Dr. Harvey Allen Godorov

Dr. Harvey Allen Godorov was born to Jacob and Minnie Godorov in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 31, 1931. He was married to Gail Godorov for 47 years.

Harvey came to Las Vegas the first time in 1955 and worked as production singer at the Sands Hotel. He went on to work at five other Strip hotels including appearing in "South Pacific" at the Thunderbird Hotel.

Harvey left Las Vegas for the first time to study acting at the John Cassevettes Actor's Workshop in New York. Cassevettes directed Harvey for his appearance in "Talent 58," an actor's showcase sponsored by the American Theater Wing at the Majestic Theater on Broadway.

In 1964, Harvey earned an FCC First Class Radio/Telephone License and began his venture into broadcasting. He worked as TV director and had his own radio show in Yuma, Arizona, while taking classes at Arizona Western Jr. College. In 1968, he moved to Turlock, California, and completed his A.A. degree in Speech/ Broadcasting/Journalism at Modesto Jr. College and then attended San Diego St. University where he completed his B.A. in Telecommunications/Film/ Journalism, graduating cum laude and with Distinction in the Major. He was announcer for the schools' marching band for three years and interned at KOGO TV and Radio as DJ, news writer and in TV production. He then spent a year in Denver and worked at KOA-Radio/TV as DJ, news reporter in radio and weather man on TV.

Back in Las Vegas for the final time in 1970, Harvey taught as adjunct professor at CCSN for a couple of years, and after earning his Master's Degree at UNLV, he became a full- time professor for 31 years teaching courses in English, speech, journalism, theater, acting and broadcasting. He developed programs in TV and radio and started the broadcasting and journalism internships. He directed the very first play at the school: "Hatful of Rain." He was faculty advisor for the school paper, the Reflector, served on the Faculty Senate and announced for graduation services for many years. He produced and hosted a weekly Public Service show on radio for and about the college and produced, did the voice-overs and placed radio PSAs for the college. He found time to teach graduate classes in education at UNLV and produced TV PSAs for Reading Week for two years, one year with then Governor Robert List and U.S. Senator Howard Cannon, and the next year with comedian Buddy Hackett. In 1978, Harvey started announcing for UNLV's Marching Band. He continues to this day, being the first and only marching band announcer the band has ever had. In 1979, Harvey received his doctorate in secondary education from UNLV and in the mid 1980's, he switched to teaching night classes at CCSN so he could host an all-night radio talk show on 50-thousand-watt radio station KDWN for a number of years.

In 2007, Harvey's name was entered into the U.S. Congressional Record, and in 2008 he was elected to the Nevada Broadcaster's Hall of Fame.

Harvey has written columns and articles for local magazines and newspapers over the years. He retired from teaching in 2006 but kept busy with his advertising agency and helping his wife, Gail, the Founding President of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Nevada, to whom he has been married for 47 years. He loved gardening and photography and enjoyed his four children, all graduates of UNLV, and his four grandchildren.

Harvey was preceded in death by his sister Muriel and two brothers, Stanley Godorov and Robert Godorov.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gail Godorov, and his four children: Adam Godorov (Susan), Jordan Godorov, (Salvi), Dr. Dory Mizrachi, Marissa Godorov, four grandchildren Kobe, Ethan, Sarah, and Bryce, and niece Robin Greenspun (Danny).

Donations made in memory of Dr. Harvey Godorov can be made payable to UNLV Foundation with "UNLV Bands - Dr. Godorov" included in the check memo and mailed to:

UNLV College of Fine Arts

Attention: Diane Zapach

4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 455013

Las Vegas, NV 89154-5013

For online donations, www.unlv.edu/finearts/support go to and select "View All giving opportunities or select multiple" and check "Other" in the drop-box menu and add "UNLV Bands." There is also a question "Would you like to dedicate this gift" where it can be made in memory of Dr. Godorov.

Questions can be directed to Diane Zapach, 702-895-4292 or [email protected].

A funeral service for Harvey will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at King David Memorial Chapel, 2697 E. Eldorado Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at King David Cemetery, 2697 E. Eldorado Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120. Meal of condolence to follow.