UNLV Fine Arts dean honored for theater work

Jeffrey Koep, dean of the College of Fine Arts at UNLV, was recently inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre for his accomplishments in the field of theater.

Koep has directed and produced more than 300 productions and has served as dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas since 1995. He is chairman of the Liberace Foundation National Board, the Society of American Fight Directors board, and chairman and co-founder of the National Partners -- American Theatre board.

Koep, who has twice received John F. Kennedy Center Gold Medallions for Contributions of Excellence in Theatre, was inducted during ceremonies at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., in April.

In other news:

* The Soroptimist International of the Americas Sierra Nevada Region District 1 awarded grants and recognition awards at its annual awards luncheon March 30. The four clubs at the luncheon -- Greater Las Vegas, Las Vegas Valley, Metropolitan of Las Vegas and Pahrump Valley -- awarded the $10,000 Ceec Abraham Memorial Grant to the UNLV Women's Research Institute of Nevada. Marilyn Gillespie and BJ Hetrick-Irwin received the Making a Difference for Women Award, and Michelle Marie Tillett, Ravien Dixon, Schwon D. Jackson and Marietta Butler were named recipients of the Women's Opportunity Award. The Violet Richardson Award, which recognizes young women for their volunteer service, was awarded to Melissa Monge, Misha M. Logan, Nishelle Robbins and Heather Wilder.

* The UNLV Liberace Jazz Quartet won first place in the College Combos competition at the 46th annual Reno Jazz Festival April 24-26. The quartet competed against 17 other university combos from the Western states.

The quartet members are: Otto Ehling, piano; Julian Tanaka, saxophone; Andy Roberts and Abe Gumroyan, bass. The group is directed by UNLV Director of Jazz Studies David Loeb.

* Hogs & Heifer's third annual "Hog Wild For Kids" fundraiser May 18 raised $20,000 to benefit Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation and its Camp Cartwheel program. The funds raised will enable 80 kids to attend the foundation's outdoor day camp for children with cancer or critical illnesses. More than 100 riders participated in the motorcycle run with funds raised through registration, raffle ticket sales, a live auction and donations.

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