Matching Gift Boosts Hotel College Phonathon Support

It’s not every day that donors have an opportunity to double the money being contributed to the university.  But for alumni and friends of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, that opportunity came last spring when alumnus George Maloof ’88, CEO and president of the Palms Casino Resort, offered to match every gift given to the Hotel College through the Rebel Ring Phonathon.

The Rebel Ring Phonathon program provides opportunities for alumni and friends to make unrestricted donations to the university or to specify a college or program to receive the funds. UNLV student callers reach out to alumni and friends of the university, share stories, and gather support for the university. Last spring, these callers were especially excited to share that Maloof would be matching gifts made to the college during that semester.

"I feel strongly about supporting the College of Hotel Administration, and I was honored to match every gift given to the college through the Phonathon,” says Maloof. “I received an excellent education at UNLV through its outstanding hospitality program and am fortunate to now be able to give back to this program to help provide an exceptional educational experience for the next generation of Hotel College students."

Maloof’s matching gift enabled Phonathon donors to the Hotel College to double the impact of their gift and provide exceptional opportunities for students. Funds from these gifts are part of the Dean’s Associates fund, which allows Dean Stuart Mann discretionary money to provide opportunities for students to travel to conferences and trade shows to enhance their educational experience and provide opportunities for the students to see the industry first-hand.

When the callers notified alumni that Maloof would match their gifts, many were excited about his generosity and the opportunity for their gift to make an extra impact.
“He’s been an incredible supporter of UNLV,” says Chuck Lehman, a 1971 graduate of the Harrah Hotel College, of Maloof. “It was a good opportunity to double my contribution."

Giving during this period increased an average of 10 percent per gift. Christina Kawai, director of annual giving, says that funds raised through the Phonathon are an important part of UNLV’s efforts.

“Unrestricted gifts are some of the most important we receive because they allow the university to help in the areas of greatest need. It’s wonderful that George Maloof offered this matching gift because it has encouraged others to give to the university,” says Kawai.

Lehman agrees that alumni support of the university is important for these funds because they have the opportunity to give back to the program.

“I had a great college experience. I was finally studying something that meant something to me and that I enjoyed,” says Lehman. He believes that the graduates coming out of the campus now can be proud that it’s one of the best schools in the country for hotel administration.

"Annual alumni support goes a long way toward providing the first-rate education and unique opportunities that separate UNLV’s hospitality programs from all others,” says Maloof. “I am proud to hold a UNLV degree and believe it is important to give back to the college that has given me so much.”