Maroon & Gold Alumni Spotlight: Rex Rodenbaugh’s Enduring Commitment to MMA

"MMA is more than just a place I went to school. It is a home that you can always come back to. It is a family that will always love you. It is a brotherhood that will always be there for you." — Rex Rodenbaugh '95.

Rex Rodenbaugh, MMA Class of 1995, epitomizes unwavering support for MMA's mission and values. Committed to the Academy's growth and success, he has consistently demonstrated his dedication through philanthropic contributions to MMA, including supporting Maroon & Gold for the past three years.

Rodenbaugh's cumulative contributions have elevated him to the Honor Donor level within the Lifetime Giving Society. As a result, his name will be added to the Lifetime Giving Wall in July 2024.

The recipient of the Paul Gillette Alumnus of the Year Award in 2022, Rodenbaugh is also an 1889 Scholarship Donor and has been a sponsor of homecoming golf tournament every year since 2018.

Rodenbaugh currently lives in Kansas City, where he is the managing director of KC Investor Funding, focused on supporting residential rehab projects for real estate investors.

Below, learn more about Rodenbaugh and his view of his alma mater.

What age did you start at MMA? Who were you then?

I started attending MMA in eighth grade at the age of 13. My mom worked at MMA in administration for 20+ years (Brenda Rodenbaugh, now Brenda Doerhoff), and my parents had always wanted me to attend MMA. The summer before eighth grade, I made the decision that I wanted to start in eighth grade. I felt that it was an honor and privilege to attend such a prestigious school. I was always a good kid and strived to do my best. I felt that MMA would be a huge stepping stone to leading a successful and fulfilling life.

Rex Rodenbaugh, MMA class of 1995. 

What was your MMA experience like? 

My experience at MMA was amazing and was everything I imagined it would be and more. I was very active at MMA. I was a member of the Delta Phi Honor Society, a member of the band and drum and bugle corps, was the band commander my senior year, and I ran cross country (although very slow...).

I wrestled all four years (and was captain my senior year), and I played golf all four years. The summer before my junior year, I questioned whether I wanted to continue attending MMA or just have a normal teenage life and attend public school. Ultimately, I made the choice to finish school at MMA, and I was so grateful that I did.

Do you have any faculty or staff who were particularly influential in your MMA life? 

The entire faculty and staff played a positive role in my MMA life. But to name a few:

Col. Stribling III. My mom had worked for the Col. for many years. He was an amazing boss to my mom, such a great leader to everyone at MMA and quite the role model. He cared for everyone, especially the cadets, and it showed. 

Paul Baum. I had the privilege of being taught Spanish by Paul each of my five years at MMA. He was passionate about teaching the Spanish language, and I learned so much from him. He was a constant in my entire MMA life and always someone I could talk to. He understood the cadet life, being that he was once one himself.

And to name a few more ... Richard Twells, Robert Samples, Greg Pauley and Bob Piper. 

What do you think is the most important thing that MMA taught you?

It is hard to narrow it down to one thing. MMA has instilled in me how to be disciplined, to always be learning, to strive for excellence, to never give up, to serve others, to give back, and the importance of integrity and doing what I say I am going to do. 

Why do you consistently support MMA as a Maroon & Gold sponsor? What does it mean to you to give back?

MMA is more than just a place I went to school. It is a home that you can always come back to. It is a family that will always love you. It is a brotherhood that will always be there for you. I don’t feel like I can give back enough for all that MMA has done for me. But more importantly, I give back because it is my hope that MMA will be here for many generations to come — to continue growing our MMA family.

What do you hope others would understand about MMA and the importance of its mission?

MMA is a huge opportunity for any young man willing to embrace it in all that it provides. MMA builds confidence, teaches you how to be courageous and how to be successful at anything you set your mind to.

Your support makes the success of MMA cadets and alumni possible. Please make a gift today to help continue our mission, or click here to show your support at the Maroon & Gold Gala on April 20, 2024.