Alumni Affairs David W. Head Page 16 Karin Olsen Tony Roma’s Restaurants

Director of External Relations 14 ...... Staying Safe in the Van V. Heffner Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Industry Alumni Association Nevada Tourism Alliance

Board Of Directors Bill McBeath ’86 CHAIR 16 ...... Dinner of Distinction

Marcus Threats ’87, ’99 MBA E. Dean McClain R & R Global Hospitality Honors Vallen Nevada Gold Tulsa

Paula Eylar ’89, ’97 MBA Stephen G. Michaelides Boyd Gaming Words, Ink ...... Reality TV Impacts Tourism 18 James Germain ’75 Richard Mirman Harrah’s Entertainment USA Hosts ...... Harrah’s Scholarship Honoree Jim Moore 24 Dennis Gradillas ’91 Moore Ideas, Inc. Tropicana Resort & Paul B. Mullen ...... UNLV Singapore Announced Page 7 Paula O’Donnell ’75 MICE North America 28 Boardwalk Hotel & Casino Douglas Parker The Parker Co. Christine Paskvan Kiely, ’90 Clear Channel Taxi Media Bill Paulos ’69 Millennium Management Group Fayyaz Raja ’92, ’95 Raja Enterprises Ron Shiflett D EPART MENTS Marriott International Western Region Holly Mae Sparks ’99 Dean’s Message ...... 2 Delmonico Steakhouse Arch Stokes, Esquire Shea, Stokes & Carter, ALC Congratulations ...... Susie Southgate-Fox 21 Executive Members Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

William McBeath ’86 John F. Sweeney, RRP, ISHC Alumni Updates...... 22 The Bellagio Chairman, Global Resorts, Inc.

Anthony Santo ’84 Taketoshi Takemoto In Remembrance ...... 23 Caesars Entertainment Ace Denken Co. Honor Roll of Giving ...... UNLV is an AA/EEO Institution Claudine Williams 26 Cover photo by Geri Kodey Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

Concept design by Georgina Corbalan Design & production by Reprographics/Design Services 1 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005

A MESSAGE from Dean Mann

The $500 million campaign Olsen, Judy Nagai-Allison, Karen announced by President Sharp, Michelle Jordan, and their Carol C. Harter will assistants (sometimes graduate enhance the existing efforts assistants), would not have been of the Harrah Hotel College possible without private support. to raise the dollars needed We must raise the money annually to build out the 10-plus to pay the salaries and benefits for acres on the North West these individuals who play such a corner of the UNLV campus critical role in the infrastructure at the Swenson/Flamingo and advancement of the Harrah intersection. We will be asking Hotel College and our strategic many of you to help us with both goals. It would be wonderful if in Envision monetary gifts and in-kind gifts of the campaign we were successful a special your time and products to assist us in in creating endowments that would corner of UNLV creating INNovation Village. put these positions in a status where with the world’s finest providers of we would not have to rely on annual hospitality products and services A major campaign is often gifts. University endowments pay as our partners. This will become a undertaken at universities to assist out at a rate of about four percent reality as we anticipate a major gift in the funding of scholarships, annually so the principal that we to launch our long awaited project, fellowships, student and faculty would need to raise is considerable, INNovation Village. Vendors such professional development, endowed around $10 million. That amount as Microsoft, Micros, Bose, Sony, distinguished professorships and would be retained as the principal SBC, and companies like Harrah’s chairs, and a host of other needs of the endowment with the annual Entertainment, MGM MIRAGE, in addition to the actual physical payout yielding around $400,000 Marriott, Hyatt, and Mandarin buildings. These funds are needed each year to cover our “Advancement Oriental have expressed interest in because in public universities there Team.” joining with our efforts. Everyone is never enough state funding I have spoken with is excited about to provide for all of the required While we confront unprecedented the potential of using the hospitality expenditures. In order for the Harrah human needs from our country’s campus as a site for research, Hotel College to continue its ascent natural disasters, each of you is development and demonstration and retain its leadership position being asked to be a part of our of products and services for the among the world’s finest hospitality journey to INNovation Village. This hospitality and tourism industry. and tourism schools, we must hire is an exciting time to assist UNLV in Because such a site does not and retain outstanding faculty. We achieving its vision in becoming one exist anywhere in the world, we must recruit the best undergraduate of the country’s finest metropolitan have named this “special corner” and graduate students from around research universities. Your support INNovation Village. the world. We must have and as a new or ongoing donor will help maintain state-of-the-art facilities. us achieve our collective goals. INNovation Village will become the As many of you know, we have had to Every gift counts and no amount is place for conducting research by raise money to hire staff where there too little. We would like everyone to interacting with customers in a built are no state-provided positions, such be a part of our effort. Let’s make environment (please see the story on as in alumni relations, public affairs, INNovation Village a reality. page 12 for more information). and fundraising. This interaction between individuals and the physical environment in the These positions are crucial to the form of products and services can college’s vision for the future. The be observed and studied across the jobs that have been created in the many dimensions of our university. Harrah Hotel College for Karin

2 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005

HURRICANE KATRINA NEWS UNLV Helps Assist Displaced Students of Hurricane Katrina

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and its aftermath. In addition, accommodate their needs,” said many university students lost their the Harrah Hotel College and Executive Vice President and educational facilities. In order the William S. Boyd School of Provost Raymond Alden. “We to ensure that they are able to Law have been contacted about are happy to be able to help these complete their college educations, accommodating displaced students students continue their studies and UNLV announced on Sept. 1 that it from the hospitality program at the re-establish some normalcy in their would grant temporary enrollment University of New Orleans as well lives during those most difficult to Nevada students, as well as as the law programs at Tulane and times.” others in specialized programs. Loyola. The university has received many For additional information, affected inquiries from Nevada-based “Our deans are working closely students or families should contact students enrolled in universities with their counterparts at UNLV’s Office of Admissions at impacted by the devastating storm the affected universities to (702) 774-8658.

HOSPITALITY SUMMIT International Hospitality Summit Offers Myriad of Learning Opportunities

The Las Vegas International Hospitality and Convention Summit took place at UNLV June 5 – 7. This year’s 90 participants were able to hear experts speak on a number of different issues, including bed and breakfast operations, cruise ships, wine allocation, and tradeshow exhibitions. In addition, they were also able to take tours of some of Las Vegas’ most exciting hotel/ Participating in the “Crystal Ball Panel” at the International Hospitality & . Convention Summit in June are (from left): Gus Tejeda ’89, Bellagio; John Bruns, Harrah’s; and Punam Mathur, MGM MIRAGE. Dean Mann The keynote speaker for the event moderated the discussion. was Jim Moore of Moore Ideas, Incorporated. Other speakers MGM MIRAGE; Steven Seghers, academic research and briefings and panelists included John vice president of hospitality for from top industry professionals Bruns, corporate vice president HyperDisk Media, Inc., and Gus in the fields of hospitality, of service operations for Harrah’s Tejeda, executive director of tourism, conventions, events, food Entertainment, Inc.; Phillip S. convention sales for Bellagio. and beverage, gaming, clubs, Cooke, chairman emeritus of entertainment, and leisure services. FSA Group; Punam Mathur, Next year’s summit will take For more information, visit http:// senior vice president of corporate place June 4 – 7. This affordable tca.unlv.edu/summit. diversity and community affairs at conference offers presentations of

3 Semola Scholarship

alvatore “Sal” Semola ’81 is a Sman who knows the importance of a college education. While there are many people in the gaming field who don’t believe a degree is necessary, Semola knows otherwise and places emphasis on those who do have a degree. He’s well aware that a majority of UNLV students are not traditional college students and that many have full-time jobs, take care of families, and have other obligations.

It’s for that reason that Semola recently endowed a scholarship fund available to qualified students of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. “Without a doubt, my UNLV experience has helped me attain the success I have enjoyed,” said Semola. “I remember how important it was for me to receive financial aid and I want to replicate that feeling for others. It’s what you’re supposed to do.”

Semola moved to Las Vegas with his family in 1976 and although he had begun his college career in Pennsylvania, he was disenchanted with the psychology major he had been pursuing. When he visited UNLV the year before he moved to Las Vegas, he had checked out the hotel college and thought he might enjoy a career in that field. “I had worked in food and beverage while I was in high school Photos by Geri Kodey and knew that I didn’t want to come up

