Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah Hotel College College of Hospitality
Fall 2012
Premier
Bo Bernhard
Afsha Bawany
Bobbie Barnes
Elle House
John Fitts
See next page for additional authors
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/premier
Part of the Hospitality Administration and Management Commons
Repository Citation Bernhard, B., Bawany, A., Barnes, B., House, E., Fitts, J., Tredup, E., Hancock, G. (2012). Premier. In Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, 1-44. Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/premier/17
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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]. Authors Bo Bernhard, Afsha Bawany, Bobbie Barnes, Elle House, John Fitts, Elijah Tredup, and Gael Hancock
This magazine is available at Digital Scholarship@UNLV: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/premier/17 A WILLIAM F. Harrah College OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION Publication IssUE 1 Volume 8
PPremierFall/Winter 2012
HARRAH HOTEL COLLEGE Brings Together EDUCATION and INDUSTRY
UNLV President Neal Smatresk; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson, Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Harrah Hotel College Dean Donald D. Snyder; Chief Executive Officer Steve Wynn, Wynn Resorts; Andrea Wynn; and President of the American Gaming Association Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. Premier The official magazine of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration
Office of the Dean Alumni Chapter Box 456013 4505 S. Maryland Parkway Officers: Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013 Dennis Gradillas, ’91, President (702) 895-3161 Las Ventanas hotel.unlv.edu Chris Smith, ’98, Vice President Donald D. Snyder Caesars Entertainment Dean Holly Mae (Sparks) Lindsay, ’99, Tony Henthorne Secretary Associate Dean Delmonico Steakhouse Richard Linstrom Marco Benvenuti, ’02, Treasurer Associate Dean, UNLV Singapore Duetto Research Pat Moreo, ’69, ’83 Ed.D. Directors: Associate Dean Bobbie Barnes, ’93, ’05 M.Ed. Billy Bai UNLV Career Services Assistant Dean, UNLV Singapore Adam Gordon, ’04 Seyhmus Baloglu LVCVA Assistant Dean Sandy Kim, ’11 Jean Hertzman, ’06 Ph.D. MGM Resorts International Assistant Dean Pat Moreo, ’69 ,’83 Ed.D. Gail Sammons, ’87 Faculty Liaison Assistant Dean Tracee Nalewak, ’02 M.S. Dan Abdalla, ’97 Angel Management Group Director of Development Michael Pius, ’10 M.S. Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA The First Tee of Washington, D.C. Editor, Premier Magazine Lynda Tache, ’97 Robyn Hadden, ’05 MA Grant A Gift Autism Foundation Director Alumni & College Relations Vicki Savini, ’92 Margaret Walsh Table 23 Director of Administration & Budget
Executive Members
Guy Fieri, ’90 Bill McBeath, ’86 Food Network/Johnny ARIA Resort & Casino Garlic’s Restaurants Anthony Santo, ’84 James Germain, ’75 Sal Semola, ’81 Castle Valley Inn Warner Gaming
Advisory Board Members
William Anton Jordan Meisner Anton Enterprises, Inc. Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Debi Benedetti Stephen G. Michaelides Beyond the Possible Words Ink Elizabeth Blau Bill Paulos, ’69 Blau and Associates Cannery Casino Resorts Russ Dazzio, ’73 Thom Reilly R & R Global Hospitality Caesars Foundation Paula Eylar, ’89, ’97 MBA Patricia (Trish) Sahlstrom Boyd Gaming Corporation A&W Food Services of Canada, Inc. Deirdre Flynn Christopher Silva North American Association of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Food Equipment Manufacturers Susie Southgate-Fox Marvin M. Franklin Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Commercial Growth Partners Inc. Douglas K. Fryett Arch Stokes, Chairman Premier would like to hear from you! Please submit your Fryett Consulting Group Stokes, Roberts & Wagner, ALC story ideas and letters to the editor. Here’s how to contact Tom Groeninger Robert L. Van Ness, ’83 Wyndham Vacation Ownership Preferred Hotel Group the appropriate person for your needs: Robert N. Grimes Senior Advisors ConStrata Tech Consulting Taketoshi Takemoto For information about the For information directly Anne Hanson ACE Denken Co., Ltd. Alumni Association and events: related to Premier: CamCris LLC Ex-Officio Director of Alumni Editor Barbara Kane Dennis Gradillas, ’91 Ecolab & College Relations Robyn Campbell-Ouchida Las Ventanas Robyn Hadden [email protected] Dean McClain Eric Dutt McClain Consulting Group Harrah’s Entertainment [email protected]
For information about making a donation to the college: Cover photo courtesy of Sam Lee Fine Art Photography. Table of contents photo by R. Marsh Starks. Director of Development Design and production by Reprographics/Design Services Dan Abdalla
UNLV is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Achieving 702-895-2934 [email protected] Excellence Through Diversity In This Visit us at: unlv.edu/ hotel Issue
7 International Gaming Institute
20 Ephiphany Farms Fulfilling Alumni’s Passion
24 2012 Vallen Dinner of Distinction
30 Mentee Becomes Mentor
Departments
Dean’s Message...... 2 News Briefs...... 4 Student Spotlight...... 13 In the Kitchen...... 26 UNLV Global – Singapore...... 35 Alumni Updates...... 38 Congratulations...... 39
Photo by Geri Koday ’86 1
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER From the Dean’s Desk
his issue of Premier provides me an momentum has been generated through Topportunity to reflect on my first two presentations to the governor’s Gaming years as dean and to look forward with Policy Committee to lay the foundation greater clarity as a result of all that has been for the key role the International Gaming accomplished in the past two years. My life Institute (IGI) will play in creating an has been enriched by my direct encounters “intellectual hub for global gaming.” The with academe, and I feel that academe recent visit by President Smatresk and has been enriched by the private-sector me to Singapore and Macau reinforced perspective I brought to the university. both the opportunity and the obligation Truthfully, there has also been an element for UNLV and the state of Nevada to of challenge — both for me and for the accelerate our efforts in this regard. college during these past two years. But Executive education and outreach. we are collectively stronger, more focused, We have taken steps to reactivate the and better positioned than ever for moving Hospitality Research & Development forward. Center (HRDC). HRDC will do for In my message in the inaugural issue of nongaming programs what IGI has done e-Premier, I focused on the fact that, after in terms of gaming-related executive/ working through the leadership changes, professional development and research. a strategic planning process, and tough Together, they will add an important legislative and fiscal challenges, we are now and growing dimension to our college positioned to “play offense.” This is clearly — leveraging our exceptional (and evident in the substantial strengthening of expanded) academic resources. our academic foundation with the hiring of the largest, strongest group of new faculty Curriculum changes. I am excited and professional staff — perhaps in the 45- to see the very strategic changes to year history of this college. While we are not our curriculum going into effect this finished with this very strategic hiring process, fall, as detailed in a related story in this we have accomplished as much or more than issue of Premier. There was a positive our highest expectations when we initiated reaction to these changes when we this part of our strategic plan. You can read announced them last year; it is now time more about this outstanding group in a to implement them. subsequent section of this issue of Premier. On a personal level, I want to With this strategic hiring process off to acknowledge the passing of someone such a robust start, we are clearly better who shares a very special connection prepared to build on the pre-eminent to our William F. Harrah College of Hotel academic reputation developed in the first Administration. Verna Harrah, the wife of four decades of this wonderful program. You William F. Harrah, played an integral role in can expect to see us continue to strengthen her husband’s name gracing our college the foundation and to deliver an even stronger in perpetuity. She passed away June 29. program as we focus on more of our strategic Without her financial and moral support, initiatives, including some of the following it would not have been possible for us to items: share a special bond with William F. Harrah, New academic building. While much someone who meant so much to our state remains to be done, I am encouraged and the hospitality industry for which we so by the conversations that are moving us effectively prepare young men and women to toward the 2013 legislative session. excel. Verna Harrah will be missed. International Gaming Institute and the governor’s global gaming initiative. As previewed in the inaugural issue of e-Premier, positive 2
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Hospitality Heroes n celebration of the U.S. Travel IAssociation’s annual National Travel and Tourism Week, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) honors exemplary employees in the hospitality industry. Since 2010, the LVCVA has honored UNLV Harrah Hotel College students with the “Hospitality Heroes” designation. Students are nominated by hotel college faculty and are selected based on academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the hospitality field. On Friday, April 27, 2012, LVCVA representatives surprised hotel college students Michael Ahn, Leanne Ford, Alex Salvo, and Karla Washington with the award Left to right: Alex Salvo, Karla Washington, Hotel College Dean Don Snyder, and a gift bag with Las Vegas Leanne Ford, Michael Ahn memorabilia.
Alumni Helping Alumni: Support Alumni Businesses & Professionals
n today’s tough economy, alumni can help each other by Inetworking and seeking products and services for personal and business needs through fellow alumni in their area. On May 16, the Alumni Association launched the Rebel Business Network. The network offers a quick and easy way to connect with fellow Rebels in the business community. Benefits of being part of the Rebel Business Network include: • Business Directory — A searchable database of alumni professionals available for view by the general public - similar to electronic yellow pages. The business directory is a convenient way to find alumni who offer products and services for your use. • Hire a Rebel — Gain introductions to alumni for hiring and other employment opportunities by searching the listings. • Networking — Members will have the opportunity to build relationships with each other through luncheons, mixers, and relationship building events. To be eligible for the Rebel business Network, you must Rebel Business Network founder Matt Engle be a current member of the UNLV Alumni Association and an explains the new program alumnus/a of the university. Join or renew your membership today by visiting https://netcommunity.unlv.edu/network. 3
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER News Briefs Hilton Foundation Grant Enables Students to Attend National Conference
ecause of the generosity classroom learning. Bof the Conrad N. Hilton “Mr. Hilton’s Foundation, a group of hotel benevolence not only college students was able to allowed several of our travel to Washington, D.C., in members a chance to February to attend the 23rd attend a cross-country annual National Society of function that would Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) have otherwise been national conference. inaccessible, but it “It is an honor and privilege also inspired each of for UNLV’s National Society us to seek a way to of Minorities in Hospitality to ‘pay it forward,’” says receive funding from such an UNLV NSMH President accomplished, selfless, and Mitch Harper. “The giving leader of the hospitality most important thing industry, Conrad N. Hilton,” says we learned at this UNLV NSMH vice president and industry.” conference is that the competition out conference attendee Matini Sinirath. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation there is fierce! Students need to seek “The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation grant grant was awarded to the William F. out these types of events to cultivate was truly a gift that gave the members Harrah College of Hotel Administration in networking relationships as early and as within our club the opportunity to gain March 2011 to support the recruitment, often as possible.” firsthand experience to network with retention, and professional development After attending this year’s conference, industry professionals from many well- of students. The fund supports student Harper says, “Matini and I have decided known hospitality companies, meet other travel, awards, and related expenses to pursue an expanded role in our aspiring hospitality students from around so students have the ability to attend organization. We are committed to the country, engage in workshops that industry events such as conferences, bringing home the Chapter Community build professional development, and events, seminars, and other related Service award at next year’s convention!” learn ways to stay competitive within the industry activities that build upon their
Sweet Victory The fourth annual Dean’s Cup was held March 28 at The Orleans Bowling Center. Pitting the Harrah Hotel College against the Lee Business School made for an exciting afternoon with the hotel college coming out the winner! Dean Don Snyder is now able to display the Dean’s Cup in his office for the next year.
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012
Alumnus Provides Gift Opportunity Through Book ne of the members of the hotel for my family,” says Wagner. “I career in gaming hospitality Ocollege’s inaugural graduating class especially wanted it to pique is more fun and rewarding recently published a book. For Roger the interest of young people than almost any other Wagner, ’69, No Work and All Play: considering the hotel and career I can think of.” Audacious Chronicles of a Casino Boss casino business for a career. Wagner, who plans is the culmination of his years working Since the UNLV hotel school to donate half of the net in the hospitality industry. Recalling played such a major role in royalties of the book’s his career in Las Vegas and Atlantic helping me both select and sales to the hotel college’s City, Wagner’s chronicle includes such shape a career in hospitality, I Jerry Vallen Professorship, recognizable industry names as Jack thought that perhaps I could understands the Binion and Donald Trump. write a book to demonstrate to significance of an advanced “I wanted my book to serve several potential students of UNLV that Roger Wagner degree. “The value of purposes beyond just being a memoir with a lot of determination, a a college education is more important today than ever before. Competition
for the best- paying and most coveted jobs in our industry is so keen that you cannot just ‘sneak by’ the way we could years ago.” He continues, “My entry into hotel casino management came quite by accident. But luck, timing, and fate are three ingredients of the gambling business, so it is appropriate that I got my start that way. “My work experience in the industry was so enjoyable that when I learned that Professor Richard Strahlem was coordinating the development of a hotel school, I could not wait to be part of the first class of graduates. Early classroom n June 5, alumni and friends gathered at the Stan Fulton Building study was primitive. There were few to watch the episode premier of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives when Guy O books written on the subject of hotel Fieri, ’90, visited UNLV for his Food Network program. Those in attendance management, but new professors like enjoyed an evening of eating, drinking, networking, and reminiscing. In the last Boyce Phillips and George Bussell joined segment of the episode, Fieri arrived in his signature 1967 Chevy Camaro SS a motivated new young dean, Jerry convertible at the Stan Fulton Building where Professor Vince Eade greeted him Vallen, to crank up the curriculum.” and walked him inside (Eade was Fieri’s academic advisor while he was a UNLV Wagner’s book is available in Las student). Once inside, Fieri met with Executive Chef John Gremo, ’02, and Vegas at the Gambler’s Book Club and UNLV students, who prepared Thai sauté shrimp with Asian slaw. The recipe can also be found on Amazon.com and was posted on the Food Network’s website for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. at Barnes & Noble.
