Transformative Support from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to UNLV
The $9 million donation from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to UNLV was committed in spring 2020 and is one of the largest out-of-state gifts from the tribe, supporting course development, faculty positions, and programs at both the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and the William S. Boyd School of Law.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has received a transformative $9 million contribution from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, designated for enhancements in the fields of hospitality and legal studies. This philanthropic initiative is aimed at propelling forward education and research in tribal gaming operations and the legal nuances surrounding them, reinforcing Las Vegas’s prominence as a leading hub in the gaming sector.
Launching a New Era of Collaboration
A pivotal announcement was made by UNLV president Marta Meana at the Hospitality Hall, unveiling the “Initiative for Native American Gaming Operations, Governance, and Economic Development.” This initiative, fueled by the tribe’s donation, is a testament to their dedication to fostering educational excellence and positions UNLV at the forefront of tribal gaming education. “This partnership not only signifies the tribe’s investment in education but also cements UNLV’s status as a pivotal center for the study of tribal gaming,” remarked Meana. The collaboration aims to provide unmatched educational avenues for tribal members and other Native American communities, marking it a historic contribution from an organization beyond UNLV’s traditional support base.
Enhancing Hospitality Education with a Focus on Tribal Gaming
A lion’s share of the contribution, precisely $6 million, is being funneled into the creation of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Endowed Chair in Tribal Gaming at UNLV’s College of Hospitality. This endowed chair will serve as a cornerstone for integrating tribal gaming studies with the college’s curriculum, introducing innovative courses and facilitating online certificate programs for wider access. This initiative seeks to establish a bridge between UNLV and various educational institutions and tribal communities, with plans to roll out a comprehensive tribal gaming education program, including an executive seminar, by the autumn of 2023.
Pioneering Legal Studies in Tribal Gaming
The William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV is set to benefit from the remainder of the donation, with $3 million earmarked for the advancement of legal education and research in tribal gaming. This investment will support the appointment of a professor-in-residence, a visiting professor, and a program administrator, all dedicated to enriching the discourse and research on topics crucial to tribal gaming such as governance, regulation, and economic development. “Tribal gaming has been a cornerstone in achieving our economic objectives,” shared Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Tribal Council. She emphasized the donation’s role in nurturing native talent for the progressive management and expansion of tribal gaming ventures.
Valbuena envisions this partnership as a means to educate and empower future leaders, ensuring a thriving future for their community. This aligns with the tribe’s broader engagement with Las Vegas, including partnerships with the city’s iconic sports teams and ventures such as the San Manuel Casino in Highland, California.
Empowering the Future of Tribal Gaming
The generous endowment from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to UNLV is a monumental step towards fostering educational excellence and pioneering research in tribal gaming. This alliance is poised to not only enrich the educational landscape at UNLV but also to influence the broader gaming industry across the United States, marking a significant stride in the sustainable development of tribal gaming and governance.