4 Supports Student

by Robyn Campbell-Ouchida ’00 MA Endeavors

through the ranks that way,” said Semola. “Leo Lewis United States as a result of his efforts while he was taught an upper division casino management class at the chief operating officer at Greektown Casino. He UNLV and that really piqued my interest. Of course, served as adjunct professor here at UNLV, teaching I knew my opportunities in the industry were limited courses in gaming management. He also served as an because at that time, gaming was only available instructor for the Gaming Management Series for the in Nevada and Atlantic City. Little did I know how University of Nevada, Reno. In addition to his BS in widespread the gaming industry would become in just Hotel Administration, he also earned an associate’s a few short years.” degree of applied science in resort occupations-casino management. As a student who also held a full-time job, Semola was excited to receive a scholarship that helped him pay “In addition to working really hard in school, students for books. “I remember when I worked as a pit clerk at should be able to enjoy the college experience,” said the original MGM Grand, I would study on my breaks,” Semola. “If my gift helps students not have to work Semola reminisces. “There were a few people who so hard outside the classroom, they will have time to teased me about why I wanted a degree. In a few enjoy social interactions and make even more positive short years, after I had moved up the ranks in the memories of their time at UNLV.” casino, they didn’t laugh anymore. At that time, it was rare to find a senior management executive in Endowments such as Sal Semola’s help the the gaming industry who had education in that area. advancement of student education. These gifts provide That was a definite plus for me.” deserving students with the “extra” they need in order to succeed. “Simply put, affordability is synonymous Semola is now the vice president and general manager with access to an excellent education, and in the of the Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin. past decade, that access has become a significant He started his career in the industry as a busboy at challenge,” said Karin Olsen, director of external the , before becoming a pit clerk in 1980. relations for the Harrah Hotel College. “Given the caps All the while, he continued his studies while moving on federal subsidized loans and other restrictions, a up the corporate ladder. By 1990, he had risen to the college education has been placed out of the reach of position of assistant casino manager at the many qualified students. More funding for student Hotel & Casino. In addition to working in land-based scholarships, made possible by generous alums like casinos, he has also worked on riverboats and in Sal Semola, enable the college to lighten the burden of Native American casinos. He has been involved in enrolled students and open the door of opportunity to opening and operating three different casino projects qualified candidates who would otherwise be unable to beginning with the Silver Eagle Casino Riverboat receive a high quality education at UNLV.” in Galena, Ill. as director of casino operations. He also opened the Station Casino Kansas City, Mo. and For more information on how to provide support to Greektown Casino in Detroit, Mich. His prior positions students, please contact Karin Olsen, director of include general manager of the Casino of the Sun, a external relations for the Harrah Hotel College at Native American casino in Tucson, Ariz. and assistant (702) 895-3148 or via e-mail at [email protected]. casino manager at the Reno Hilton in Nevada. Sal Semola looks forward to hearing from former In the fall of 2003, Semola was recognized as students as well as friends and classmates. He can be “Gaming Professional of the Year” for the Eastern reached via e-mail at [email protected].

5 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 WHY I CHOSE TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY

JOHN (JACK) R. DONOVAN Senior Vice President and President ARAMARK Business, Sports and Entertainment National Advisory Board Member

I chose to work in the hospitality I saw that I could make a living and make a life for myself within the hospitality industry. industry because I got lucky – More importantly, my life was consistent with core values on which I had been raised. So even but it was by my father’s definition: though I thought about law school, I accepted a job with that same company after college lucky is when opportunity meets graduation. hard work. I have always liked the “feeling” of the industry. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from serving others – and serving them well. The opportunity first presented itself when When I look at all the incredible places that I was in high school in Albany, Ga. A food this profession has taken me, I am absolutely service company posted a part-time job and I amazed. I couldn’t be further away from that worked there after school and on weekends. little town in the southwest corner of Georgia, When the company learned I went to college but then again, I couldn’t be any closer to the where it had a food service contract, it offered environment of a small community where a me the opportunity to work as night supervisor sense of pride is earned by working hard and at a campus snack bar. serving others.

6 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Elisa Hobbs

Over the years, Las Vegas has looking into programs and came UNLV. Once I learned a little more become more and more of a to the conclusion that the Harrah about it, I was sold…it would be a destination for meetings and Hotel College’s program would great way to gain more experience conventions. Now master’s student give me more practical, hands-on and assured me that I was making Elisa Hobbs, who has always experience than some others I was the right decision about which field enjoyed coordinating events, researching.” I wanted to go into.” gets to do it in one of the most exciting cities in the world. After Upon her arrival at UNLV, she Needless to say, with Hobbs’ graduating with a bachelor’s happened to meet Patti Shock, experience and business acumen, degree from Loyola Marymount department chairperson, Tourism nearly 100 attendees showed University in Los Angeles in and Convention Administration, up and the conference went 2001, she went to work for San who asked her about her seamlessly. “Having Professors Diego’s Event Network as an background and her future plans. Patti Shock and Curtis Love take office manager. After coordinating “I told her that I really wanted to me under their wing and show events and meetings for three focus on meetings and tourism me what the convention industry years, she decided that she wanted and she asked me if I wanted a is all about really helped me. I to prepare herself for a job more job,” recalls Hobbs. “I was caught had opportunities to network focused on event and convention off-guard and when I asked her and subsequently, get a job at planning. to explain further, she explained Wynn Resort.” Hobbs is currently that she was looking to hire working as a convention services “My mom suggested I look into someone to coordinate the annual coordinator at Wynn Resort and UNLV, as she had recently moved International Hospitality and will graduate in May 2006. to Las Vegas,” said Hobbs. “I began Convention Summit that is held at

7 A “Wynn”ing Team Opens New Resort

Alumni and Students Help Open New Property

he April 2005 opening of by Robyn Campbell-Ouchida ’00 MA interaction with the students was a feat anymore,” said Cormany. “Working T that those “in the know” dean of students at the Ringling in residence halls, planning special considered a challenge. Veterans School of Art and Design; and events, and working one-on-one who have opened many will the associate and acting dean of with the students were the best tell you that opening a property Students at Malone College in parts of the positions I held and I of this scale is no small challenge. Canton, Ohio. Having graduated knew that there had to be a way to Everything must be perfect, from from college in the late 70s, put those skills to use in another the linens in the bedrooms to the Cormany even worked in a student industry.” place settings in the restaurants. “When I was working at It takes a team of seasoned the Ringling School, I had the professionals to get it right. opportunity to do a lot of projects Luckily, the new Wynn resort with Disney. I really enjoyed had a lot of those professionals learning the hospitality aspects of on hand. With the Harrah Hotel that phenomenal company and the College turning out expertly trained more I thought about it, I knew I hospitality employees right down could parlay the skills I had into the street, it was no surprise that something more enjoyable.” everything went as planned. In 2001, Cormany returned to The nontraditional educational school at the University of Hawaii. program offered by the college “I still wasn’t sure exactly where ensures that hotel properties my career and my education were worldwide are staffed by those headed and after the tragedy of who have been trained in all September 11, 2001, the Hawaiian aspects of the field. While some tourism industry took a nose dive.” are “traditional” students in every Cormany’s attention turned sense of the word, the majority are stateside. He decided to attend UNLV not. Many students have jobs, take with the goal of completing a degree care of families, and have extra in hospitality, although he didn’t responsibilities that make learning necessarily have the convention and Alumnus Dan Cormany even more of a challenge. Dan meeting industry in mind. Cormany ’04 MS is a remarkable When asked why he chose the example of how UNLV, and in orientation program at Bowling Harrah Hotel College, Cormany particular the Harrah Hotel College, Green University. Needless to say, replied, “I looked into a number can impact a nontraditional student. he had vast amounts of experience of schools that had hospitality Cormany came to UNLV in the field. programs and chose UNLV with after spending twenty years as a “Although I had enjoyed working two things in mind. First was university administrator. He had in university administration for the location. Las Vegas has served as the dean of students at many years, I was getting to the a practically recession-proof Chaminade University of Honolulu; point where I didn’t get much tourism industry, where I knew I

8 Photo by Geri Kodey

could gain valuable experience, job that most undergraduates available to all employees of the and secondly, I wanted a hands- wouldn’t even want—calling old property. on educational experience with customers to update the All of his hard work and sound training. I knew I would get new Wynn Las Vegas marketing determination paid off and this at UNLV. For someone with database. “Being on property got ultimately, last September, Cormany my interests, coming to Las Vegas me access to people who saw that was offered one of six highly sought was like coming to Mecca!” I was capable of doing much more. after positions as a convention He entered the Harrah Hotel When Arte Nathan [Wynn’s senior service manager for Wynn Las College to make a complete vice president and chief human Vegas. “I wasn’t sure I was ready career change from university resources officer] was looking for for the job but it’s turned out to be administration to acquire the skills someone to complete some research one of the most exciting things I’ve necessary to work in the special projects on the world’s largest done professionally. And one of the events planning aspect of the hotels, I was able to do the job and best parts is that nearly everyone hospitality industry. He volunteered prove myself.” in the department I work in are to work dozens of trade shows and Eventually he proposed his idea Harrah Hotel College alumni.” conventions while attending school of writing a cultural guide for the His journey from having no prior full-time. He also helped organize convention sales department so experience in the field to obtaining and produce the Hospitality and they would better understand the a position in a premier property is Business Marketplace, UNLV different nationalities they would nothing short of amazing. He did Career Day, and also managed a be working with as clientele. “I it by combining higher education convention for Food and Beverage thought it was fascinating to learn with practical experience. He now Professor Andy Feinstein. all the cultural nuances and I knew wants to give back to the college by Upon his arrival in Las Vegas, that this would be important for the teaching convention services as an Cormany knew nobody. “I’m forever property.” adjunct faculty member. indebted to Professor Curtis Love,” Cormany completed an unpaid In addition to Cormany, he said. “He helped me make some internship with Wynn Las Vegas in convention services coordinator connections, including one with the summer 2004, creating a cultural and master’s student Elisa Hobbs, people at Wynn Las Vegas, which guide for employees to better there are four more Harrah Hotel allowed me to see the inside of understand the various customs and College alumni plus one current hotel/casino operations. cultures of the guests that Wynn student working in this department Cormany took on a volunteer would serve. That guide is now at Wynn Las Vegas.

