More than two decades ago, Nevada Power Co. found a new way to energize Southern Nevada. The utility company partnered its resources with UNLV so both institutions could reach a common goal: to be valuable assets for the community and its environment.

"Both Nevada Power and the university have been a part of this community for many years, and we both share a deep commitment to its well-being," says Pat Shalmy, president of Nevada Power. "We are committed to excellence that endures and responds to the changing needs of Southern Nevada. UNLV certainly measures up to that mandate."

It started with an investment in the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, as Nevada Power and UNLV worked with community leader Summa Corp. to develop the college into one of the region's premier programs. Quickly, their support began to crisscross the campus like power lines — unrestricted gifts were made through the Academic Corporate Council and President's Inner Circle Annual Fund gift clubs, donations went to the Jean Nidetch Women's Center, KUNV radio, and scholarships supporting business and engineering students.

Rebels in the Ranks
The synergy grew as more and more Nevada Power employees became volunteers or part-time instructors at UNLV — and more and more alumni joined the company's workforce. Today, hundreds of Rebels work for the corporation in positions from accountants to project engineers.

Herb Goforth, director of technical services and support for Nevada Power, volunteers with the College of Engineering's advisory board. Such hands-on involvement is essential to the academic progress of future leaders, he says. "Having a university that develops professional students is key to a growing community that will require a workforce with diverse experiences and a high-quality education," he says.

Clark McCarrell, '91 BS and '99 MSE Mechanical Engineering, is an Alumni Association board member and Nevada Power employee who agrees. "Education is a life-long process that is regenerated through the minds of those who receive it," he says. "Alumni can mentor students by becoming more visible in campus activities and encouraging them to understand that their efforts to complete a higher education are not in vain."

Coming Back to Class
In addition to classroom knowledge, professionals are sharing their skills with students by working together on real-world projects. The Zero Energy House Project, for example, equipped a local home with energy-efficient technology. Students are now researching how to improve the home's renewable energy systems.

According to Bob Balzar, Nevada Power's director of energy efficiency and conservation, many industry leaders point to Las Vegas as the solar capital of the world. "These projects are good partnerships because they involve student education. But our association with UNLV lends credibility to the energy research we're doing," he explains. These efforts are put to work on campus to reduce UNLV's energy costs and also help Nevada Power fulfill state mandates to pursue alternative and renewable energy sources, he says.

Nevada Power amped up its commitment to education and research even more last fall. It announced a $250,000 pledge to support the university's Science, Engineering and Technology Building, scheduled for completion in 2007.

"We are grateful for Nevada Power's continued support," says Engineering Dean Eric Sandgren. "The partnership between our organizations is vital to a better Las Vegas. But it is the people — students, alumni, professors, and professionals — who make this relationship truly remarkable."