Speech transcript by Joyce Mack for UNLV Alumni Association honor as 2008 Silver State Award recipient

08 0 8 : 3 4a gee 3104403715 F i n a l I'd like to thank the UNLV Alumni Association for this wonderful honor. As some of you might know, our association with UNLV goes back a long ways. In 1951, my husband, Jerry Mack, co-founded Nevada Southern College, which became UNLV. That project started in a spare room at Las Vegas High School with only one teacher and 12 students. In the mid 1960s, shocked at learning how little land the university owned, Jerry and his partner, Parry Thomas, formed a land foundation, personally guaranteeing the note and acquiring the over 400 acres that the university now occupies. This University was Jerry and Parry's vision And it is my dream. There is an old saying: Education is the soul of society as it passes from one generation to another. I hope all of you enjoy the University, knowing it's the greatest gift we can give our children. On behalf of the UNLV Alumni Association, I congratulate you on your selection as our 2008 Silver State Award recipient. The award originated in 1977 and is presented from time to time to a non-alumnus whose support reflects the high standards and values associated with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Alumni Association and higher education in general. We are pleased to recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions you've made to our community, and the positive acclaim UNLV receives in being associated with you. This award will be presented to you at the UNLV Alumni Association's Homecoming Dinner on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 6 p.m. in the new Student Union building on the UNLV campus. It is our pleasure to provide you with two complimentary dinner tickets, and we are happy to work with you if additional tickets are needed. As we prepare the program for your award, please send the following information to me by September 22, 2008. ? A current biography ? A brief written comment about the personal significance of receiving this award ? Names and addresses of individuals that you'd like to receive an invitation When your award is presented that evening, you are invited to address the audience for approximately two minutes. Additionally, you will be acknowledged on Saturday, October 18th during the festivities of the 2008 Homecoming Football Game. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the Homecoming Parade, at which we would be honored for you to serve as Grand Marshal, leading the parade. Following the parade, we would invite you and a guest to join President Ashley as his special guest in his Presidential Suite, and on the field at halftime for a special recognition ceremony. A complete schedule of the activities we'd like you to participate in is attached for your reference. Again, congratulations on being selected for this award. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (702) 895-3621 (schyler.richards@unlv.edu). Sincere! Assdciate-Vice President for Alumni and External Relations and Executive Director, UNLV Alumni Association Enclosure September 9, 2008 Mrs. Joyce Mack 812 West Bay Newport Beach, California 92661