9 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

Students and Faculty Honored at Spring Scholarship Event

In April, the Stan Fulton Building hosted the UNLV Scholarship Luncheon. Nearly 200 Hotel College students were recognized for receiving scholarships from a number of funding sources. In addition, three professors were also recognized for their achievements. Each year, a Resort vice president and general manager committee of faculty select Joe Hasson, Betty Tata, and Dean Mann attend the UNLV their peers to receive awards Scholarship Luncheon. and recognition for their outstanding contributions to the college. Zheng Gu, Ph.D. was honored with the Sam and Mary Boyd Distinguished Professor Award For Research; chef Jean Hertzman Zheng Gu received the was awarded the Distinguished Professor Sam and Mary Award for Research. Boyd Distinguished Professor Award for Teaching; and Andy Above: Chef Jean Nazarechuk, Ph.D. received Hertzman is honored the Sam and Mary Boyd with a Distinguished Distinguished Professor Award Professor award for Teaching. Right: Andy for Service. Nazarchuk accepts a The 35 students in Hertzman’s Distinguished Professor Quantity Food Management award for service from Dean Mann. course were responsible for developing the menu and preparing the lunch for the attendees.

Photography by UNLV Photo Services 10 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 AWARDS Dean Receives Marshall Award Dean Stuart Mann was honored with the inaugural Anthony G. Marshall Outstanding Education Leadership Award, named for the renowned president of the Educational Institute and Dean Emeritus of Florida International University, Joseph A. McInerney, CHA, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, presents Stuart Mann with the Marshall Award. by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging culinary arts management, and has diversity within the college. Through Association. The award, which was also created majors in the following these directives, UNLV has signed presented in Las Vegas in April, areas of hotel management: memorandums of understanding recognizes a lasting, influential, and beverage management, foodservice for cooperation with universities innovative contribution to educating management, lodging and resort in Korea, Japan, China, Australia, and training in the hospitality management, and meetings and Macao, and Hong Kong. It has also industry. events management. created a UNLV Singapore campus that will allow students to complete With Mann’s support and guidance, During Mann’s tenure he has the last two years of their BS degree the Harrah Hotel College has concentrated on two key directives in hotel administration in Singapore. expanded its programs to include a for the college – the formalization of This campus will open in 2006. BS in gaming, management, a BS in international programs, and creating Shock Receives PCMA Award The Professional Club Managers administration department, as its honor at the 2005 PCMA Education Association Education Foundation 2005 Faculty Honoree. She was Foundation Dinner Celebrating recently announced Patti Shock, recognized for her exemplary Professional Achievement in a professor and department chair contributions to the meetings May at the Hilton Washington in of the tourism and convention industry. Shock received this Washington, D.C.

“Patti Shock’s distinguished contributions have made a lasting impact on PCMA and the industry,” said Sheila Stampfli, 2005 chairman of the PCMA Education Foundation. “She was the ideal choice for our first Faculty Honoree.”

Shock is the faculty advisor for the UNLV student chapter of PCMA, she chairs the PCMA Faculty Task Force, and she is an author and frequent speaker at industry meetings. Patti Shock receives the PCMA award in Washington, D.C. From left: Min Sun Park, Patti Shock, Dean Stuart Mann 11 THIRD IN A SERIES by Russell Dazio ’73 UNLV HOSPITALITY CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Regents Enthusiastic About INNovation Village Concept

As the Spring 2005 semester came testing products, technologies and to an end, Dean Stuart Mann the built environment. The “real delivered a formal presentation to world” aspect of this undertaking the Board of Regents regarding underscores that each product the development of a hospitality will be tested with the intent to campus. With the proposed name establish the “industry standard” INNovation Village, the large-scale by which specific product lines project could make the Harrah Hotel are measured. What makes this College the preeminent hospitality a peerless testing facility is the technology research center in the capacity to interchange emerging Prior to the Regents’ presentation, world, while bolstering UNLV’s goal technologies as they become the Dean and Russ Dazzio, the of becoming a nationally ranked, available in commercially operated project coordinator for INNovation research-intensive institution. The facilities. This will be achieved in Village, went on a press tour to Regents were enthusiastic about part through an interior design familiarize a number of key national the concept and encouraged Dean program that creates adaptable and international hospitality Mann to continue with the endeavor. space zones. These zones will carry executives on what INNovation the responsibility of insuring that Village is all about. To help do this, INNovation Village is designed to a perfect fit exists between the art, Dazzio made the student project represent higher education’s most science, and business of operating for his Hotel Development course advanced living laboratory for hospitality facilities. focus on pre-development planning

12 INNovation Village UNLV Harrah Hotel College

Architectural renderings show the progression of INNovation Village. and promotion. “My students really and Restaurant Show, Hospitality For additional information about came through,” commented Dazzio. Technology Magazine’s Technology INNovation Village, please contact “Among other things, they helped Summit, to the heads of nearly Karin Olsen, director of external produce a DVD on INNovation every casino entertainment relations at [email protected] Village that features comments from company in Las Vegas, and to the or (702) 895-3148. UNLV President Dr. Carol Harter chief technology officers of every and delivers a message words alone major hotel chain and hospitality just can’t convey.” technology provider in the US. Thanks to these efforts, there is now Since then, this DVD has been a solid base of support from every Architectural renderings provided courtesy shown at the International Hotel one of the sectors mentioned. of Dekker/Perich/Holmes/Sabatini.

13 he events of Sept. 11, 2001 have significantly Timpacted how tourist destinations, such as Las Vegas, use security and surveillance technology to ensure the safety and security of visitors and Staying employees. With millions of people traveling to Las Vegas each year, it’s crucial that they feel safe in their surroundings. To understand the challenges that Safe… hospitality security and surveillance directors face in Las Vegas, we went to the experts. Dave Shepherd HOW HAVE SECURITY AND is the executive director of security at the Venetian Resort~Hotel~Casino. With experience honed from SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS his years working for the FBI, Shepherd is uniquely qualified to run the state of Nevada’s largest private CHANGED IN THE HOSPITALITY security force. INDUSTRY SINCE 9/11?

by Robyn Campbell-Ouchida ’00 MA

terrorism, infectious diseases, and other not-so-obvious dangers. For example, who had heard of Norovirus, Anthrax, suicide bombers, or cyber terrorism five years ago?”

Security has to be able to adapt to any challenges. As Shepherd stated, there are three goals of hospitality security, in order of importance: 1) to protect and preserve life; 2) to protect property; and 3) to protect and preserve the company’s gaming license.

“We know that we can’t rest on the successes of the past,” said Shepherd. “We need the tools and training to be forward-thinking and ready to make changes. I think what helped us a lot here at the Venetian was that by September 13, 2001, everyone in this building was a part of the security department. Nobody said ‘that’s not my job.’”

Shepherd believes that everyone must be on guard all the time—policies and procedures do not change simply because the threat level changes. “Security will continue to evolve. Right now, the level of cooperation between the public and private sector is greater than Instructor Jeff Voyles ’98 explains how surveillance ever and the amount of intelligence being passed systems are used. Photo by Geri Kodey between both markets is at an all-time high.”

“We have always been security-conscious. Security The Venetian has been instrumental in training departments today are not at all like they were five security personnel up and down the . years ago,” said Shepherd. “We have to think beyond “We look beyond the Venetian to all properties. We the normal civil and criminal liabilities to the threat of want to help them be prepared in case of disaster.”

14 To this end, Shepherd is currently spearheading a group of seven security chiefs who are establishing a command center book to be used by the industry. When complete, it will contain information from the Department Staying of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Centers for Disease Control, the Clark County Health District and the Clark County Fire Department. It will be an all-inclusive book for standards in the area that each Safe… hotel/casino will be able to adapt to their own environment. HOW HAVE SECURITY AND What is Shepherd’s advice when talking SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS about possible terrorist threats? “Security is everyone’s responsibility. It’s not a CHANGED IN THE HOSPITALITY question of how much money to spend. You need to spend what is necessary INDUSTRY SINCE 9/11? so that people feel safe. The goal of every security program should be total Surveillance cameras aid casinos in monitoring guest activity. protection—the ability to stop any activities without loss of life or damage really pays off.” He also says, “Get experience. Learn to the building. Precautions should be in place to the ins and outs of security because you can never have minimize the effect of what could be,” he said. too much experience.”

Another expert in the field is Nick Walling. In his role Another side of security involves that of risk as director of corporate training, Walling travels to management. According to Stan Smith, Boyd Gaming’s Harrah’s properties around the country, including corporate director of risk management and security, those in Biloxi, Miss. and Atlantic City, N.J. He “Management looks for surveillance and security oversees a variety of training programs, including to assist in protecting the company assets. These those for security personnel. Previously, he worked departments are the first line of defense and look at at UNLV where he helped to secure a Department of issues that have potential liability to the company. Homeland Security grant to provide homeland security Surveillance is also a component of detective controls training for private security officers. in that surveillance is not only required to observe procedures, but also to report deviations from these “Since September 11, I have seen an increase in procedures to management.” awareness of the importance of security,” said Walling. “However, there is always the continual challenge of Smith continued, “Surveillance and security also funding. Many programs are under-funded and under- help to discourage individuals who may consider manned. They do what they can but it’s tough.” committing a fraudulent activity. Internal audit tests both security and surveillance processes to ensure The UNLV training that is offered as a result of the that each department’s involvement in operations above-mentioned grant is a “boon for those in the occurs as designed; this gives additional confidence to hospitality industry,” said Walling. The training management and regulators about the integrity of the sessions are free and the government even funds the processes. Last, internal audit relies on the assistance transportation to the site. of surveillance at times to perform their observations and to inform them of potential concerns.” For those who are interested in working in the field, Walling stresses the importance of higher education. As President and Chief Operating Officer of The “The more courses you can take in security, in Las Vegas, Scott Sibella ’88 is very aware of better. I’m a proponent of higher education and the goals and challenges of security and surveillance since this is a field where you can move up the operations. “We are in closer contact with various ranks rather quickly, the bonus of educating yourself continued on page 25

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DINNER OF DISTINCTION HONORS INDUSTRY WINNERS Annual Event To Be Named For Jerry Vallen

The UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration paid tribute to hospitality industry executives for their outstanding contributions to the college at its annual “Dinner of Distinction,” held June 9, at Treasure Island. Master of ceremonies Don Snyder presided and Dean Stuart Mann also played a large role in the evening’s festivities.

