cover of ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Magazine with headling "Alpha Rising" and image of woman in VR headset

ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Magazine

Fall 2025
Vol. 33, No. 1

In This Issue

Female student in white shirt wearing a virtual reality headset and hand trackers smiles while enjoying the free roam pod inside ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's Dreamscape Learn
Dreamscape Learn leverages extended reality technologies to add another tool to the academic toolbox.
Two male and one female students sitting at desks wearing virtual reality headsets
From trips to Peru and an alien zoo, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý faculty lead students on learning journeys via the university’s newest immersive learning tools.
aerial view of strip mall damaged by fire
While unremarkable in style, the now-destroyed University Gardens plaza offered some beloved businesses to the neighborhood over the years.
man in suit and red tie smiling
Interim President Chris Heavey on the numbers that speak volumes about ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's trajectory.
birding club members use binoculars to observe birds at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý
Chill vibes and a focus on observing and preserving nature have students flocking to ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's Birding and Conservation Club.
actors in film vision lab overlayed by purple and orange stage lights
This intensive incubator program offers real-world experience by having emerging filmmakers collaborate with students on short film projects.
Louisa Messenger holds up a petri dish containing mosquitoes while a student looks on in the background
From ballot proposals to research on pesticide resistance and virus transmission, student-faculty group explores what to do when bugs do more than bug you.
Messenger RNA
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý research team develops mRNA cocktail to intravenously and directly reach the pancreas, allowing for potentially revolutionary treatment options; lead researcher Chandra Bhattacharya becomes university's first to earn national award. 
collage of 3 images with two men and women in red attire
College athletics is in the midst of an on-the-fly industry makeover. Three ÐÔÊӽ紫ý coaches share their thoughts about competing on a new — and still-developing — playing field.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Athletics Director Erick Harper at a Lady Rebels basketball game
From paying and retaining student-athletes to the nonstop conference affiliation carousel, modern-day athletics directors are playing a brand-new game. And ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s Erick Harper is in it to win it.
lighted sign saying "Rebel Homecoming" with small fireworks lit up behind it
What unites this year’s honorees is their deep appreciation for the distinctive experiences they gained as students and the meaningful connections they built within the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý community.
replica cannon with signage above saying "Rebels"
The story behind the Battle for Nevada rivalry trophy began with Rebel pranksters in the dark of the night.
archival photo of large group of men and one woman posing around a cannon with a sign that says "1977 Rebels Won 9 Lost 2"
'ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Magazine' reader helps identify booster Edith 'Edie' Kraemer.
Red ÐÔÊӽ紫ý banner amidst fall foliage
Remembering those from the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý community that we've recently lost.