Almost 5 million people flock to the Grand Canyon annually to ogle the deep, dramatic gorge that cuts over a mile deep to expose 2 billion years of the earth’s geologic history.  The Grand Canyon is the second-most-visited national park in the country; peak season is crowded with busloads of tourists from around the world.
Adventurers in-the-know, however, will tell you there is a better way to experience the Grand Canyon—a raft trip down the Colorado River.  A raft trip offers big whitewater adventure, but also moments of solitude, serenity, and communion with nature you simply will not find along the rim. The National Park Service issues just 1100 raft permits annually for the Grand Canyon, so when you set off in your raft at Lee’s Ferry for your 200 miles journey to Whitmore Wash, you are among the privileged few.  
Next July UNLV geologist Peg Rees and artist/naturalist Sharon Shafer will lead a week-long exploration of the Grand Canyon by motorized raft through UNLV Continuing Education. Taking eight days to cover nearly 200 miles of the river through nearly 2 billion years of the earth's history allows plenty of time for photographing and learning about the natural and cultural history and geologic evolution of the region. Each day offers the opportunity to take short hikes to explore amazing places such as the Little Colorado River, Deer Creek Falls, Elves Chasm, and Red Wall Cavern. Nights are spent camping along the river, enjoying delicious meals, watching the stars, and falling asleep to sounds of rushing water.
Rees and Shafer have scheduled three multimedia programs in the coming weeks to share stories and images from past Grand Canyon trips. They will cover the canyon’s geology, natural and cultural history, and logistics of a trip of this scale.  The presentations are free and open to the public. You may just get inspired to join them on an adventure of a lifetime next summer.
Dates for the multimedia presentations are Nov. 6, Nov. 13, and Dec. 4. Presentations are Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m. and will be held in Room 301 at UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana.
For additional details about the presentations or about the Grand Canyon Raft Trip, call 702-895-5224 or email charlee.zingraf@unlv.edu. Grand Canyon Raft Trip details are also available here. 

It may be hard to think about fall when summer’s still blazing outside, yet now is the time to start planning for fall classes through UNLV Continuing Education. Catalogs will be available at area libraries in mid-July, but the catalog and registration are already available online at ced.unlv.edu/cat2014.
Continuing Education’s upcoming term features many classes to challenge and inspire you. Whether you are looking to build career skills, explore a new hobby, or take a unique journey, the new catalog may have just what you’re looking for.
On the professional development side, six new programs launch this fall to help you take your career to the next level or in a new direction. If your interests lie in computers and technology, look into the Android Development certificate to build skills in mobile application development, or try Drupal Training to explore ways you can keep digital content fresh and engaging for your audience. In the food and beverage category, there is a new Beer Steward and Connoisseur certificate; the curriculum will build your resume for advancement in restaurant management, liquor distribution and sales, or brewery service. Youth coaches can earn their National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) certification through UNLV’s new Athletic Coaching Education certificate; NFHS certification is required in Nevada to coach high school interscholastic sports.  UNLV Grant Academy courses begin in September. The program takes participants through the full life cycle of a grant, from laying groundwork, to writing proposals, to managing funded projects. Finally, Mediation Training is a useful skill in many professions—including law, education, human resources, and business. Earn a certificate and learn to guide opposing sides of a conflict to a mutually acceptable resolution.
For additional information of these and other professional development opportunities, visit our certificate program information page.
New travel programs are also featured in the fall catalog. The extreme climate and striking geography surrounding Las Vegas offers endless options for appreciating the natural world beyond the resort corridor. There are numerous opportunities to explore the Mojave up close—from day trips to local wildlife refuges, to a desert survival skills series, to plant and animal identification, to guided extended tours of Death Valley or Palm Springs or the Grand Canyon. View upcoming travel courses here.
On the personal enrichment side, new courses include reiki, Pilates, painting, and cooking. If you are looking for a course a little more out of the ordinary, consider Raising Chickens at Home; it is possible to keep a small flock of poultry in a city setting, but it is helpful to know as much as possible about local regulations and animal care before you purchase your first chick. Registration is also open for fall music ensembles. Did you know community members could participate in UNLV’s men’s glee club, women’s chorus, percussion ensembles, French horn or flute ensembles, marching band, and pep band?
Staff members are happy to answer any questions you may have about programs or to send a fall catalog directly to your home. Reach them by telephone at 702-895-3394 or via email at continuing.education@unlv.edu.

UNLV held its first Academic Achievement Gala on April 17 to honor the distinguished teaching and research of faculty members. Among the honorees was Heath Hiudt, sommelier and Continuing Education instructor, who received the Educational Outreach Faculty Excellence Award. Continuing Education Director Emmanuel (Meni) Sarris nominated Heath for the award, noting the UNLV Sommelier Academy would not exist today without the creativity and dedication of Heath as its designer and lead instructor. Heath has skillfully taught a difficult curriculum through an interactive hands-on approach and in-class experimentation to engage students in learning. Enrollment has exceeded expectations, and glowing feedback has highlighted Heath's amazing talent for teaching this highly specialized topic. Whether novice wine lovers or experienced beverage professionals, all students have made giant strides, with 100% of the first class passing the introductory program's exam. We congratulate and thank Heath for being an excellent educator and promoter of UNLV to the city and the surrounding region.

