San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Since their creation, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have expressed themselves through a culture of giving. Today, the federally recognized American Indian tribe is a national leader in tribal gaming, and the tradition of giving continues. Their commitment to tribal gaming education at UNLV is just one demonstration of their strength and values, bridging past and future.

The Yuhaaviatam (San Manuel Band of Mission Indians) are one of several clans of Serrano Indians, the indigenous people of California’s San Bernardino highlands and valley. The reservation was established in 1891.

In Spring of 2020, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians reached an historic agreement with UNLV and committed $9 million to support course development, faculty, and programs at both the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and the William S. Boyd School of Law. The gift positions UNLV as a world leader in education and innovation related to tribal gaming operations, law and economic development.

The contribution was among the largest out-of-state gifts granted by the tribe. It created the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Endowed Chair in Tribal Gaming at the College of Hospitality and bolstered the college’s curriculum in tribal gaming. It also developed a set of online certificate courses accessible to Native Americans across the U.S.

At the Boyd School of Law, the gift supported a professor-in-residence, a visiting professor, and a program administrator to explore tribal governance, regulations, and economic development. It also created a scholarship for an LL.M. student in gaming, with preference given to tribal members and indigenous students. Additionally, the contribution allowed the UNLV Boyd Law to expand its Tribal Law Practicum and hold an annual workshop on emerging issues in Native American gaming.