Influencing Diversity in Engineering: Renita Mollman's Impact of Giving

Renita Mollman (CE 88) embodies the spirit of giving back, driven by an ingrained lesson to support others, a desire to see students succeed, and the realization that she's reached a point in her career where she can make a significant impact. This mindset has led her to not only support her alma mater but to consistently increase her gifts of time and treasure.

"About five to seven years into my career, I realized what a gift I had been given with a good, stable job, and I felt able to share," Renita reflects. "I've been so blessed in my career, so it was important to give back to the place that helped me start it."

Renita attended South Dakota Mines when the campus landscape was quite different. There was only one female dorm, tightly secured with separate keys. However, the one constant has been the exceptional quality of education, which significantly shaped Renita's career trajectory. Her Mines education provided her with crucial skills like teamwork and problem-solving, which she still applies today as the Chief Administrative Officer of Burns & McDonnell.

Her journey of giving began modestly with a $25 donation shortly after graduation. Since then, Renita has consistently supported the school, culminating in a significant comprehensive gift. This includes support for the Surbeck Center expansion and the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement. Additionally, she established a scholarship aimed at supporting women pursuing education at Mines.

Renita's motivation for the scholarship stems from her observations during her time at Mines. "I saw many women come to Mines for the first and second year, then leave to marry someone who was graduating," she recalls. This experience fueled her desire to encourage women in STEM fields. 

"I'm a big proponent of diversity," Renita states. "Engineering is still not as diverse as it could be, both in terms of gender and race." She notes that when she graduated, women made up approximately 12% of the engineering field, compared to roughly 20% now, 30 years later. "It'll never be 50/50, but it can improve," she adds.

One recipient of Renita's scholarship is Clare Fischer, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and is expected to graduate in December 2025. Clare expresses her gratitude: "This scholarship enables me to further my education at an excellent university. I can invest in my studies without worrying about the financial burden of college."

As a result of Renita’s scholarship, Clare has been able to join the steel bridge team and the Newman Club, as well as dedicate time to athletics. She has also become a member of WiSE and is a peer mentor for incoming students through the program. Clare has been able to dedicate time to mentoring the next generation of women in science, rather than on her finances, fulfilling Renita's original philanthropic goal.

Renita's contributions extend beyond financial support. She has devoted her time and talent to various boards over the years. Currently, she serves on the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement's Board of Directors. Her past roles include serving on the Civil Engineering Advisory Board, the Dean of Engineering board at the University of Missouri, and the Women's United Way of Kansas City's board.

Through her multifaceted contributions, Renita aims to make a lasting impact on South Dakota Mines and inspire a new generation of donors. "I hope it keeps Mines growing while continuing to be as strong and good as it's always been," she says. "I want to help students have places to flourish and grow and get the support they need. My goal is to continue the legacy of Mines and what it represents."

Renita's story exemplifies how alumni can play a crucial role in shaping the future of their alma mater and the broader engineering field, promoting diversity and excellence for generations to come.