Over the course of 20 years, UNLV’s Paralegal Certificate program evolved from a startup six-weekend course into a nationally-recognized curriculum and online support system utilized by prominent universities around the country. At the June paralegal graduation celebration, program founder Dan Barber was recognized by the Division of Educational Outreach for 20 years of vision and leadership for this thriving program.
Ann Tate, Emeritus Program Coordinator, worked with Dan during the earlier years of the program and outlined his achievements during the ceremony. According to Tate, the key to the program’s success has been Dan’s ability to continue evolving the coursework and delivery methods based on ongoing feedback from the legal community, especially feedback from paralegals themselves.
When UNLV first offered a paralegal certificate in 1993, Dan flew to Las Vegas to teach every other weekend from Colorado where he worked as a paralegal. Weekend-only courses led to evening classes aimed at students working full time jobs. As demand increased, daytime classes were added. Dan saw early on how the Internet could be used for student support; he initially utilized external servers to host paralegal content because the university did not have resources internally. Now, paralegal students have the option to take their entire coursework online with a dedicated instructor assigned to facilitate their progress. Leading universities including Duke, Rice, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and University of Miami utilize his curriculum and online content in their own programs; some even offer the program as an upper level undergraduate course.
Dan’s work with UNLV Continuing Education is not limited to the paralegal program these days. Dan is also the driving force behind Continuing Education’s Medical Assistant Certificate and the Legal Secretary Certificate programs. Thanks to Dan’s vision and leadership, students in these fields also have opportunities to pursue high-quality, skill-based training in preparation for new careers.
After 20 years, Barber’s passion for the paralegal program is still strong. While he is no longer the primary instructor, he guest teaches certain sessions and at the graduation it was clear he had strong connections with the students. According to Tate, “For Dan, it has always been about his commitment to the students. This is by far the program that makes a difference in people’s lives.” Current certificate program coordinator Norm Kunselman adds, “Dan is a true professional who has a passion for providing lifelong learning opportunities for adults. He gets immense satisfaction from learning about the successes of students once they complete the Paralegal Certificate program.”
On behalf of Continuing Education and the many students whose lives he has helped transformed over 20 years, we extend our thanks and congratulations to Dan Barber for a job well done.

Just how intertwined are wine and history? This week's class review focuses on Italian wine and the Piemontese wines of this northeastern region of Italy. http://unlvce.blogspot.com/

At the close of week six, our Vine to Wine reviewer shares how to find a region's wine at Total Wine & More (the class location). Click here to read the blog: http://unlvce.blogspot.com/ and please feel free to share your comments.

Would you or someone you know like to take an expedition to the very ends of the earth? Expedition leaders Peg Rees and Sharon Schafer will offer entertaining and educational multimedia presentations to learn about Antarctica: A UNLV Natural History and Photographic Adventure, offered by UNLV Continuing Education.Two presentation sessions will be held:
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. July 17 in the conference room of the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S.4th St.
6 - 7 p.m. July 23 in the classroom of Sport Chalet, 8825 W. Charleston Blvd.
The 11-day cruise will take place Dec. 9 - 20 during the Antarctic summer. Participants will be introduced to the Antarctic's unique wildlife and landscapes. Weather permitting, they will ride in Zodiacs among the icebergs; walk on ice, snow, and rock to visit penguins; and explore on-land cultural sites.The early-bird discount still is available. For more information about the presentation or excursion, please call 895-3394 or visit continuingeducation.unlv.edu. Contact Info:Charlee Zingraf, charlee.zingraf@unlv.edu, 702-895-5224

At the close of week four, our Vine to Wine reviewer shares the life of master sommelier candidates, the endless possibilities offered with this class, and the tasting of fortified wines. Click here to read the blog: http://unlvce.blogspot.com/ and please feel free to share your comments.

