Four honored at annual UNLV hall of fame dinner

Jeffrey Koep, dean of University of Nevada, Las Vegas' College of Fine Arts, and the College of Fine Arts Advisory Board had their eighth annual Nevada Entertainment/Artist Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony Feb. 24 at the UNLV Student Union Ballroom.

Following a red carpet reception and silent auction, guests were seated for dinner, where UNLV President Neal Smatresk welcomed the capacity crowd. Koep spoke about the Sidney Award, named for late movie director George Sidney, which is presented to the Hall of Fame honorees. Koep also spoke about the Sidney Scholars, who are students that receive financial assistance in pursuing their education.

The 2011 Hall of Fame inductees were Roger Thomas, interior designer and executive vice president of Wynn Design and Development; Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, a program of the city of Las Vegas' Office of Cultural Affairs that produces family theater; and Danny Gans, a Las Vegas performer honored posthumously. Thomas J. Schoeman, president and chief executive officer of JMA Architecture Studios, was the recipient of the Dean's Medal.

Among those enjoying the evening of entertainment by the students were Amy and Andrew Gans, Nancy Houssels, John Klai, Vera Goulet, Jill Curtis, Joyce Mack, Thalia Dondero, Tom Jones, Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Susan Houston, Austin Perry, Isabel Henry, Laura Browning, Robert Weiss, June Brennan, Tim Molyneux, Margo Mink Colbert, Jane Radoff, Sondra Lynch, Karen McKenney, Toni Molloy-Tudor, Kristopher Van Riper and J. Neal.

MARKING A CENTURY: The Mesquite Club celebrated 100 years of service to the Las Vegas community at its Centennial Gala Feb. 26 at the Spanish Trail Country Club.

Founding members Mrs. David Farnsworth, Mrs. William Penn Bates and Mrs. Will Beckley organized a group of pioneer women that started the club in 1911.

It was Mrs. C.P. Squires, who was club president in 1912, who suggested the Mesquite Club become part of the Women's Leadership Organization, later to be named the General Federation of Women's Clubs, which it remains today.

The gala festivities began with music by the Nevada School of the Arts, cocktails for the 210 guests and a silent auction before dinner.

Jeanne Greenawalt, chair of the Centennial Committee, introduced Joan Powell, 2010-11 president of Mesquite Club.

Speakers were Carlene Garner, international president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs; Ruth Baty, Nevada president of the federation; and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan.

Linda Miller dressed as charter member Helen J. Stewart, and in character recounted Stewart's pioneer days in early Las Vegas.

Past Mesquite Club presidents in attendance were Blanche Bozarth; Joan Doubrava and Betty Miller, who also served as past presidents of Nevada General Federation of Women's Clubs; June Eckenroth, Marilyn Essex, Alice Eubank, Mary Ellen Gallagher, Mary Ann Hantout, Phyllis Hendrickson, Billie Kenney, Phyllis Noblitt, Jerrie Pearson and Betty Rumford.