25 Great Things: Named Spaces, Programs, and Things in Lied Library

Florence Bolatin was a dynamic leader and committed advocate for education, with a career spanning counseling, financial planning, fundraising, and university administration at Adelphi University. After moving to Las Vegas in 1991, she became deeply involved with UNLV, embracing lifelong learning through OLLI and championing the power of libraries to support student success. A founding member of the University Libraries Advisory Board, she served from 2002–2009 and continued as a senior advisor and supporter even after returning to New York. In 2011, Florence named this group study room in honor of her family and their shared commitment to education.

These modern study pods, located on the second and third floors of Lied Library, have quickly become some of the library’s most popular recent additions. Pods U, N, L, V, D, and E were funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act/American Rescue Plan Act, administered by the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records. Pod M was generously supported by retired Libraries faculty member Myoung-ja Lee Kwon and Ernest E. Irish, while Pod A was funded by other library donors.

Dr. Harold L. Boyer, a World War II veteran, practiced medicine in Las Vegas from 1952 to 1999 and was deeply involved with the American Cancer Society at local, state, and national levels. A proud UNLV supporter, his contributions helped establish the UNLV Oral History Research Center. This third-floor reading room, overlooking the library’s atrium, honors him and his wife, Judith.

Paul C. Blau, a UNLV political science master’s graduate, devoted his life to Las Vegas through education, business, and family. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he was known for his intelligence, kindness, and love of conversation, frequently engaging with students and the UNLV community. This third-floor study nook was dedicated by his wife, Constance A. Blau, and their children in his memory, celebrating a beloved father, husband, and lifelong educator.

Located on Lied Library’s fifth floor, the Burdett Organ was donated in memory of Laura Mae Uphold of Oakland, Maryland, who passed away in 1963. Robert “Bob” and Kathryn “Kitty” King, who moved to Las Vegas in 1956, gifted the organ with the request that it remain on display in the library.

Dedicated in memory of Dr. Steven P. Shearing by his friends Renaldo M. Tiberti and Joseph A. Kennedy, this gallery in the Goldfield Room honors a pioneer, inventor, and generous contributor in ophthalmology. With flexible design and intuitive software, the gallery brings UNLV Libraries’ exhibits and collections to life, engaging visitors of all ages in learning and discovery.

Billie Mae Polson joined UNLV in 1959 as one of its first librarians, supervising cataloging and reference while guiding the library through multiple moves, including into what is now the William S. Boyd School of Law. As director of technical services, she helped design the department layout for Lied Library before retiring in 1999, capping her career by leading the class of ’99 into their graduation ceremony. A longtime supporter of the Libraries, Polson remained engaged through events and generous giving; this second-floor workspace honors her decades of service, friendship, and generosity.

Florence “Flo” Mlynarczyk, founder and former president of the University Library Society, has been a longtime champion of UNLV University Libraries. She helped raise funds for library operations and the construction of Lied Library, recruited volunteers, and introduced countless friends to the Libraries. This exhibit gallery, located outside of Special Collections & Archives on the third floor, was dedicated to her in April 2004 in recognition of her lasting contributions.

J.A. Tiberti, an engineer and Las Vegas pioneer, built a legacy through his construction companies, developing hotels, schools, UNLV buildings, and key water reservoirs. He served 25 years on the City of Las Vegas Planning Commission, 36 years on the Nevada Power Board, and held leadership roles in numerous professional and civic organizations. A loyal supporter of UNLV Libraries, J.A. honored friends through nearly 150 bookplates, and this board room was named in his honor by his six children.

Italian for "return", this wooden sculpture, located outside the Tiberti Board Room, was made with J.A. Tiberti in mind. The wood for the sculpture came from the Tiberti Cabin in Southern Utah, which was built by J.A. and Marietta Tiberti. The family spent countless and joyful weekends at the cabin.

Established in memory of Neysa Davis Tonks, who was tragically killed in the October 1, 2017, Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting, this endowment honors her generosity of spirit and commitment to helping others. Created by her parents, Chris and Debbie Davis, and her sister and brother-in-law, Mynda and Freddy Smith, the fund supports a Flora and Stuart Mason Undergraduate Peer Research Coach each year. Through the Mason Peer Coach Program, the endowment helps first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds serve as library ambassadors and mentors, ensuring Neysa’s passion for uplifting others continues to make a lasting impact at UNLV.

Longtime UNLV Libraries supporters, Flora Mason, who serves on the Libraries Advisory Board, and her late husband, Stuart, endowed this program to hire and mentor first-generation undergraduate students at UNLV. Mason Peer Coaches serve as library ambassadors throughout their college careers, gaining meaningful employment, guidance, and experience while helping fellow students succeed academically.

Housed in Lied Library, the UNLV Libraries Patent & Trademark Resource Center is made possible through the generous support of Switch. Switch’s funding helps provide workshops, training, and advanced patent and trademark search services for students, faculty, and local entrepreneurs, strengthening UNLV’s role in innovation, economic development, and community engagement.

Named for longtime UNLV Libraries dean Patricia A. Iannuzzi (2005-2017), this society honors donors who have made planned gifts to create a lasting impact on the University Libraries. Iannuzzi oversaw much growth and development in Lied Library during her tenure as dean, including an extensive remodel of the lobby and first floor. Members of the society named for her help advance the Libraries’ mission through their generosity, leaving a legacy that supports future students, faculty, and scholarship. A commemorative wall honoring donors is located on the first floor of the library by the Harmon Avenue entrance.

UNLV alumna Beverly Rogers has established the University Libraries’ first named position, a rare books curator, and is donating her personal collection of more than 1,300 items, including first editions and association copies of Victorian literature, John Steinbeck, Joseph Conrad, and other notable works. The curator will create exhibits, engage researchers and students, and expand the collection, ensuring Rogers’ passion for literature continues to enrich UNLV and the broader community.

Supported by a generous endowment from longtime UNLV Libraries supporters Lance and Elena Calvert, these awards honor undergraduate research projects that showcase excellent use of UNLV Libraries’ collections and strong information literacy skills. Winners are recognized for their research process, effective use of library resources, and thoughtful reflection, receiving both a cash prize and public recognition for their achievement.