Oral history interview with David Ober conducted by Stefani Evans on October 11, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ober discusses his upbringing in Tucson, Arizona and talks about his parents’ careers. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989 to work for his father’s home building business, R. A. Homes, and opening his real estate company, Jorant Commercial. Ober describes joining Temple Beth Sholom, his involvement with the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, and developing the Desert Shores community. Later, Ober discusses his mother’s career as a teacher in the Clark County School District (CCSD) and her contributions in designing the first program for visually impaired students. Lastly, Ober talks about CCSD naming a school in honor of his parents.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leslie Mujica conducted by Barbrara Tabach on June 2, 2020 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project and The Great Pause: Las Vegas Chronicles of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In this interview, Mujica talks about her childhood growing up in Guatemala and immigrating to Southern California with her family in 1980. She discusses her move to Las Vegas in 2005 and her employment history both in nonprofit work and in construction, which led to the pursuit of her current position as the Executive Director and Chief Marketing Officer of Las Vegas Power Professionals. Leslie also shares her educational history with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It is where she obtained her Master's Degree in Public Administration and where Leslie currently serves as a board member of the Latinx Voices Project and the Alumni Legacy Board. Digital audio available; digital transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lauren M. Brown conducted by Claytee D. White on February 21, 2018 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Lauren M. Brown discusses her history with Las Vegas, Nevada, starting from when she moved to the city in 1997. She describes her experience as one of the many who stood in line to donate blood on October 2, 2017, the day after the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. Brown talks about what stood out on that day, including the overwhelming amount of people waiting to donate blood and the people who brought drinks and pastries for those waiting. She speaks about how that day showed her the heart of Las Vegas and changed her perspective of the city. Brown also discusses her correspondence with the Healing Garden to give ideas for the design of a permanent memorial for the tragedy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tona Siefert conducted by Lisa Becker on February 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Siefert discusses her personal history and a comprehensive history of the evolution of Las Vegas, Nevada. Siefert discusses how her father, James Cashman Sr., and her mother met and founded Las Vegas' oldest automobile dealership, education in Las Vegas, and prominent politicians that have represented or visited Nevada, such as Senator Key Pittman and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Siefert also discusses the establishment of the Helldorado Festival by the Elks Lodge, the construction of Cashman Stadium, development of the Strip in Las Vegas, and other changes that have occurred in the city. Siefert goes on to discuss the founding of the Women of Service League, union protests, and issues with water management in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard "Dick" Rizzo conducted by Stefani Evans on October 18, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Rizzo discusses his early life in Massachusetts and initial interest in construction. He remembers moving to Arizona to join Tutor Perini Building Corporation in 1977, the company’s first Las Vegas, Nevada project, and their company’s decision to move to Las Vegas in 1980. Rizzo talks about the company's public image, building CityCenter, and the importance of maintaining professional relationships with all members in a building project. Later, Rizzo recalls the making of the book
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Chelsie Campbell conducted by Maribel Estrada Calderón, Laurents Bañuelos-Benítez, and Nathalie Martínez on January 09, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Campbell discusses her family background and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about her educational experience, her early interest in becoming a lobbyist, and her involvement with the Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL). Campbell recalls the growth of SOL across Las Vegas, the organization’s efforts with The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, and attending the Boyd Law School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Lastly, Campbell discusses the Latino Enrichment Conference (LEC), the Latin Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, and Chicanos Por La Causa Nevada (CPLC).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dayle K. Rust conducted by Michelle Muniz on May 01, 2004 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Rust reflects upon his career as a teacher and administrator in Nevada’s White Pine County School District and Clark County School District. He describes the process by which he first became a teacher in the White Pine County School District, his experience as a coach, and legal challenges that he experienced with teacher dismissal. He then describes how he began working with the Clark County School District at J. D. Smith Middle School, and then was sent to work at various middle schools throughout the School District. He describes his experience as assistant principal of Gilbert Magnet School for Communications & Creative Arts, and discusses political challenges that led to his retirement.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Laughlin conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee White on October 10, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Laughlin talks about owning multiple properties in the town of Laughlin, Nevada and the growth of the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kenny Epstein conducted by Barbara Tabach on May 01, 2015 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Epstein discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada as a teenager, working in casinos as a dealer, and owning the El Cortez Hotel and Casino.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Miriam Shearing conducted by Claytee D. White on August 15 and September 6, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project.
Justice Miriam Shearing is the first female member of the Nevada Supreme Court. She talks about her move to Las Vegas in 1968 and the difficulties she faced early on as a woman in the profession of law. Shearing shares how she successfully became a Justice Court Judge and recalls memories from her time on the Supreme Court. She also talks about her husband, Steven Paul Shearing, an ophthalmologist who invented the lens necessary for Lasik eye surgery.
Subjects discussed in first session include: Jim Joyce; Helen Foley; Board of Pardons.
Subjects discussed in second session include: Judge Guy; President Carter; child abuse
Archival Collection