Investing in Education: Alum Shares Gratitude for USU Experience

Randy Rhodes with his wife, Heidi, posing in Winslow, Arizona, with a statue of Glenn Frey from the classic rock band, the Eagles.
Randy Rhodes always believed in the power of education and the opportunities it creates. A graduate of Utah State University’s S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Randy’s journey from a small-town student to a successful senior water resources analyst was built on the strong foundation he received at USU. Now, with a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back, Randy has made a generous planned gift to support the university that played such a pivotal role in his life.
Reflecting on his time at USU, Randy fondly recalls the breadth and depth of his education.
“I took a variety of courses that broadened my perspective beyond watershed science,” he said. “A logic course in the philosophy department and a political science class really opened my eyes to different ways of thinking.”
He also took an anthropology class and was amazed at how lessons from that course later proved valuable during his Peace Corps experience.
His well-rounded education and the stimulating conversations he had with fellow students helped shape his career and personal outlook.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1972, Randy explored multiple career paths, including serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean, working in oil and gas drilling and exploration, and ultimately pursuing a master’s degree in earth resources from Colorado State University. Over the course of his 28-year career with a Fortune 500 company, Randy managed complex water resources — a skillset he attributes to his foundational training at USU.
“My degree gave me the fundamental knowledge I needed, from measuring stream flow to understanding natural resource management,” Randy explained. “It was a great start to my professional journey, and I want to ensure that future students have the same opportunities.”
Randy’s decision to make a planned gift to USU’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute of Land, Water, and Air came after a conversation with USU Advancement’s planned giving team.
“I didn’t realize planned giving was a possibility,” he admitted. “When USU asked if my wife, Heidi, and I were interested, we realized it was a perfect way to leave a legacy.”
By setting aside funds in their will, Randy and Heidi are ensuring their support for future generations of students and researchers.
As passionate travelers, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts, Randy and Heidi see their gift as a reflection of their values.
“Education and research are so important for our future,” Randy said. “Students who engage in research not only help advance discovery, but also gain hands-on experience that shapes their careers. It’s a double win.”
Randy’s planned gift will help fund research initiatives and scholarships, allowing students to pursue their academic goals without the financial challenges he once faced.
“I know what it’s like to struggle to pay for school,” he said. “If I can ease that burden for even one student, it’s worth it.”
Planned giving is a powerful way for USU alumni like Randy to give back, ensuring that USU continues to provide high-quality education and research opportunities for years to come. Through his generosity, Randy is leaving a lasting impact on the university and inspiring others to consider how they, too, can support the next generation of Aggies.
Consider leaving a legacy that makes a lasting impact by including Utah State University in your trust or will. A charitable bequest is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to support USU’s mission, allowing you to shape the future while maintaining control of your assets during your lifetime. Your generosity can empower students, advance research, and strengthen programs for generations to come.