UNLV benefactor explains reasons for pulling his gift

Jennifer Knight

Friday, Sept. 7, 2001 | 10:51 a.m.

Stanley Fulton could not identify a specific situation or event that led to his decision to disinherit the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and resign as a trustee of the UNLV Foundation.

Rather, it was a string of events, many of which involved UNLV President Carol Harter, that fueled his anger, said Fulton, a guest Thursday on "Face to Face With Jon Ralston," which airs at 4:20, 5:30 and 8 p.m. weekdays on Las Vegas ONE, Cox cable channels 1 and 39.

Fulton, who had planned to leave UNLV 10 percent of his net worth -- about $500 million -- announced last week that he was removing UNLV from his will and resigning as a trustee of the foundation.

Fulton said his unhappiness began with Harter's refusal to fire a UNLV professor because of the instructor's communist views and culminated when problems emerged after he donated $6.7 million in startup money for the university's International Gaming Institute.

"I don't think that preaching communism is what any reasonable Nevadan would want a university to do," Fulton said on Thursday's show.

Regent Steve Sisolak, who represented the university, attempted to counter Fulton's comments during the show.

"You can't stop a professor from teaching," he said. "There's nothing we can do because of academic freedom."

Construction of the International Gaming Institute, which bears Fulton's name, was delayed several times and went overbudget, Fulton said.

After the building was completed, Fulton said, he noticed that a palm tree was obscuring his name, which was attached to the front of the structure. He also said he asked Harter to remove a glass etching in the lobby of the building that bore her likeness.

"I haven't returned to the building since the opening, but I'll bet you she never removed that glass sculpture," Fulton said after the television show.

The etching remains in the building's foyer.

Fulton, former Anchor Gaming chairman, wrote a letter to the Board of Regents, dated July 31, seeking Harter's ouster. Fulton claimed Harter was costing the university millions by driving away top benefactors. Fulton has claimed other key donors, such as Lied Foundation chairwoman Christina Hixson, the Reynolds Foundation and car dealer Cliff Findlay were upset with Harter's leadership.

Regents discussed the complaints for more than three hours during a closed door session with Harter last month, although no action was taken.

Harter is scheduled to receive a $12,000 raise, increasing her salary from $189,000 to $201,000. Regents will discuss Harter's salary during their October meeting.

"I wasn't for a closed personnel session," Sisolak said. "I think the inaction spoke for itself."