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Global gaming conference could help Vegas build its ‘intellectual capital,’ experts say
or Bo Bernhard, bringing one of the world’s most important ranging from old-school card counters to mathematicians and Fgaming conferences to Las Vegas is an important behavioral scientists. step toward preserving the city’s future as an international “One reason gaming doesn’t develop like the insurance or headquarters for gambling. furniture industries is because it requires government approval As casinos, and their revenue, spread across the world, to come into a community,” Berhnard said. Las Vegas has found itself taking a second row to other It also has different ways it affects the community, destinations, including Singapore and Macau. Bernhard said: what happens inside the casino and its But Bernhard, executive director of the International operations, and also what happens outside with both Gaming Institute at UNLV, has maintained that Vegas can keep economic and social effects. from losing its foothold in an industry it practically invented the Next year’s conference is expected to target research on same way Houston has done in the oil industry. the growing online gaming industry and how it effects casinos, “Even though most of the oil is produced overseas, most of in addition to growing research on problem gambling that has the decisions in how the oil industry is run actually are made in emerged in Canada and Europe in recent years, Eadington Houston,” Bernhard says. “Las Vegas could reinvent itself the said. same way and become the intellectual capital of the gaming Cost cuts at UNR kept the conference from going forward. industry.” Organizers had hoped to put on the conference this year The next step in that evolution could be the return of in Nevada, but cost cuts at UNR got in the way. By partnering the International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, with UNLV, Eadington said the two schools could combine coming to Caesars Palace in May 2013, which Bernhard and resources. Plus, he said, putting the conference on the Las Bill Eadington of the University of Nevada, Reno announced Vegas Strip just makes sense. Monday morning. The 15th conference, held every three years The conference is scheduled for May 27-31, 2013. since the 1970s, would come back to Vegas for the first time Eadington said learning about the research that now has since 2000 in the first-ever collaboration between UNR and been in the works for years could help communities and UNLV. nations new to gambling head off potential problems before “This is really historic,” Bernhard said during a news they happen. conference at the gaming institute’s Stan Fulton Building. As Bernhard and Eadington travel, they say they see other Conference organizers hope to draw 300 to 500 places watching the riches of gambling with no thought as to participants from researchers to policy makers, manufacturers potential pitfalls that await them. Las Vegas acted much the and executives in the gaming industry internationally. The same way, until reality hit with the crash of the economy in focus will be to develop research to solve problems before 2008 and the billion-dollar casino losses of 2010. they occur, as gaming spreads to areas where it never has “When problems start emerging,” he said, “the hope is you been before. have a basis of research to address them, so you’re not just “Gambling is not going to become an industry that matures shooting from the hip.” quietly, like the insurance industry,” Eadington said. Research and studying of gambling were rare when Eadington started the first such conference in 1974. But by the This article by Ron Sylvester first appeared in the April 9, end of the decade, attendees had become an eclectic group 2012 edition of the Las Vegas Sun.
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 International Gaming Institute Bo Bernhard
INTRODUCTION weeks of training provided by UNLV reviewed publication in the gaming The UNLV International Gaming professors and industry professionals. operations research field. The IGI has Institute (IGI) was founded in 1993 Each program blends “classroom” also been awarded more than $1 million to serve as an educational hub for learning and “real-world” learning, in grant-funded research from regulatory the global gaming industry. With the with lectures at the IGI in the morning agencies, gaming industry companies, expansion of gaming in the early and “living laboratory” site visits to Las and government organizations 1990s, new jurisdictions often lacked Vegas-area gaming businesses in the worldwide. expertise and turned to Nevada for afternoon. IGI also provides customized Over the past five years, this educational programs focusing on training off premises to gaming industry research has been highlighted in keynote regulatory and operational challenges. professionals and regulators worldwide. addresses on six continents and at each As these programs grew, the university Because of international demand and of the major international conferences in moved quickly to hire Shannon Bybee, evolving technology capacity, the IGI the gaming field. By their nature, these a regulatory and operational pioneer, recently began offering online programs. projects are cross-disciplinary and have as the IGI’s first full-time executive Currently, 11 Internet-based courses incorporated academic partners in director. Today, this regulatory and geared toward gaming industry middle- business, law, history, psychology, public operational focus remains, and the management professionals are offered. health, sociology, policy, economics, IGI is widely regarded as a premier These courses culminate in a certificate and gaming management. The IGI source of information and training for of completion and have been attended recently partnered with the Brookings the international gaming industry, with by students in more than 30 countries. Mountain West program on campus program graduates from more than 50 Finally, throughout its history, the to co-host a successful summit on different jurisdictions. IGI has focused heavily on training gaming, technology, and health — and The IGI boasts the finest gaming government regulators who govern these two unique entities on campus educational facilities in the world, with the world’s gaming industry with the plan to offer similar programs moving an on-site casino lab featuring the latest highest standards of rigor and integrity. forward. In addition, the IGI has worked slots and table games, a fully functional Regulatory training is often conducted in collaboratively with UNR’s gaming casino surveillance room, numerous concert with the Nevada Gaming Control programs, consolidating statewide “smart” classrooms and executive Board and is delivered either at the IGI efforts that will lead to greater efficiency, boardrooms, a bistro, conference or “on the road” in gaming jurisdictions reach, and programmatic scope. In May facilities, and a prominent location on the abroad (most recently in a weeklong of 2013, these collaborative efforts will corner of the UNLV campus. program in South Africa attended be celebrated at the 15th International by regulators from every African Conference on Gambling and Risk EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS jurisdiction). Taking, which will be co-hosted with the The IGI offers instruction at the UNR Center for the Study of Gambling executive, intermediate, and basic RESEARCH PROGRAMS and Commercial Gaming. levels. A full listing of standard courses The IGI conducts objective, scientific can be found on its website at research on a variety of important To learn more about the International http://igi.unlv.edu. The most popular issues pertaining to gambling and the Gaming Institute and its programs, programs (especially for international global gaming industry. It publishes the please visit igi.unlv.edu. groups) feature customized curricula, twice-yearly UNLV Gaming Research which usually consist of one to three & Review Journal, the premier peer- 7
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER PGA News Briefs UNLV PGA Golf Management National Advisory
Board Members Visit Students n March, Eric Dutt, vice president of projects both domestically and Iof golf operations for Caesars abroad, including the Caesars Macau Entertainment, and Willy Choma, project in China. president of WPC Retail Consulting, During the visit, students were able visited the PGM 202 (merchandising to apply the concepts they learned and golf operations) students to in previous classes and gain a better share firsthand retail experience with understanding of how the lessons the second-year students. Dutt, a apply to real-life situations. The guest longtime Las Vegan, won the Nevada speakers discussed various strategies State Amateur at age 17, held a they’ve used over the years in their number of positions with the PGA, wide variety of experiences at different and currently oversees Rio Secco Golf facilities. Club, Cascata, and the Butch Harmon “We could not have found two School of Golf. Choma studied professionals with more experience, economics and business before knowledge, and a general willingness Eric Dutt and Willy Choma share going into the golf industry in 1991. to help our students than Eric and retail experiences with students He served as director of Canadian Willy,” says graduate assistant Zaanan operations and director of operations Tellschow, who taught the PGM 202 for Las Vegas Golf and Tennis and class alongside past assistant director the UNLV PGA Golf Management since the inception of WPC Retail Chris Brown. “We sincerely thank them Program through service on our Consulting has worked on a multitude for their visit and continued support of National Advisory Board.”
UNLV PGA Golf Management University Program Honored by The First Tee of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
nnually, The First Tee of Southern their association to grow the game Tee of Southern Nevada to engage our ANevada selects a Facility of the of golf. This year, the UNLV PGA Golf community through the game of golf,” Year for contributions with assisting Management University Program was says Cain. honored as the 2011 Facility of the Year The First Tee of Southern Nevada
for Growing the Game of Golf is celebrating its 10-year anniversary during the association’s annual as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization awards banquet Feb. 12, 2012. established through the merger of the UNLV PGA golf Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association management director and the Southern Nevada Inner City Christopher Cain was present Youth Golf Association in 2002. to receive the award on behalf More than 65,000 youth throughout of the students and program. Southern Nevada ages 6 through “We are extremely honored by 17 are encouraged to participate in this recognition. Our students school programs, development clinics, have benefitted from their educational seminars, tournaments, and experience in volunteering during special events throughout the year. The the open golf clinics, tournament First Tee mission is broader than simply Samantha Clawson, tournament director operations, and summer teaching youth how to play golf; its for The First Tee of Southern Nevada, with Chris Cain internships. We are fortunate unique curriculum has a strong life-skills as a golfing community to have component that includes community an organization like The First service and mentoring opportunities. 8
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012
UNLV PGM Program player development initiative recognized as Best Practice by PGA Magazine
n April, Chris Cain attended the PGA Professionals of the development. In addition, the UNLV program was the only IYear Conference at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, PGA University Program out of the 19 golf programs that were which offered some unique networking opportunities as well as represented there. connections for future internship sites. He notes that UNLV, the PGA Magazine has sent the video link that is highlighted hotel college, and the PGA golf management program will all below to its PGA membership. Check it out! benefit from these associations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qYHIF- During the conference, the UNLV PGA Golf Management QWyQ&feature=player_embedded#! Program was highlighted as being a best practice for player
UNLV Hospitality Major Ranked Top Choice for Minority Students Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine ranks UNLV top hospitality degree producer for minority students
Afsha Bawany
UNLV’s Harrah Hotel College awarded more degrees to government relations. “UNLV offers a campus experience minority students than any hospitality program in the nation that emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, be it from 2010 to 2011, according to the magazine Diverse Issues academics, student life, or campus programs.” in Higher Education. At UNLV, 45 percent of total undergraduate students in fall The publication’s June issue featuring top bachelor’s 2011 reported being part of a racial or ethnic minority. Last degree producers ranked UNLV first among 53 schools offering October, UNLV ranked among the nation’s 10 most diverse hospitality management programs. universities for undergraduate students, according to U.S. The magazine used U.S. Department of Education data to News & World Report. identify students in each of four categories: American Indian or Harrah Hotel College student groups include the Hospitality Alaska Native, Asian-American, black or African-American, and Association of Koreans and National Society of Minorities in Hispanic. The Hotel College also topped the list for degrees Hospitality. obtained by African-American and Native-American students. The report also ranked UNLV 14th nationally for “The ranking validates UNLV’s commitment to create a Native American graduates in all disciplines, and 41st welcoming environment, and is reflective of the university’s for Asian-Americans. Complete rankings are available at ability to embrace our community’s cultural make-up,” said diverseeducation.com/top100/. Luis Valera, interim vice president of diversity initiatives and 9
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Welcome New Hires
Ali Green has more than 25 years Toni Repetti, ’11 Ph.D., assistant Kate Pounders graduated from of experience in the hospitality professor of hospitality accounting Lindenwood University before earning field. Her research areas include and finance courses, has more an M.B.A. from the University of generation diversity in corporate than 19 years of gaming experience Southern Mississippi. She graduated hospitality training, learning styles, in all operational areas. She has with her doctorate in marketing from employee engagement, e-learning, held positions in accounting and Louisiana State University in 2010. mobile learning, and motivation in finance and her experience includes She currently researches, teaches and the workplace. She uses emerging working with Las Vegas Strip resorts; serves in the marketing community, technology such as Web 2.0 Midwest casinos; and tribal gaming with a focus on how social influence applications, Second Life, and properties in the areas of budgeting, and consumption emotions impact authoring tools to complement her strategic planning, analysis, property consumer attitudes and behaviors. teaching both online and face to face. acquisitions, financial reporting, She is actively involved in the American Green has taught at Gulf Coast compliance, system implementation, Marketing Association and is also a State College, Panama City, Fla., at training, and audit. member of the Academy of Marketing the University of New Mexico, and at She holds an MBA from Colorado Science. the University of Phoenix. She helped State University and a bachelor’s create electronic learning objects degree from UNLV. She is a certified for the University of New Mexico managerial accountant and a certified Dina Marie V. Zemke, ’03 Ph.D., University Libraries. Her hotel industry hospitality educator. Her main has worked for companies including experience is in operations, training, research concentrates in the area of Hilton Hotels, the Otis Elevator and sales at the corporate level as managerial finance and operational Company, and the American Cancer well as at the property level. Her Ph.D. decisions in hospitality companies. Society. Her research interests focus is from the University of New Mexico on atmospherics, or the effects of and she also holds masters’ degrees the physical environment on peoples’ from the University of Oklahoma and behavior, as well as facilities planning, the University of Phoenix, with an design, and management. She has undergraduate degree from Eastern authored several articles in academic Illinois University. journals and co-authored a textbook on hospitality facilities management. Zemke holds degrees from Cheryl Olson recently joined the International Cornell University’s School of Hotel Gaming Institute as the director of Management Administration (B.S.), the Carlson School and Executive Education. She has 14 years of of Management at the University of experience in educational program development Minnesota (MBA), and the Harrah Hotel and design, including 12 years of experience College (Ph.D.). She also holds the developing educational programs exclusively for Real Property Administrator designation the international gaming industry. Olson earned through the Building Owners and her Bachelor of Science in health education from Managers Institute. She previously served the University of Nevada, Reno, and is currently on the faculties at the University of New pursuing her MBA at Maastricht University School of Hampshire, Cornell University, and Business and Economics in the Netherlands. Johnson & Wales University — Charlotte. 10
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Anthony Gatling has joined Stowe Shoemaker has rejoined Dr. Jungsun (Sunny) Kim, ’06 UNLV as an assistant professor. A UNLV after serving as the Donald MS, ’09 Ph.D., received her former executive with Red Lobster Hubbs Distinguished Professor bachelor’s degree in hotel and tourism Restaurants, he supervised 44 at the University of Houston’s management from Kyunghee University outlets with annual sales of more Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and in Korea. She has worked in the area of than $158 million. He began his Restaurant Management. He holds operations for restaurants in Australia career as a server with the company a Ph.D. from Cornell University and for hotels in Korea and in the and over 23 years, worked his way and has been an adjunct professor information technology departments in up to senior director of operations. at the University of Texas MD a number of American hotel/casinos. He holds a doctorate of business Anderson Cancer Center. He is a She is an active member of administration from Lawrence member of the Executive Education Hospitality Financial and Technology Technological University, an MBA faculty at the Cornell University Professionals and the American Hotel from Wayne State University, and a School of Hotel Administration. and Lodging Association (AH&LA), bachelor’s degree from Duquesne His research interests include the serving on the Technology Committee University. antecedents and consequences of of AH&LA and on the Hospitality Gatling has been a board member consumer loyalty, loyalty programs, Technology advisory board. She served of the Allegheny County Health and strategic pricing and revenue on the faculty of Texas Tech University Department Food Advisory Board in management. His research has over the past three years and has Pittsburgh, Pa. and the Hospitality won numerous awards, and has worked extensively on the development Industry Diversity Institute at the appeared in the Journal of Revenue of theoretical models to better Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Pricing Management, Journal understand the customer behavior and Restaurant Management at the of Travel Research, and many other toward new technologies, including: University of Houston. publications. He has also published social media; self-service; and green, two textbooks. mobile, and wireless technologies.
