10/29/2026 10:00:00 AM | General
Tributes celebrate Rothermel's lasting impact on Rebel Athletics and support future generations of student-athletes.
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com)Â -Â UNLV Athletics is honoring the life and legacy of former Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Rothermel with the naming of the Dr. Brad Rothermel Lobby in the Thomas & Mack Center and the establishment of the Dr. Brad Rothermel Memorial Endowment - Athletic Scholarships, established by his wife Suzanne Rothermel.
The tributes recognize Rothermel's extraordinary contributions to UNLV Athletics and his commitment to the success of Rebel student-athletes. Rothermel, who passed away in March 2026 at the age of 88, served as UNLV's director of athletics from 1981-90 and helped guide the department through one of the most successful eras in its history.
"Brad Rothermel's impact on UNLV Athletics is immeasurable, and it is important that we continue to honor the legacy that he built," said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. "Brad was a visionary leader who helped elevate our programs to national prominence, but just as importantly, he cared deeply about our student-athletes and their success. Naming this lobby in his honor and establishing a scholarship endowment in his memory are fitting tributes to someone who meant so much to UNLV and the Las Vegas community. His influence will continue to be felt by generations of Rebels."
The Dr. Brad Rothermel Lobby, which also serves as the main entrance to the executive offices at the Thomas & Mack Center, now features prominent signage recognizing the former athletics director, creating a lasting tribute to his leadership and dedication to the university.
The Dr. Brad Rothermel Memorial Endowment - Athletic Scholarships has also been established to honor his commitment to student-athletes and provide scholarship support for future Rebels. The endowment will help carry forward Rothermel's legacy of creating opportunities for student-athletes to succeed.
During his decade leading UNLV Athletics, Rothermel oversaw a period of unprecedented success that included the Runnin' Rebels' historic 1990 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship under legendary head coach Jerry Tarkanian. Under his leadership, 14 varsity programs advanced to NCAA postseason competition, and Rebel teams captured 33 conference championships.
Rothermel was also instrumental in the Runnin' Rebels' move from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Thomas & Mack Center, which opened in 1983. Among his many accomplishments, he hired Hall of Fame coaches Dwaine Knight, who went on to lead UNLV men's golf to the 1998 NCAA national championship, and Shan McDonald, who guided Rebel softball to three Women's College World Series appearances.
Following his tenure as athletics director, Rothermel continued serving UNLV as an associate professor of education leadership for nine years. He returned to the athletics department in 2004 as a special advisor to the athletics director and remained in that role until his retirement in 2016.
His contributions to athletics and the Southern Nevada community earned him induction into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
Through the Dr. Brad Rothermel Lobby and the memorial scholarship endowment, UNLV Athletics will ensure that Rothermel's legacy as a leader, educator and champion of student-athletes continues to inspire future generations of Rebels.
Those interested in supporting the Dr. Brad Rothermel Memorial Endowment - Athletic Scholarships may donate by clicking here. For more information, please contact the Rebel Athletic Fund at rebelathleticfund@unlv.edu or 702-895-1533.
Â
The tributes recognize Rothermel's extraordinary contributions to UNLV Athletics and his commitment to the success of Rebel student-athletes. Rothermel, who passed away in March 2026 at the age of 88, served as UNLV's director of athletics from 1981-90 and helped guide the department through one of the most successful eras in its history.
"Brad Rothermel's impact on UNLV Athletics is immeasurable, and it is important that we continue to honor the legacy that he built," said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. "Brad was a visionary leader who helped elevate our programs to national prominence, but just as importantly, he cared deeply about our student-athletes and their success. Naming this lobby in his honor and establishing a scholarship endowment in his memory are fitting tributes to someone who meant so much to UNLV and the Las Vegas community. His influence will continue to be felt by generations of Rebels."
The Dr. Brad Rothermel Lobby, which also serves as the main entrance to the executive offices at the Thomas & Mack Center, now features prominent signage recognizing the former athletics director, creating a lasting tribute to his leadership and dedication to the university.
The Dr. Brad Rothermel Memorial Endowment - Athletic Scholarships has also been established to honor his commitment to student-athletes and provide scholarship support for future Rebels. The endowment will help carry forward Rothermel's legacy of creating opportunities for student-athletes to succeed.
During his decade leading UNLV Athletics, Rothermel oversaw a period of unprecedented success that included the Runnin' Rebels' historic 1990 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship under legendary head coach Jerry Tarkanian. Under his leadership, 14 varsity programs advanced to NCAA postseason competition, and Rebel teams captured 33 conference championships.
Rothermel was also instrumental in the Runnin' Rebels' move from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Thomas & Mack Center, which opened in 1983. Among his many accomplishments, he hired Hall of Fame coaches Dwaine Knight, who went on to lead UNLV men's golf to the 1998 NCAA national championship, and Shan McDonald, who guided Rebel softball to three Women's College World Series appearances.
Following his tenure as athletics director, Rothermel continued serving UNLV as an associate professor of education leadership for nine years. He returned to the athletics department in 2004 as a special advisor to the athletics director and remained in that role until his retirement in 2016.
His contributions to athletics and the Southern Nevada community earned him induction into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
Through the Dr. Brad Rothermel Lobby and the memorial scholarship endowment, UNLV Athletics will ensure that Rothermel's legacy as a leader, educator and champion of student-athletes continues to inspire future generations of Rebels.
Those interested in supporting the Dr. Brad Rothermel Memorial Endowment - Athletic Scholarships may donate by clicking here. For more information, please contact the Rebel Athletic Fund at rebelathleticfund@unlv.edu or 702-895-1533.
Â
Friday, July 31
Friday, July 31
Friday, July 31
Friday, July 31
