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December 14th through January 2nd
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December 25th and January 1st
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Robert Levrant has been named the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (OLLI at UNLV), an organization that provides a diverse range of learning and social opportunities for semi-retired and retired individuals. 
 
“Rob brings to this position an exemplary background of collaboration and engagement with the senior population,” said Peg Rees, vice provost for Educational Outreach at UNLV. “His outcomes-based focus and relationship-building experience will be of great value as we strive to help seniors remain intellectually and socially active after retirement.” 
 
Levrant previously held the position of neighborhood outreach specialist and planner for the City of Las Vegas for the past ten years. In that position, he had many roles and areas of responsibilities, including providing leadership to neighborhood outreach programs and establishing productive relationships among stakeholders and agencies. In addition, he assisted with the city's Senior Citizens Advisory Board. Levrant also has seven years of experience in higher education administration at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. He has a Bachelor of Science in Regional Planning and a Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education, both of which are from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 
 
“I really love working with seniors and creating opportunities for others,” said Levrant. “This position allows me to be of greater service. OLLI at UNLV is a wonderful learning resource that we look forward to offering to diverse mature learners in more areas of the Las Vegas Valley,” he said.
 
OLLI at UNLV consists of nearly 1,500 members who attend and coordinate more than 200 classes offered in the fall, spring, and summer each year. Classes are held at the UNLV Paradise Campus as well as satellite locations in Henderson, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas. There are also a variety of additional activities offered, such as book discussion groups, visits to museums and local landmarks, and evenings at the Smith Center. OLLI at UNLV recently received a second $1 million gift provided by the Bernard Osher Foundation to promote the sustainability and long-term success of the program.
 

UNLV and the Public Lands Institute, a unit of the Division of Educational Outreach, congratulate the Great Basin National Park Foundation and its partners, including our sister institution, University of Nevada Reno, for reaching the fundraising goal for the first research-grade astronomical observatory to be located in a national park--- Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada. The foundation recently announced the $480,000 in funds now triggers the immediate building of the Great Basin Observatory: Magnificent Dark Sky Astronomical Research Portal, with the goal of opening the observatory in August 2016 in time for the National Park Service Centennial.
 
UNLV has endorsed the Great Basin Observatory. In his letter of support, UNLV President Len Jessup stated “the observatory will make it possible for us in Nevada to expand our curricular offerings not only in astrophysics and astronomy but in other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines and natural resource preservation as well.” It will also greatly enhance and expand educational outreach programs for youth in K-12 classes, including those in Clark County. Other letters of support from UNLV were provided by the provost and the dean of the College of Sciences. In addition, Vice Provost for Educational Outreach Peg Rees serves as an advisory board member of the Great Basin National Park Foundation.
 
Fundraising efforts continue for educational programs, scientific and visitor services equipment, and operational needs. To learn more or to contribute, please visit greatbasinobservatory.org.
 

The March 2016 issue of Outreach Insights is now available. Check out the latest news from the Division of Educational Outreach.

Human resource instructor Gary Cottino has been presented with the top teaching award from the UNLV Division of Educational Outreach. Cottino received the 2016 Division of Educational Outreach Faculty Excellence Award during UNLV's 2016 Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony & Reception on April 20. 
UNLV’s Human Resource Management Certificate programs provide an outstanding opportunity for local HR practitioners and business owners to learn critical aspects of organizational employee relationships. Cottino was instrumental in creating the programs. As Past President of the local chapter of the Southern Nevada Human Resource Association and Director of its Nevada Chapter, Cottino worked with other HR professionals and UNLV faculty in the fall of 1990 to design a curriculum to train a solid core of professionals for HR leadership positions.  It later evolved to serve entry-level workers and persons desiring to move into HR. 
 
Cottino has taught an estimated 4,000 students in approximately 400 courses. Among those classes are the Employment Law Series reviewing major federal and state laws affecting public and private sector employment. Students commend Cottino for his ability to impart employment law with humor while consistently receiving a 93% very satisfied rating from students.
 
Cottino is a native Nevadan with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Industrial Relations and Personnel from UNLV. He has worked in Southern Nevada HR for more than 30 years and holds senior-level professional certifications from the Human Resource Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management.  
 

http://www.reviewjournal.com/life/olli-students-don-t-worry-about-grades...

Some employees of the Division of Educational Outreach were among those recognized at UNLV's 46th Annual Classified Staff Awards Luncheon and Ceremony on June 20.
Sharon Altman, pictured with UNLV President Len Jessup, was honored for 15 years of service to UNLV. She is an Administrative Assistant IV with the division and was the 2015 UNLV Classified Employee of the Year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robin Mackey, pictured with UNLV President Jessup, was also honored for 15 years of service to UNLV. She is an Administrative Assistant II in Client and Division Services.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shannon Farrell, pictured third from the left in white, received her 5-year award. Shannon is an Administrative Assistant IV with Summer Term.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sandy Settina, pictured with President Jessup, was among the retirees recognized. Sandy retired as Summer Term office manager September 17, 2015 after nearly 25 years with the university.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Congratulations! Thank you for your service to the UNLV and the Division of Educational Outreach.
 

The July 2016 issue of Outreach Insights is now available. Check out the latest news from the Division of Educational Outreach.

The observatory provides a spectacular opportunity to study the Universe from the darkest and clearest night skies   LAS VEGAS – AUGUST 15, 2016 – The Great Basin Observatory in east-central Nevada is scheduled to begin operation on August 25, 2016. UNLV and its Division of Educational Outreach and the Public Lands Institute are anxiously awaiting the opening, since it will be the first research-grade observatory located in a national park -- Great Basin National Park.