UNLV Continuing Education has nearly 100 courses available for you to explore this summer. A brochure is now available online detailing the professional development and personal enrichment courses being offered from May through July. It also includes new courses, such as Making the Transition from Manager to Leader, Refreshing Summertime Soups, and the California Philharmonic's Festival on the Green Series. Visit http://continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog to view the continuing education brochure.

 
Downtown Las Vegas is gaining ground as a great place to live, work, and play. In light of this trend, it made great sense for Continuing Education to expand its offerings by adding more classroom space close to all the action!
The new classroom space is located on the second floor of Neonopolis at the east end of the Fremont Street Experience. Personal enrichment courses like “Neon Night Photography” and conversational Spanish will capture the vibe of our unique city. Professional development courses moving to the new classroom include public relations, human resources, and modeling. The central location of the Neonopolis classroom also makes it an appealing space for custom training.
Continuing Education continues to utilize Historic Fifth Street School for nonprofit management courses. 

 
Mark Rivero’s ties to UNLV run deep. He earned his Ed.D. here. He completed a certificate in Human Resource Management here. He has served three years on UNLV’s Adult Learner Advisory Board. His daughter is a student here.
Dr. Rivero’s latest tie? He recently made a donation to support the first-ever scholarship to support veterans pursuing professional continuing education training. During a recent chat with Rivero, he provided insight into why he chose to direct his gift to veterans pursuing continuing education.
Reason 1: The G.I. Bill doesn’t cover continuing education
As part of his role on the Adult Learner Advisory Board, Rivero helped define subgroups of adult learners in Las Vegas; veterans transitioning out of the military and into civilian careers were identified as an area of high need. The G.I. Bill is a huge resource for veteran’s pursuing a degree, but veterans cannot use their benefits for a skill-based certificate program.
Reason 2: He found great professional value in his own continuing education certificate
Even though he had a doctorate in education, as Rivero’s own career progressed, he found that he needed additional training in human resources to help him better manage and train staff. He earned a Human Resource Management certificate through UNLV. Some veterans don’t need to earn a degree to make a career transition; skill-based training helps them transfer military experience into a civilian position or to change career direction entirely. Rivero has dedicated many years to training firefighters, both in Las Vegas and working with the Nation Fire Academy’s subcommittee on accreditation.
Reason 3: He worked closely with veterans throughout his career as a firefighter.
While Rivero isn’t a veteran himself, he worked with many vets during his years at Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. Many vets choose careers in public service after separating from the military, and the scholarship donation was a way for him to show his gratitude for their commitment to their community.
Applications for veteran continuing education scholarships are available through Community2Campus. The scholarship will give preference to veterans who have chosen to complete a professional certificate program and wish to enter the work force in the Las Vegas area. Contact Dr. Liz Baldizan at elizabeth.baldizan@unlv.edu or 702-774-4626. You may also visit http://edoutreach.unlv.edu/community2campus for an application form. Applications for fall funding are due April 11.
The addition of a continuing education scholarship earmarked for veterans is yet another UNLV can thank service members and support their career development. Once again, we thank Dr. Mark Rivero for personally paving a new path to success for veterans at UNLV.
Back in the fall, UNLV was named a military friendly school for the fourth consecutive year by G.I. Jobs, a magazine for military transitioning into civilian life. The designation is based on feedback from student veterans. Military Advanced Education also selected UNLV as a top military-friendly school for 2014.

Every year, nearly half of the New Year’s resolutions made by Americans relate to self-improvement or education. If your resolutions fall into these categories, UNLV Continuing Education can play a part in your success in 2014!
If improving your retirement outlook tops your resolution list, start with a course on retirement planning starting in February. You will learn to take a comprehensive approach to managing your money through debt management, investments, retirement planning, estate and tax planning, and insurance coverage.
Committed to learning a new language in 2014? Continuing Education offers courses in conversational Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Your new skills will come in handy when you travel for work or pleasure, or as you interact in our own culturally diverse city. A full series of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are available for those resolving to improve their English conversation, reading, and writing skills.
Eating healthier can be a pleasurable resolution to keep thanks to cooking classes offered by Chef Les Kincaid. In Gluten-Free Cooking, you will learn to create easy, flavorful meals. The Light Vegetarian Meals course promises meat-free options for diversifying your menu planning. Of course, if your resolution is to eat more chocolate and savor more wine, you can always sign up for Kincaid’s Chocolate and Wine Pairing class, conveniently scheduled just before Valentine’s Day.
Dust off your old instrument case and join one of UNLV’s dynamic music ensembles. You can resurrect old skills and meet new friends at the same time; this may conquer two resolutions at once! Music ensembles currently accepting new members include Las Vegas Flute Ensemble, UNLV Community Concert Band, UNLV New Horizons Band, Mocidade Rebelde (Brazilian Percussion Ensemble), Varsity Men’s Glee Club, and Women’s Chorus.
If a career change is on your 2014 to-do list, Continuing Education professional certificate programs can provide you with skill-based training. Professional certificate programs are available for paralegal, legal secretary, medical assistant, Internet or print design, public relations, nonprofit management, human resources, fashion design, grant writing, sommelier, personal training, animal massage, and more. Continuing Education professional development programs offer flexible schedules and skill training you can use immediately to take your next career step.
The UNLV Office of Continuing Education provides year-round educational opportunities for those looking for personal and professional development. View full course listings and register online at continuingeducation.unlv.edu. You may request a printed copy of the Spring 2014 Continuing Education Catalog by calling 702-895-3394.

