Bison Across the Mountain West, UNLV: NDSU Alum Helped Shape Vegas’ Skyline
A degree from NDSU can take you further than you could’ve ever imagined. For Mitchell Trageton, it took him from his hometown of Northwood, North Dakota, to Las Vegas — where his architectural contributions can be seen on major landmarks along the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
As senior vice president of architecture for Marnell Companies, Trageton oversees the design and development of multiple projects from concept through construction. During his 39-year career with the company, he has worked on well-known properties including the Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio and Wynn.
In his role, the 1987 NDSU graduate leads teams of architects, designers, consultants and contractors while serving as a key liaison between project owners and design professionals. His team typically works on 10 to 12 projects at a time.
"My favorite aspect is pulling the team together and working with the owner to develop a project and then see it through its completion," Trageton said. "The organization of it, the personal interaction and relationships that are created, that's really what I enjoy most."
Hitting the Desert Ground Running
Trageton moved to Las Vegas immediately after earning his degree in architecture, recruited by 1978 NDSU graduates John Klai — for whom NDSU’s Klai Hall is named — and Dan Juba to join them at Marnell.
His first project was the Mirage, the first property on the Strip to combine a casino with a large, attached resort that included a hotel, pool, theater and many other amenities. Its success upon opening in 1989 is credited with launching the Strip’s “mega resort” boom that followed in the 1990s. Today, there are over 30 resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.
Despite the massive size of the project, Trageton took important lessons from the Mirage that applied well beyond the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
“It’s interesting: as fortunate as we are to have worked on projects that are large, scale-wise and construction value-wise, we treat them no differently than a small project,” explained Trageton. “Each project is really rewarding in that way, too.”
The work that Trageton’s Marnell teams executed on the various projects has also earned them the opportunity to return to some larger projects and guide them through renovations, including his favorite project, the Bellagio.
“I have been fortunate to go back to the Bellagio and work with them again numerous times,” he said. “I have enjoyed being able to stay involved with it; understanding the very beginnings when it started, from the first construction and the first completion, all the way through subsequent expansions and remodels.”
The NDSU-forged relationship shared by Trageton and Klai would stand the test of time, as well. Not only was Klai a mentor to Trageton until Klai passed away in 2023, but also a brother-in-law — Trageton is married to Klai’s sister Joni.
Lessons for a Lifetime from NDSU
While the networking that led to his connection with Klai and Juba was the clearest advantage that NDSU gave Trageton when joining the professional ranks, he insists that it’s far from the only thing he took with him from Fargo to Las Vegas.
"When people move away from the Midwest, you hear about the Midwest work ethic," Trageton said. "I'm a full believer in that. NDSU is very much in that vein where it is a close-knit group, supportive and stresses independence and work ethic."
Trageton also credits the university's community atmosphere and supportive faculty for contributing to his success.
"NDSU just has a great community environment," he said. "That's from the student body and the faculty and administration. It's a very well-rounded community effort."
He said interacting with students from different backgrounds broadened his perspective, while faculty members encouraged independence while remaining available to provide guidance when needed.
For prospective students considering architecture, Trageton said NDSU's reputation, accomplished alumni network and welcoming culture set it apart.
"The faculty, facilities and community support are invaluable," he said. "NDSU creates an environment that is personable, approachable and supportive."
Mountain West Brings the Bison to Vegas
As someone who attended NDSU in the 1980s, Trageton’s experience as a Bison football fan has run the gamut from the Division II championship days at Dacotah Field, to NDSU’s 21st century FCS dominance at the Fargodome to this year’s FBS jump into the Mountain West Conference.
The Bison will even be playing at Allegiant Field, home of the NFL’s Raiders, when they visit Trageton’s longtime home of Las Vegas on Saturday to face UNLV on national television.
"Who would have thought?" Trageton asked with a laugh. "From Dacotah Field playing outdoors to playing in NFL stadiums, it's pretty cool."
He believes the move will further elevate the university's visibility while strengthening the pride and connections that already exist among Bison fans across the country.
"There's so many positives that come from a strong program and following like that," Trageton said. "It's the pride and the camaraderie. You meet people everywhere who have that common thread with NDSU."
See where an NDSU degree can take you by applying today or scheduling a visit.
Bison Across the Mountain West is an ongoing series to spotlight NDSU alumni who have already blazed their trails in the regions where Bison Football will be traveling for Mountain West Conference games. A new story will run the Thursday before every football in-conference away game, corresponding to the area of that week's opponent. View all stories in the series here.
NDSU Marketing and Communications
Source: Mitchell Trageton
Writer: Paul Teeple
Photo: Mitchell Trageton