UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration will recognize hospitality industry executives at its annual Vallen Dinner of Distinction on Thursday, April 27 at the Mirage Grand Ballroom. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6 p.m. with dinner and awards at 7 p.m. Serving as this year's Master of Ceremonies is Don Snyder, retired president of Boyd Gaming.
The event honors Jerome Vallen, founding dean of the College of Hotel Administration, and his wife, Flossie, who will both be 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 is establishing 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 will present awards to the following recipients:
- Richard Mirman, senior vice president of development at Harrah's Hotel Casino--Hotel Management
- Susan Schwartz, CEM, president of ConvExx--Tourism & Convention Administration
- William Allen, chief executive officer of Outback Steakhouse/OSI Incorporated--Food & Beverage Management
- Bill Paulos, '69--Alumnus of the Year
The Dean's Medal of Distinction will also be awarded to an individual professional or executive who has demonstrated outstanding support of the hospitality industry. This award recipient will be announced at the dinner event.
Tickets for the Dinner of Distinction are $75 for members of the hotel college's alumni association, $85 for non-members and guests and tables of eight are $650. For tickets, please contact Judy Nagai at (702) 895-2934.