Dan Abdalla, ’98, is the new director of development for the Harrah Hotel College. As the former head coach of the UNLV women’s soccer program, he brings extensive leadership and community relations experience to his new position. Abdalla was most recently at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where he led a capital improvement campaign for the university’s athletic department. While at TCU, he also initiated social media and community outreach strategies. Please feel free to contact Abdalla at [email protected] or 702-895- 2934 with any questions about how to support the UNLV College of Hotel Administration, or visit the UNLV Foundation website: http://foundation.unlv.edu.
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Doctoral Students Pursue Unique Research Projects
This listing includes some of the Xi “Cece” Leung “Economic, Social and Environmental interesting research projects with X.Y. Leung, F. Wang, B. Wu, B. Bai, Impact Analysis of Ecotourism which Harrah Hotel College Ph.D. K.A. Stahura, and Z. Xie, “A social Development in the Las Vegas candidates are involved. It is not network analysis of overseas tourist Valley,” with Dr. Seyhmus Baloglu, meant to be a comprehensive list. movement patterns in Beijing: The Las Vegas, Nev., 2012. This paper will impact of the Olympic Games,” be submitted to a research journal. Brett Abarbanel International Journal of Tourism B.L. Abarbanel and B.J. Bernhard, Research (SSCI), 2012. C. Seuss and C. Giannoulakis, Ph.D., “Chicks with decks: The female lived “Determining Traveler Characteristics experience in poker,” International B. Wu, L. Xue, A. Morrison, and X. and Preferences to aid Development Gambling Studies, 2012. Expected Leung, “Frame analysis on Golden of Rural Business Opportunities in available date online: May 22, 2012. Week policy reform in China,” Annals Ecotourism,” International Scientific of Tourism Research, 2012. Congress on Current Trends in B. Abarbanel, “Cultural dimensions Tourism Management and Tourism of countries enacting Internet sports X. Leung, F. Wang, B. Wu, and J.A. Policy, Athens, Greece, February betting policy,” UNLV Gaming Busser, “Park user quality evaluation: 2012. Research & Review Journal, 16(1), Applying an Analytical Hierarchy 2012, pp. 77-85. Process for managers,” Managing Sarah Tanford Leisure, 16(2), 2011, pp. 142-160. S. Tanford and S. Baloglu, “Grading Orie Berezan reward program members using the O. Berezan, M. Millar, and C. Raab, Safak Sahin loyalty matrix,” Cornell Hospitality “Sustainable hotel practices and S. Sahin and S. Baloglu, “Brand Quarterly, 2012. guest satisfaction levels,” International personality and destination image of Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Istanbul,” Anatolia: An International Yun Ying “Susan” Zhong Administration, 2012. Journal of Tourism & Hospitality In January 2012, Zhong’s paper Research, 22(1), 2011, pp. 69-88, doi: “Developing a Mobile Tourism O. Berezan, C. Raab, S. Tanford, 10.1080/13032917.2011.556222. Application for a Tourism Destination: and Y. Kim, “Evaluating Loyalty The Case Study of Aruba” received Constructs Among Hotel Reward S. Sahin and S. Baloglu, “City the best paper award at the Program Members Using branding: Investigating a brand 17th Annual Graduate Research Netnography,” 2012. advocacy model for distinct Conference in Tourism and segments,” Journal of Hospitality Hospitality. O. Berezan, M. Yoo, and C. Raab, Marketing & Management (in review), “Sustainable hotel practices and 2012. nationality: The impact on guest satisfaction and guest intention to Courtney Suess return,” 2012. “Determining Traveler Characteristics and Preferences to aid Development Lan Jiang of Rural Business Opportunities L. Jiang and R. Schmidgall, “A in Ecotourism,” with Dr. Seyhmus Longitudinal Study of Equipment Baloglu, Las Vegas, Nev., 2012. This Leasing in the U.S. Lodging Industry,” paper will be submitted to a research Journal of Hospitality Financial journal. Management, 19(2), 2011, pp. 77-89.
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA Student Spotlight
hat crazed fan with the red-haired wig (reminiscent of anything like that. I worked with vendors, made flyers, made Ta Dr. Seuss character) and face paint you see jumping sure students knew about the food they were serving. I was around at UNLV’s home basketball games? He’s just really lucky to work on that project, and it served as a catalyst one of many Harrah Hotel College students letting loose for things to come.” during his educational Approximately three experience. months after the event, “When I had narrowed Salvo received a call from my college choices to the MGM Grand about four, I knew that whatever an application he had school I chose needed put in to work at the front to have at least one desk. “The next thing I outstanding athletic knew, I was working the program,” says student front desk at one of the Alex Salvo. “UNLV’s world’s largest hotels. basketball program is a That’s a great way to learn legacy, and after attending hospitality management my first Runnin’ Rebels very quickly!” game, I was hooked.” While the job was In addition to his educational, Salvo moved “fandom,” Salvo is on the next semester to a seriously involved concentrate on his duties hospitality major. He grew at school and as vice up in New Jersey, an president of the UNLV hour west of Manhattan, Hotel Association, the in the shadow of one of college’s oldest student the world’s most dynamic organization. “I needed cities. “I had an idea of to find balance. Between city life, to some degree,” work, school, and he says. “But during the extracurricular activities, spring of 2009, I received my life was getting out of an internship offer from control. A fellow student, Walt Disney World Sandy Kim, and I worked Resort, and during my hard to reorganize the summer in Florida, I heard association and get students raving about their students as connected experiences at UNLV. as they should be.” This “I decided to check it included coordinating out for myself, and during property tours, bringing that trip, I saw that Las in industry speakers, and Vegas and its surrounding Photo by Aaron Mayes organizing other club communities are more activities. than just the Strip resorts. There’s real life out there, and Salvo took on the presidency of the group in fall 2011 and there’s lots of room to grow.” He vividly remembers seeing has been pleased with the association’s success. “This spring, City Center rising up, the construction of The Cosmopolitan, we hosted The State of the Strip and brought in midlevel and the never-completed Fontainebleau and Echelon Place. “I executives from some of the top hotel/gaming companies thought that even if these properties didn’t get finished, they in town, along with representation from the Las Vegas would somehow have an impact on me,” recalls Salvo. “Las Convention and Visitors Authority. The attendees received Vegas is big on change and has been able to recreate itself an assessment of how the industry is doing locally. It was so through the years. The other schools and communities on my fulfilling to be a part of this successful event!” list just couldn’t compare.” No matter where Salvo ends up working in the industry, he Salvo’s first event-planning experience was with 2010’s will be an asset because of his skill set, determination and, of UNLVino. “I served as a student culinary manager and was course, his “fandom.” part of a team of eight. I hadn’t ever pictured myself doing
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Career Center Career Fairs Connect Employers
With Students Bobbie Barnes, ’93, ’05 M.Ed.
n the age of online applications, more personal level and are instrumental for positions ahead of the job fair and IFacebook, and LinkedIn, are career in assessing candidates’ interpersonal schedule interviews during the career fairs a hiring novelty of the past? skills and potential organizational fit. event. Absolutely not! College career fairs The newest generation of college provide a unique opportunity to network students is looking for more than jobs; POSITIVE ENERGY with hundreds of students. Despite they are seeking positions that allow Once at the fair, select company the convenience and cost savings of for opportunity, recognition, growth, representatives with high energy technology-based application and and work-life balance. Making the and enthusiasm who will represent interviewing processes, career fairs allow most of college career fairs depends your brand well and stay positive employers to connect with students on a on employers following the three P’s: throughout the recruitment event. preparation, promotion, and positive Students remember recruiters who energy. spend time getting to know them and provide detailed information on their PREPARATION company and career opportunities. Employers participating in college A great strategy is to invite company fairs are encouraged to prepare for representatives who are also alumni of career fairs by evaluating their current the school to staff the event. and future hiring needs. Create The Bob Boughner Career Services customized promotional pieces that Center works exclusively with hotel highlight your company’s brand, list college students and hospitality employment opportunities specifically for employers. The center partners with college students and recent graduates, University Career Services to offer two and provide an overview of benefits. campuswide events each year — one each semester. In addition, the College PROMOTION of Hotel Administration hosts exclusive Register early and request that hiring events for employers to connect information regarding your company specifically with hospitality students. and career opportunities be advertised We hope to see you at an upcoming to students ahead of the fair. The more event! For more information regarding information provided ahead of time, the on-campus recruitment, job postings, better prepared the students will be or career events, please contact Bobbie to talk with you during the fair. Many Barnes, director of Career and Student organizations have students apply Services, at 702-895-5553.
2012 FALL CAREER EVENTS
Hotel College Networking Mixer UNLV Fall Career Day Monday, October 8 Tuesday, October 9 5:30 to 7 p.m. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. UNLV Stan Fulton Building UNLV Student Union
Join us for this complimentary mixer to network with Hotel Annual Career Fair for all majors. Log on to CareerLink College junior- and senior-level students. Each participating (http://hire.unlv.edu) for additional information and costs employer will be stationed at a high-boy cocktail round, and to register. providing just enough room for displaying company brochures and collecting student resumes. Please email Bobbie Barnes at [email protected] to register for this free event.