*******************UPDATE*******************
The winner of our first Swag Bag Giveaway (with UNLV Rebels Hoodie) is... Robert Horner!
Congratulations to Robert and thanks to all those who entered! Stay tuned to UNLV Continuing Education for more giveaways in the very near future (possibly celebrating our Running Rebels appearing in a Bowl Game)!
*******************UPDATE*******************
We have a lot of school spirit here at UNLV and we want to share it with the Las Vegas community! UNLV Continuing Education is giving away a UNLV hoodie and swag bag to one lucky winner! Check it out below:

Here are the rules. Visit our Facebook page here. If you have not already, you must “Like”the page. To finish your entry, tell us what class you would be interested in taking at UNLV Continuing Education.  In addition to Facebook, you can also visit our twitter page here. Reply to @UNLV_CE and telling us what class you’d like to take with us. These classes can be something we offer, something we offered in the past or something we’ve never even thought of. Basically, just tell us what you’re interesting in learning more about.

In summary, one comment per person per entry. You can enter once on Facebook and once on Twitter. The contest closes Friday (12/20/13) at 9 a.m. PST. We will announce the winner soon thereafter. We will randomly select the winner in a drawing. If your name is not in the comments on the Facebook page and we do not receive a reply on Twitter, you will not be in the drawing. So you have until December 20, 2013 Friday at 9:00 a.m. PST to enter. Good luck!

We reserve the right to cancel the giveaway at any time. All decisions are final. Giveaway is for local Las Vegas pick up only. Prizes must be claimed by January 3, 2014 at the UNLV Paradise Campus (851 East Tropicana Avenue, across from Thomas & Mack). 

This season, give the gift of learning with UNLV Continuing Education
Stumped over what to give a loved one this holiday season? Think outside the paper-wrapped box with UNLV Continuing Education! The January-July 2014 Continuing Education Catalog is fresh off the presses, and it is full of courses perfect for giving and sharing.
Need an inspired gift for a creative type? UNLV Continuing Education offers a wide variety of art and music courses. Pair a new set of art supplies with a gift registration for an acrylics, drawing, oil, stone carving, or watercolor class. Or, accompany a new guitar with a Beginning Guitar registration.
For the handy man or woman dreaming of a shop full of new tools this holiday, Continuing Education offers a series of woodworking classes in partnership with Wood It Is! in North Las Vegas. Participants will learn how to safely operate essential woodworking tools and will feel confident when it is time to purchase tools for their home shop. Basic Woodworking and Woodworking: Cutting Boards start the first week of January; register early as these courses often fill to capacity. View our video to get a feel for woodworking courses.
If you know someone who is getting a new digital camera, computer, or iPad this season, consider supplementing with a course to maximize the gift’s potential. Digital photography courses and Photoshop can make a huge difference in the quality of photos from a new camera. Gift registrations for those getting a new computer this season include courses on Facebook, Google, or Microsoft Office applications.
Gift certificates for UNLV Continuing Education courses are available in any denomination by calling 702-895-3394 Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., or Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase gift certificates or register in person at UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana (southeast corner of Tropicana and Swenson, south of the main UNLV campus).
The UNLV Office of Continuing Education provides year-round educational opportunities for those looking for personal and professional development. You can view the newest catalog online now. Request a printed copy by calling 702-895-3394.

UNLV Continuing Education will offer a four-day tour in September to explore the architectural gems of Los Angeles and Hollywood, California. Architectural historian Kevin Fahey will provide a preview of the upcoming architectural tour during a free presentation at 1 p.m. July 9 in Room 511 of the UNLV Paradise Campus. The presentation will feature the scheduled itinerary, introducing each of the historically and architecturally significant locations, such as the famed Hollyhock House and Getty Villa. No RSVP is required.The Architectural Tour of Los Angeles will take place September 19-22. To register online, visit continuingeducation.unlv.edu. For more information on the free presentation or tour, please contact Charlee Zingraf at charlee.zingraf@unlv.edu or 895-5224.