A Love That Lasts Forever: Galor-Joerger Wedding

In June, Kendell Galor celebrated her engagement to Jared Joerger with a beautiful, Kentucky Derby-themed bridal shower. In a ceremony uniting her two loves — horses, and Jared — months later, the two wed before an audience of friends and family at the scenic WHY Ranch in Las Vegas.

From the moment I walked into the room where Jared and his groomsmen were preparing for the big day, there was a noticeable confidence in the group, underscored by exuberant laughter and playful ribbing. Yet, the atmosphere was full of dichotomy: grown men, giddy as young boys; easygoing personalities at once stoic when attempting to figure out the labyrinthine technique to tie a tie.

Indeed, as a wedding unites two lovers as one, the day reconciled countless other dichotomies in a fascinatingly perfect way.

Wedding attendees were initially concerned by the unwelcome wind, poised to disrupt even the most securely-hairsprayed ‘dos. Yet, father-of-the-bride Oren Galor walked into the room with trademark charisma, and confidently told me: “I truly believe it’s going to be a beautiful day.” A few more stories and laughs and before long, it was time for the wedding ceremony.

You know the rest: the wind calmed down long enough for a beautiful ceremony to proceed undisturbed, and the two lovers made official what their friends expected to happen for years: a perfectly loving wedding between Jared and Kendell.

I suppose Kendell and Jared have their own, unique triple crown: horses, hockey, and a love that lasts forever.

Jared Joerger and Oren Galor pose together before the wedding.

Jared and his groomsmen prepared for the wedding together, looking dapper as ever.

Jared and his groomsmen prepared for the wedding together, looking dapper as ever.

Jared Joerger and his mother pose together before the wedding.

Jared and his groomsmen take a selfie before the wedding.

Jared and his groomsmen toast before the wedding.

The Joerger grandparents sat front row to enjoy the wedding.

The groomsmen accompanied the bridesmaids down the aisle.

Led by Jared Joerger and his parents, the groomsmen accompanied the bridesmaids down the aisle.

The flower girls posed before the start of the ceremony.

The groomsmen accompanied the bridesmaids down the aisle.

The groomsmen accompanied the bridesmaids down the aisle.

The groomsmen accompanied the bridesmaids down the aisle.

The groomsmen accompanied the bridesmaids down the aisle.

The groomsmen accompanied the bridesmaids down the aisle.

Jared and his groomsmen were overwhelmed with love as Kendell walked down the aisle.

Kendell and Jared walk down the aisle after saying “I do.”

UNLV’s Second Annual Fall Undergraduate Research Showcase

“Research is you,” proclaimed Dr. Liam Frink, Executive Director at UNLV’s Office of Undergraduate Research. “What you’re doing today, will one day change the world.”

I asked senior anthropology major Samantha Slinkard what motivated her to power through the marathon 16-hour days, late-night research, and statistical formulas that would have given Archimedes fits. “I want to change the world.” Indeed, I believe she will.

I was particularly impressed by Patrick Messimer’s presentation on a prosthetic hand that the College of Engineering developed. The mere fact that “high-functioning robotic hands exist” let alone ones that were designed with “low cost and safe to use” criteria, made me excited for the future of robotics development and what that means for humans in need of prosthetics.

Service Learning Initiative for Community Engagement in Sociology (SLICES) presenters Alyssa Medina and Sarah Kane were also impressive. Lara Turello’s presentation on the source of fecal contaminants in the Las Vegas Valley’s urban watersheds was eye-opening, to the say the least.

UNLV is in hot pursuit of top-tier status, and I for one am thrilled with the professors and students leading the charge.

Senior anthropology major Samantha Slinkard presents her poster to the Showcase judges.

Dr. Liam Frink, Executive Director for the Office of Undergraduate Research, addresses the audience at the start of the Showcase.

Service Learning Initiative for Community Engagement in Sociology (SLICES) attendees snap photographs of Alyssa Medina.

Award-winner Maria presents to a group of judges at the Showcase.

Patrick Messimer mesmerizes Delon Roberts with his presentation on a high-functioning robotic hand.

Wynona Dizon presents her poster at the Showcase.

Ariana Macias and Danica Albright pose in front of their poster at the Showcase.

Raegen Pietrucha and Dr. Brian Hedlund pose in front of the Research Forum banner.

Samantha Slinkard captivates an audience of attendees.

SLICES presenter Alyssa Medina recites her research to Dr. Liam Frink.

Samantha Slinkard presents to an attendee.

A group of judges, including Dr. Han-fen Hu, Cate Weeks, and Dr. Robert Futrell, poses at the Showcase.

Samantha Slinkard poses in the Student Union with one of her judges.