LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Athletics has announced a major commitment from William S. Boyd and Judy Boyd to UNLV Athletics to establish an endowment for student-athlete nutrition. This is the largest endowment in UNLV Athletics history.

The William S. Boyd and Judy Boyd Endowment for Athlete Nutrition will be used to support nutrition initiatives for UNLV student-athletes.

"The Boyd Family believes that a strong community begins with a strong university, and our decades-long support of UNLV has been a core part of our commitment to giving back to southern Nevada," Marianne Boyd Johnson said. "With today's pledge, we are proud to help fund a state-of-the-art nutritional program that will benefit every UNLV student-athlete, further strengthening the ongoing success of UNLV Athletics."

"UNLV Athletics is profoundly grateful for the ongoing commitment, passion, and support from the William S. Boyd Family," UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper said. "This new endowment will enhance nutrition, which is essential to performance, recovery, and overall well-being. This investment ensures we have the resources to thrive at the highest level. Today marks a historic milestone in UNLV Athletics with a remarkable $10 million contribution from the William S. Boyd Family. This is more than just an investment - it is a testament to what can be achieved when a community believes in its student-athletes. It will drive progress, improve performance, and create more opportunities for future generations.

"This endowment boosts our competitive vision and provides our student-athletes with the nutritional support they need to succeed both academically and athletically. By providing our student-athletes with world-class fueling resources, we are strengthening our competitive edge and advancing every aspect of their development."

"The Boyd Family's enduring legacy of support has positively and profoundly impacted so many areas of our university, and this record commitment to UNLV Athletics will ensure that our student-athletes have the resources they need to compete at an elite level for years to come," said UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey. "The Boyd name has been synonymous with UNLV's academic and athletic success for decades, and we are incredibly thankful for all that the Boyd Family and Boyd Gaming have done for our university and our students."

William S. Boyd has also been a strong supporter of the Boyd School of Law at UNLV by contributing $30 million. The law school is among the best in the country, as illustrated by being ranked No. 1 in legal writing. The law school also has a top 100 ranking in 13 different categories.

As part of UNLV Athletics' "Rebel Up," which is the department's comprehensive capital campaign, the Boyd Family and Boyd Gaming Corporation had previously made a $6.5 million gift, which was the largest combined family and corporate gift in UNLV Athletics history and is earmarked for a new multi-use indoor facility that will benefit the majority of UNLV Athletics teams.

The Boyd Family and Boyd Gaming Corporation have a long history of supporting UNLV and UNLV Athletics. The Family had also previously made a commitment of $5 million in 2018 to support renovations to the Lied Athletic Complex, scholarships, and softball.

The "Rebel Up" campaign has a goal of $150 million and is designed to enhance many areas within UNLV Athletics, including the student-athlete experience, provide funding for new facilities, elevate current facilities, and build a stronger endowment program.

In addition to this $10 million commitment from the Boyd Family, UNLV Athletics has received over $22 million in cash and commitments to the "Rebel Up" campaign. The endowment program has become stronger and currently has a payout that has increased by over 37% since FY23.

To learn more about "Rebel Up" and to contribute, please contact Executive Deputy Director of Athletics for Revenue Generation Mike Ketcham (michael.ketcham@unlv.edu). You can also reach out to the UNLV Rebel Athletic Fund with any questions at 702-895-1533 or rebelathleticfund@unlv.edu.