Recipients inducted into UNLV entertainment hall of fame

University of Nevada, Las Vegas' College of Fine Arts had its sixth annual Nevada Entertainment Artist Hall of Fame awards ceremony and reception at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on Sept. 18.

Master of ceremonies Casey Smith, KTNV-TV, Channel 13 anchor, introduced speakers Jeffrey Koep, dean of the fine arts college, and David B. Ashley, president of UNLV. Award recipients received the Sidney Award, named for the late award-winning movie director and Las Vegas resident George Sidney. Sidney's wife, Corinne Entratter Sidney, presented the Sidney Scholarship to four students.

Advisory board member and previous hall of fame honoree Phyllis McGuire introduced 2008 inductee Clint Holmes. Past hall of fame honoree John Klai introduced inductee Anthony "Tony" Marnell. Advisory board member Bernice Fischer introduced Vassili Sulich. Past hall of fame honoree Thomas Schoeman introduced drummer Ronnie Vannucci and bassist Mark Stoermer of The Killers. A video on the late Broadway legend Robert Goulet was presented, and Vera Goulet accepted the Sidney on behalf of her late husband.

A VIP reception followed in the UNLV Foundations Building, attended by Barbara Gomes, Elaine and Bernie Feldman, Cheryl Pandelis, Barbara and John Good, and Susan Stamis.

HERO DINNER: The Public Education Foundation had its Education Hero Award dinner on Sept. 20 at the Four Seasons.

Honored with education's lifetime achievement award was Brian Cram, former superintendent of the Clark County School District. The Education Hero Award went to Jan L. Jones, senior vice president of communications and government affairs for Harrah's Entertainment, and former Las Vegas mayor.

The evening began with a silent auction during the reception and a live auction during dinner. Entertainer Kenny Kerr, who appeared with Jones in many TV commercials, added comic relief. More entertainment was provided by Clint Holmes, Nevada School of the Arts Strings, Gilbert Magnet School, Palo Verde High School and the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies and Performing and Visual Arts.

Judi Steele, Sue Manteris and Bill Martin emceed the event with introductions from Ann Lynch and Robert Forbuss. Among the guests were Walt Rulffes, Rose McKinney-James, Marybel Batjer, Sue and Paul Lowden, Randy Campanale, Gloria and Mark Fine, Patricia and Richard Wright, Sandra Odell and Douglas Ferraro, Chris Brown, Morgan Shaw, Cynthia and John Shaw, Rich Little, Christina and Brad Mamer, Barbara Dorfman, Michael Brown, Barbara Marikos, Lynn and Bill Weidner, Susan Molasky, and Nancy and Kel Houssels.

Jones was surprised with the debut of a new children's book based on her life titled "A Hero Named Jan." The books were given out as guests departed.