Maloof family to give UNLV $1 million donation

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001 | 9:50 a.m.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is scheduled to receive a $1 million donation on Friday that will be split between the athletic department and the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

The donation was made by the Maloof family, which owns hotels, casinos, banks and other businesses in Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico.

George Maloof, president of the Palms Resort and a UNLV alumnus, said he and his family were happy to make the donation.

"My family and I are extremely proud of UNLV and its contributions to Southern Nevada," Maloof said. "Because of strong personal interest in the school, we want to ensure the future success of UNLV."

Maloof attended UNLV from 1984 to 1987 and graduated with a degree in hotel administration.

The $265 million Palms is scheduled to open in December and will include 455 rooms, restaurants, a movie theater and a 1,500-seat entertainment venue. The property is on Flamingo Road just west of Interstate 15.

It was the second large donation from a casino operator within a week. Station Casinos announced a $1.2 million program last week to provide support to various community groups and schools.