Meet the Rebels
Hear from current students and alumni about their experiences attending an R1-designated university, the benefits of studying within a diverse campus community, and how financial aid made a quality education affordable. You'll also learn about amazing outdoor adventures, the vibrant student life, and of course, what it's like to be a Rebel!
The Rebel Advantage
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ provides access to world-class educational experiences. As a first-generation and immigrant student, Caren has enjoyed game-changing opportunities that will shape her future.
Caren Yap
- Majors: Marketing, International Business
- Minors: Brookings Public Policy, Global Entrepreneurship
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Access to Education
When you’re a member of the Rebel family, you have access to quality education while knowing your degree will not saddle you with debt. Ryder talks about his time studying abroad with the help of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s various forms of stackable financial aid.
Ryder Hankins
- Majors: Marketing, International Business
- Minors: Italian Studies, Global Entrepreneurship
- Hometown: Valley Springs, California
Adventure Beyond the Neon Lights
More than 300 days of sunshine open a world of possibilities for outdoor activities in the Las Vegas Valley. Kian shares how getting outside helps him maintain a healthy life balance despite his heavy workload as a medical student.
Kian Habashi
- Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Biology '20, Doctor of Medicine
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Innovative Academics
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ provides specialized resources and experiential learning opportunities for all majors. Kaitlyn is taking full advantage of the learning opportunities available to her while working with community news professionals.
Kaitlyn Bustamante
- Majors: Journalism & Media Studies, with concentrations in Visual Production, Audio/Podcasting
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Preparing Students for Career Success
Students at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ have access to unique hands-on experiences that can leave them wanting more. Kanani’s passion for public policy was ignited after participating in once-in-a-lifetime events on campus.
Kanani Espinoza
- Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management '16, Master of Public Administration '18, Doctor of Public Policy '22
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
The Power of Diversity
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation, with more than half of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students coming from diverse backgrounds. Claiborne expresses how 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's unique dedication to inclusion helped him value different perspectives on campus.
Claiborne Ford
- Major: Hospitality Management
- Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Hispanic-Serving Research University
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution solidifies its commitment to providing opportunities to people from all backgrounds. First-generation student Citlally takes pride in the research opportunities she has seized as a Rebel.
Citlally Lopez
- Major: Biology
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Rebel Life
With more than 400 student-run organizations, Rebels can find many ways to get involved and enhance their college experience. When Lester discovered all of the involvement opportunities available on campus, he broke out of his shell and has been feeling the school pride ever since.
Lester Cruz
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Hometown: North Las Vegas, Nevada
Student Support and Success
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers resources to support students at all stages of their academic careers. Kaila discusses how she felt supported through peer mentorship and how she pays it forward by helping other students begin their college journey.
Kaila Seidler
- Majors: Film, Hospitality Management
- Hometown: Harlingen, Texas
Diverse Campus Community
As part of the Rebel commitment to diversity, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers several identity-based organizations, such as the Womxn of Color Coalition and the Filipinx American Student Association. Isabel found guidance and community through these groups and resource centers on campus.
Isabel Ferguson
- Major: Vocal Performance
- Hometown: Henderson, Nevada
High-Impact Research
More than 10,000 undergraduates have participated in research programs at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Allyssa took the opportunity to participate in the Rebel Research Mentorship Program, where she quickly realized how important research can be for policy-makers aiming to help underrepresented communities.
Allyssa Chua
- Majors: Political Science, Anthropology
- Hometown: Quezon City, Philippines
Rebel Innovation and Entrepreneurship
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation is evident in the many resources available for students to pursue their dreams. Alejandro and his siblings are making the most of the university's commitment to their success.
Alejandro Rodriguez Lombeida
- Dual Degree Program: Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management Information Systems
- Hometown: SangolquÃ, Ecuador
Military and Veteran Services
The Military & Veteran Services Center is devoted to supporting the needs of military members and their families. Michael recounts how the Rebel family helped him transition to college life and find the veteran support he needed after serving 8 years in the Air Force.
Michael Knapp
- Major: Hospitality
- Hometown: Palm Beach, Florida
Rebel Health and Wellness
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is committed to the physical, mental, and social well-being of all campus community members. Chiara has learned how to manage her stress thanks to the facilities and services available at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center.
Chiara Cala
- Major: Theatre, with a concentration in Stage and Screen Acting
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Be Part of the Rebellion
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has long-standing traditions where students celebrate their rebellious spirit. Jaslin details how she shows off her Rebel pride at events like Premier 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and the excitement of winning a rivalry football game to bring the coveted Fremont Cannon home.
Jaslin Short
- Major: Kinesiology
- Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia
Global Experiences
Cultural diversity surrounds you at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ whether you are on campus, exploring the surrounding community, or strolling on the Las Vegas Strip. Hieu explains how his experiences at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and the many influences of our international city will help make his hospitality career successful.
Hieu Nguyen
- Major: Hospitality Management
- Minors: Global Entrepreneurship, Management
- Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam
The Student-Athlete Experience
Student-athletes compete in 17 different NCAA Division I sports at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. They are all highly competitive, and they stand out academically. Teneka is achieving both athletic and academic success with the support of fellow athletes, Athletics staff, and Student-Athlete Academic Services.
Teneka Ash
- Major: Film
- Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
The Graduate Student Experience
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Graduate College offers more than just graduate and professional programs. It provides career development and networking opportunities. Sonia found the right program for her and is gaining valuable experience as a graduate assistant.
Sonia Sánchez Gabana
- Degree Program: Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies
- Hometown: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in the Community
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is an integral part of Southern Nevada and strives to positively impact our community. Carl made it onto the right path through the support and opportunities he received at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Now he's giving back to the Las Vegas community.
Carl Esteban
- Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education '19, Master of Early Childhood Special Education '22
- Hometown: Salinas, California
Rebels Forever
Being a Rebel doesn’t end after graduation. Megan formed lifelong connections through participating in Greek Life and hospitality events, which helped launch her into success in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Megan Carraher
- Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management '11, Master of Hospitality Administration '16
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada