UNLV HONORS EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY AT VALLEN DINNER OF DISTINCTION 2009
ANNUAL EVENT RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO HOSPITALITY EDUCATION APRIL 30 AT THE ORLEANS
UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration recognized hospitality industry executives at its annual Vallen Dinner of Distinction on Thursday, April 30 at the Orleans Mardi Gras Ballroom. Cocktails and silent auction began at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and awards at 7 p.m.
The event honors Jerome Vallen, founding dean of the College of Hotel Administration, and his wife, Flossie, who were both honored as special guests. Vallen created a hospitality education program that has become one of the best in the world. Through his tenure as dean, the college graduated more than 2,400 students. In order to recognize Vallen’s dedication to the industry, the hotel college established an endowed professorship in his name, which will make funds available to bring distinguished industry or educational leaders with significant achievements in the hospitality industry to the college.
Stuart Mann, current dean of the hotel college presented awards to the following recipients:
- Tapcode, Inc., an entertainment and software company—Harrah’s Excellence in Innovation Award
- Stan Fulton, entrepreneur and philanthropist—International Gaming Institute Recognition of Achievement Award
- Don Ross, vice president of catering, conventions, and events at Las Vegas Meetings by Harrah’s Entertainment—Food & Beverage Management
- Sal Semola, associate at Warner Gaming—Hotel Management
- Kevin Rabbitt, president and chief executive officer at GES Exposition Services—Tourism & Convention Administration
- Bob Boughner, president at Echelon Resorts—Alumnus of the Year
UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff. Founded in 1957, the university offers more than 220 undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. UNLV is located on a 350-acre campus in dynamic Southern Nevada and is classified in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.