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Profession Connection Event Links Professionals and Students
n March 13, the Bob Boughner Career Services Center drive us mad. Students must realize that these recruiters bring Ohosted the Profession Connection networking event on industry experience, impeccable corporate networks, and campus. With more than 250 students in attendance, this dream career opportunities.” evening provided an occasion for students to mingle with Hong continues, “As a sophomore, I had the honor of industry professionals in a relaxed setting. taking a career development course. At that time, building a According to planning committee student chair Geoffrey career was the last thing on my mind, yet the course required Moran, “I think networking events are amazing opportunities me to attend networking functions. That’s when I stumbled for students to reach out to a large variety of employers. There into the Hyatt information session. The course trained me in is an employer for everyone, and they’re looking to meet personal branding and assisted in building my professional students and help them get jobs. Even if you’re not ready to be confidence, and as luck would have it, I was selected as a employed, you could possibly find a mentor or future contact Hyatt corporate intern, exposing the true value of my previously by attending. Getting started early is a great opportunity to underappreciated education. The opportunities are endless.” build relationships. “Personally, these types of events have been very helpful, Hospitality companies in attendance: ARAMARK, as I’ve received several job interviews and even a few job Bloomberg, Boyd Gaming, Buca di Beppo, Caesars offers by attending. These opportunities were from companies Entertainment, Café Zupas, Champagne Creative Group, like Disney, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Dragon Hill Lodge, Enterprise Car Rental, Expedia, Entertainment. I got amazing advice about their recruiting Fairmont, Gaylord National Resort and Convention process.” Center, Global Experience Specialists, Gold Rush Hotel Another student chair for the project, Brian Hong, agrees. & Casino, J. Alexanders Restaurants, Kimpton Hotels, “I strongly believe that students are not taking full advantage of Mandarin Oriental, Marquee Night and Day Club, Marriott their college years if they choose not to network with recruiters. International, Merlin Entertainments Group, MGM Resorts As upperclassman years approach, the pressure of making International, Panda Express, Priority Staffing, Rosewood our parents and ourselves proud increases, but the uncertainty Hotels, Sodexo, Soirees Catering, Starbucks, Station of our futures can drown students in frustration. By attending Casinos, The Cosmopolitan, Viad Exposition Services, these networking, career development, and employment fairs, Wirtz Beverage, and Wynn. students can steer clear of the uncertainty that can inevitably 15
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER 2011-2012 Donor Honor Roll Dean’s Associates Inner Circle Gold ($10,000+) UNLV William F. Harrah College Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts of Hotel Administration Lyndy & Anthony ’98 Marnell Thank you to the loyal donors who supported the William F. Harrah Dean’s Associates Inner Circle College of Hotel Administration during the fiscal year 2011–2012. We are ($5,000+) grateful to our alumni and friends whose support to the college has allowed Marcia ’74 & Tola Chin our students and faculty to continue setting the standard in hospitality Global Experience Specialists Inc. education. Konami Gaming, Inc. We are pleased to thank and recognize the individuals and companies Lisa & Charles ’71 Lehman Mary & Felix Rappaport who this past year helped contribute more than $1.5 million in cash, pledges, and in-kind donations to our college. Additionally, through Dean’s Associates Silver scholarship endowments and annual giving, the college awarded more than ($2,500 +) $590,000 in scholarships to students during the 2011–2012 academic year. Julia & Stan Bromley We would also like to take an opportunity to thank Judy Nagai, ’11 Paula Eylar, ’89, ’97 Ph.D., who this past fall accepted the position of assistant dean of development and external relations at the UC Davis Graduate School of Dean’s Associates Bronze Management. Nagai served as both the director of alumni relations, 2002– ($1,000 +) 2008, and the director of external relations, 2008–2011, for our college. Linda & George Baggott Those of you who had the opportunity to work with her understand what a Zerrin & Seyhmus Baloglu great asset she was to our college and how much she will be missed. Teri Barber & Ronald ’93 Barber This past May, we welcomed Dan Abdalla, ’97, as our new director of Elizabeth Blau development. He is returning to UNLV after spending the past seven years Pearl & James Brewer Trisha & Christopher Cain at Texas Christian University. His role is to continue working with our great Tami & Dennis ’91 Gradillas friends and alumni who play such an integral role in helping our college John Gremo, ’02 maintain the highest standards of excellence. Please feel free to contact Tom Groeninger Abdalla at 702-895-2934 should you have any questions regarding current Robyn Hadden, ’05 or future support. Christian Hardigree ’93 & Christopher Again, on behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of the William F. Brown ’12 Harrah College of Hotel Administration, thank you for your past, current, Katie & Tony Henthorne and future support. It is with gratitude and heartfelt thanks that we Hyatt Corporation acknowledge the following benefactors listed in the Harrah Hotel College Christine ’90 & James ’92 Kiely Honor Roll. Doreen & Stuart Mann Jordan Meisner Micatrotto Restaurant Group Sunshine & Joe Micatrotto, Jr. Judy Nagai, ’11 Recognition of the Dean’s Associates Kathleen* ’94, ’96, ’04 & Dan Nelson ’06, ’10 July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 Pat & Ellis Norman John Peiser, ’78, ’07 The Dean’s Associates program provides unrestricted donations to fund Platinum Hotel and Spa priority projects and activities within the college. Most importantly, this Patricia Sahlstrom includes supporting student professional development so that students Gail Sammons, ’87 may represent UNLV at national and international academic conferences, Julie & Salvatore ’81 Semola meetings and industry events. Our students are the future of the industry Christopher W. Silva and they are truly a worthwhile investment. We wish to thank the Dean’s Angie & Christopher ’98 Smith Associate members for their annual support through unrestricted gifts, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards which is vital to continue setting the bar as a premier international hospital- Skip Swerdlow ity program. Wyndham Vacation Ownership
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 I am extremely thankful for the generosity of Stations Casinos. Their generosity The hospitality business has been a was a symbol of wonderful, rewarding career in all encouragement respects. To provide assistance to students and motivation. at the William F. Harrah School of Hotel The scholarship Administration is just a small payback on award was a sign that my hard work was the absolute joy I have experienced in my recognized and that there is help out there 46 years working in this industry. for students who are dedicated to their — John Fitts, studies. Chief Executive Officer, — Elle House Outrigger Lodging Services
Donor Honor Roll Southwest Section PGA Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Platinum Hotel and Spa July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 United Way of Southern Nevada LLP RMI Management LLC Trisha & Christopher Cain Rocky Mountain Gaming and $300,000-$500,000 $5,000 - $9,999 Marcia ’74 & Tola Chin Hospitality, Inc. Caesars Entertainment Conrad Hilton Foundation The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Patricia Sahlstrom Caesars Entertainment Alberto DeLaPaz Gail Sammons, ’87 Operating Company Inc $100,000-$299,999 DLP Services LLC Julie & Salvatore ’81 Semola Robert Boughner Duetto Consulting The Donald W. Reynolds SPI Entertainment, Inc. Caesars Foundation Eye-Fi Foundation St. Francis Winery & Robert L. Boughner Investment Toni & John Fitts Vineyards Trust Thomas Jingoli, ’96 Paula Eylar, ’89, ’97 Konami Gaming, Inc. Golf Galaxy Skip Swerdlow Pinnacle Entertainment $25,000 - $99,999 Ann & Charles Greene, ’10 TPC Las Vegas Foundation Aria Resort and Casino John Gremo, ’02 Wyndham Vacation Dotty’s Tom Groeninger Ownership, Inc John C. Kish Foundation $1,000 - $4,999 Christine ’90 & James ’92 Kiely Jeffrey Yedlin, ’02, ’08 The Kozuki International A & W Food Services of Las Vegas Radio Company Inc/ Foundation Canada Inc. & Associated Companies KSHP Radio $1 - $999 $10,000-$24,999 Aimhigh America Level One, LLC A & W Photography Banfi Vintners Foundation Debbie & Steven Anderson Jordan Meisner Jennifer & Dan ’97 Abdalla DEQ Systems Corp. The Patricia Miller Anton & MGM Resorts Foundation Sharron & Matthew ’94 Derse William C. Anton Foundation MGM Resorts International Abramsky International Game Technology Patricia & William Anton Rosalie & Patrick ’69, ’83 Caryn ’98 & Alvin ’94 Hae Un Lee Patricia Becker & Stephen Moreo Adelhoch, Jr. Nami ’98 & Kenneth Lee Ducharme, ’90 The Orleans Hotel & Casino Christopher Ades, ’75 Madden Business Interiors Boyd Gaming Corporation Michael Alford Sunshine & Joseph Micatrotto II John Peiser, ’78, ’07 Micatrotto Restaurant Group Pearl & James Brewer The Peninsula Beverly Hills Chris Allen, ’98
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Though the John C. Kish Foundation Scholarship helped fund my education in gaming management, its benefits extended far beyond a financial sum as I was also fortunate to meet Frank “Jack” Plevo, founder, and Matthew Frazier, the administrator of the John C. Kish Foundation. I got to share both their company and expertise and have formed connections and bonds that will extend into my personal life as well as my career. — Elijah Tredup
Irene & Brian Amble Boulder Creek Golf Club David Saxe Productions Girls Go Travel Anheuser-Busch Companies, Roy Brennan, ’98 Joseph Desmoni, ’99 Joe Gleason Inc. Alyssa Bucchianeri, ’09 Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Animal Art Designs Alexandria Buergel, ’10 Donna ’90, ’95 & John Dockery Seth Grabel, ’05 Anonymous C2G Julie & Jeffrey ’82 Dohse Grand Chapter of Nevada Order Bruce Ansteth, ’82 Caesars Palace Las Vegas Dos Caminos of The Eastern Star Anthem Country Club Callaway Golf Center Catherine Dowling Claudia & Norman ’78 Charlene Ariza, ’86 Linda Cameron Tara Dwyer Grange, Jr. Aston Montelago Resort Myrna Cameron, ’73 E-dong USA Inc. Guideng The Picture Co. Aurelio’s Pizza Canyon Ranch Spa Club Eric Eisenberg, ’95 Robyn Hadden, ’05 Back Bar USA Mayra Cardenas, ’09 Sally ’84 & Dean Elliott Darin Hafen Cynthia & Eric Ball, ’01 Cashman Enterprises Inc Emeril’s New Orleans Fish Douglas Hafen Zerrin & Seyhmus Baloglu Joseph Castro, ’10 House Jeremy Hafen Roberta Barnes-Webb, ’93, Chancellor Hotel on Encore Wireless Michael Haines ’05 & Charles Webb Union Square Ergo Chef, LLC Barbara Hanlen Maribel Batjer Chefent Brian Esposito Darren Harris Linda Bayer Cheng’s Express Chinese Frank Fahrenkopf Wendy & Steven Hart Benbow Inn Cuisine Fairfield Inn by Marriott Leslie ’82 & Daniel ’79, ’82 Gail Benjamin China A Go Go Sondra & Stephen ’95 Falk Hawkins Andrea & William Benko Paul Christensen, ’86 Bruce Familian Deborah & Walter Hawkins Robert Benzo, ’77 Fred Clark Sarah Feliz, ’99 Katie & Tony Henthorne Shelley Berkley ’73 & Larry Tara ’97 & Michael Clawson Lawrence Field Nancy Hill Lehrner Carrie Clayton, ’10 Jeffrey Fink, ’98 Nathan Hill Black Gaming John Cline, ’73 FireFly Tapas Kitchen and Bar Hilton Seattle Hotel Black Mountain Golf & Country Suzanne Cohen, ’94 First Cup, LLC Tammy Hinskton,’00 Club Sandy & Mitchell ’78 Fox Rothschild LLP Vicki ’74 & William ’73 Pam & Tom Blanchard Hitzhusen Compton, Jr. Christopher Gaines Blue Man Group Jan & John Hogan, Sr., ’87 Mary Conway Jessica Galindo Bluegreen Corporation Michael Hogan, ’03 Courtyard by Marriott David Garcia, ’88 William Blyth David Hong Deborah & Allan Creel, Jr. Geisha House Japanese Edward Bobbett, ’10 Jewell Creigh Restaurant Lisa Hornafius Shannon Botch Scott Cudek, ’88 Phyllis & Terry Gilland Horses 4 Heroes Inc
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Tiffiny & Don Hurley Shirleen & Paul ’71 McGivney Jennifer Powers, ’04 Tarali Spong Hussong’s Cantina Dawn ’91 & Troy ’92 McIntosh Dirk Prado, ’11 Starbucks Planet Hollywood Hyatt Place Las Vegas Elisabeth Meltzer, ’89 Richard Price Jana & Emmett ’03 Steed Benjamin Johansen Dave Menosky Primm Valley Golf Club Stiletto Entertainment Kabuki Restaurants Inc Gwen Migita, ’06 Professional Golfers Assn. of Gita & Ari ’93 Stotland Susan & Albert Kanahele Brenen Monroe America Stratosphere Corporation Allen Kanarek Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino Alisia Pulella Steve Stremmel Peggy Keller Rhonda Montgomery RA Sushi & Bar Restaurant Surprotect Company Allyson & Michael ’01 Kelley Joanne & Joel ’82 Moore Rave Motion Pictures Sushi Kaya Jacquelyn Kenny Nicholas Moreno, ’08 Ravella, A Dolce Hotel & Resort Claire & Toby Svejkovsky Dollie & Philip Kenny Kelly & Joseph Moss Realty World Group Guy Szudera, ’03 Victoria & Clark ’99, ’03 Mountain Pine Landscape Residence Inn by Marriott Robert Taliaferro, Jr., ’83 Kincaid Services Michael Rhodes, ’83, ’84 Eva & Tony ’79 Tamberchi Tete Klein Judy Nagai, ’11 Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurants The Gun Store Anne & Garry Knapp Kelly Nam, ’08 Theresa Richardson Tony Cress Kobrand Corporation Yatish Nathraj, ’09 Linda & Frank Riolo Vegas Indoor Skydiving Col. Erwin T. Koch Trust Edward Neidich, ’72 Gary Roberts, ’11 Susan Walker Laura & John ’95 Koenen Linda ’79 & Bruce ’78 Nelson Jennifer Roberts Robin & Michael ’94 Walsh Pamela Kornegay, ’90 New York New York Hotel Jerry Robinson, ’83 George Warner, ’73 Diane & Steve Krentzman & Casino Paul Robinson Wells Fargo Bank Nevada, N.A. Lake Mead Cruises Carol & Joe Oaks Rock’n Roll Wine, LLC. Ellen Whittemore Frances & Thomas ’81 Lambert John Oaks, ’95 Rockville Rose Inn Debra & Tony Wideen Rodrigo Landeros Steve Oaks Therese & Frank ’79 Rosaschi III Wild Hibiscus Flowers Robert ’72 Lapp, Jr. OB Sports Las Vegas Royal Resort/Trading Places Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Nancy & Donald Larsen Moira O’Brien International Group Las Vegas Athletic Club Mary & Thomas O’Connor Debra & Martin ’83 Ryan Amy Wright The Las Vegas Country Club Michelle Oh, ’94 Christopher Saldivar, ’10 Sherrie & Lonnie ’78, ’84 Wright Las Vegas Marriott Suites Elizabeth ’95 & Sheldon Rafael & Jennifer ’86 Sanchez Thomas Yasuda, ’79 Las Vegas Mob Experience Ohringer Jennifer Sanders Wayne Ye Las Vegas Motor Speedway Olive Garden Anthony Sandone, ’76 Steve York Las Vegas Nightlife Group Charlotte Openshaw Satay Malaysian Grille KiMun Yu Marie Lee Daniel Openshaw Margaret & Jack Schlaifer Dina Marie Zemke, ’03 Holly ’99 & Robert ’10 Jonathan Openshaw Jessica Sharrard Zen Magic Ai and Yuki Matthew Openshaw Lindsay James Shaw, ’80 Bold—Faculty, Staff, Dean’s Advisory Curtis Love Origin India Mike Shaw Board, College Alumni Board of Directors or their related companies. Lowery’s Multisport Race, Inc. Paisley Plaid and Polka Dots Sherri ’83 & Joel Shows Michael MacIntyre, ’78 Pala Casino Spa Resort Kimberly & Scott ’88 Sibella * Deceased Ellen & Kevin ’82 Mahoney Paper Scraps Silverstone Golf Club A Final Note Geradline & Ervin Pariera We strive to ensure accuracy in this Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Ann & Jeffrey ’87 Simons listing of benefactors who supported Doreen & Stuart Mann Richard Pariera Angie & Christopher ’98 the Harrah Hotel College from July 1, Marriott’s Grand Chateau Kimberly Peccole, ’92 Smith 2011 through June 30, 2012. If there is an error in the way we listed your Helen & Allan Perry, Jr. Dee & Donald Snyder Jeanette ’86 & Kazuo Matsuura gift or if you wish to make a change Diana Bohen & David Matyas, ’82 Sheila & Craig Pickart Soirees to your name as shown, please ac- Clarisse Mayer, ’94 Marla Hollander-Polott ’82 Brian Soule, ’09 cept our apology and bring it to our & Steve Polott attention by calling (702) 895-2934 Sheila McEwen South Point Hotel & Casino or e-mail [email protected].