UNLV Continuing Education has recruited students to review select courses offered this summer. Visit the Continuing Education blog to read student insight and opinion. http://unlvce.blogspot.com/

Heath Hiudt, UNLV Sommelier Academy instructor and sommelier at the Cosmopolitan’s upscale STK restaurant, will lead a two-day excursion to California wine country August 22-23.
A quick morning plane ride will whisk you from Las Vegas’ scorching summer heat to northern California where average August highs are 83°F and nighttime lows average 55°F. Napa’s climate and soil combine to create one of the world’s premiere wine production regions. Hiudt will take the group to several of his favorite vineyards and wineries. Participants will see wine production from start to finish from an insider’s point of view and get to sample local wines. Dinner and overnight in Napa will re-energize you for a second day of winery tours and the return voyage home.
Registration includes round trip airfare from Las Vegas to Sacramento, ground transportation, one night stay (double occupancy) at the Chablis Inn, one group dinner, and 4-5 guided winery tours. For additional details about The Napa Experience!, call 702-895-5224 or email charlee.zingraf@unlv.edu.

Basic language skills can make the difference between a good vacation or business trip and a great one. Knowing the local language allows travelers to venture off the tourist path and immerse themselves more fully in the local culture. Summer sessions of UNLV Continuing Education’s beginning conversation courses in Mandarin Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish begin in May or early June. Within weeks you will be ready to ask and answer essential questions encountered during personal or business travel. Language courses also introduce students to cultural differences they may encounter during travel.
Course descriptions, class dates and times, fees, and online registration for language classes are available at continuingeducation.unlv.edu. Registrations are also accepted by telephone at 702-895-3394 or in person at UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Avenue.
You can request a print copy of the Summer 2013 Continuing Education Catalog by calling 702-895-3394 or view it online at continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog. UNLV Continuing Education provides year-round educational opportunities for those looking for personal and professional development.

A UNLV Continuing Education gift card goes beyond the traditional to memorable to celebrate mothers   Stumped over what to give Mom for her special day? Think outside the paper-wrapped box with UNLV Continuing Education! The Summer 2013 Continuing Education Catalog is full of courses perfect for giving and sharing. Classes are available to suit just about any interest and budget. Does Mom, like many Las Vegans, lament that her green thumb has withered in the scorching desert heat? Master gardener and plant consultant Amy Zeldenrust will lead a series of four Friday afternoon seminars in May and June, teaching participants how to make herbs, vegetables, potted plants, and landscapes thrive in our climate. Perhaps Mom is the artistic type. Summer arts and crafts classes begin in late May; most run for four to six weeks in the evenings or on the weekend. Acrylic painting, drawing, mixed-media collage, photography, and watercolor are all popular choices. If Mom’s creative interests are a bit more unconventional, she may enjoy stone carving or even woodworking; both of these courses are led by local women who have found their creative inspiration in natural materials. Lied Library Special Collections is also offering hands-on classes in both paper making and paper marbling. Is Mom adventurous or a nature lover? UNLV Biologist Bruce Lund will lead day excursions to Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on May 25, and Desert National Wildlife Refuge on June 15. Sign up with Mom and explore southern Nevada’s diverse ecosystems. At Ash Meadows over 50 springs and seeps create enchanting marshlands, streams, and ash/mesquite groves in the middle of the Mojave Desert alkali flats. Lund will point out native bird, butterfly, dragonfly, and wildflowers during a two to three mile trail walk. Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest refuge in the lower 48 states. It was set aside in 1936 to preserve the habitat of the desert bighorn sheep, Nevada’s state animal. Time will be split between the walking trails near the Corn Creek wetlands and a drive up and over the Sheep Mountains to look for wildlife. Complete course descriptions, class dates and times, fees, and online registration for these classes are available at continuingeducation.unlv.edu. Registrations are also accepted by telephone at 702-895-3394 or in person at UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Avenue.  

The Fall 2012 course evaluations are in. Of the more than 800 students completing the evaluations, up to 98% were satisfied to very satisfied with our instructors and courses. The attached PDF highlights the satisfaction ratings for courses and instructors.