A Legacy of Learning: The Rauen Family’s Transformative Gift to SJSU

In 2018, Molly and Gene Rauen (far right) joined (left to right) Nutrition Instructor Caroline Haas, Senior Development Officer Sonia Wright, Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging Department Chair Ashwini Wagle and Professor Emerita Lucy McProud for lunch. Photo courtesy of Ashwini Wagle.

The College of Health and Human Sciences at San José State University has received a transformative gift from the late Molly and Gene Rauen, whose dedication to education and research will continue to benefit generations of students and faculty. Their generous donation will support the creation of the cutting-edge Molly and Gene Rauen Nutrition Science Research Center, adding to the legacy they began with the Molly and Gene Rauen Endowment for the Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging Department, established in 2003.

“This incredible gift supporting the establishment of the Molly and Gene Rauen Nutrition Science Research Center will enable our faculty to mentor the next generation of nutrition science researchers and practitioners,” says Audrey Shillington, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. “This donation will be critical in advancing nutrition science by providing essential funding for cutting-edge research, innovative facilities, and hands-on, high-impact learning opportunities. Such support will enable a deeper exploration into pressing nutritional challenges, from combating food insecurity to advancing personalized nutrition. Ultimately, this donation will empower us to drive scientific progress, influence policy, and train future leaders in nutrition science. I am deeply grateful.”

“The generosity of Molly and Gene Rauen has impacted our students, faculty, and department in multiple ways,” adds Ashwini Wagle, chair of the Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging. “For the last two decades or more, graduate students have received $1,000 assistance awards for research. Since 2022, the additional funds have helped our graduate students and faculty expand their research. Our undergraduate students now receive $1,000 each, and graduate students receive $2,500 each for their research and professional development.” 

The next chapter

The latest gift from the Rauen family is poised to make an even greater impact, providing the funding necessary to build a one-of-a-kind nutrition research center. The facility will offer both students and faculty a collaborative space to engage in cutting-edge nutrition and food science research.

“The lab will provide students and faculty with a platform for clinical research focusing on basic nutritional science, medical nutrition therapy, sports nutrition and community-based research with a focus on nutrition education,” says Wagle. “This will be a game-changer in how we support student research and provide hands-on experiences that truly make a difference.”

A legacy rooted in education

The Rauens’ commitment to San José State is deeply rooted in their shared belief in the power of education, particularly in providing access to student and faculty research opportunities. Their  support of SJSU was not only about the institution, but also about making a broader impact on students’ lives. Their values were shaped by their family’s history of resilience and dedication to education, even in difficult times.

Molly’s mother became a teacher in the 1920s, and when her husband lost his job during the Great Depression, she became the primary breadwinner, providing for three generations under one roof. Her mother returned to school to earn her master’s degree at Case Western Reserve while teaching five days a week and supporting her entire family. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of education, which became her pride and joy. This unwavering dedication to learning deeply influenced Molly, who carried that appreciation for education throughout her life.

Molly Rauen: A pioneer in nutrition science

Molly’s own educational journey began in Ohio, where she earned her undergraduate degree in the 1950s. She later obtained a certificate in nutrition science from Duke University and met Gene, a talented photographer who transitioned into a career in law. The couple married and built a life centered around service and learning, with Molly pursuing further education, including graduate work at San José State University.

Molly’s master’s thesis research at SJSU, which focused on the dietary treatment of individuals suffering from morbid obesity, was groundbreaking and significantly advanced the understanding of nutritional interventions for patients undergoing surgical bypass procedures. Her family says she was enormously proud of the work she did at San José State, especially with her mentor, then-Chair of Dietetics and Food Department Rose Tseng.

Molly’s dedication to her field continued throughout her career as she served as a registered dietitian for Santa Clara County, always with an eye toward improving public health and nutrition.

A vision for the future

After Gene passed away in 2020, Molly considered how to honor his memory while ensuring their family’s legacy of support for San José State would continue. She remained deeply connected to the university and was particularly excited about the possibility of helping to establish a nutrition science center at her alma mater.

Though Molly passed away in 2023, her vision lives on through the establishment of the Molly and Gene Rauen Nutrition Science Research Center at SJSU. 

Looking ahead

As the plans for the research center take shape, Wagle highlights the incredible potential the center holds for both students and faculty.

“The Molly and Gene Rauen Nutrition Research Center will provide a gateway for engaging undergraduates in research alongside graduate students,” she says. “Student research is a high-impact practice that helps increase retention and engagement while also enriching faculty research. The professionals we send into the field will be more comfortable conducting and understanding research, and they’ll be equipped to apply those skills in their work.”

In addition to fostering academic growth, the Rauen family’s gift will continue to inspire future generations of students to pursue their dreams and engage in hands-on research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges in nutrition and food science.

Through their generosity, Molly and Gene Rauen have ensured that San José State University remains a leader in nutrition science education and research while also honoring their legacy of service and commitment to education.

Learn more about the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Packaging at the College of Health and Human Sciences.