By Debbie Hall
Returning for its 21st year, the UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame Gala at Wynn Las Vegas on April 21 celebrates arts excellence and community impact, inspiring pride among local supporters and the university community.
The annual celebration goes beyond recognizing artistic excellence to emphasize the essential role the arts play in building community and fostering meaningful cultural connections. This year’s honorees represent a wide-ranging cross-section of creators and innovators whose work reflects imagination, forward-thinking, and a deep commitment to advancing their respective disciplines.
Mat Franco, the first magician ever to win America’s Got Talent, will be recognized. Mat has translated this success into a thriving residency project at The LINQ Hotel & Experience, where he has combined the modern-day specifications of a magic show with creative storytelling elements in a way that audiences find entertaining and engaging, all while showcasing classic illusions. Other honorees include Cindy Doumani, a major figure in the development of Las Vegas entertainment, who has created and produced many of the city’s largest productions and has had a profound impact on the industry’s growth. The last honoree, Francisco Menendez, was awarded posthumously for his tremendous contributions and influence on the education of moviemaking and for leaving a legacy that will continue to impact future generations of moviemakers and storytellers.
Torrey Russell, founder of Broadway in the HOOD, will receive the Koep Dean’s Medal for his dedication to expanding access to arts education and strengthening community engagement. Through his leadership, The Legacy Theatre of Excellence was recently established as an inclusive space.
Jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant will receive the CFA Limelight Award, recognizing his continued influence on the vocal jazz scene. Reflecting on his role, Karrant has described himself as “a historian,” noting the privilege of preserving the Great American Songbook while bringing emotional connection and joy to audiences and introducing new listeners to the genre.
This year’s Alumni of the Year honors will be awarded to Wendy Kveck and Iñaki Sandoval for their dual impact as creators and educators, shaping future generations of artists. In a notable first, the Hall of Fame will also present a Global Impact Award to Sphere Entertainment, which will be accepted by executive chairman and CEO James Dolan. The Community Impact Award will be presented to Denise Wunderlich for her advocacy in arts and music education and her commitment to community involvement.
In addition to honoring the 2026 class, the evening will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Nevada Conservatory Theatre (NCT), whose productions and educational initiatives have played a foundational role in the region’s theatrical ecosystem. As the professional training program within UNLV, NCT bridges academic study with real-world experience, serving as both a producing arm of the Department of Theatre and a national model for integrating education with professional practice under the leadership of Kirsten Brandt.
Housed within the College of Fine Arts, the UNLV Department of Theatre continues to serve as a vital resource for students and faculty, fostering artistic training, research, scholarship, and community engagement. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, the department prepares emerging artists through hands-on experience and guidance from seasoned professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the broader arts community.
The Hall of Fame Gala is a key event showcasing artistic achievements, with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner, and a program at 7 p.m., making it a must-attend for arts supporters. For additional details, accessibility information, and ticket purchases, visit unlv.edu/finearts/hall-of-fame.
