Premier 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, one of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's longest-standing traditions, officially welcomed new and returning students to campus on Aug. 29. The event promotes a sense of pride and connection with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and builds a tradition that marks the official beginning of every academic year. A commemorative poster will be distributed free to students Oct. 10 in Pida Plaza.
Always the popular guy, Hey Reb! poses with students. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Students pick up this year's Premier 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ 2012 T-shirts. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Students show off dance moves against a beautiful sunset. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Making a new friend, Hey Reb! poses with a student. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ President Neal Smatresk and his wife, Debbie, talk with students. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Rebel Girls entertain the crowd during Premier 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ 2012. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
A band member listens to the national anthem. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Students dance during Premier 2012. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Student Body President Mark Ciavola addresses the crowd. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
The Las Vegas Strip lights the night as students gather for Premier 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ 2012. (Geri Kodey/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ photographer Geri Kodey, left, and program coordinator for campus activities Ashlee Burrs prepare for the official photograph. A commemorative poster of the fireworks is part of the tradition. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
As fireworks explode, students hold flashlights to pose for the official photo. (Aaron Mayes/51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Photo Services)
Namesakes: Las Vegas Pioneer Joyce Mack and Her Vision for the Next Generation
The philanthropist and her family bet on 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's success with contributions to help establish the campus, build the Thomas & Mack Center, and advance the law school.
