Gala to benefit CSN scholarships

Money rasied also will be used for athletics

The College of Southern Nevada Foundation selected its 2009 Legacy of Achievement award recipients, each of whom will have endowed scholarships at the school in their names. To celebrate the awards, the college will host its annual CSN Foundation Legacy of Achievement Gala, beginning with a silent auction at 6 p.m. on April 25 at the M Resort, 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

NV Energy Senior Vice President Tony Sanchez will act as master of ceremonies for the event, and tickets for the cocktail attire evening cost $300 each. Table sponsorships begin at $3,000 and go up from there.

Legacy of Achievement award recipients are selected based on the overall and lasting impact of their contributions to the Southern Nevada community and include Anthony Marnell II, founder and chief executive officer of Marnell Corrao Associates; Thalia Dondero, the first woman elected to the Clark County Commission and former Nevada System of Higher Education regent; Candace Kant, CSN professor emeritus of history for more than 30 years; and community philanthropist and local businessman Bruce Layne.

In total, CSN has 16 named scholarships as of this year. All funds raised at the gala will go toward scholarships and athletics programs at CSN.

"This year, because of the budget cuts, athletics really needs some money in order to survive," Jacque Matthews, executive director of the CSN Foundation, said.

The presenting sponsor will be NV Energy, which provides funds to endow the named scholarships. As of this year, NV Energy has contributed $180,000 toward the college.

Matthews said scholarship requirements vary, but students with at least a 2.75 grade point average and who are taking six or more credits probably will be eligible for some level of award.

"We try to provide a point of access for anyone in our community who is seeking higher education," Matthews said.

Premier sponsors for the event include NV Energy, the M Resort, DeLuca Liquors & Wine, Ltd., United Healthcare, Freeman and the Las Vegas Hospitality Association. Table sponsorships, congratulatory journal ads and tickets for the event are available now through April 20 from the CSN Foundation.

For more information, call 651-7301.

Contact View education reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll@viewnews.com or 380-4588.