A Gift for the Future

Las Vegas has been a part of Chip Johnson's life since he was a little kid. He watched the city grow and prosper, dreaming of the day he could leave his mark, too.

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from UNLV in 1971, and then launched a successful career in real estate development. But when the market crashed in 2009, he was forced to think deeply about his legacy.

Johnson listened to the stories of broken people losing wealth and hope. And yet, even in the midst of the heartache, he looked out his office window and saw a city that was down but not out.

Johnson credits his UNLV friendships and unwavering belief in Southern Nevada for helping him find his way back.

If you've seen the bronze "Hey Reb!" statue in front of the Richard Tam Alumni Center, you already know the impact that Johnson and his wife, Helen, have made on UNLV. They commissioned the statue. They were also the drivers behind the Jerry Tarkanian statue outside the Thomas & Mack Center.

But their most significant gift to UNLV is yet to come.

The Johnsons have designated the university a beneficiary of their estate, ensuring that their giving will support UNLV students and programs for generations to come.

"Enrolling in college was a monumental turning point for me," Johnson says. "We stood on shoulders to get here, and people will stand on our shoulders going forward."

You can join the Johnsons in supporting the future of UNLV with a gift in your estate. Contact Eric Schimmoeller at 702-895-3641 or plannedgiving@unlv.edu to discover the right gift to meet your charitable goals.