Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Regents honor supporters of higher education

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From across Nevada, a select group of individuals is honored each year by the Regents serving the University and Community College System of Nevada. Receptions are held in both Reno and Las Vegas to award these outstanding citizens who contribute much to the rich fabric of our state.

The recent Las Vegas ceremonies at UNLV's Tam Alumni Center were attended by friends, family and colleagues of the honorees, among them Juanita Fain, Douglas Ferraro, Susan and Irwin Molasky, Michael Bowers, Alan Rivlin, Bill and Robin Sue Landsburg, Suzanne Ernst, Bea Colter, Len Zane and Don and Dee Snyder, as well as Dr. Richard and Susan Moore, Parry Thomas, Charlie and Pat Cavagnaro and Pat Lee.

Distinquished Nevadan awards for exceptional service were bestowed upon Milton Schwartz, Jack Streeter, Stephen and Elaine Wynn, Joyce Hollister, Patricia Mulroy and the late Bishop Vincent Lee Thompson. Honorary associate degrees were granted to William Flangas, Reynaldo Martinez, John O'Reilly, Lillian McMorris, Leslie Dunn, H. Russell McMullen, JoAnn Coy and the late Dr. Linda Broughton. Recognized with honorary doctorate degrees were James E. Rogers, Sandy Miller, Fred Gibson, Jr. and the late Louis Wiener Jr.

Presidents' Medals, in recognition of service and achievement with the Desert Research Institute, were bestowed upon Melvin B. Wolzinger, Sen. Harry Reid, Dr. James Eardley, Jack Reviglio, Joan Dyer, Rick Banis, Lucielle S. Rogers, Frederick Schwab and Thomas R. Reviglio. Further recognized in the program were students proclaimed as Regents' Scholars and individuals noted as Regents' Researcher, Regents' Creative Activity, Regents' Teaching Awards, Regents' Academic Advisors, Presidents' Medalists and members of the All-State Academic Team.

Celebrity tourneyOn Friday the second annual Equinox -- David Cassidy Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held at the Desert Inn Country Club as part of the Emerging Artists and Talent in Music (EAT'M) festival. The golf tournament will benefit the Nevada Special Olympics and begin with opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m. Cassidy will speak, and there will be a performance by the House of Blues' gospel choir and an introduction of the Special Olympics Nevada athletes who will attend the World Games in June.

Celebrities who have generously signed-on for the event include Susan Anton, "Super Dave" Osborne, Patrick and Shaun Cassidy, Daniel Baldwin, Smokey Robinson, Alan Thicke, Alice Cooper and more. Call the EAT'M Hotline (837-3636) for details on signing up.

Artistic endeavorsNationally recognized artists and celebrities recently donated their artistic talents to raise money for the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose programming benefits pediatric education and research.

Held at the Las Vegas Hilton, the foundation's annual Color Us Friends black-tie gala was themed "Color Us Friends Through All the Holidays." Contributing their autographed efforts were Dick Clark, Lily Tomlin, Tommy Tune, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, former President Gerald Ford and other noteworthy national figures. Their efforts were matched with gift packages of great splendor and offered for bids in the silent auction. The live auction, the centerpoint of the shining evening, featured artwork by Peter Max, Rick Harlow, Glenna Snow, Don Zolan and others, with the greatest interest centered on those done by honorary chairman Bob Byerly.

The high-spirited evening opened like a treasure box as the elegantly clad crowd browsed the magnificent silent auction displays that carried distintive holiday themes and offered fine china, furnishings, gourmet foods, travel and more. Byerly and his wife, Alice, who spoke easily to the crowd about his wonderous works, were introduced by gala chair Dee Ladd. Many of Byerly's works reflect the joys of his Midwestern childhood, a time gone by.

In the throng of supporters were Peggy and Somer Hollingsworth, Wally and Carol Kolberg with son Christian Kolberg, who served as the auctioneer for the gala, Nevada Controller Kathy and Chuck Augustine, Tim McGlenn and Venetta and Bob Appleyard. Jim and Mary Chaisson joined Dr. Kathy and Bill Mahon, Dr. Bill Evans, Jane Bouvier, Sheila Allan and Mary McDonald in selecting their favorite bid packages.

Dinner, a superb meal created by Las Vegas Hilton Chef Stanton Ho, was served at tables decorated with holiday linens later sent home wth a lucky guest at each table. Happily taking part in the well-planned fun were Bernice Davidson, Tony Nation, George Parson, Joanne Evans, Virginia Stiles, Debbie Primick and Jo Stiggig, as well as Dennis and Gloria Sizemore and Michael and Teresa Minden.

Adding a special sparkle was Santa, played by Danny Cook, who was a jolly fellow indeed as he assisted Dee Ladd in the door prize drawings that had many winners of fine meals, trips and more. Emphasized in the process was the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation's newest event, the Christmas Box Festival, slated for Nov. 20 at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Republican luncheonRepublican Women of Henderson met Saturday for their annual Republican Mothers Award Luncheon, this year honoring Rose Woodbury, Laurie Porter, Dr. Helen Klatt, Betty Daley and Tina Smith. Organized by President Mary Ann Hantout, the midday event was held at Sunset Station in the lovely Club Madrid Room. Assisting with the program were fellow officers Judy Hohenstein, Mary Hubel, Betty Renwick, Shirley Gove, Mary Ann Jennings and Betty Morrell.

Sophia Maria, a pint-sized star at age 13, entertained with song while the young dancers from the Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts gave equal pleasure with their fine program. Jane Lasiewicki and Lydia Zeller assisted with guest registration while Tony Delgado of Boulder City led the pledge of allegiance.

Tru Hawkins, master of ceremonies for the awards, gave a fine profile of each honoree, commenting on their community service, devotion to family, career endeavors and other activities. Supporters seen in the audience included: Mimi Rodden, Patti Kennedy, Anne Nichols, Lois Taylor, Lia Roberts, Keith Lyman, Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury and former state Sen. Hal Smith.

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