LAS VEGAS, NEV.
To most of the world familiar with this Nevada city, Las Vegas is mega-hotels, massive casinos, buffet restaurants and glamorous shows from spectacular to spectacularly vulgar.
Fewer might be aware that Las Vegas is a sprawling desert city in the midst of a booming metropolis of more than a million residents. Even fewer might know of its ties with the Church as an early pioneer colony that now has 20 stakes.
For many LDS young adults, the city is a place to gain a valuable education at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The university, with an enrollment in excess of 28,000, is barely a mile east of Las Vegas Boulevard — "the Strip." So for LDS students, the Institute of Religion, nestled among residents halls southwest of campus, can be a haven from the world.
Nearly 600 students are enrolled at the institute, a single-level building with five classrooms, a recreation room, a library and offices. The institute was once located near the UNLV library right in the middle of campus. However, that land was traded to the school for the property which is still conveniently located near the campus. It is home to the Las Vegas Nevada Paradise Stake's Heritage (Young Single Adult) Ward.
Besides regular classes on gospel topics taught day and night, the institute caters to some who are in unique circumstances.
For example, Nathan L. Gent from Bremerton, Wash., is attending a special fall semester Old Testament class for law students during lunchtime on Wednesdays. He said because of the time demands of law school, that is a rare time window that makes it possible for him and other LDS law school students to receive "spiritual food" to give strength in "resisting the world."
Graduate student Amy Spencer of Las Vegas enjoys the institute choir class taught Wednesday evenings. She teaches elementary school during the day and takes night classes toward a master's degree in education. She said the choir class gives her more than a chance to develop her talents; it is also a time to "learn the gospel and build my testimony."
In general, the institute is a good neighbor for UNLV. The LDSSA is the largest traditional club on campus, according to director Garth L. Rasmussen. He also said the institute hosts events popular among the general UNLV student body. Among them are a large Ping Pong tournament each November, an interfaith barbecue on the institute patio at the beginning of each semester and a luncheon for international students.
The institute's "missionary potential is huge," Brother Rasmussen said.
LDS students "understand they can make a difference" on campus, said longtime institute instructor George W. Hansen. "We've been an influence for good."
Last year's UNLV student body president was Jeff Panchavinin, an active participant in institute, Brother Hansen pointed out, adding that former LDSSA president Michael Thomas is now student body vice president. It is common for Church members to serve in student leadership, Brother Hansen said.
Brother Rasmussen said that despite general perceptions, Las Vegas is a good community with strong schools, wonderful parks, a strong Church presence and, for nearly two decades, a temple.
He compared the city's isolated worldly side to the black velvet on which diamond dealers display their gems, a dark background that accentuates the spiritually bright LDS young adults.
E-mail to: ghill@desnews.com
