UNLV receives $12.9 million gift to support special education programs

UNLV gets $12.9 million grant from Kitty Rodman estate

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced during its annual foundation dinner that a $12.9 million gift from the estate of the late philanthropist Kitty Rodman was received in order to support scholarships and graduate fellowships for UNLV students studying special education.

Rodman was among the first and most influential women in the construction industry in Las Vegas as a partner in Sierra Construction Corp., which built projects for the Atomic Energy Commission, Nellis Air Force Base, Clark County School District, UNLV and numerous hotels and casinos.

Rodman was also a founding member of the UNLV Jean Nidetch Women’s Center and a 25-year member of the UNLV Foundation’s board of trustees. She was a staple at UNLV academic and community events, supported scholarships, helped establish the physical therapy program at UNLV, and funded the construction of campus residence halls — one of which is named in her honor. She died in February.

The UNLV Foundation raised close to $44 million in support of scholarships over the last five years. Prior to Rodman’s estate gift, the largest donation to support scholarships at UNLV was $12.6 million from the Engelstad Foundation in 2009 to create the thriving Engelstad Scholars program.

Foundation offers hospitality training aid

The Timothy S Y Lam Foundation announced the underwriting of the Guest Service Gold training and the Certified Guest Service Professional exam to working professionals in the hospitality industry.

The foundation will provide up to $11,250 worth of training through November 2015. The program is expected to help up to 150 working professionals.

The CGSP designation provides recognition for those individuals that know how to achieve and express exceptional service by engaging with their guests and creating memorable experiences. Recognized worldwide, the CGSP designation is the highest acknowledgment of award-winning guest service for employees in the hospitality industry.

The foundation is funding sessions over several dates beginning Nov. 13, however applicants are responsible for a $20 reservation fee.

Classes will be held at the International School of Hospitality. For more information and a complete list of dates and times, visit www.timothysylam.org/cgsp1.aspx.

City National Bank offers literacy grants

City National Bank is accepting applications for grants to support literacy and financially-based literacy projects at public and private elementary, middle and high schools in five states.

Administered through City National’s award-winning Reading is The way up literacy program, this year’s program will again award up to $100,000 in both literacy and financial literacy grants.

Since the literacy grant program began in 2004, City National has awarded more than $800,000 to teachers in California, Nevada, New York, Tennessee and Georgia. Educators interested in applying for a literacy grant can visit www.readingisthewayup.org.

Partnership feeds homeless teens for the holidays

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth is launching its annual Plastic Food Drive and new companion #pickupthetab online component. The drive recently will run through Nov. 25.

For more information, visit www.nphy.org/pfd or call 702-383-1332.

Compiled by Chanelle Hayes Las Vegas Business Press