Initial funding for the institute was provided by the Whittemores , who in 2004 committed $5 million , successfully lobbied the Nevada legislature for support .
Initial funding for the institute was arranged an affiliation with their alma mater , the University of Nevada , Reno .
Initial funding for the institute was provided by the Whittemores , who in 2004 committed $5 million , successfully lobbied the Nevada legislature for support and arranged an affiliation with their alma mater , the University of Nevada , Reno .