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Epiphany Farms Fulfilling Alumni’s
Passion Gael Hancock, ‘09 MS magine using pigs to “seal” the bottom of a new holding pond have been completely depleted of nutrients; therefore, the foods with their wallowing. Or driving chickens around in an old RV, have little nutritional value. We focus on foods that are inherently retrofitted as a coop with open yard area, to give them new rich in nutrients, like garlic and honey.” Ispaces to find bugs, grubs, and seeds. Or starting an organic Myszka has a model for food production that is committed farm when you had never even owned a houseplant. to supporting, growing, and showcasing a thriving local food This is the world of Ken Myszka, ’08; his wife, Nanam Yoon culture. “At Station 220, we use about eight gallons a week of Myszka, ‘08; and Stu Hummel, all members of Epiphany Farms pasteurized but not homogenized milk from a local dairy farm,” Enterprise (EFE) in Bloomington, Ill. Currently nearing the end of its he says. “However, for example, if we introduce our guests to the fourth growing season, Epiphany Farms is a thriving farm-to-fork nutritional value and good taste of this milk, within our community, operation serving the surrounding community. It also provides the the demand will increase.” majority of the food for Station 220, a restaurant and bar in nearby Hummel and Myszka rotate weeks working on the farm and Bloomington owned in part by EFE. The farm is home to 250-plus serving as chef/manager at Station 220. In addition, all of the varieties of garlic, multiple vegetables and herbs, fruit trees, pigs, employees at the restaurant have spent time volunteering at chickens, rabbits, ducks, geese, goats, and cows. Epiphany Farms. They help plant and harvest as well as care for Myszka’s passion for organic foods came from his training as the animals. This is all part of the educational goals of EFE: helping a chef. “During school, I worked up and down the Strip in some of people make a connection between the foods they eat and the its most famous restaurants. It is there that I learned to appreciate way those foods are produced and the people who grow those ‘local’ and farm-fresh produce. However, I realized that the energy foods. footprint and cost for getting that food was huge. That’s when I “When an employee has been out to the farm and pulls Purple started thinking about alternative options,” Myszka says. Dragon carrots, he or she is able to tell the customers that night: The EFE team defines Epiphany Farms as being “beyond ‘I picked these carrots this afternoon. Their tops were full, lush, organic.” This means paying close attention to maintaining the and green, and they’re grown in incredibly rich soil,’” says Myszka. integrity of the soil by rotating crops and moving the animals “This helps people start thinking about actually knowing the people throughout the entire property for natural fertilization and pest who grow and prepare their food.” control. Myszka travels throughout the area speaking to students and “Just because a food is organic doesn’t mean it is nutritionally other groups about his vision for the future and how he hopes to rich,” says Myszka. “The soils of most of the large industrial farms change the way the world eats, “one plate at a time.” 20
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 MHA Program Turns 12 Gael Hancock, ‘09 MS
It was the year 2000, and the Harrah Because the program requires The fact that that the program qualifies Hotel College was ready to roll out a new three or more years of management for financial aid has contributed to its degree — a risky undertaking at best. An experience in the hospitality industry, success. online degree program was one thing, most of the students are between Cynthia Mejia is currently a but at the graduate level? How would this 30 and 50 years of age. They bring a Ph.D. student at Texas Tech and a even work? Who would take the courses? wealth of experience to the classroom, graduate from the program. Just How would this degree be accepted in the and the students learn as much from after graduation, she said, “The MHA industry? each other as they do from the faculty program definitely gave me an edge Participation in the Master’s of through the discussion boards and on the interview process. I really don’t Hospitality Administration program collaborative projects. (Yes, they work, think anyone would have taken a during the first few years was exciting even in online classrooms.) serious look at me with three years off and occasionally challenging. “When we The MHA program has gone from the industry without some higher started in the program, there was no through a number of iterations during education under my belt.” Mejia was Skype, no easy file-sharing system, and the last 12 years. Originally, the a chef instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Wi-Fi was virtually unheard of,” says Amy program had cohorts of students who Institute of Culinary Arts Dallas before Beaulieu, the first graduate of the program. entered at the same time, took the being admitted into the Ph.D. program. “Dr. Curtis Love wanted us to connect with same classes, and graduated as a The MHA program boasts 132 each other as a class. All of a sudden, group. This didn’t work for people in graduates and a current enrollment of through the mail, we were receiving these the hospitality industry, who often work 87 students. In December, the college big microphones and speakers to connect 70-plus-hour weeks and even longer in will celebrate the 10th anniversary of to the computer — everything wasn’t built a crisis. the first graduate, with a reception in as it is today,” Beaulieu continues. Today, students can start the following the graduation ceremony Beaulieu and fellow graduate Niesa program at any time, register for the December 18. Silzer in Calgary, Canada, got acquainted classes they want, and study when in the program and are still friends today. it is convenient. The program’s 30 They see each other at least once a year at credits are usually completed in 18 to various meetings and event conferences. 24 months, but some have completed Their lasting friendship is one of many it in one year by taking two courses in that have developed through the MHA each of the five eight-week sessions. program. “I almost feel like I know the online students better than I know the students in class,” says Love. “The MHA students will respond to discussion board questions with detailed stories, anecdotes, and personal opinions — responses you don’t always get in a face-to-face class. I’m sure the students get to know each other very well.”
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Alumni Profile Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
to Strip properties. “When I made the decision to attend UNLV’s hotel college, it was because I knew what I wanted, and this was the place that could help make it happen.” At UNLV, Ottolenghi learned the intricacies of the food and beverage side of the industry as well as the business acumen that allowed him to continue following his dream. While living on campus, his online business grew and he also began to meet with Las Vegas chefs to discover what ingredients they had trouble obtaining. He forged relationships up and down the famed Las Vegas Strip and to this day continues with his “meet and greet” method. Upon the finding of each new product, he knows exactly which chef will be interested. With Las Vegas’ plethora of gourmet restaurants, he has had the opportunity to conduct transactions with many world-renowned chefs, including Thomas Keller and Joel Robuchon. Future goals include becoming more involved in the production of these food goods, including his dream of bringing the health benefits of raw milk to the Searching the World state of Nevada. “I’ve been working on legalizing raw milk in Nevada for nearly for Rare Ingredients four years,” he says. “I’m helping set up a raw dairy commission, and once it becomes legalized, I’d like to produce f you’ve been desperately searching purchase: environmental impact, and sell it myself. Ifor a source for freeze-dried social implications, and each product’s “It’s unavoidable to study nutrition phytoplankton, black truffle juice, or sustainability. I want my patrons to feel when you’re around food all the time. It’s Tahitian vanilla beans, look no farther. confident about the sources of the clear what a healthy diet consists of, and For purveyor Brett Ottolenghi, ’08, products I offer.” raw milk is a very cheap way to nourish finding these and many other exotic Giving people access to foods a lot of people. Plus, it can lead to other ingredients is his passion. His Las made as they should be is his goal. products like yogurt and cheese.” Vegas shop, Artisanal Foods, is the The nicknamed “Truffle Kid’s” father Ottolenghi continues, “Over the go-to spot for many of Las Vegas’ most interested his son in the culinary arts at years, I’ve learned that there are a lot recognizable chefs, although the store is an early age. “My dad taught us how of tricks and dishonesty in the food open to the public as well. to hunt mushrooms near our home in industry. I just want to keep it real and Still a student at heart, Ottolenghi Pennsylvania, much like he did growing simple.” travels the world learning about the most up in Italy,” recalls Ottolenghi. “When His story is just one of many about sustainable ways to include exclusive I was 13, he and I started The Truffle Harrah Hotel College alumni impacting culinary components. Recently, he took Market, an online shop geared toward food trends around the world. a fact-finding trip to a food show in Spain wholesale customers, mostly private and studied various methods of escargot chefs.” To learn more, visit artisanalfoods.com. and caviar production in France. “I want Although it would have made sense Artisanal Foods to be as responsible for Ottolenghi to attend an East Coast as possible, so with that in mind, I look school, he was aware of the Harrah at all of the perspectives of everything I Hotel College’s reputation and its access 22
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA Alumni Profile Living the New York Dream
or Gardnerville, Nev., native Juan FLeonis, ’11, the hospitality bug bit while he was working as a valet car attendant. “After parking cars at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe for six months, I fell in love with the industry,” he ex- plains. “I worked for a hotel manager who had gone to UNLV, and I ended up choosing it also because of its reputation as a hospitality school.” Fast forward a few years: Leonis is now employed as a front office manager at the world-famous Plaza Hotel in New York City and is also participating in the 18-month Fairmont Hotels and Resorts’ Leadership Development Program. “Initially when I was attending UNLV, I hoped that I’d be lucky enough to get a position as a manager or accepted into a management training program in such a tough economy,” he says. “I never planned on being offered a job to work for Fairmont Resorts at one of the most famous hotels in the business.” Leonis credits his time at UNLV for his career path and current employment. “My favorite memories from UNLV are the professors. Their classes and their willingness to go above and beyond just teaching have made me successful in my job. Numerous professors, including Bill Werner and Cheri Young, were so willing to teach me the concepts and ideas I needed to be successful. “In fact, I got my job when Fairmont Resorts came to business. UNLV and interviewed students for their leadership program. “It’s important to give back to the hotel college so it can Additionally, the college’s requirement of hands-on industry continue to produce talented future managers. The service experience set me above candidates from other hospitality industry is the largest manufacturer of jobs in America, and schools.” it is important to produce impressive managers to keep the With plans to continue working for Fairmont Resorts no industry alive and successful. There are many ways to give matter where in the world it leads him, Leonis says, “I have a back, from donating money to the college or giving guest passion for housekeeping and front office because it is where lectures to students to sharing your wisdom about how to be a you feel the pulse of the hotel. I love the operational side of the successful manager.” 23
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER
2012 Vallen Dinner of Distinction: Honoring Excellence in Hospitality
Alumna of the Year Paula Eylar with Hospitality Leader of the Year Sheldon G. Adelson
he William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration hospitality industry representatives. and its alumni chapter were proud to honor Sheldon Eylar was chosen by the Harrah Hotel College Alumni Adelson and Paula Eylar at the eighth annual Vallen Chapter to receive recognition as Alumna of the Year Dinner of Distinction. Adelson was recognized as the because of her impact on the industry, her continued Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year, and Eylar, engagement with hotel college programs, and because ’89, ’07 MBA, was the 2012 Alumna of the Year. she serves as a mentor to others in the hospitality industry. THotel college students from the events management A brief video tribute to Eylar was shown to the audience capstone course spent the entire semester planning and before she accepted her award. executing this event with direction from the alumni chapter. As part of the evening’s festivities, Frank J. Fahrenkopf The evening consisted of a silent auction, which raised Jr., president of the American Gaming Association (and nearly $23,000 for the Stuart H. Mann Endowment Fund last year’s Gaming Management Association Award of and Hotel College Alumni Relations program. Just as Excellence recipient), conducted an intimate interview with the silent auction was ending, excitement filled the room Adelson before he was presented the Hospitality Industry as guests were amazed to see two Las Vegas legends, Executive of the Year award. During the interview, Adelson Adelson and Steve Wynn, enter the room together, a rare spoke about several hospitality-related topics, including sighting. what has made him successful in the hospitality industry. Dean Donald D. Snyder welcomed the audience The William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration prior to dinner, and immediately afterward, auctioneer is grateful to Adelson, Fahrenkopf, and Eylar for their Christian Kolberg managed the live auction. Then it was support of its programs. The eighth annual Vallen Dinner of time for the hotel college to recognize its deserving Distinction was a success, thanks to the generous donors awardees in front of an audience that consisted of alumni, (included in our Donor Honor Roll on page 16) and the staff faculty, staff, students, advisory board members, and at The Venetian|The Palazzo
Photos courtesy of Guideng The Picture Co. and Sam Lee Fine Art Photography
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Dean Don Snyder, Paul Eylar, UNLV President Neal Smatresk Gary, Flossie, Jerry, Kim, and Randal Vallen
Paula Eylar and William S. Boyd, Harrah Hotel College students assisting executive chairman, Boyd Gaming with the event
Three deans: Jerry Vallen, Stuart Mann, Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn and Don Snyder
Paula Eylar accepts her award from Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. interviews Sheldon Adelson Dean Don Snyder
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER
In the Kitchen oin hotel college students on Tuesday, November 6 for the 10th event anniversary of the Chef Artist JSeries. This tribute to the chefs and student managers who have participated in the culinary experience over the past five years will be an evening to remember. Menu items from past events will comprise the delicacies served. Students from Chef John Gremo’s FAB 467 (quantity food management) class will serve as the management team and will work with local participating celebrity chefs. For more information and reservations, please contact Gadine Whitaker at (702) 895-1330 or by email at [email protected].