Dinner honorees included Bill McBeath, president/chief operating officer of Bellagio (Alumnus of the Year); Richard Melman, founder-chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (Food & Beverage Management); Steven Hacker, president of the International Association for Exhibition Management (Tourism & Convention Administration); and Stan Bromley, Dean Vallen is presented with the Dean’s Medal of Distinction regional vice president of Four Seasons by Dean Mann and Don Snyder. (Hotel Management). Dean Jerome Vallen, founding dean of the college, and Vallen’s wife, Flossie, co- authors of “The Right Place: An Anecdotal History of the UNLV College of Hotel Administration” signed copies of their book during the cocktail hour. Vallen was honored with the Dean’s Medal of Distinction as well as having the event

ervices named for him in the future. S The Dinner of Distinction also featured a silent and live auction. With auction items ranging from a trip to San Francisco to autographed sports memorabilia and art, the Hotel College was able to raise nearly $15,000 to be used for student and faculty professional development, which includes supporting research presentations at Photography by UNLV Photo Photography by UNLV Four Seasons’ Stan Bromley (second from left) receives his award academic conferences and industry events from Dean Mann, Gail Sammons, and David Corsun. and to further develop recruitment and alumni programs. Such fundraising is necessary to keep the faculty and students current with the dynamic changes in the 16 world’s hospitality industry. PREMI E R • FA LL 2005

Alumnus of the Year Bill McBeath with Dean Mann. Steven Hacker receives his award from Patti Shock and Dean Mann.

Tola and Marcia ’74 Chin, Linda and George Baggott, Professor Ellis Norman and his wife, Pat. and Susie Southgate-Fox.

Hotel College Alumni Board Chairperson Marcus Mirage President Scott Sibella and his wife, Kim with Treats ’87, ’99 MBA and Marnie Peppers ’01. Dean Mann.

Don and Dee Synder with Dean Mann. Richard Melman greets Dean Mann. 17 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005

REALITY TELEVISION . . . HAS IT INFLUENCED TOURISM? by Robyn Campbell-Ouchida ’00 MA

With the rise in reality television shows over the past five years, Premier wanted to find out from hospitality leaders what this genre of television has done for the tourism industry. We’ve been told by the experts that the negotiation of exposure to the right audience is key. The production company and the property discuss logo placement as well as the fact that the property should be shown in the best of all possible lights. It all seems to come down to the matter of controlling when, where, and how long the production crew will be in public spaces. Through both e-mail and telephone interviews, here is what the following professionals had to say.

Tyra Bell-Bloom ’94 is the director of concierge services for The Venetian Resort~Hotel~Casino in Las Vegas. A number of reality programs, television shows and specials have been filmed at The Venetian. Shows include the original “Bachelor” program and the ultimate live television production, Fox’s New Year’s Eve special in 2001, with celebrity host Ryan Seacrest. Damian Cooper ’95 is the food and beverage manager at Le Meridien Port Vila Resort & Casino in Vanuatu. The popular television reality program “Survivor” was filmed on this island in the summer of 2004.

Joe Hasson is the general manager of Green Valley Ranch Resort, located just outside Las Vegas in Henderson. The Travel Channel’s “American Casino” has been filming there since January 2004. Hasson describes the program as being “part educational and part advertising.”

George Maloof ’88 is the owner of the popular Palms Las Vegas Casino Resort. Known as one of the hippest hotels around, The Palms has played home to a number of reality television programs, including MTV’s “The Real World Las Vegas,” “Party at the Palms,” “Inked,” “The Bachelor,” and “Dr. 90210.”

What do employees have to say During the filming, the site was happen), we have really become about the various television reality restricted so tourists couldn’t indifferent to the cameras. program crews and the disruption/ visit. The small casino at the excitement they pose to guests of resort was a plus for the crew— MALOOF: People seem to get a the property? they spent most evenings kick out of seeing these shows playing blackjack and listening filmed. We’re very particular COOPER: There wasn’t a major to their own music. about what productions we disruption to business here at let in and the majority of our the resort, as the crew took HASSON: Guests usually are guests enjoy knowing that these the whole Banyan wing of our pretty tolerant of filming. If things are going on around hotel encompassing 75 rooms. they’re curious, they’ll steer them. They were generally a well- toward it. Since we [hotel staff] disciplined bunch. The guests have become used to having How has the show’s viewing staying at the resort knew camera crews following us increased tourism to your area? about the production due to the around (cast members are often number of Americans present followed by cameras—since COOPER: The show hasn’t had and the amount of equipment nothing on this program is “set a major impact on the tourism that they brought in with them. up,” they take a lot of footage industry in Vanuatu. The while they wait for things to main reason for this is the

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accessibility to Vanuatu—there are only direct flights to Vila from Sydney and Brisbane, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Fiji; and Noumea New Cal. The national carrier Air Vanuatu flies only one plane so there isn’t any competition.

The majority of our clientele come from Eastern Australia and New Zealand during the winter months (June through September). Vanuatu competes with the Southeast Asian countries (such as Australia and New Zealand) that are more affordable and accessible. Most North Americans don’t know where Vanuatu is and may only know of Fiji and Tahiti. From the United States, The Las Vegas Strip you would have to fly to Australia or New Zealand and we pursued having “The Real gondolas. However, they do then connect to Port Vila. World” film at The Palms, we seem to remember travel and knew it would help promote the restaurant programs and ask BLOOM: Many of our guests are city as well as help establish more detailed questions about loyal fans of the Travel Channel our new hotel as a brand. those items. and when they see one of our Nobody knew who we were and culinary greats featured, it with the huge following “The HASSON: Yes, they do. TV is entices them to visit the same Real World” has, we knew it a powerful medium with a spot. That reservation, which could only help. broad reach and consumer I can make, enables them to appeal. It seems now that experience what they witnessed Do employees get asked a lot of when our cast members are from their home, allowing us to questions related to the show? traveling across the country help them live out that fantasy. (really, to anywhere the Travel COOPER: Our employees no Channel broadcasts), they HASSON: Our target audience longer get questions asked are recognized. They also get is twofold—those who enjoy about Survivor. On the asked a lot about if the show traveling for hotel/casino Vanuatu island tour, you stop is truly “real” or scripted. We getaways, and the uninitiated at “Survivor Beach” but it looks let them know that everything to the industry—those who very different than the way it that happens on “American might not have thought of it as did on television. People don’t Casino” is real, unlike some a vacation destination before. choose to travel to Vanuatu other so-called reality shows. By being able to see the back- because of “Survivor”—it’s a What viewers see is what we of-the-house and what goes on side attraction. really do. There is always a behind the scenes on television, little bit of chaos, uncertainty, they’re curious to see the BLOOM: According to our and confusion but these are all operation for themselves. team members, people may brought to resolution by the end ask where Sandra Bullock of each episode. MALOOF: First of all, these filmed a scene from “Miss shows help promote even more Congeniality 2” or where a tourism to Las Vegas. When scene was filmed on one of our

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MALOOF: All the time! The shows that have filmed here have really added to the Palms’ promotional value. People ask about the various suites that Congratulations they’ve seen on TV as well as other locations around the Congratulations property.

The above questions took into account a variety of reality shows filmed in Las Vegas. However, since “Survivor” is filmed in places not many people have visited, we asked Damian Cooper a few extra questions.

Do people seem more apt to want to stay in a luxury resort when visiting Vanuatu or to try to rough it?

