Members meet students to share their history

It was an idea inspired by the fact that I wanted to gather as many life and career histories of the members of the Las Vegas Media Group that I could, but knew that it was an effort I might not achieve as there just wasn't enough time.  When dear friend, Dick Taylor, passed away in 2011, I realized just how crucial it was to gather the memories and stories of this group of individuals that made and documented Las Vegas and Nevada history.  Thankfully, I had the opportunity to conduct two interviews with Mr. Taylor.  But I was worried that I wouldn't be able to gather all the stories of this eclectic group of individuals in time.

That's when I decided to utilize the students that are my "captive audience" two times a week in my Nevada History class at the College of Southern Nevada.  This semester (spring 2012) their research paper project involved doing oral histories.  I urged the class, and most complied, to consider interviewing members of the Las Vegas Media Group.  Of the 16 students in my class, all but 2 chose the group as their research "subjects!"  I was thrilled.

As the day approached I felt a great deal of stress: one student dropped out just before the interview date, a couple of students (as students tend to do) didn't show up for several classes in a row, and at the last minute one of the interviewees could not attend; this is just to name a few of the worries I had.  I did not want interviewees to come on the appointed date only to have the student not show up for class - I'm proud to say all of the students came through. 

The result was amazing.  My one and a half-hour class was abuzz with noise.  Students were listening to the older generation tell their life and career stories.  I sat aside and observed like a proud parent witnessing a real life-changing experience for my kids.  To see the younger and older generation come together like this is hard to describe, so let my pictures tell the story. 

From left to right: Carey Burke, Rich Newman, Jackie Brett, Norm Johnson, Thalia Dondero, (Lisa Gioia-Acres, prof of the class), Judge Lloyd George, Betty Bunch, Helen Mortensen, Rich Friedland, and Len Yelinek. Not pictured but present: Gretchen and Don Payne.