UNLV Foundation recognizes donors at annual dinner

The UNLV Foundation thanked donors with its 29th annual dinner on Nov. 14 at The Mirage Grand Ballroom.

The event highlighted performances throughout the evening by students from the College of Fine Arts and extreme artist Jean Francois.

A hosted bar reception began the evening for invited guests, including Claudine Williams, Staci and Randy Garcia, Doug Selby, Joyce Mack, Judy and James Kropid, Linda and Mark McKinley, Sharlene and Jerry Engel, Selma and Troy Bartlett, U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Lawrence Lehrner, state Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, and Mary Hausch, Sherry and Bruce Layne, Edythe and Gilbert Yarchever, Joanne and Lee Bernick, Carol and Mike Harter, Carolyn Sparks, Lynn Wiesner, Lois and Pat Goodall, Hope Anstett, Bernice Fischer, Joyce and Steve Schneider, Kim Stein and Michael Leslie, and C.J. and James Bradham.

When all were seated for dinner, UNLV Foundation Chairman Ted Quirk and University of Nevada, Las Vegas President David Ashley presented the Harry Reid Silver State Research Award to urban historian Eugene Moehring. Special recognition went to four new members of the Palladium Society who have contributed $1 million or more to UNLV.

The 2008 Palladium honorees were the Bernard Osher Foundation, represented by Dr. Juanita Fain; The Lincy Foundation, represented by its director Lindy Schumacher; Las Vegas-based Tririga Inc., founded by UNLV alumnus and chief executive officer of M Resort, Anthony Marnell III.

Heather Ripley, director of human resources, accepted on behalf of honoree Station Casinos for its support and, most recently, for 12 academic scholarships to students in the Harrah Hotel College.

Attorney James Jimmerson, representing the late Marjorie Barrick, presented Ashley with a check for $5 million for continuation of the Barrick Lecture Series.

LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada, which grants wishes for the community's children with life-threatening medical conditions, had its fundraising luncheon and fashion show at Spago on Nov. 13. Chairwoman Linda Richardson and the foundation's director, Karen Iglesias, welcomed Lynn Rosencrantz, Amy Tabor, Lovee Arum, Wendy Plaster, Kristine Creel, Victoria Otter, Diane Bigelow, Vicki Fertitta, Sandee Tiberti and Camille Ruvo.

Among the guests enjoying the informal modeling of Valentino fashions were Susan Molasky, Helene Walker, Jane Schorr, Louise Rappaport, Beth Weinberger, Yvette Landow, Maria Letizia, Marsha Miller, Diane Lee, Cindy Ellis, Sondra Lynch and Carol McCullough.