When Scott Rodman was in elementary school in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he learned about George Washington Carver’s advice to start where you are, with what you have, and make something of it. From that point on, Rodman made it his mission to improve whatever community he called home.
Alliant Energy celebrates volunteers who work to build stronger communities. Rodman spent nearly 60 years volunteering all over the world. He raised money for underdeveloped countries while living in Japan, volunteered in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union and transported relief items to a refugee camp in Jordan. He traveled extensively throughout Asia and Africa, making a difference wherever he could.
Then Rodman brought his volunteer efforts to a place he hadn’t expected: His hometown. In 2007, Rodman returned to Fond du Lac to care for his ailing mother. After so much time abroad, Rodman was unsure about staying in a smaller Wisconsin town. Almost immediately, however, he found a cause to support.
“Two or three days after I got back, I saw a newspaper article that said, ‘Fond du Lac diversity initiative,’” said Rodman, who couldn’t believe his good timing.
That meeting was only the beginning. Today, Rodman is a board member for United for Diversity, and a founding and board member of the Humanity Project. He delivers meals for Ruby’s Pantry, volunteers as a mentor to several local veterans and serves on the Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors. He is also a member of Ebony Vision, a community outreach program that advocates for equality and education in relation to Black culture. Alliant Energy was a proud supporter of Ebony Vision’s Juneteenth celebration in 2021.
Of all his volunteer efforts, Rodman is most proud of bringing the Challenge Day anti-bullying workshop to Fond du Lac. He spent three years raising funds and finding staff for the program before the pandemic and is now working to bring it back to his community. Meanwhile he enjoys a side project, making and posting short videos that spotlight unique aspects of life in Fond du Lac.
For many decades and around the world, Rodman has certainly achieved his goal of trying to improve whatever community he calls home. He says the common thread of all his volunteer efforts is that he seeks out “groups that are trying to improve our community so it’s more welcoming to all people.”
As a company with a strong diversity, equity and inclusion commitment, Alliant Energy is proud to support Rodman and his commitment to a welcoming community.