UNLV and Rob Goldstein head of Las Vegas Sands are pleased to announce the creation of the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV, which was formally approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents at its quarterly meeting.
Made possible by a generous $15 million donation from Sands and the Adelson family to the UNLV Foundation, this initiative highlights a shared commitment to enriching the educational and cultural landscape of Las Vegas and beyond.
“This partnership with UNLV reflects our dedication to global engagement and cultural exchange,” said Sands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert G. Goldstein. “The Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV will serve as a vital resource for students, scholars, and the broader community to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of China. We are honored to support an initiative that will enhance Chinese cultural literacy and provide significant opportunities for meaningful intercultural dialogue in one of the world’s most visible cities and one of its most dynamic universities.”
The Sands Institute will offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to promote appreciation and understanding of Chinese language, traditions, and history. These offerings will include Mandarin language courses for students and community members; cultural programming such as film screenings, art exhibitions, musical performances, and lectures; and student and faculty exchanges.
As Las Vegas continues to grow as a global hub for tourism, hospitality, business, and sports, the ability to understand and engage with Chinese citizens and culture becomes increasingly important. The Sands Institute will serve as a platform for robust community engagement, strengthening the cultural fabric of the region and enhancing its connections with China. By offering educational programs and training for professionals, the Institute will equip industry leaders and workers with the cultural competence needed to navigate and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
“We are excited to work with Sands in establishing the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV,” said Chris L. Heavey, Executive Vice President and Provost of UNLV. “The Sands Institute will significantly increase learning opportunities for local students and community members, providing them with the tools to engage more effectively with the world around them. The incredibly generous support from Sands is crucial in bringing this vision to life, and we look forward to the opportunities it will create for our university and the wider Las Vegas community.”
The Sands Institute will be housed in UNLV’s newly renovated Maryland Administrative Building, offering a central location accessible to both university students and the broader Las Vegas community. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, exhibition spaces, and meeting venues designed to host a wide array of events.
With substantial financial support from the owners and management of Sands, the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV is poised to become an internationally recognized center for studying and appreciating Chinese language and culture.
“UNLV is proud to be one of the most diverse universities in the country, and launching the Sands Institute highlights our commitment to embracing all cultures,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield.
“This fits right in with what we’re all about – giving our students and community opportunities to learn about the world and connect with people from different backgrounds. It will make a big difference in how we prepare our students for the global stage.”
Sands has been a long-time supporter of UNLV and its academic initiatives.
“Their nearly two decades of support have been essential to our university,” Whitfield continued.
“From funding facilities and athletic programs to backing innovative student projects and the Sands Center for Professional Development, Sands has consistently shown a strong commitment to our campus and our students.”
Sands is the leading global developer and operator of integrated resorts. The company’s iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make its host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.
Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands® in Singapore and The Venetian® Macao, The Londoner Macao®, The Parisian Macao®, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, and Sands® Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.
Dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, Sands is anchored by the core tenets of serving people, communities and the planet.
The company’s ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America, as well as Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.
Sands’s main shareholders, the Adelson family, is one of the most philanthropic families in the world.
Rob Goldstein is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Las Vegas Sands (LVS), assuming that role after serving in a variety of leadership positions since joining the company in 1995.
As CEO, he provides strategic direction to the company’s global properties, guides the pursuit of new development opportunities and oversees the company’s efforts to continually maximize value for its shareholders.
He also is focused on driving LVS’ industry-leading approach to compliance, furthering the company’s efforts to be a good community partner and ensuring LVS remains widely recognized as a best-in-class employer.
Prior to this leadership role, Mr. Goldstein was LVS’ president and chief operating officer (COO), as well as president of global gaming operations, where he was responsible for every facet of the company’s industry-leading gaming operations in Asia and the United States.
As the president of global gaming, Mr. Goldstein set the direction for the company’s gaming business from the hiring of key personnel to the development and execution of strategic initiatives.
His leadership helped LVS achieve a significant number of industry records for financial performance and also positioned the company as leader in the important area of regulatory compliance.
One of the most respected and knowledgeable hospitality and gaming executives in the industry today, Mr. Goldstein joined LVS during the planning phases of The Venetian in Las Vegas, the company’s first Integrated Resort.
By attracting leading retailers, restaurateurs and important leisure attractions, he helped shape the identity of the property and set the stage for its long-lasting success. From 1999 to 2010, Mr. Goldstein served as president and COO of The Venetian, as well as The Palazzo Las Vegas, a 3,000-all-suite hotel which is connected to The Venetian and opened in 2008.
Mr. Goldstein graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and received his law degree from the Temple University School of Law.
He and his wife, Sheryl, reside in Las Vegas and are active in the local community.
Mr. Goldstein serves on the Board of Directors of Opportunity Village, The Adelson Drug Rehabilitation Clinic and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
The couple has two adult children, Scott and Courtney.