In its almost 55-year history, UNLV has undergone an amazing transformation from a small branch college into a thriving urban research institution of 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff.

The five-story Rod Lee Bigelow Health Sciences Building houses the offices, classrooms, and laboratories for health physics, nursing, radiological sciences, physical therapy, kinesiology, and environmental sciences.

The UNLV tower of Greenspun Hall makes a bold statement to drivers along Maryland Parkway. It features several environmentally forward elements, including a photovoltaic array covering the courtyard and a chilled-beam heating and cooling system.

A view of campus from the second floor of Wright Hall.

The grounds outside the Thomas T. Beam Engineering Complex in December.

The University Libraries attracts scholars from around the globe with the most comprehensive collection of documents related to the history of gaming in the world.

The grassy areas along the interior of campus offer a cool place to study.

The Carol C. Harter Classroom Building Complex holds more classrooms than any other building on campus.

The Boyd School of Law facilities include the state's largest law library and the Thomas and Mack Moot Court.

"The Flashlight" by renowned sculptor Claes Oldenburg stands 38 feet tall and symbolizes UNLV as a "Beacon of Knowledge" in Southern Nevada.

UNLV's School of Dental Medicine is located in the heart of Las Vegas' medical district. In addition to training dental professionals, the school provides quality, low cost dental services to Southern Nevadans.

UNLV's Science and Engineering Building (SEB).

The glass wall of the Robert L. Bigelow Physics Building was built in the shape of a sine wave, while banners inside represent the colors of the spectrum.

The newest addition to the Student Services Complex brought all of the key business functions for students into one location.

Beam Hall is home to the colleges of Business and Hotel Administration.

The Performing Arts Center includes the 1,832-seat Ham Concert Hall, 550-seat Judy BaleyTheatre, and the intimate Black Box Theatre.

The UNLV Symphony Orchestra performs at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. With seating for 1,832, Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall serves as a cultural home for a wide range of performances — from light opera, folk, and pop music to ballet, jazz, and full symphonic productions.

UNLV Opera Theatre rehearses "Gianni Schicchi" inside Judy Bayley Theatre.

The Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery features work by regionally and nationally recognized contemporary artists as well as UNLV faculty and students. Admission is free and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; and by special arrangement for groups.

The Marjorie Barrick Museum's 2,500-square-foot gallery presents a number of international, national, and regional exhibitions each year. Admission is free, and the museum is open 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

UNLV's Thomas & Mack Arena brings in such family-oriented shows, such as "Walking with Dinosaurs" touring spectacle.

UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center arena sells out each year for the 10-day National Finals Rodeo.

UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium was a stop of U2's 360 tour in 2009.

The Black Eyed Peas perform Oct. 23 at UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium.

UNLV mascot Hey Reb! poses at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas.

The legendary pregame show at Runnin' Rebel basketball games in Thomas & Mack Center get the crowd fired up.

Cheerleaders and the pep bad amp up the crowd at home basketball games.

"White Out Night" has become a tradition during the Runnin' Rebel season.

The Lady Rebels are coached by alumna Kathy Olivier, a former All-American.

UNLV has fielded a softball team since 1980. The team plays home games at the 770-seat Eller Media Stadium.

UNLV baseball takes the field at the 3,000-seat Earl E. Wilson Stadium.

Since 1993, the men's and women's tennis teams have produced 13 All-Americans, 11 league MVPs, and 55 International Tennis Association scholar-athletes.

UNLV swim teams have produced a number of All-Americans, and three male swimmers competed in the most recent summer Olympics.

The women's volleyball team takes the court in Cox Pavillion.

Defender Caitlin Allen in the Sept. 9 game against Ohio State at Johann Field.

Men's soccer plays home games at Peter Johann Memorial Soccer Field.