COOPER: As there aren’t a lot of backpackers’ accommodations on the island and I haven’t heard of anybody camping out on “Survivor Beach,” most tend to stay in the resorts. Vanuatu is more of a family-friendly The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas destination. More families are heading to our resort, while Was “Survivor” a turning point in are banned from Saturday noon honeymooners tend to go to terms of notoriety for the island through Monday morning. one of our smaller competitors. and for those who work there? Shops are closed Saturday Our clientele want luxury when afternoon and all day Sunday. they head away, something that COOPER: A few people still takes their mind off everyday wear “Survivor” T-shirts and To sum up the impact of reality living. have related merchandise but television, we went to Professor you don’t hear much about it. Patti Shock, the department chair Vanuatu still has a long way for the Tourism & Convention to go in growing as a tourist Department in the Harrah Hotel destination, but that’s the College. She shares her thoughts on reason that most people come the impact reality TV has had on here—because it is unspoiled. the industry. There is no heavy industry, there are no fast food outlets, SHOCK: “Survivor” and the there are no English cinemas— “Amazing Race” have certainly it’s a very traditional way of life. piqued more interest in Most of my staff members are adventure travel, which is a among the first generation in growing segment of the tourism their families to work outside industry. Shows like “Party of the village. The Ni-Vanuatu at the Palms” or “American people are very religious, with Casino” have been a marketer’s a good proportion attending dream, drawing people to see Hotel Lobby at Le Meridien Port Vila church on Saturdays and in person what they have seen Resort & Casino Sundays. Alcohol sales (except on television. With reality for the resorts and a few bars) shows, people actually feel they could be a part of the action

20 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 Congratulations CongratulationsBo Bernhard ’99 MA, Students Cre’shea Trexler ’05 and Laura and risk management. She ’02 Ph.D., who teaches Plenkovich ’05 were honored at this year’s also served as executive Sociology and Hotel Salute to Excellence during the National director of the International Management courses, Restaurant Show in Chicago. Institute of Tourism was recently awarded Studies. the Faculty International Doctoral student Ivan Turnipseed was Development Award by elected as national finance director at this Hilliard is the chair of UNLV. year’s National Society of Minorities in the Convention Industry Assistant Associate Hospitality Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Council’s APEX Contracts Professor Professor Seonghee Cho ’04 The UNLV Chapter received awards for Panel and was recently Bo Bernhard Tyra Hilliard Ph.D., won a Best Paper its visual display of the conference theme. appointed chair of the Award at the Academy Turnipseed also received a scholarship from Professional Convention of Management conference in Hawaii. the International Programs office to study Management Association Council on Based on her dissertation, “Examining the “community-based sustainable tourism” in Education. She was named one of the 25 Impact of Human Resources Management Africa over the summer. most influential people in the meeting on Organizational Performance,” her industry according to Meeting News paper will be published in the Best Paper WELCOME NEW FACULTY in 2004. She earned a BA in business Proceedings of the 2005 Academy of administration at Georgetown University, a Management Meeting. Christine Bergman spent two years at MA in education and human development UNLV visiting faculty member and is now (tourism administration) at George Myounghee Ha, ’03 MS an associate professor in the Department of Washington University, a J.D. at Georgia and Curtis Love, Ph.D. Food and Beverage Management (FAB). She State University School of Law and is published an article called teaches upper and lower division classes for currently pursuing her Ph.D. in human “Exploring Content and the Department of Nutrition Sciences and environmental studies (hospitality & Design Factors Associated teaches Culture and Cuisine, Principles of tourism administration) at Oklahoma State with Convention and Quantity Food Production and Nutrition in University. Visitors Bureau Web Site Foodservice for FAB. Yen-Soon Kim, Ph.D. Development: An Analysis Associate is an assistant professor of Recognition by Meeting Professor Previously, Bergman was employed by teaching FAB 467 Managers” in the Journal Curtis Love the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a – Quantity Food of Convention and Event research chemist, investigating the genetic Management this fall. She Tourism, Vol. 7(1) 2005. control and improvement of the health- earned her Ph.D. from beneficial and functional properties of rice Oklahoma State University, The UNLV Outstanding and its co-products. She has also served with a specialty in Faculty Award was as a nutritional services director of a rural hospitality administration. Assistant presented this spring to hospital and education director of a Boys’ Both her bachelor of Professor Yen- Christian Hardigree ’93, and Girls’ Club. science degree and her Soon Kim who teaches in the Hotel master of science degree Management department. Her Ph.D. and MS degrees are in Food are in food science and nutrition from Science from Michigan State University and Soonchunhyang University in Korea. Assistant Students Fouad Sadiki, University of Arizona, respectfully. Her BS Monica Moradkhan, Professor degree in clinical nutrition was obtained Before coming to UNLV, Kim worked as Jessica Adler, and Loren Christian from Loma Linda University. She is also a an assistant professor in the Department Mack attended the Hardigree registered dietitian. of Nutrition, Hospitality, and Retailing at International Tourism Texas Tech University. Prior to that, she Students Conference in Madrid, Spain in Tyra Hilliard was recently appointed gained food service industry experience April 2005. The students were chosen to associate professor of meetings and working at ARAMARK Co., Sodexho- attend after a process that included an conventions, having worked more than Marriott Foodservice, and Burger King. application, an interview, and an analysis of fifteen years in the hospitality and tourism a research article. industry. Prior to joining UNLV, Hilliard Her major areas of research focus are was an assistant professor of tourism foodservice management, secondary Gail Sammons ’87 MS and hospitality management at George hospitality education, nutrition, job was elected by the faculty Washington University where she was satisfaction, and customer satisfaction. to serve the next term as responsible for teaching courses including chairperson of the Hotel conference and expositions, convention and Management department. meeting management, event management

Associate Professor Gail Sammons 21 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 Alumni Updates In Remembrance AlumniPeter Connolly ’87 lives in UpdatesKamal Fakhoury ’93 is the Damian Cooper ’95 is the food 1970s Henderson, Nev., where he works general manager of the Jumeira and beverage manager at the Le Remember 1970sChris Bigelow ’74 is the for Anthem Wealth Management Rotana Hotel in Dubai, United Meridien in Port Vila, Vanuatu. president of Bigelow Companies, and www.AnthemWealth.com. His Arab Emirates. He is very happy Previously, he lived in Sydney, Inc. in Kansas City, Mo. In companies serve individuals and to be back in Dubai and looks Australia. 2004, he was named 13th Most businesses in wealth management forward to hearing from any Influential Person in Sports and preservation, including: other UNLV grads in the Arabian Andy Sabatini ’96 and his wife Facilities Management and retirement strategies; estate Gulf. He can be reached at kamal. own the De Pere Inn LLC in Design by the Sports Business protection; risk management; [email protected]. Helena, Mont. They previously Journal; he was elected president education funding; investments; owned a hotel in Green Bay, Wis. of the National Association of employee and executive benefits. Pedro Garcia ’93 joined the Concessionaires; was a keynote He can be reached by e-mail at World Market Center in Las JungHoon Lee ’97 is the general speaker at Venue Management [email protected]. Vegas in March 2005 as the show manager of a Tony Roma’s Association Conference in operations assistant manager. restaurant in Seoul, Korea. Before Sydney, Australia; served as The World Market Center is returning to Korea in 2001, he the food and beverage division 1990s the largest hospitality contract worked for five years as a front director for the Association 1990sNancy Dunmyer Hamlin ’90 furnishings showroom complex office manager at the Fort Lee of Luxury Suite Directors; lives in Detroit where she is the on the West Coast. When Hilton in New Jersey. He began and was the chair elect for the director of operations for Levy complete, the Market will hold working for Tony Roma’s in 2003. International Association of Restaurants at Ford Field (which two semi-annual markets a year. JungHoon has two daughters and Assembly Managers Foundation. means, she feeds 65,000 people Pedro was previously employed lives in a suburb of Seoul. at a time!). When you sit down at GES Expositions as a service Kent Viesselman ’78 works at to watch the Super Bowl on Feb. executive in the Exhibitor Kelly Miller ’97 lives in the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas 6, remember that a Harrah Hotel Services Department. Charlestown, Mass., where she as the assistant room service College alumna is responsible is the director of catering at the Denise Worthington Moss ’93 manager. for the entire food and beverage Westin Copley Place Hotel in lives near Baltimore, Md. where operation of that event! Boston. She will be married in she works for T. Rowe Price. She October 2005 in Newport, R.I. and married Donald Moss, Jr. on Kristen Shubert ’91 was recently her new last name will be Bishop. 1980s May 6, 2005. promoted to the food and 1980sWalter Lundberg ’81 lives in beverage director of the Sands Jean Lorenzo ’98 is a slot Seattle, Wash. where he is a Brad Randel ’93 works as a Expo & Convention Center, where supervisor at Bellagio and a senior investigator for the United casino floor supervisor at the seven of the country’s largest realtor with Liberty Realty. She States Department of Labor, Bellagio in Las Vegas. He and conventions are held. She is also married Ryan Witherow on Employee Benefits Security wife Jennifer have been married a professional jet ski racer, having September 17, 2005. Administration. In this position, for 12 years and they have a five- attained the ranking of seventh he investigates pension and year-old daughter, Holly. health care fraud issues under in the world in 2000, eighth in Lance Thompson ’98 works Employee Retirement Income the world, and National Off-shore as the director of operations Denise Phillips Beban ’95 Security Act (ERISA). He Champion in 2001, and tenth in at Esperanza Resort (Auberge is starting her own business, previously worked for the IRS, the world in 2002, and is racing Resorts) in Los Cabos, Mexico. offering creative, planning, and CID as a special agent after again in 2005. She is also actively He has helped open four of logistical services for parties and beginning his career at the involved in Habitat for Humanity. Auberge’s properties, including events in the Willamette Valley, Flamingo Hilton and in Beijing, The Lodge at CordeValle, Calif.; Ore. She previously worked in China. R. Scott Barber ’93 was named The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in S.C.; senior vice president and general alumni relations at the University Calistoga Ranch in California’s manager of Harrah’s Atlantic City of Oregon and also serves as the wine country; and Esperanza 2000s Joe Domina ’82 is a regional UNLV alumni club coordinator executive chef with Centerplate in April. Prior to his promotion, Resort. for her region. She is actively and is based at the Indiana he served as vice president of involved with the Eugene Active Convention Center & RCA Dome property operations and before Roni Benenson ’99 was recently 20/30 Club (an international (home of the Colts). He and his that, he was the vice president of promoted to travel industry sales service organization for the family (wife Keltie, children Joey property operations for Harrah’s manager for in welfare of children). She and and Emily) have lived in Indiana Council Bluffs and Bluffs Run, Las Vegas. husband Bryan will celebrate for almost five years, moving as well as vice president of their fifth wedding anniversary from Portland, Ore., where Joe marketing, director of marketing Bernard Chan ’99 works as a in Paris in October. Denise can worked at the Portland Hilton for and casino marketing manager letter carrier for the United States be reached by telephone at 18 years. His wife owns Kelties for Harrah’s Cherokee. In Postal Service in Palo Alto, Calif. (541) 461-2011 or by e-mail at Restaurant in Westfield, Ind. addition to his UNLV degree, he And was married earlier this year. holds an Associate of Arts degree [email protected]. in Hotel Administration from Paul Henry Tsai ’99 began his new Smith’s College in New York. position as an assistant professor at the School of Hotel

