‘Invent the Future’ exceeds goal

November 9, 2009 by Grace Funcion 

Leaders announce end of effort during annual dinner

The announcement of a successful fundraising effort capped off the 30th annual UNLV Foundation Dinner, as attendees toasted to the final weeks of a major effort and celebrated the efforts of donors.

A speech praising the university’s effort to raise more than $500 million ended the Thursday dinner, held in the Bellagio’s Tower Ballroom to honor those who have contributed financially toward UNLV’s development.

UNLV President Neal Smatresk said the Invent the Future Campaign surpassed the capital goal.

“It is extraordinary that an institution as young as UNLV could achieve such an audacious goal,” Smatresk said of the campaign’s efforts. “I credit our donors for believing in UNLV and our vision. Like a relay race, the baton has been passed from hand to hand and I am fortunate to be the one holding it as we cross the finish line. But the thanks goes to everyone who contributed, large and small, to reach this amazing milestone.”

Smatresk joined students, staff, faculty, administrators and

donors in celebrating the success of the large campaign, which succeeded despite economic conditions.

“The Invent the Future Campaign is complete,” he said as confetti and streamers fell from the ceiling and everyone raised their champagne flutes to commemorate the occasion.

The milestone campaign began Jan. 1, 2002 and will not technically end until Dec. 31, 2009.

Among the dinner’s attendees were Gov. Jim Gibbons, representatives from the Mountain West arm of the Brookings Institution, Chairman James Leavitt and William Cobb of the Board of Regents and Daniel Klaich, chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

“Where else would you be tonight?” Klaich said. “We’re here to thank all the people who helped make the campus. It is important to stop and say thanks.”

University officials met with the students who said they have benefited from donor generosity.

Ricardo Cornejo, who has been a student ambassador for two years touched on the importance of this milestone to students.

“Our student body needs to be represented, especially in front of important faculty, donors, alumni, regents and university leadership,” Cornejo said. “Donors donate and the university exists because of us students. We tell them how their donation is impacting us and that, in return, keeps them investing in our future.”

The dinner began with a performance by UNLV Chamber Chorale and special guest Kristi Holden, who is currently starring as Christine Daáe in “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular.”

Mark Fine, chair of the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees, welcomed the dinner guests, setting the stage for the night’s announcement and discussing the growth of UNLV as an institution.

“As a school, 25 years ago we didn’t get much respect. Hotel and business owners gave their money to their own alma mater, but as we’ve grown, we’ve come to see UNLV become our own,” Fine said.

Fine also mentioned the importance of engaging alumni and lamented the loss of “two wonderful leaders,” Frank Fertitta Jr. and Claudine Williams.

Smatresk told audience members that he believes UNLV has become a new “American university” by acknowledging itself as part of a global community.

“Tough, fiscal situations can trigger change… in a healthy way,” he said. “These changes are a culmination of good and bad.”

Smatresk also spoke of the university’s partnership with the Brookings Institution.

“We are investing in economic change. I hope you feel that change,” he said. “There was never a time when UNLV needed Las Vegas more, you more, the community more. And there was never a time when Las Vegas needed UNLV more.”

The night went on, as new members were inducted into the UNLV Foundation’s Palladium Society. Each tier of the society showcases donors who have surpassed a certain level of monetary giving.

This year’s Palladium inductees contributed at least $1 million. Inductees included Bank of America, Ted and Maria Quirk and Don and Dee Snyder. Two levels, Palladium Diamond and Palladium Ruby, were also added this year.

Palladium Diamond Inductees gave at least $10 million to the university. William Bennett and The Bennett Family Foundation, William S. Boyd and The Boyd Foundation, Stan Fulton, the Lied Foundation Trust, the Lincy Foundation and Mel and Ruth Wolzinger were this year’s inductees.

The Palladium Ruby recognizes donors who have given a cumulative $25 million to the university. This year, the Greenspun family, who have been longtime partners of UNLV, were acknowledged as Ruby members.