News: Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

black and white photo of Herbert Derfelt
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ History |

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s origin story traces back to one vote by one man, Herb Derfelt. And his legacy continues through generations of family members who followed in his educator footsteps.

Pate Thomas holds a photo of his great-grandfather Herbert Derfelt
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ History |

Pate Thomas initially had no desire to add his name to the long list of family members who became Rebels and then educators. Now? He’s a proud alum, a difference-making educator, and the boss of a brand-new high school.

Chris Parker hangs from a low beam in the celebatorium
People |

The Engineering Advising Center director rediscovered his true calling — and now helps 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students do the same.

individual taking photo of person covered in pie
Campus News |

Join fellow Rebels on March 27 in a day of giving, celebration, and friendly competition — all for a great cause.

spring day on 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ campus
People |

The associate vice provost of academic effectiveness plays a key role in the accreditation process. 

Will Collins in front of a marquee advertising a gay pride event in 1984 at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ History |

Author, activist, and alum Dennis McBride on how classmates and allies established one of the city’s first LGBTQ organizations — the Gay Academic Union.

vintage photo of Lyle Rivera writing at desk in dress shirt, vest, and tie
People |

Through his extensive fundraising efforts, Lyle Rivera laid the foundation for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ to rise as an educational institution and cultural center.

three women on couch in living room with walls covered in family photos
Research |

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Special Collections workshop helps families collect oral histories, memorabilia, and records to pass down through the generations.

Stacy Shapin stands in an art gallery
People |

The College of Fine Arts advising director on the high value of arts degrees, quiet spaces, and being a late bloomer.

Piotr Tomasik wearing a shirt that says Tensorwave
Campus News |

Piotr Tomasik, a computer science graduate and serial entrepreneur, is driving a local tech renaissance one internship â€” and startup â€” at a time through new 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ program.

Hospitality student David Jelinksy fishes in the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ pool. Members of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Swim Team dive underneath the water.
People |

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ student and 'Survivor' contestant David Jelinsky returns to campus with lessons learned from his reality show appearance.

exterior photo of MGM and Park MGM hotels in Las Vegas
People |

Go-getter Charles Weber found academic and professional development opportunities through MGM scholarship program at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.