22 continued on page 23 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 In Remembrance

RichardRemember Emanuel Basile, a professor in the Harrah grade. “Dick had an image that projected management Hotel College from 1970 to 1988 who initiated courses — the way he dressed, the way he was organized, his that still are taught today, died June 10 at Nathan demand for perfection,” Vallen said. “He was what he Adelson Hospice. He was 83. A Navy commander taught.” during World War II, Basile was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Basile earned a bachelor of arts degree in Geology at Washington and Lee University and worked for the U.S. Basile taught management skills, franchising and labor Geologic Survey from 1946 to 1948, conducting field relations courses at UNLV and served as professor work in Montana and North Dakota. He later earned emeritus after retiring from teaching in 1988. Basile a doctorate of humane letters from Combs College. created UNLV’s hotel and restaurant franchising course During his business career, Basile was managing and co-created the school’s hotel architecture course director of the Hotel Saranac in New York, a board with noted Las Vegas architect Homer Rissman. member of the Marriott’s Camelback Inn and Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., and secretary-treasurer for the “The two put together a unique course, where Dick Paradise Valley Physical Therapy Clinic in Las Vegas. would tell students what management expected from the architect and Homer would say what the architect Basile, who also mediated labor relations, was a expected from management,” said Jerry Vallen, member of the Nevada Employee-Management founding dean of the College. Relations Board and the American Arbitration Association. He was a recipient of the Winston Vallen said Basile also established the standards for Churchill Medal of Wisdom and was a consulting editor evaluating the mandatory work experience program, for Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. Basile also was a where students get paying jobs in the hotel industry to member of the Masons and the Las Vegas Rotary Club gain practical experience that also affects their final No. 1401.

continued from page 22 operations at Center Point Hotels. summer. If anyone is planning Frankie Lococo ’04 recently and Tourism Management in His work for the past six years a trip to the region, Natasha received a promotion to assistant the Hong Kong Polytechnic with the Four Seasons Hotels in welcomes inquiries via e-mail to: guest services manager at the University in August. His wife Las Vegas and Austin, Tex., along [email protected]. Four Seasons Aviara in San Tita and son Austin are also living with his Harrah Hotel College Diego. in Hong Kong. degree, prepared him to run two Nino Robert Escolar-Chua ’03 small boutique hotels. Next year, moved to Huntington Beach, Aaron Arneson ’05 accepted a he will be looking for experienced Calif. and is working with the production manager position managers for the new resort Four Seasons Newport Beach as with Triumph Entertainment 2000s opening in 2006 in Shillong. He a banquet coordinator. He also (located at the 2000sEmily Bauer ’00 is the assistant director of orientation and new welcomes inquiries via e-mail to: recently obtained his real estate in Las Vegas) upon graduation. student programs at Purdue [email protected]. license. He produces events, including University in West Lafayette, Ind. fashion shows, corporate Charles Le Grand Butler ’01 Grace Herbert ’03 is the new events, television shows, movie received a doctor of jurisprudence corporate sales manager for productions, and national Eun-Young (Kate) Chang ’00 recently became the senior degree from Willamette Sandia Casino & Resort in marketing tours, for one of the sales manager at the Sheraton University College of Law in May Albuquerque, New Mexico, which country’s largest shopping malls. Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. She 2005. will be opening in fall 2005. While an undergraduate, Aaron previously worked in sales at the was the director of entertainment Sheraton Chicago. Natasha McGlinn ’01 Mary Fanok ’04 lives in Charlotte, and programming for UNLV’s (Psychology major ’00) is the N.C. and was recently promoted CSUN Student Government. sales manager for two Marriott from a sales representative to Rahul Mark Barua ’01 has returned to his home country properties in the Reno/Sparks a territory manager for Hormel of India to be the director of area. She will also oversee a Foods. third property when it opens next 23 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005

HARRAH’S HELPS FIRST GENERATION SCHOLAR by Tony Allen ’05 For UNLV freshman Kissena Pilgrim, the creation of the Harrah’s Entertainment First Generation Scholarship couldn’t have come at a better time. “Quite simply, without it I wouldn’t be in college,” said Pilgrim, a native New Yorker who recently moved to Las Vegas with her brother.

Pilgrim came to Southern Nevada during the summer of 2004, with no place to live, and certainly no money for college. “It was definitely a struggle,” she said. “My mom said she had no money to give me, so my brother and I came to Las Vegas because we heard it was the city of opportunity.” students pursuing a degree in families that may be passed along Opportunity didn’t come right the William F. Harrah College for generations,” he said. away, though. She struggled, but of Hotel Administration and Ten students, including Pilgrim, graduated near the top of her is funded by The Harrah’s will be the first recipients to receive class from High Foundation. Students may be at the the scholarship this fall. This School. While at Valley, she had undergraduate or graduate level, scholarship supports the Harrah the opportunity to visit UNLV but cannot have a parent who has Hotel College’s diversity initiative, with classmates and guidance obtained a college degree. designed to recruit and retain counselors, and felt comfortable ethnic minority students to study from the start. “By reducing or eliminating hospitality administration and financial barriers that stand pursue their degrees to graduation. “I heard a man speak to us about between talented students how he was in a similar situation, and higher “Through contributions to this but persevered and graduated with education, the scholarship fund, Harrah’s a degree in hotel management,” Harrah’s First Entertainment, Inc. is making a she said. “He said it changed his Generation difference for the next generation life, and that if he could become a Scholarship of students,” said Stuart H. Mann, success, we could too.” Fund does dean of the Harrah Hotel College. more than “Through their generosity, Harrah’s is From there, Pilgrim gained interest create making a difference for the students in the hotel management program opportunities enrolled today and for the future of at UNLV, eventually attending for recipients our hospitality industry.” orientation seminars and hoping themselves,” Gary Loveman that she would be able to find a way said Gary “There was a time that I didn’t to afford college. Loveman, chairman and chief know which way to turn,” said executive office for Harrah’s Pilgrim. “But since I’ve been in Las Enter the Harrah’s Entertainment Entertainment, Inc. “Our goal Vegas, things have really gotten First Generation Scholarship. with the scholarship is to instill an better, and thanks to Harrah’s and Established this past December, educational tradition within the hotel college, I finally have the scholarship is intended for direction.”

24 games floor supervisor position, companies closer, it has also STAYING SAFE where he became very interested in brought a lot of departments within Continued from page 15 advantage play (otherwise known companies closer,” said Voyles. “We as card counting). Since then, are now more aware of the level of law enforcement agencies than he has developed a well-rounded complexity within which security we were pre-Sept. 11,” said perspective of how certain table and surveillance personnel work. Sibella. “We have also found new games can be beaten and technological solutions to aid us how industry policies, in identifying potential threats to procedures, and regulations people and property. For example, form the foundation of the we have a shared database that industry. contains pictures and information on suspects and undesirables and Currently the MGM this information can be accessed Grand Division Training and updated from any of our Manager of Casino MGM MIRAGE properties. We’re Operations, Voyles also doing interesting things with stressed the importance of computerized recognition software.” training programs in the hospitality, and especially Graduate students Rachel Haynes and Sibella knows that keeping up the gaming, industry. SoJung Lee learn from instructor Jeff Voyles. with technology in this arena is as “The fact that gaming Photo by Geri Kodey important as any other aspect of is a 24-hour business is running a successful, responsible the biggest challenge,” he said. Casinos know that their safety hotel/casino. “We are providing our “I am responsible for developing reputation precedes them and while surveillance operators and security training programs, executing the average tourist hasn’t seen any officers the most advanced tools to training programs, and motivating differences, there’s a lot going on work with.” about 1,300 people in my behind the scenes to keep these department. By working closely places as safe as possible.” with the surveillance and security departments, employee-training In addition to his position at the programs have really evolved since MGM Grand, Voyles teaches in Sept. 11.” the Harrah Hotel College and also presents seminars related to the “We try to teach employees gaming industry. He is also helping to constantly be aware of their to write a new gaming management surroundings. There’s a natural textbook that should be published flow to everything and we before the end of 2006. In the past, want them to be able to detect he has taught Protection of Casino “We are responsible for providing unnatural activities—this is the Games and Gaming Regulations a safe and pleasant environment same whether we’re dealing with and Control classes. He conducts a for our visitors,” said Sibella. “This cheaters or potential terrorists. number of workshops and lectures requires a proactive approach to Whereas Las Vegas used to be within UNLV’s International mitigate risk. We regularly receive a place where anything goes, we Gaming Institute (IGI). and evaluate intelligence from many now have to re-think that stance sources, including federal, state, and emphasize that nothing that “I teach about a third of my classes and local law enforcement sources. seems out of the ordinary is too in the fully-functioning surveillance Additionally, the size of MGM small to overlook,” said Voyles. room located on campus,” Voyles MIRAGE allows for a broad sharing stated. “It’s a wonderful place to Voyles also commented that of information amongst our security learn about the field. With monitors, the majority of Las Vegas Strip departments.” table games, cameras, hard and soft properties are working together, count rooms, and the latest in facial Alumnus Jeff Voyles ’98 is another cross-referencing each other’s recognition software, it’s a model of expert in the field. He completed safety models to build a better most casino surveillance rooms. It’s an internship with the MGM Grand model for all. “In addition to Sept. great for students to get hands-on Hotel and Casino in 1993 and in 11 bringing a lot of competitive experience,” he concluded. 1998, he was promoted to a table

