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Joyce Mack | |
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| Born | Joyce Jean Rosenberg August 17, 1925 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | October 11, 2024 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Known for | Philanthropy, Civic Leadership, Founding Mother of Las Vegas |
| Spouse | Jerome D. Mack |
Joyce Mack (August 17, 1925 – October 11, 2024) was a prominent philanthropist and civic leader known as a "founding mother" of Las Vegas. She was instrumental in building the cultural, educational, and civic institutions that helped transform Las Vegas from a casino-centered desert town into a vibrant community with lasting appeal.
Early Life and Move to Las Vegas
editJoyce Jean Rosenberg was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she met her future husband, Jerry Mack. The couple married in 1946 and relocated to Las Vegas in 1947 at the urging of Jerry’s father, Nate Mack, who envisioned a growing city in the Nevada desert. Initially hesitant, Joyce soon embraced her new home and shared in Nate's vision for Las Vegas.
Contributions to Las Vegas Development
editJoyce and her husband, Jerry Mack, dedicated themselves to the growth of Las Vegas. Jerry co-founded the Bank of Las Vegas, which became the first bank to provide substantial capital loans to casinos, fueling their expansion and the city's development. While Jerry focused on financial support, Joyce worked to create a sustainable community by supporting cultural, educational, and civic organizations.
Philanthropy and Civic Engagement
editJoyce Mack was deeply involved in philanthropy, helping to establish and fund several local organizations. She supported Planned Parenthood of Southern Nevada and Opportunity Village, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Joyce laid the foundation for a vibrant arts community by hosting fundraisers for what would eventually become the Las Vegas Museum of Art. Elaine Wynn, co-founder of Mirage Resorts, credited Joyce as a pioneer in establishing Las Vegas's cultural scene.
Legacy with UNLV and Educational Initiatives
editThe Macks' contributions to education are exemplified by their support of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Jerry was a co-founder of Nevada Southern University, which would later become UNLV, and helped secure over 400 acres for its campus. The Thomas & Mack Center, named in honor of the Macks and their close associates, became the primary venue for UNLV's athletic events. After Jerry’s passing in 1998, Joyce continued their commitment by serving on the UNLV Foundation’s Board of Trustees for 25 years, contributing to educational initiatives and donating significant funds to the law school.
Influence and Recognition
editJoyce Mack was part of a core group of Las Vegas families, including the Macks and Thomases, who worked to build a thriving city by fostering arts, education, and community resources. Her vision and dedication transformed Las Vegas from a tourist destination to a vibrant community with a quality of life that attracted permanent residents. Her refined style and dedication left a lasting impact on the community, solidifying her legacy as one of Las Vegas’s most influential figures.
Joyce Mack’s legacy endures through the institutions and cultural assets she helped establish, ensuring her place in the history of modern Las Vegas.
References
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