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Mark S. Bacon, ’93 MA Communication Studies, released his fourth theme park murder mystery book, Dark Ride Deception, in September. Based in part on real-life tech and imagination, this story of corporate espionage, kidnapping, and murder takes place in Nostalgia City, a sprawling Arizona theme park that re-creates a small town from the 1970s. Recently, the first book in the series, Death in Nostalgia City, was recommended for book clubs by the American Library Association. After graduating from 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó, Bacon taught journalism writing at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó for a number of years. Most recently, he was a correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle. As a reporter, copywriter, and author, Bacon has written for TV, radio, newspapers, online and print magazines, and books.  

  Andrew Thomas Reyes, ’08 BA Criminal Justice, ‘11 MA Criminal Justice, recently relocated from Pittsburgh, Penn., to his new assignment in Charleston, West Virginia, as the Federal immigration benefits officer covering the entire state of West Virginia. His hobbies include road trips, aviation, and travel as well as visiting museums and universities. He just completed 1,500 featured posts travel map documenting his travels between 2012-22, having traveled to every state in the U.S. along with stops in Guam and the South Pacific. In addition to colleges football events, nature, and hiking, he enjoys attending auto races and visiting local coffee shops, restaurants, and cafes.  

Thomas M. Ware II, '86 BA Political Science, was granted fellowship in the College of Community Association Lawyers. More than 4,000 lawyers practice community association law in the United States, yet fewer than 175 attorneys nationwide can distinguish themselves as fellows. Fellows must demonstrate a commitment to educate and empower boards and residents of the more than 347,000 community associations across the country. He lives in Los Angeles. 

  Shanice Stevens, ’10 BA Journalism & Media Studies, has been promoted to education director for Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. Stevens also volunteers with multiple organizations such as the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÃâ·ÑApp Alumnae Chapter; Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, and Southwest 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÃâ·ÑApp Chapter of Kiwanis International. She also serves as a Nevada Promise Scholarship mentor for the College of Southern Nevada and COLA Connections volunteer mentor with the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó College of Liberal Arts. When not working or volunteering, Stevens enjoys traveling, mentoring youth, community service, and spending time with family and friends. The 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÃâ·ÑApp native earned her graduate degree in organizational leadership from National University and resides in Henderson.    

  Samuel Schumach, ’12 BA Political Science, is a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service as a politically appointed Deputy Director of the Office of External Affairs and Communications at the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). In this role, he manages communications and Legislative affairs offices for NCUA. His hobbies include flying, gastronomy, and hiking. He resides in Washington, D.C.  

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó alumni and longtime friends Jacob Lanning, ’00 BA Communications, ’05 MBA Finance, and his wife Lauren Lanning, ’09 MBA Marketing, and Michael Schlazer, ‘15 MBA, and Christina Schlazer, ’12 MS Health Physics, ’16 MBA Marketing, opened The NOW Massage Henderson in February 2021 in Henderson. The Lannings and the Schlazers were drawn to the idea that self care is a necessity and not a luxury, as well as the holistic business approach of The NOW.  The group plans to open more locations in the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÃâ·ÑApp Valley.