25 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005

WILLIAM F. HARRAH COLLEGE The Dean’s Associates Giving Program membership OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION begins at the $1,000 level. Your support has tremendous influence on the entire HONOR ROLL 2004-2005 UNLV Harrah Hotel College ontributors to the Annual Fund are the mainstay of community. The growth of Cthe Harrah Hotel College’s development program. This the college’s ever-increasing unrestricted support is essential to the flexibility needed to international reputation address shifting priorities. Total giving to the Harrah Hotel College reached $956,785 during the 2004 – 2005 fiscal year requires us to adapt the (July 1 – June 30). traditional values of a Thanks to the generosity of 323 alumni and friends, the hospitality education to the increase in gifts continues to grow steadily, and we are needs of the 21st century, which extremely appreciative to those of you who have made gifts to are essential to the economic the Annual Fund and Dean’s Associates, student scholarships, faculty enrichment, programs, endowments and planned giving. and social development of The size of the gift is not as important as your willingness to help make a Nevada and around the world. difference – every dollar counts and every dollar helps. Please know how much your contributions are valued. It is with gratitude and pleasure that we acknowledge the Annual giving to the Dean’s Harrah Hotel College’s benefactors in this issue of the Premier alumni magazine. Associates program has Thank you, funded student professional development, which allows Karin J. Olsen students to represent UNLV Director of External Relations William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at national and international academic meetings, conferences, and industry HONOR ROLL OF GIVING events. Due to the great need for diverse industry leaders, we $100,000.00 + Marcia ’74 and Tola Chin $1 - $999 Green Valley Ranch Station Casino Paul Dykstra 3900 WA Associates, LLC have implemented a number of Maloof Family Fund Robin ’93 and Daniel Greenspun Adventures in Advertising MGM MIRAGE Corp. James Moore Aloha Kitchen recruitment programs to recruit Professional Golfers Assn. of America Altria Group, Inc. and retain minority students, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, Inc. $1,000 - $4,999 American Dog and Cat Hotel Buhl, Fruehauf Development LLC Architropolis who will soon graduate with William Hornbuckle ’84 Discovery Communications Asian Chamber of Commerce Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Bechtel Foundation a superior hospitality degree. $50,000 - $99,999 Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco Ben & Jerry’s Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. Fox Cor Inc Black Canyon River Adventure Our students are the future of Caesars Entertainment Corporation Friedmutter Group Candlewood Suites the industry and they are truly Caesars Entertainment Foundation, Inc. International Food Service The Harrah’s Foundation Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Coca-Cola North America an important investment. Your Pottawatomi Indians Culinary Design & Fixture, Inc. $10,000 - $49,999 Montecristo Rum/Sidebar Spirits Dan Nelson Productions generous contributions support Boyd Gaming Corporation and The Boyd Oxford Publishing Incorporated David Saxe Productions Foundation Dreamcards these critical academic efforts. Food & Beverage Directors’ Association Linda and George Baggott Destination Spa Salon of Las Vegas Julia and Stan Bromley Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House GES Exposition Services Kathaleen and Edmund Burke As our campus grows, so does World Gourmet Summit Cheri Young and David Corsun Gino Mauriello & Company our reliance on private funding Paula Eylar ’89 Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Russell Dazzio ’73 Andrea and Richard Goeglein Governor Kenny Guinn, Office of from alumni, friends and other Shannon ’91 and William McBeath ’86 Doreen and Stuart Mann Harveys Casino Resorts Salvatore Semola ’81 Dean McClain Las Vegas Hilton community leaders. Please Rhonda Montgomery Hotel Forums LLC $5,000 - $9,999 John Peiser ’78 JW Marriott Resort support our students and The Foundation of National Automatic Kathy and Fayyaz Raja ’92, ’96 & Raja Col. Erwin T. Koch Trust college programs—whether Merchandising Assoc. Enterprises Lake Mead Cruises Roy’s/Outback Joint Venture & Bill Allen Gail Sammons ’87 Las Vegas Convention & Visitors you are able to increase your Sunterra Resorts Margaret and Arch Stokes Authority Varda Chocolatier Las Vegas Gladiators gift significantly or modestly, Frank Watts* Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. your support is vital to the Harrah Hotel College. 26 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 HONOR ROLL OF GIVING

