College’s gala honors community leaders

“Jewels in the Desert” turned into an evening of brilliance for the College of Southern Nevada as its foundation recognized exceptional community leaders and partners during the eighth annual Legacy of Achievement Gala April 12 in the Rio’s Pavilion Ballroom.

Honored were Mayor Carolyn Goodman and former Mayor Oscar Goodman, along with the Southern Nevada Franchised New Car and Truck Dealers Association.

The party’s elegant decor theme was carried out by Lucite tables in both the reception’s silent auction and dining room that were lit from underneath by blue light. Sparkling crystal curtains were hung from the ceiling. Centerpieces were crystal candleholders and crystal vases holding large bouquets of blue and white hydrangeas grown in the college’s horticulture department.

The silent auction by the Las Vegas Hospitality Association offered 129 exclusive items for bid, and the bars were hosted by Wirtz Beverage Nevada.

James McCoy, the college’s associate vice president of academic success, opened the evening’s program with a group of scholarship students onstage giving their names and courses of study and saying how a scholarship enabled them to achieve a college education.

College President Michael Richards spoke about the Legacy dinners raising more than $3.5 million to fund scholarships and programs for those in need.

The college enrolls 37,000 students each semester.

CSN Foundation Chairman Peter O’Neill joined Richards onstage to introduce the honorees.

The Goodman leadership was credited for helping to transform the city into a world-class destination. Carolyn Goodman, in particular, was lauded for her commitment to education as the founder, president and trustee of The Meadows School.

The Southern Nevada Franchised New Car and Truck Dealers Association’s creation of an endowed scholarship to help students pursue an associate of applied science degree in automotive technology has let many students achieve their dreams of a postsecondary education.

Each Legacy recipient has an endowed scholarship established at the college in each of the honoree’s names.

The Las Vegas Hospitality Association contributed $12,500 and Wells Fargo contributed $50,000 to CSN scholarships.

McCoy conducted the live auction for a Wine Paradise Dream Vacation at Whitehall Lane Winery in Napa, Calif., donated by Wirtz Beverage Nevada. Another popular package was a three-night stay at the Westin Snowmass Luxury Mountain Resort in Colorado, donated by Dani and Fred Brodsky. The last item for bid was a Maltipoo puppy, which won a loving family.

Special recognition went to CSN Foundation Executive Director Jacque Matthews, who is retiring this year.

The 400 guests included K.C. Brekken, Tami Hance, university Regents Allison Stephens and Michael Wixom, Laura Hobbs, Humberto Gonzalez, Melinda and Bob Brown, Judy and Jim Kropid, Carolyn Sparks, Gayle Anderson, Victoria Paluzzi, Cindy Martin, Rita Saddlin, Shelley and John Rhodes, Sandy Windom, Ed Johnson, David Matthews, and Sue and Bart Masi.

Entertainment was The Pursuance Quartet of Ryne Weir, Thomas Domschot, Carlos Holguin and Isaac Berk, all students or graduates of the college.