Boyd Gaming Corporation partnered with the University of Nevada Las Vegas to help build a new academic building and also to strengthen their relationship with the university by contributing $2.5 million to support the expansion of William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

Len Jessup, UNLV President, said that BGC has been their valued partner for decades and the university has been appreciative of their support.

"We are grateful and appreciative of the investments the company has made in our institution over the years. Their support of the Hotel College will further elevate the program and help attract students who will become future leaders of the industry," he added.

The company has supported UNLV, which is the southern Nevada's largest institution of higher learning, for a long time. The university's home stadium was even named after the Company's co-founder Sam Boyd, which shows how grateful the university is for the contribution of the gaming company to their success.

Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, said that they have been supporting the university because a strong and vibrant university is needed in a world-class community.

"We see the Hotel College project as an outstanding opportunity to continue our track record of support, and to help UNLV further strengthen its reputation as one of the world's leading hospitality programs." He explained.

According to Zacks Investment Research, Boyd Gaming Corporation shares have been given a 3.1 rating by analysts. The ratings are at a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 represents a strong buy and 5 a strong sell. Sell-side broker firms' price target on shares of the company is $14.125, which was based on analysts one year projections on stock.

The most patient analyst priced the target for $12, while the most aggressive firm concludes that the stock will reach $16 in a year.