The School of Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas was given nearly $13 million by a philanthropist to help provide scholarships and graduate fellowships for students studying special education.
The money comes from the estate of Clarine “Kitty” Rodman, who died in February at age 88. Rodman helped create two construction firms that built casinos and hotels, as well as projects for the Clark County School District (which includes Las Vegas) and residence halls at UNLV. Rodman was also closely affiliated with Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas nonprofit that provides job opportunities and training for adults with intellectual disabilities.
The gift is the largest received by the university’s school of education and is expected to spin off more than $400,000 annually for student awards. It is also the largest single source of funds at UNLV for doctoral fellowships.