Visionary entrepreneur Elaine Wynn, who significantly impacted the development of Las Vegas, passes away at 82 years old.
Rewritten Article:
Elaine Wynn wasn't just a businesswoman and philanthropist; she was a gale-force personality – a visionary dream-weaver in a city pulsating with ambition.
Tuesday morning saw the announcement of her passing, leaving behind an outstanding legacy at the ripe age of 82. Along with a touching statement and obituary, her Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation shared glowing insights into her exceptional life.
Many Las Vegans remember her fondly for partnering with her ex-husband Steve to turn the Strip from a gambling hub to a non-gaming paradise. Their transformative work resulted in resorts like The Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, and her contributions to education, most notably in the realm of education.
According to her foundation, "Elaine Wynn's journey was marked by an unyielding spirit, a trailblazer who set the stage for everything that followed." Her impact was profound, infusing luxury into the Golden Nugget, reinventing the Strip with The Mirage, and setting new standards with Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore resorts. Each endeavor bore her unique artistic flair and immaculate taste. Most of all, she fiercely prioritized people, leaving an indelible stamp of kindness in all she touched.
As the largest individual shareholder of Wynn Resorts, her influence stretched beyond investment; she served as a guardian of a vision transcending mere entertainment. She recognized that Las Vegas was more than a destination – it was a sensory experience, an ever-evolving kaleidoscope weaving art, culture, and human spirit.
David Schwartz, UNLV gaming historian, praised her impact, stating, "Elaine Wynn played an essential role in Las Vegas history from the 70s onwards, working closely with Steve at the Golden Nugget, Mirage Resorts, and Wynn Resorts."
But her philanthropy extended beyond the casino floor; she notably chaired the UNLV Foundation, helping steer the university towards research and top-tier status. In the words of Becky Harris, former chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and UNLV law professor, "Elaine Wynn was an incredible philanthropist, striving tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for Nevada's children."
Her dedication to education remained steadfast for 25 years, from her tenure on the UNLV Board of Trustees to her role as board chair. Current Gaming Control Board chairman Kirk Hendrick described her as gracious and a class act, commending her enduring influence on gaming and education in Nevada.
Wynn Resorts executives mourned her loss, praising her significance in growing the company into a renowned luxury resort brand. They spoke of her deep affection for employees and her ongoing impact on the company, as her selfless philanthropy continues within their ranks.
Looking beyond Las Vegas, Elaine Wynn's influence was felt across the cultural arts. In Los Angeles, she championed art accessibility, fostering a richer cultural environment. Plans to build the Las Vegas Art Museum in collaboration with LACMA demonstrated her unwavering dedication to artistic pursuits in the city.
Despite her many achievements, her family remained her greatest source of pride. She leaves behind daughters Kevyn and Gillian, as well as seven cherished grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Nevada's past five governors relied on her expertise to lead education initiatives. She co-chaired Nevada's Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force in 2011, resulting in significant reform legislation. Alongside Communities In Schools, she endeavored to give children the resources they needed to thrive. Under her leadership, CIS expanded its reach to over 1.7 million students across 26 states, creating a lasting impact on several generations.
In the end, Elaine Wynn will be remembered for her life lived with purpose. Acknowledging her exceptional impact on Las Vegas, the foundation concluded, "Her legacy will endure in the vibrant streets and stories of those she touched, reigning forevermore not simply as Ms. Las Vegas, but as a pioneer who turned aspirations into reality, inspiring countless journeys in her wake."
- Despite her impressive career in business and philanthropy, Elaine Wynn will be most remembered for her indomitable spirit and unyielding values, as showcased in her work at Las Vegas' casino-and-gambling scene, entertainment industry, and cultural arts.
- Elaine Wynn, the former partner of Steve Wynn in transforming the Strip from a gambling hub to a non-gaming paradise, contributed significantly to luxury resorts like the Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, Bellagio, and Encore, leaving a unique artistic flair and immaculate taste in each.
- Going beyond her investment in Wynn Resorts, Elaine Wynn was a guardian of a vision that transcended mere entertainment, recognizing Las Vegas as a sensory experience, an ever-evolving kaleidoscope of art, culture, and human spirit.
- As a beacon of philanthropy, Elaine Wynn left an indelible mark not just in the casino floor but in education, notably at the UNLV Foundation, where she steered the university towards top-tier research status, and in Nevada's children, granting them essential educational opportunities for over 25 years.