Chefs who have participated in the Chef Artist Series include: • Kerry Simon, Simon Restaurant & Lounge, KGB • Guy Fieri, Tex Wasabi’s and Johnny Garlic’s, Calif. • Geno Bernardo, Nove Italiano • Eric Klein, Spago • Joel Robuchon, Joel Robuchon Restaurant and L’Atelier Joel Robuchon • Claude Le-Tohic, Robuchon • Matt Seeber, Craft Steak • Stephen Hopcraft, Sea Blue • Sean Griffin, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse • David Bush, St. Francis Winery • Andre Rochat, Andre’s and Alize • Frank Grisanti, Grisanti Italian Restaurant, Memphis, Tenn. • Kurt Fleischfresser, The Coach House, Chef Geno Bernardo, of Nove Italiano, participated in a past Oklahoma City, Okla. Chef Artist Series Dinner. 26
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INSTRUCTIONS very finely chopped but not puréed to Tortellini For broth: a paste. Transfer filling to a bowl. Add In a large stockpot, combine beef, cheese, remaining egg, and nutmeg; stir in Brodo beef shank bones, chicken, onion, to combine well. carrot, celery, and salt. Cover with the Divide dough into three pieces. Using This recipe is courtesy of Geno 4.5 quarts water and bring to a boil over a rolling pin (on a lightly floured surface) Bernardo, executive chef at Nove Italiano high heat, skimming foam and fat from or a pasta machine, roll the pieces of inside Palms Casino Resort, and will be surface. Reduce to gentlest simmer and dough into sheets, about 1/8 inch thick. served at the dinner Nov. 6. cook for 4.5 hours. Cut the sheets into 1.5-inch squares Strain twice, first through a fine (keep dough, sheets, and squares Broth: mesh sieve, then through a sieve lined covered with a clean dish towel while 1.5 pounds beef brisket or chuck, cut with cheesecloth. Let broth cool. Skim rolling and cutting to avoid drying). into two pieces fat from surface. Season to taste with Place scant 1/2 teaspoon filling in 1 pound beef shank bones salt. Broth can be made ahead and center of each square. Fold into triangles, 1 (4- to 5-pound) chicken, cut into six refrigerated for up to three days or frozen with one top point slightly farther than the pieces for up to one month. other. Press any air from around filling, 1 large white onion, peeled and then press to seal edges (a drop of cold quartered For tortellini: water can be used to help seal edges if 1 carrot, cut into three pieces On a clean work surface, mound necessary). 1 celery stalk, cut into three pieces flour; create a well in center. Add three Fold base of triangle to create a cuff, 1 tablespoon salt eggs, oil, and a generous pinch of salt. then bring points of long side together 4.5 quarts cold water Using a fork, gently break up yolks and to form a fairly tight ring. Press to seal. slowly incorporate flour from the inside Keep tortellini covered with a clean dish Tortellini: rim of the well. Continue until liquid is towel until ready to cook. (The tortellini 2.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or absorbed, then knead until dough forms can be prepared and frozen for up to “00” flour a complete mass. Continue kneading three months. To freeze freshly made 4 large eggs until dough is smooth and elastic, tortellini, freeze them first on a parchment 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil eight to 10 minutes more. Wrap dough paper-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, Salt tightly in plastic and let rest at room transfer tortellini to well-sealed, airtight 2 tablespoons unsalted butter temperature for 30 minutes. While dough plastic freezer bags and keep frozen until 4.5 ounces pork loin or shoulder, cut into rests, make filling. ready to cook. Do not defrost before cubes In a large skillet, melt butter over cooking.) 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced medium heat until it foams and subsides. To serve, bring broth to a low boil. 2 fresh sage leaves Add pork, onion, sage leaves, rosemary, Avoid a rolling boil, which may cause the 1 sprig fresh rosemary and a generous pinch of pepper. pasta to open up. In batches of 15 to 20, Freshly ground black pepper Increase heat to medium-high and cook the tortellini in the broth until they 1/4 cup dry white wine cook, stirring frequently, for five minutes. rise to the surface and are tender, about 3.5 ounces prosciutto, roughly diced Add wine and continue to cook for 10 three minutes; frozen pasta may take 3.5 ounces mortadella, roughly diced minutes more. another minute or two longer. 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano- Transfer pork and any liquid from Using a slotted spoon, transfer Reggiano cheese skillet to a food processor (discard tortellini to a colander to drain, then 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg onion and herbs); add prosciutto and transfer to serving bowls. Ladle the broth mortadella and pulse until mixture is over the tortellini and serve immediately. 27
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Curriculum Changes Benefit Students he faculty of the Harrah Hotel College student population continues to show offers a broad educational approach to Trecently revised its curriculum in interest in the college’s original program, a career in the hospitality industry. Its order to better prepare students for the Bachelor of Science in hotel varied course of study prepares students future careers. As part of this curriculum administration, and there is continued with both the management theories change, undergraduate students who interest from prospective students. and the operational competencies are admitted in fall 2012 or later are With current budget constraints necessary to enter any segment of the hospitality management majors. top of mind, the college thought it industry upon graduation. In addition Until 1996, the college had one prudent to examine the current program to the university’s general education degree and one major — Bachelor of structure to ensure its efficiency. As a requirements, students take classes Science in hotel administration with a result, programs have been identified specific to the industry, including an major in hotel administration. During the that do not support the core hospitality introduction to hospitality, human period of rapid growth experienced at curriculum, are too specialized in nature, resources management, organizational UNLV in the past decade, the college or serve a small percentage of the behavior, facilities management, and expanded its offerings to include four student population (without sufficient hospitality law, as well as a course in degrees, nine majors, three minors, and enrollment to support funding). Although leadership, management, and ethics. a formal concentration to allow students these programs have value and long- Students also study food sanitation, food the opportunity to specialize in their term potential, the resources to grow the service operations, cost control, career specific area of interest. While the new curriculum and provide students with a development, financial and managerial programs showed promise initially, they meaningful learning experience do not accounting, financial management, continued to maintain a relatively low exist at this time. hospitality service management, and number of students. The majority of the The hospitality management major operations and strategic management. 28
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 The inclusion of 22 credits of elective control as professional staff, and in courses allows students to customize their serving the casino industry as suppliers. educational experience based on their personal interests through the selection • Meetings and Events Programs of the elective topics of their choice. Concentration Beginning 2012: Although it is not required, students may The meetings and events management elect to declare a concentration to provide concentration encompasses meetings, • Bachelor of Science Degree an opportunity to focus their elective conventions, trade shows, and special Meetings & Events credits toward a specific area of study. events. It is a specialized curriculum that Management Concentration Rounding out this curriculum is an includes everything from site selection Restaurant Management internship, two senior-level capstone and marketing to budgets and logistics. Concentration classes that will have students using all of The meetings and events industry is an their learned managerial and leadership exciting, fast-paced field that allows and Gaming Management skills, and actual work experience in the encourages creativity and innovation. Concentration hospitality industry. This approach offers Most classes are available online as well Professional Golf prospective employers a well-rounded as in the classroom. Management Concentration graduate who understands day-to-day operations, has the ability to do strategic • Restaurant Management planning, and can adapt to a multitude of Concentration positions. With this expansive knowledge The restaurant management base, students will be ready to look at concentration is a course of study numerous career opportunities upon ideal for those students interested in all Programs Prior graduation. aspects of restaurant and food service As recommendations were developed management. The focus will be on to Fall 2012: to move forward, the main focus was on food production, service, marketing, • Bachelor of Science in Hotel the college’s core mission of providing supervision, and financial management. Administration a premier education in hospitality With more than 15 million jobs available in Hospitality Management Major management. With this in mind, the the restaurant industry, this concentration Meetings and Events faculty members worked to objectively will prepare students for careers in the Management Major challenge the academic structure, fastest-growing area of hospitality. In Lodging and Resort programs, and curriculum to ensure the addition to the hospitality management Management Major programs were as effective and efficient curriculum, students in this concentration Food Service Management as possible in carrying out this mission. It will study purchasing, culture and cuisine, Major was a tough but healthy process, and the and nutrition in food service. Beverage Management Major college remains committed to maintaining • Bachelor of Science in Culinary the incredible reputation it has achieved • PGA Golf Management Arts Management over the course of the past four decades Concentration Culinary Arts Management — and to ensuring that students receive The PGA golf management concentration Major the best possible academic preparation provides students with the academic Beverage Management Major for entering the workforce and achieving knowledge and experience necessary • Bachelor of Science in Gaming their career goals. Students currently for careers in the golf industry. The PGA Management enrolled in our current programs will concentration consists of 23 credits Gaming Management Major have the opportunity to continue in within the hospitality management major. • Bachelor of Science their existing major until they graduate Sixteen months of internship at approved Recreation Major (provided they do so before their catalog golf facilities and successful completion Recreation & Youth expires), or they may elect to change of the PGA’s player’s ability test and Level Development Concentration to the new hospitality management 1, 2, and 3 examinations are required. Leisure & Aging Concentration major. This provides maximum flexibility Completing the hospitality management Recreation Evaluation & to students with the least amount of major with the PGA golf management Management Concentration disruption to their original plan of study. concentration qualifies students with U.S. Sport Management citizenship membership into the PGA Concentration Concentrations upon receiving a background check and • Master of Science in Sport and • Gaming Management Concentration eligible employment in the golf industry. Leisure Services Management The gaming management concentration Concentration fees include extensive golf • Entertainment Management targets not only those who will work in course playing and practice privileges as Minor actual casino operations but also students well as access to the PGA knowledge • Recreation Minor who are thinking about careers in casino center. • Sport Management Minor accounting, in gaming regulations and 29
FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER
From left: Victoria Matherly and her mentor, Rachel Diaz, at this spring’s Mentor Awards Reception Mentee Becomes Mentor Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
ccording to student Victoria Matherly, a successful catering manager at Wynn. I was very interested in weddings, Amentor/mentee relationship can really strengthen and Meredith managed wedding receptions for the property. professional opportunities. “My mentor, Rachel Diaz, She invited me to shadow her during several wedding has taught me more than I could ever have asked for,” receptions. I was able to work alongside Meredith and offer my says Matherly. “I’m impressed with the way she has assistance for many weddings that took place at Wynn. I used taken multitasking to a new level by managing all of my experience working with Meredith during my interview the weddings at The Mirage and building meaningful to obtain my first position as a wedding sales and catering relationships with all her clients and co-workers.” In fact, coordinator.” Matherly was so impressed with her mentor’s work ethic That mentorship involvement and familiarity with the that she nominated her for Mentor of the Year. industry paid off for Diaz, and she is now pleased to be “Honestly, I had never thought about becoming a mentor,” serving as a mentor herself. “I’ve learned so much from Rachel says Diaz. “A conversation with Bobbie Barnes (director of the through examples she’s shown me from previous weddings,” Bob Boughner Career Services Center) convinced me to sign says Matherly. “Being able to assist during the actual up for the program. I wasn’t sure that I had enough experience weddings has been a wonderful learning experience. Not only to offer, but Bobbie convinced me otherwise.” have I learned about weddings and event planning in general, But the story doesn’t stop there. Diaz, ’09, participated in but I also built a friendship with a person who is caring and the same program as a mentee when she was a UNLV student genuinely interested in seeing me succeed. in 2008. “My mentor was Meredith Powell, the former senior “When I met Rachel for the first time and learned of her
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position as catering sales manager, I was blown away by how she deals with all the weddings that come through The Mirage. From the moment I began assisting her, I knew that my learning experience had just begun. She took me on a The mentor program back-of-the-house tour and introduced me to the department representatives she most often works with.” But Matherly found more than just a work relationship is an educational with Diaz. “Something that I appreciated more than anything throughout my mentorship was building a friendship with my mentor. Knowing that I could talk to her about anything and experience intended to ask any question, regardless of how crazy it might sound, was a crucial part of my experience with her. She always gave multiple examples of how she handled things and made sure I accelerate the readiness understood what she said. She really understood my schedule and helped me with both business and personal matters. All of these opportunities enhanced my understanding of the of Hotel College students industry and how endless the possibilities are of making a wedding dream come true.” Matherly describes the long hours Diaz works, including as they prepare for conducting site tours and rehearsals. She personally assembles party favors, makes sure the centerpieces are perfectly aligned, and reads banquet event orders with a sharp employment after eye for detail. “I was impressed that someone this busy had time to give to a mentee,” says Matherly. “She let me assist with going graduation. over new client profiles, listen in on phone conversations, help with site tours, and many other projects. I was able to see many different aspects of The Mirage and now have a better understanding of how a large property is run. The knowledge grateful for my mentors, my education, my college professors, I acquired even helped me get an internship with the Four and the Hotel College Mentor Program, and what better way to Seasons Baltimore this summer. show my gratitude than to pay it forward?” “I know that Rachel’s guidance and wealth of knowledge That nomination couldn’t have befitted a better person. have had an immense impact on my life and my experience Diaz was named Mentor of the Year for the 2011–2012 here in the hotel college. I cannot thank her enough for program. influencing my passion for the meetings and events industry, and I look forward to learning even more from her, one ABOUT THE PROGRAM wedding at a time.” For one academic year, a mentor is paired with a Hotel “This is only my second year as a mentor in the program,” College student whose interest matches the mentor’s says Diaz. “I have been very fortunate to have had two profession. Mentors are asked to dedicate as much amazing mentees who have worked alongside me for the time they can comfortably fit within their schedules. The duration of the mentor program and even after the program program is flexible and based on the schedules of both ended. Both my mentees were excited, motivated, and eager the mentor and the mentee. to learn. I could not have asked for anything more.” Diaz continues, “I was very fortunate to have had To learn more, please see the Hotel College Mentor many mentors during my college career. These mentors Program website at unlv.edu/hotel/mentor. helped obtain valuable experience, scholarships, and job opportunities that have led to where I am today. I am forever
