UNLV is saddened to announce the passing of supporter Kitty Rodman who died today after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. She was 88.

Rodman was known for being among the first women in the construction industry in Las Vegas and was a partner in Sierra Construction Corporation, which built projects for the Atomic Energy Commission, Nellis Air Force Base, Clark County School District, UNLV, and numerous hotels and casinos.

Rodman was a founding member of the UNLV Jean Nidetch Women's Center and her contribution helped establish the physical therapy program. She was a member of the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees since the 1980s.

"Kitty was a remarkable friend to UNLV," said UNLV President Donald Snyder, who served concurrently with Rodman on the UNLV Foundation Board from 1988-2011 and as chairman from 1996-2001. "She will be deeply missed by all of us who knew and admired her. She was a stalwart businesswoman with a heart of gold. Her passion for education was inexhaustible, and she leaves a lasting legacy at UNLV."

For 40 years she was involved with Opportunity Village, a nonprofit organization that provides jobs for intellectually disabled people. A member of Executive Women International since 1955, Rodman has also shared her time and wisdom with young women embarking on their professional careers, encouraging not only self-improvement, but also a willingness for community service.

She was named a Distinguished Nevadan in 1991 for her support of the UNLV residential life. In 1995, UNLV conferred upon Rodman an honorary doctorate degree for her distinguished service to the university. In 1998, she received the President's Medal in recognition of her longstanding commitment to UNLV and higher education. Rodman received the 2005 Silver State Award, the highest honor given to non-alumni by the UNLV Alumni Association. In 2007 she was inducted into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame.