May 9, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Ernst (702) 889-8426

Wiesner Named Distinguished Nevadan

LAS VEGAS-The Board of Regents today suspended their policy and gave former regent Tom Wiesner the Board's highest honor for service to education and Nevada: the Distinguished Nevadan.

"Tom Wiesner has always been a strong supporter of higher education and a true friend to the state of Nevada," said Thalia Dondero, board chair. "The Board felt the time was right to honor a man who has given so much to his community."

Each year, the Board of Regents selects five Nevadans for the honor of being named a Distinguished Nevadan. The award is bestowed upon prominent individuals who have made significant achievements that have contributed to the cultural, scientific or social advancement of Nevada. The recipients will be honored next week during commencement ceremonies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Board voted today to suspend its bylaws limiting the number of annual recipients to five. Wiesner will be the sixth Distinguished Nevadan to be honored this year. Other Distinguished Nevadans selected this year include: James Edward and Alice Ray Smalley of Las Vegas, Dr. William Pearson of Las Vegas, J. Terrence Lanni of Las Vegas, Donald Bently of South Minden, and Dr. Jesse Hall of Reno.

Since 1990, Thomas Wiesner has been the owner, developer and operator of Big Dog's Hospitality Group, the parent organization for non-restricted casino license establishments in the city of Las Vegas. Trade names of the operation subsidiaries include Big Dog's Bar & Grill, the Draft House Barn & Casino, Big Dog's Café & Casino, Two Dog's Casino and Little Dog's Tavern.
Mr. Wiesner is also the owner of Wiesner Investment Company, which he began in 1975. This sole proprietorship is the vehicle utilized for property and business investments, which include golf courses, rental car companies, real estate developments, a billboard company, securities, horses, and oil and gas exploration.

From 1972 - 1990, Mr. Wiesner was the owner and managing general partner of Southwest Securities DBS-Marina Hotel & Casino. In this capacity, Mr. Wiesner developed and operated this Las Vegas Strip property consisting of 700 rooms, 700 slot machines, 24 table games, show room, gift shop, two bars, banquet facilities, keno lounge, race and sports book, and three restaurants.

In addition to these positions, Mr. Wiesner was the owner and operator of Holmes Tire West/Wiesner Tire & Automotive from 1975 - 1989, as well as the owner, developer and operator of the Las Vegas Athletic Clubs from 1963 - 1982.

A native of Neenah, Wisc., Mr. Wiesner was a star athlete at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As a member of the university's football team from 1958 - 1960, he was voted co-captain and most valuable player, and played in the Rose Bowl, the Hula Bowl and the East - West Shrine Games. He was also a member of the university's boxing team, and was named All University Heavyweight Boxing Champion in 1958. Mr. Wiesner was also voted the University of Wisconsin National "W" Club Athlete of the Year in 1961.

Upon arriving in Las Vegas, Mr. Wiesner began to make his mark on the city by developing a variety of businesses and business ventures, as illustrated in his employment history. But Mr. Wiesner also made it a point to work for the betterment of the city. From 1970 - 1976, he served as chairman of the Clark County Board of Commissioners. He also served on a number of civic and professional organization and boards, including the Clark County Planning Commission, the Metropolitan Police Commission, the Nevada State Crime Commission, the St. Rose de Lima Hospital Foundation, and the Clark County Civilian Military Council.

As an entrepreneur himself, Mr. Wiesner was very committed to promoting and cultivating the economic growth and strength of the city and state. With that in mind, he became actively involved in the Nevada Development Authority, serving as director, treasurer and executive committee member. He's also headed the Nevada Chamber of Commerce Association, the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority, and Las Vegas Events.

Mr. Wiesner was also involved in developing the educational resources in Las Vegas, first serving on the Clark County Community College Foundation and then becoming a charter member of the UNLV Foundation. As part of the UNLV Foundation, he served as second chairman of the board of trustees from 1982 - 1983, and became a UNLV Foundation Trustee Emeritus in 1993.

In recognition of his generous financial support of UNLV, Mr. Wiesner was inducted as a member of the UNLV Foundation's Silver Medallion Society. Some of his contributions over the years include support for the Foundation's annual fund as a member of the President's Inner Circle giving program; the Barrick Museum of Natural History; several academic and athletic scholarship programs; the Lied Athletic Complex; and the football and basketball programs. He is also a member of the UNLV Football Foundation's Advisory Board and in 1994 was inducted into UNLV's Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1996, Mr. Wiesner was elected to the Nevada Board of Regents. As Regent, Mr. Wiesner served on the Board's audit, finance and planning, investment and legislative liaison committees.

In addition to the professional affiliations Mr. Wiesner has been involved with over the years, he has also volunteered his time to a number of charitable and educational groups, including serving as officer and director of the Boys Club of Clark County, board member of the Nevada Division of the American Cancer Society, director of the United Way, and co-chairman of the board of New Horizons Learning Center.

In response to the time and energy he has devoted to any number of causes and organizations, Mr. Wiesner has been honored numerous times for his contributions. In 1994, he was named Republican Man of the Year as well as named a recipient of the UNLV Silver State Award.

The Nevada Board of Regents is the elected, 11-member governing body for the University and Community College System of Nevada. Comprising two doctoral granting universities, a state college, four comprehensive community colleges and one internationally acclaimed research institute, the UCCSN serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to nearly 100,000 students.

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