Melissa’s World Variety Produce Hassan Dadkhah ’93 Todd Gordon Inc Joy ’86 and Shawn Dagon Nanci ’85 and Kenneth Goussak MGM MIRAGE Voice Foundation Rebecca Davis ’89 Mari Jo and Eugene Grace ’71 Moas Enterprises Incorporated Anthony Deering ’96 Deborah Young ’98 and Michael and Meir Moas Stephanie ’93 and Anthony Green ’86 P.R. Plus, Inc. Degiulio ’93 Nicole and Morris Greenberg ’93 Paiute Golf Resort Alzene and Bruce Deneen ’82 Luisa and Jon Griffin Perini Building Company, Inc. Patricia ’92 and Lloyd Desotell ’93 Judy and Jon A. Griffin Rampart Casino Thomas Devine ’80 Jody Grossman ’98 Red Square Las Vegas John Dillingham ’82 Dottie and Kenneth Haas ’75 The Ritz-Carlton Douglas Nissan John Hamilton ’92 Romacorp Inc. Judith and Gary DuBois ’73 Sandra ’88 and Andy Hanshaw Satterfield Originals Gary Duffel Ryan Happ ’04 Shucks Tavern Thomas Duffy Joseph Hasson Tropicana Resort & Casino Dale Edwards Leslie and Daniel Hawkins ’79 Viejas Casino Jeffrey Ellingwood ’03 David Heckler ’81 Jeffrey Engleberg ’02 Michael Henry Sharron and Matthew Abramsky ’94 Richard Fager Joan and Michael Hickey ’93 Christopher Ades ’75 Kerry and Andrew Feinstein ’91 Christine ’82 and Rick Higgins Stephanie Aiello and Ronald Jennifer and Roy Ferris ’75 Jane and Larry Hines ’72 Bill Hornbuckle ’84 and student, Susanna Alfera ’88 Brian Fitzsimmons ’98 Lisa Hitz ’85 Christopher Allen ’98 Molly Fjell ’03 Vicki and William Hitzhusen ’73 Miramontes, a past recipient of the Gina Ameci ’77 Elaine Flint ’03 Marla Hollander-Polott ’82 and Hornbuckle Family Scholarship. Charles Anderson Penny Trow-Foreman and David Steve Polott Velma Delgado-Armstead and Foreman ’77 Barbara Ann and David Holmes Edward Neidich ’72 Gita and Ari Stotland ’93 Roger Armstead ’98 Ruth and Hubert Forkel ’71 Jonothan Holpuch ’03 Ellis Norman Rebecca and Richard Strunk ’78 Linda and Duff Armstrong ’79 John Innes ’73 Deborah O’Connor Theresa Struve ’04 John Bailey ’97 Gary James ’99 Thomas O’Shea Charissa and Loren Sumerlin ’98 Linda and Joseph Baldini ’70 Cynthia Janoske ’98 Danielle ’03 and Jamie Oakley Kimberly ’85 and Jacques Jennifer ’94 and Christopher Shawn Jeffers Elizabeth ’95 and Sheldon Thiebaud Baldizan ’93 Marina Jezzini ’84 Ohringer Kenneth Uhl ’86 Cynthia and Eric Ball ’01 Stephanie and Joseph Jolley ’89 Debra Pace Nancy Valdes Beverley and Timothy Barnett ’80 Gail and Dale Jones ’83 Carrie ’00 and Scott Pajak ’03 Karen Van Wagenen ’93 Joshua Barone Sally Kawa ’90 Par Electric Inc. Rachel and Christopher Van Zele Thomas Bath ’01 Myrna and Alfred Kingham ’77 Chan Jin Park ’01 ’99 Denise ’95 and Bryan Beban Brent Kitsu ’00 Scott Phillips ’96 Allison Verrino ’99 Rakesh Bhatnagar ’78 Esko Kiuru ’77 Daniel Piccolello ’84 Tamzon and David Vocatura ’89 Christopher Brown Elizabeth and Philip Klezmer ’88 Marion and Rodney Pintello ’73 Robin and Michael Walsh ’81 Susan and Eric Buksa ’03 Laura and John Koenen ’95 Planet Hollywood Inc. Pamela ’83 and Kevin Walsh Heidi Burger ’04 Sal Semola ’81 Kirsten and Otto Komes ’91 Michael Poehling ’95 Jennifer ’87 and Robert Walton ’89 Constance Burrell ’93 Bonnie Korkow ’99 Jeffrey Polaski ’89 Victoria and Bruce Whiteley ’79 Gina and Harry Byrge ’73 Tabatha ’92 and Alex Fotenos Catherine and Carl Kotowicz ’81 Robin and Richard Pollack ’83 Kimberly and Daniel Wickizer ’93 Melissa and Daniel Campbell ’80 John Fox Alyssa Krahmer ’92 Kevin Popeck Joanne ’95 and Michael Dolores Campuzano ’00 Lindsay Game ’02 Norman Krajkowski Therese and Oscar Portillo ’76 Wildenhain Michael Cannon Alison ’98 and Inocencio Garcia Koren and Jarrett Kratchman ’93 Gary Potts Brynn ’91 and Benny Willeford ’96 Madelyn Carlile ’02 Melinda ’90 and David Gass Dawna Laguardia Lawrence Presson ’94 Jeffrey Wilson Adam Carmer ’96 Benjamin Gerber ’03 Margaret and Edward Lake ’90 Diana and Richard Price ’72 Jennifer ’93 and Richard Winters Sarah Chang ’92 Kathryn and Brian Gerke ’94 Donna Stava ’90 and Michael Jeffrey Quint ’82 Tammy and Calvin Wisser ’79 Gerardo Chavez ’02 Connie ’90 and David Gildersleeve ’93 Lamb ’90 Gabe Raad Maureen and George Worthington ’71 Mu-Wei Chen ’04 Heather Gill William Lenon ’72 Lucy Rey and Sigmund Palasek Thomas Yasuda ’79 Bridget and David Coleman ’95 Gloria and Stuart Glaser ’73 Sharon and Ralph Lepore ’88 ’99 Anthony Zaranti ’99 Amy Compton ’01 Barbara and Neil Glazman ’77 Kimi Lilly ’04 Lisa and Christopher Reynolds Natalia Zelazny ’04 Natalie ’95 and Victor Cornejo ’96 Kathy Van Vechten and John Kristin Lysgaard ’98 Scott Rhode ’88 Dina Marie Zemke ’03 David Cross ’80 Gleason Michael MacIntyre ’78 Martha Noll and Hans Riehemann ’82 Renae Lamb-Zender and William Arthur Cusack ’91 Sue and Robert Gonzales ’88 Michelle and James Maggio ’72 David Rietow ’90 Zender ’76 Michael Maguire ’86 Beverly Rihn ’93 Ellen and Kevin Mahoney ’82 Linda and Frank Riolo * deceased Taya and James Mahoney Julia Robbins Bold Print - Faculty & Staff Mary Maloney ’93 Therese and Frank Rosaschi ’79 Kristen and Steven Mansmith ’93 Penny and Adam Roth ’83 Constance and Theodore Marohn ’79 Debra and Martin Ryan ’83 A FINAL NOTE Timothy Matousek ’99 Margaret and Jack Schlaifer We strive to ensure accuracy in John McBeath ’93 Elizabeth and L. Dale Scott this listing of benefactors who Kelly McBride-Watson ’97 and Rebecca Seipp ’98 supported the Harrah Hotel Roger Watson ’85 Bethany Senger ’00 College between July 1, 2004 Jeannette McDonald ’03 Conrad Serrano ’96 Jillian McNiff ’04 Rileen and Deron Shields ’84 and June 30, 2005. If there is Karin ’85 and Bradley Miehl Suely Shin ’98 an error in the way we listed Lauralee and Glenn Miller ’78 Christina and Ayaz Siddiki ’93 your gift or if you wish to make a Tzah Miller ’02 Pamela Simpson ’88 change in your name as shown, Jaime and Edward Montanez Toby Smeltzer ’02 please accept our apology and Kyle Morris ’04 Robin and Ronald Smith ’82 bring it to our attention at Tyrus Mulkey ’94 Katherine Springstead ’92 (702) 895-3148 or e-mail Brett Magnan, vice president of hotel operations Bruce Mullen ’91 Kim and Kurt Stahura [email protected]. and Joe Hasson, vice president and general Judy Nagai-Allison and Steve Jana and Emmett Steed ’03 Allison Lindsay Stein ’03 manager, Green Valley Ranch Station Casino, James Nealon Raymond Stoll members of the Silver Medallion Society. 27 PREMI E R • FA LL 2005 DESTINATION SINGAPORE UNLV LOOKS TO INVENT THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY EDUCATION

The National Library will house the UNLV by Karen Sharp Singapore Campus. The UNLV College of Hotel The Economic Development management courses could be Administration’s first international Board of Singapore is actively offered in the near future. campus is one step closer to engaged in helping UNLV create The Singapore campus is just the opening its doors. It is anticipated the UNLV Singapore campus. With jumping off point for international that final approvals to begin will the approvals from the Board of ventures. Dr. Mann said the soon be granted by the Singapore Regents, the university will begin Harrah Hotel College is working Minister of Education and that all hiring six to eight instructors to toward future projects in Mexico, of the necessary legal requirements teach in the hotel administration India, China, South Korea and will then follow in place. program. the Philippines. Some Singapore In September, the Board of The next step is to finalize institutions have encouraged UNLV Regents unanimously approved the class schedule for fall faculty to train their instructors and the advance of funds as well as the 2006, complete the admissions students in gaming management. university’s request to begin hiring application process, and recruit The government is anxious to faculty for the “UNLV Singapore” faculty. “UNLV is fortunate that see more Asians enter in hotel campus. its first international campus will management, whereas currently The 12,000 square foot campus be located in Singapore, Asia’s mostly Americans and Europeans will be housed on the tenth and educational hub,” Nazarechuk hold those positions. “We are very eleventh floors inside the National said. Cornell University, Stanford proud to be asked by the Singapore Library of Singapore, a prestigious University, Johns Hopkins government to stand side by side building that has been compared University and Massachusetts with many of the world’s greatest to the United States Library of Institute of Technology are a few academic programs,” said Mann. Congress. Nearly 250 students of the other institutions organizing Nazarechuk agrees. “Singapore is are expected to attend classes in programs in Singapore to help creating an ‘educational hub’ and fall 2006. The campus will offer a boost the economy and improve seeking to become the destination bachelor’s degree program in hotel tourism revenue. “The proximity of where students go to obtain their administration and hospitality Singapore to China and other Asian degrees,” he said. management and an executive nations makes it the ideal place “UNLV will play an important master’s degree in hospitality. for our hospitality management role in this vision by providing our Dr. Andy Nazarechuk will serve programs as Asian tourism world class hospitality management as dean. “Singapore values increases dramatically over the courses.” The Economic education and UNLV will provide next 10 to 20 years,” said Dean Development Board of Singapore a valuable service by offering Stuart Mann. hopes to have upwards of 150,000 our hospitality management The timing couldn’t be better international students at any given courses for the benefit of the for this program. It comes on the time within Singapore’s borders. region’s tourism industry,” he said. heels of Singapore’s introduction For more information on the Nazarechuk is currently overseeing to legalized gambling, which the UNLV Singapore campus please building operations in Singapore. government approved last year. contact Dr. Andy Nazarechuk, Mann said because of this, gaming dean of UNLV Singapore at andy. [email protected]. 28 UNLV Alumni Clubs GET INVOLVED. Korea Portland San Diego Area Southern California/ Won-Seok Seo ’95, ’97 MS Linda Garrett ’83 Scott Gulbransen ’95 Los Angeles STAY CONNECTED. [email protected] c-503-997-4020 w-858-525-7594 Mark Lerman ’97 [email protected] h-858-481-4871 h-323-572-0149 Alumni Volunteers Mississippi State [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Wanted! Lori Beth Susman ’86 Reno Area w-228-832-7004 Andrea Knapp ’92, ’00 MSS San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] c-775-813-4870 unlvbayareahotelalumni@ Southern Utah If you are interested in joining Kathy Pontius ’99 [email protected] yahoogroups.com an existing alumni club or if you h-435-867-4763 New York City Area Tony Llanos ’97 would like to start one in your area, [email protected] please contact your fellow alumni: Allison Verrino ’99 Sacramento Area w-415-365-0307 w-347-728-7089 Jennifer Zajac Winters ’93 [email protected] Texas/Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Chicago Area [email protected] w-916-922-4700 x1316 Wanda Jong ’98 Blake Rudman ’00 Stephanie Fisher ’00 h-916-419-3788 h-650-347-1313 c-469-682-1641 w-773-858-6753 Oregon/Willamette Valley [email protected] or c-323-481-7228 [email protected] [email protected] Denise Phillips Beban ’95 [email protected] [email protected] w-541-346-2101 Washington DC Area Denver Area h-541-349-1010 Megan Woodman ’94 w-301-255-0876 Cindy Pegg Jennings ’94 [email protected] [email protected] h-303-921-6586 [email protected] FOR ALL OTHER AREAS, please contact Kentucky State Judy Nagai-Allison Melissa Inouye ’01, ’02 UNLV Alumni Association w-895-257-6314 702-895-2934 h-859-971-2985 [email protected] [email protected] William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration Office of the Dean Non-Profit Org. 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 456013 US Postage Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013 PAID Change Service Requested Permit No. 200 Las Vegas NV