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER Alumni Profile Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA Pastry Perfection as Vegas executive pastry chef Land native Texan Amy Byro, ’00, almost took her career in a completely different direction. While she was attending Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) and studying for an accounting degree, she decided to visit her father and brother at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Byro, who already had a background in the culinary arts due to her job at the second-ever location of Whole Foods, read about the Harrah Hotel College’s culinary arts management (CAM) program during her trip out West. “The program sounded perfect for me! I decided to apply for a scholarship, which I was awarded, and moved out here less than two months later to start school,” she recalls. While in school, Byro worked full time as a pastry cook at the now-gone Desert Inn. “Pastry has been involved in my life for so long that I feel it’s a part of me,” says Byro. “I liked to make my family cream puffs and bake cakes and cookies. I have been professionally decorating cakes and making candy since I was 16. I feel like Las Vegas was made for me — UNLV was the In 2010, Byro’s recipes were included in the publication of Harrah’s perfect start and gave me everything I Entertainment Presents The Seven Stars Cookbook: Recipes From World-Class needed and more to really grow with the Casino Restaurants. The cookbook is comprised of recipes from an acclaimed city and my eventual job with Caesars lineup of Harrah’s Entertainment chefs, including Byro’s lemon squares from Entertainment.” the Flavors Buffet and The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s Las Vegas. This successful pastry chef attributes her rise up the Las Vegas gastronomic of it as I did. Programs grow, change, ladder to her UNLV education. “Dr. Bell’s and adapt to the needs of the industry, food science course was one of my and if I can be a part of that, I’m happy. I Recently engaged, Byro favorites; it really got into the WHY of serve on the advisory board for the hotel and fiancé (local radio everything. I loved that. I still have that college under Chef Jean and am very class’s book and refer to it to this day: happy to help however I can. personality Chet Buchanan) cost control, recipe costing — I do that “I cannot stress enough how the stuff every day. Chef Jean Hertzman hotel college and UNLV gave me the are loyal Rebel supporters. has been a wonderful mentor, and we’ve foundation that my entire career is built kept in touch all these years. Al Izzolo on. The work ethic you learn there “We never miss a home got me the greatest internship ever at is outstanding — and appreciated the Bellagio. I still have contacts to this by everyone I have ever worked for. football or basketball game. day that I made because of him and that My boss, Shawn Ritchie, ’90, is an I am so proud to be an experience.” alumnus as well. I encourage anyone I She continues, “I want everyone know looking into the hospitality field to alumna of UNLV!” who goes to UNLV to get as much out consider going to UNLV.” 32
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 In Memoriam
Leonard Goodall n July 3, UNLV President Neal Smatresk announced the passing of former UNLV President Dr. OLeonard “Pat” Goodall following illness. Goodall is survived by Lois, his wife of 53 years, and their daughter, Karen Crane. Goodall served as the fourth president of UNLV, from 1979 to 1984. He was a specialist in urban politics, and he spent most of his career at major state institutions, including Arizona State University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Among the highlights of the Goodall administration was the creation of The UNLV Foundation, a significant milestone in the partnering of donor support with academic programs. The newly constructed Alta Ham Fine Arts Building and the Frank and Estella Beam Hall were joined by theSTAFF NEWS addition of the Claes Oldenburg sculpture, “The Flashlight.” Completing the work begun by his predecessor, Goodall was also instrumental in the development of the 18,000-seat Thomas & Mack Center. In 1984, he returned to the faculty of public administration, where he taught until his retirement in 2000. Always a strong supporter of UNLV, Goodall remained actively engaged in the community and his profession, completing his ninth book, An Investor’s Memoir, while facing the challenge of his illness. Joan Ang has joined
UNLV Singapore as a Verna Harrah GL/AP Accountant. She erna Harrah, widow of casino magnate and UNLV hotelis responsible for Vcollege namesake William “Bill” Harrah, passed awayhandling June accounting 29. She was the founder of Middle Fork Productions, a film duties. production company. Donald S. Snyder, dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at UNLV, says, “The Harrah name and legacy will live forever at UNLV and with students from around the world whose career foundations began at the Harrah Hotel College. Verna Harrah played a key role in making the gift that made this all possible.” Jimmy Ho has joined as a Assistant Manager From left: Kenny Rogers, Verna and Bill Harrah, and Steve Martin in May 1978 at the couple’s Lake Tahoein Recruitment & estate, Villa Harrah. Photo courtesy of the Harrah’s CorporateOutreach. He is Archives, which are housed in the UNLV Library’s Special Collections. responsible for recruitmen of International Students. Frances Tally he former executive vice president of graduate student of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel THospitality Financial and Technology Administration. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or Professionals (HFTP), Frances Tally, higher, and preference is given to students who are members passed away in the spring. She was of HFTP’s Las Vegas Student Chapter and have demonstrated part of the first paid staff hired by the an interest in hospitality financial management, hospitality association. In 1971, she was hired accounting, or hospitality technology. as the national executive secretary, at In Memoriam which time the association’s name was the National Association of Hotel-Motel Charmaine Accountants Inc. and there was only $18 in the bank account. In 1972, Tally was asked to fill the executive vice president’s Chia Pei Ing position. She retired after 16 years of service, leaving a harmaine Chia Pei Ing, ’09, part of foundation for HFTP to grow into the global association it is CUNLV Singapore’s first graduating today. class, passed away July 7. Classmates The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and faculty fondly remember her as an Frances Tally Endowed Scholarship was established by adventurous foodie who enjoyed sharing the HFTP in 2001. It is awarded to an undergraduate or new cuisines with fellow classmates. 33 UNLV graduateFALL/WINTER Charmaine 2012 PREMIER Chia Pei Ing (’09), part of UNLV Singapore’s first graduating class, passed away on 7 July 2012. Classmates and faculty fondly remember her as an adventurous foodie, sharing new cuisines with fellow classmates and visiting faculty during her studies.
C l u b C o r n e r
Hospitality Association of Koreans he Hospitality Association of Koreans (HAK) is a Tmulticultural club for UNLV students. The association has two objectives: to promote Korean culture and to build knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry by providing networking opportunities with industry leaders. HAK welcomes students who are passionate about hospitality-related fields, want to obtain helpful information through seminars and seek advice from industry professionals, and are looking to be involved in activities and events within the university. Membership is open to all students regardless of nationality or the pursuit of a particular major. President Minji Ryu says, “The club is structured like a hotel, with different departments, including sales and marketing, human resources, and events, to give students The club meets regularly, planning and preparing for various more experience in their areas of interest. Through this club, events. Past events have included a Korean barbecue, tours of I’ve learned so much about leadership and many aspects of local resorts, bowling nights, wine tastings, talent shows, and business. It’s a great asset!” industry guest speakers on numerous topics.
Chinese Students and Scholars Association Year Celebration Gala on campus, and more than 300 people participated, including representatives from the Asian Chamber of Commerce, the American Chinese Import and Export Association, the U.S.-China Cultural Exchange Committee, and the Chinese American Academic Association of Nevada. Because of the importance of globalization, it is important for countries to understand each other’s cultures. According to Felix (Shiyu) Chen, the organization’s current president, “The Chinese New Year Gala, which is the largest event hosted by UNLV CSSA, has been now recognized by not just the university but also by society. CSSA would love to continuously host this event in the future and utilize and traditions. The club’s objectives this fantastic opportunity to introduce include enhancing Chinese culture Chinese culture to our fellow students he Chinese Students and throughout the UNLV campus and the and scholars.” T Scholars Association is Las Vegas community and providing For more information about the composed of both undergraduate and assistance to interested Chinese Chinese Students and Scholars graduate students who are interested students and scholars. This past year, Association, send an email to in learning more about Chinese culture the club organized a Chinese New [email protected].
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u n l V G l o b a l — S i n g a p o r e C a m p u s
Singapore Students Visit Las Vegas Campus n May, more than 200 students from conventions and event planning by by students in the capstone events Ithe UNLV Singapore campus visited touring MGM Resorts International management course. Las Vegas as part of their study program properties. They also took a law course In their free time, UNLV Singapore to further their knowledge about as well as a food and beverage course. students were able to take tours of the conventions and event planning. To Highlights from their UNLV visit included Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam. get the UNLV student experience, they attending an etiquette dinner — where The Singapore campus, which stayed on campus in the dorms for their they learned how to conduct themselves opened in 2006 and graduated its first three-week visit. during a business meeting over a meal class in 2009, offers instruction about the The students learned more about — and a welcome reception planned global hospitality industry.
Alumni gather for a reception in Seoul, Korea Harrah Hotel College Dean Don Snyder and UNLV President Dr. Neal Smatresk pose as action figures at Tour of Asia Konami Headquarters in Tokyo his summer UNLV President Neal Smatresk and Harrah short time, they did get to tour several well-known hotel/casinos. THotel College Dean Don Snyder traveled to several cities in In Tokyo, Smatresk and Snyder visited Konami Gaming Asia on behalf of UNLV alumni and development business. Their Headquarters. first stop was UNLV Singapore, where they attended an alumni Their last stop was Seoul, Korea. Professor Wonseok Seo, reception (sponsored by the Harrah Hotel College Alumni ‘95, ‘97 MS planned a reception, which was attended by over chapter) and commencement. 120 alumni. At this event, Jung-Ho Suh, ‘82, ‘83 MBA, was After visiting Hong Kong and meeting with alumni, the recognized as the hotel college Alumnus of the Year, an honor he president and dean visited Macau. While they were only there a received at the 2010 Vallen Dinner of Distinction. 35
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UNLV Singapore Hosts Reception On June 7, UNLV Singapore hosted a reception for alumni and graduating students. With over 50 people in attendance, including UNLV President Dr. Neal Smatresk and Harrah Hotel College Dean Don Snyder, the event was held in the campus’ student union, located in the National Library Building.
UNLV Singapore to Offer Pathway to U.S. Engineering Degrees
On June 7, Dr. Neal Smatresk, president campus engineering faculty. Students will of UNLV, announced the availability of be fully admitted to UNLV as freshmen undergraduate lower division engineering and will choose to major in one of the classes beginning Fall 2013 at UNLV following fields once they relocate to Singapore. Students will complete 60 Las Vegas as juniors: Civil Engineering, U.S. academic credits at the branch Computer Engineering, Computer campus in Singapore before they Science, Construction Management, relocate to the main UNLV campus to Electrical Engineering, Entertainment complete a bachelor of science degree Engineering and Design, or Mechanical in engineering at the university’s Howard Engineering. R. Hughes College of Engineering. Qualified international students Subject to formal approval by the who graduate within the Science, Jimmy Ho recently joined the chancellor of the Nevada System of Technology, Engineering or Mathematics UNLV Singapore team as the Higher Education and the Northwest (STEM) fields may now be eligible for an recruitment and outreach assistant Commission on Colleges and extended 17-month Optional Practical manager. Universities, UNLV will admit an initial Training (OPT) period of employment cohort of 50 top engineering students, within the United States in addition primarily from the Asia/Pacific region, to the basic 12-month OPT period. students will be eligible to apply some to study in Singapore and then in UNLV is U.S. regionally accredited, and upper division undergraduate courses to Las Vegas. Classes in Singapore will applicable programs within the College a MS or Ph.D. degree in Engineering at be taught by locally-hired faculty in of Engineering are accredited by the UNLV. residence and part-time instructors, Accrediting Board for Engineering augmented by faculty from the main and Technology (ABET). Outstanding
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Fourth Commencement Held at Singapore Campus
his year marked the largest number of graduates Dignitaries from the main UNLV campus included Tat the UNLV Singapore campus since its inception President Dr. Neal Smatrek and Harrah Hotel College in 2006. With 64 graduates representing 11 countries, Dean Don Snyder. Two students spoke at the event the campus has become firmly entrenched in the Asian — Justin Aow, representing the undergraduates, and hospitality industry. The June 8 campus commencement Yolanda Lao representing the master of hospitality ceremony was held at the Raffles Hotel Singapore. students.
Students at the Singapore campus are from: China, including Macau S.A.R. India Indonesia Japan Malaysia The Netherlands The Philippines Singapore South Korea United States Vietnam
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FALL/WINTER 2012 PREMIER A l u m n i U p d a t e s Submit your updates to [email protected]
1970s deliverables, including at linkedin.com/in/ Resort Spa Casino. He branding, strategy, etc. and toddweinsteinonlinkedin. also spent time at Caesars Jim Mikula, ’78, has recently the tasks’ implementation Weinstein lives in Phoenix, Entertainment and was part been named the managing within the organization. de Ariz. of the opening team for director of the Hotel Madeline Sterin can be reached at MGM Resorts’ CityCenter & Inn at Lost Creek in [email protected]. Allison Wiede, ’99, has project. Gordon is a member Telluride, Colo. recently been promoted of the Harrah Hotel College Dennis Gradillas, ’91, is to contract specialist at Alumni Chapter Board 1990s the executive director of Las the Syracuse Veterans of Directors and may be Nancy Ventanas. He currently serves Administration Medical contacted at agordon@lvcva. Banner, as president of the Harrah Center, serving all of upstate com. He lives in Las Vegas, ’94, a Hotel College Alumni Chapter New York. She has also been Nev. classically Board of Directors and is a working on obtaining her trained chef board member of the UNLV master of social work degree Jonathan specializing Alumni Association. Friends at Syracuse University and is Horner, ’09, in self- may contact Gradillas at due to graduate in May 2013. was recently health, 702-240-0276 or dgradillas@ Friends may contact her at selected to delivers the lasventanas-lifecare.com. [email protected]. Weide introduce and message In his last role, he was lives just outside of Syracuse, implement a the general manager of N.Y. fresh holistic Joanthon that moving from SAD, the Horner the Platinum Hotel & Spa. approach Standard American Diet of 2000s processed foods, toward Gradillas lives in Las Vegas, to game improvement at GLADD, her whole foods, Nev. Chris Adolph, ’00, started CordeValle, A Rosewood anti-inflammatory lifestyle a food distribution business Resort, located in Northern diet, is satisfying to mind, Chris Smith, ’98, has in California called Adolph California’s Santa Cruz body, and palate in her newly recently been promoted to Inc. The company has mountains. For the past released book, Chef Nancy’s director, Corporate Human grown over the last ten years four years, Horner has been Recipe for Health. The Resources for Caesars into a manufacturing and a staff professional at the book teaches eaters how to Entertainment. Previously, he processing plant. Adolph prestigious Jim McLean transition their meal choices to was the manager of Human played baseball for the UNLV Golf Academy at Miami prevent and reverse disease Resources and the director of Rebels from 1996-2000, Beach Golf Club. His work in with tasty recipes that are Training and Development for and was drafted by the San Miami has included assisting dairy-free, gluten-free, soy- Caesars Entertainment. Smith Diego Padres before an world-class players such free, and low-glycemic. To serves as vice president for injury ended his professional as PGA Tour stars Greg purchase the book, enroll the Harrah Hotel College baseball career. He can Norman, Ryan Moore, and in a coaching program, or Alumni Chapter Board of be contacted at Chris@ Keegan Bradley, as well as learn more, email Directors and lives in Las Adolphinc.com. LPGA teen sensation Alexis info@theholistickitchen. Vegas, Nev. Friends may Thompson. He is a certified com or visit http://www. contact him at chrsmith@ Quynh Dam, ’11, was Class A PGA Professional. theholistickitchen.com. caesars.com. profiled in the official He has also served as Banner lives in Mesa, Ariz. blog of the MGM Resorts operations manager at the Todd Weinstein, ’99, is International College McLean School. After years of working as a the director of Leadership Programs. She is currently Horner has worked as marketing communications Development at PetSmart, working for the company as an assistant pro at Bandon director, Roni Benenson Inc., with primary a management associate in Dunes Resort in Oregon and de Sterin, ’99, has founded responsibilities for leadership hotel operations. Rio Secco Golf Club in Las The Pitch Factory, a small development strategy, Vegas; was an instructor at marketing consultancy programs and processes, Adam Gordon, ’04, Colorado Golf Club in Parker, agency dedicated to providing individual and team coaching, recently joined the Las Colo.; and was a teaching integrated marketing and other efforts around Vegas Convention and assistant pro at The Club at solutions in English, Spanish, building organizational Visitors Authority as a sales Pronghorn, in Bend, Ore. and Hebrew. The Pitch effectiveness. More executive. Previously, he was Factory assists its clients information can be found a national sales manager with necessary marketing on his LinkedIn profile with Green Valley Ranch 38
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Lindsay manager at Gilla River the CEO, Board of Trustees, Coast corporate groups and Hoskins, ’11, Casinos in Chandler, Ariz. and various committees to wedding parties. Feel free joined the staff at Friends may contact him at develop and implement a to contact her at Asinger@ PGA of America [email protected]. comprehensive fundraising treasureisland.com. Headquarters in strategy to expand financial March 2012 as a and in-kind support for Three Yolanda Tuttle-Williams, championship Lindsay 2010s Square. He may be contacted ’07, graduated from George Hoskins coordinator. Jason Montoya, ’11, at mmuldoon@threesquare. Washington University with Hoskins’ internship became the nation’s first com. Muldoon lives in Las a master’s degree in tourism experiences included working Pueblo Native American Vegas, Nev. administration in May 2011. in Las Vegas, Nev. at Red PGA Professional in May. She is currently living in Rock Country Club, the Montoya, who works Judy Nagai, ’11, Ph.D., Athens, Ga., where she Southern Nevada Chapter of as a PGA assistant golf is the assistant dean for works part-time as a travel the Southwest Section PGA, professional at Twin Warriors Development and External consultant, and is looking Rhodes Ranch Golf Club, and Golf Club in Santa Ana Relations, Graduate School of forward to a move back to the the Medinah Country Club in Pueblo, N.M., began his golf Management at the University southwest. Illinois. career in the club’s Junior of California, Davis. She She is now responsible Golf Program. In his position, earned her doctorate from the Myongjee (Michelle) for providing support for he manages tournaments, College of Education, and is a Yoo, ’11, Ph.D., is an PGA of America-sponsored works with meeting and lifetime member of the UNLV assistant professor at Florida events including: the PGA event planners, and performs Alumni Association. Nagai International University, Junior Series; the PGA other management duties. initiated the Alumni Relations Chaplin School of Hospitality Junior Ryder Cup; the PGA In 2011, he coached Team program for the Harrah Hotel Managemen. She can be Junior Championship; and New Mexico to a first place College in 2002. Friends may contacted at [email protected]. the PGA Minority Collegiate victory in the 2011 Indigenous contact her on LinkedIn at Golf Championship. The Games, an Olympic-style linkedin.com/in/judynagai. coordination for these events event for Native American She currently resides in Davis, The Harrah Hotel College includes the management of and indigenous youth Calif. is pleased to announce player applications, website throughout the world. the re-launch of its administration, tournament Alexandra (Allie) Singer, website. Please visit planning, and traveling for on- Matthew Muldoon, ’09, ’12, recently accepted a hotel site event production. MS, is the chief development sales coordinator position unlv.edu/hotel officer for Three Square, at Treasure Island Hotel & to view the new, Jacob D. Montoya, ’08, is Southern Nevada’s only food Casino in Las Vegas. She is user-friendly site. the assistant housekeeping bank. He works closely with working directly with West
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The following awards were Heather Willden — Best Congratulations Her research extends over conferred at the April 18 Professional Paper to Ph.D. the entire gaming industry Academic Recognition Robert Woods — Claudine student Brett and ranges from gambling Luncheon: Williams Distinguished Chair Abarbanel. addictions to casino Award She recently operations to global gambling Bo Bernhard — Ace Denken Myongjee “Michelle” Yoo received policies. Her dissertation Research Award Brett — Best Dissertation Award the UNLV looks at mapping the online Christian Hardigree — President’s Abarbanel gambling servicescape Boyd Award for Service Graduate and how online gambling Carola Raab — Boyd Award Research Fellowship and atmospherics affect the user for Research a summer scholarship. experience. 39
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Kudos to Professional Golf the scholarship, LVBA’s goal Management assistant is to nurture and support the director and internship future business leaders of coordinator, Chris Brown, Las Vegas. who received his Ph.D. in May. UNLV men’s tennis standout Rene Ruegamer was Welcome to three new named to the 2011–12 academic advisors: Alan Capital One Academic Hott, Antonio Villegas, and All-District 8 At-Large First Christina Zboril. Team in May. The senior from Wurzburg, Germany, Congratulations to Curtis boasted a cumulative grade Love, Ph.D., CHE, and the point average of 3.92 while director of Graduate Studies, majoring in hospitality as he received the Regents management. Ruegamer Award for Graduate Advising played atop the Rebels’ and the UNLV Award for singles lineup this spring Troy Wailehua (left) receives his award from UNLV Graduate Advising. and earned All-Mountain West honors on the court. In President Neal Smatresk. Associate Professor Karl addition, he is the fifth man in Mayer, Ph.D., graduate UNLV tennis history to earn Ph.D. candidate Courtney first and the best.” Harrah coordinator of dual programs, the CoSIDA academic all- Suess’ paper with Seyhmus Hotel College founding dean was awarded Outstanding district designation. Baloglu on a hospitality Jerry Vallen is listed as Reviewer at the Emerald development sustainability one of the publication’s “90 Literati Network Awards for Professor Patti Shock, index won the Best Graduate Influential Hotelies” for being Excellence 2012. Each year, CPCE, CHT, recently earned Student Paper Award at the first to establish a major the Emerald Literati Network the certified hospitality trainer the 41st annual Western hospitality program. names and rewards the (CHT) designation from the Decision Sciences Institute outstanding reviewers who Educational Institute of the Conference. The Network Hotel college student Karla contribute to the success of American Hotel & Lodging for the Hospitality Industry Washington was honored the journals. Mayer made an Association. Shock was also awarded Suess a $3,000 during May’s commencement impressive and significant quoted in an article titled scholarship to use for as one of nine outstanding contribution to International “Agency Scandal Highlights research toward sustainable graduates. She was profiled in Journal of Contemporary Conference Contracts” in the hospitality architecture. the fall 2011 issue of Premier. Hospitality Management April 30, 2012, issue of The Congratulations to MHA during 2011. New York Times. The Cornell University School student Troy Wailehua, of Hotel Administration ‘07, who received the 2012 The Las Vegas Dean Don Snyder was recently published a special President’s Classified Business honored with the Free 90th-anniversary edition Employee Rookie of the Year Academy Enterprise Award by the of its Hotelie magazine, award at the UNLV Classifed (LVBA) has Las Vegas Chamber of “Celebrating 90 years as the Staff Employee Awards. awarded its first Commerce in April. In full scholarship addition, Snyder’s work to Monica Monica was vital to the successful Claudine Williams Distinguished Chair Recipients Moradkhan, Moradkhan opening of the Smith Center, where he currently serves ’04, for the 1990 to 1992 — Frank Borsenik 2004 to 2006 — Seyhmus Master’s of Science in Hotel as volunteer chairman of the 1992 to 1994 — John Stefanelli Baloglu Administration degree. board of directors. Snyder 1994 to 1996 — Donald Bell 2006 to 2008 — Zheng Gu In addition to giving the was integral in securing the 1996 to 1998 — Patti Shock 2008 to 2010 — James Busser scholarship, LVBA members $150 million needed to build 2010 to 2012 — Pearl Brewer will provide mentoring, the cultural center, which 1998 to 2000 — Vince Eade networking opportunities, opened in March. 2000 to 2002 — John Bowen 2012 to 2014 — Robert Woods and additional educational 2002 to 2004 — Audrey McCool options for Moradkhan. With 40
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2012 Meetings… Hotel College Catering with high expectations University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The next time you’re looking for the perfect space to host BUSINESS MEETINGS, WEDDINGS, UPSCALE your special event, look no DINNERS, MIXERS — the possibilities are endless, thanks to the more than 6,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space further than the experts at the available at the Stan Fulton Building and the professional and Harrah Hotel College. With the experienced catering staff of Hotel College Catering. We can host small gatherings as well as receptions for 400 people and full- range of services and room service dinners for 250. The Stan Fulton Building is also home to a hip yet comfortable lounge-style bar available for after-work get styles available, there is certain togethers. Conveniently located at the edge of the UNLV campus on the corner of Flamingo Road and Swenson, fi ve minutes from to be one that fits your needs the Las Vegas Strip, the Stan Fulton Building is an ideal setting for perfectly. Proceed with high your special event. Let Executive Chef John Gremo and his talented culinary team deliver an unforgettable dining experience, whether expectations! it’s a continental breakfast, a working lunch, or an elegant dinner.
a e a pee at what we can do for your event http sfbevents.unlv.edu Expec t the best.
For information please contact: Christy Paciolla, Director of Sales & Marketing 801 E. Flamingo • Las Vegas, NV 89154 • Main (702) 895-3903 LL M ollege of L M N S N U n i v e r s i t y o f N e va d a , L a s V e g a s
Box 456013 4505 S Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013
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Check out the new events calendar go.unlv.edu/calendar