Contributed by Stanislaus State

Turlock’s Dieter and Hanna Renning both worked at Stanislaus State for many years, mentoring students along the way. But their dedication to the University didn’t end when they retired. Instead, they continued supporting students through a simple but powerful act: giving $50 a month. 

Since 1987, the Rennings’ steady contributions have accumulated into $29,215 in scholarship funds. For decades, the couple has been funding the Renning Economics Scholarship and Renning Music Scholarship, proving that small, consistent donations can make a significant difference. 

Dieter, 91 years young, is a professor emeritus, having taught economics from 1970 until retiring in 1996. Hanna served as a library assistant at the Vasché Library for a decade and at the Stanislaus County Library’s Turlock branch.  

Both were born in Germany during World War II and met while attending college in their native country. 

“We met through mutual friends,” Hanna Renning said. “I was a member of the German history club and Dieter was working on his dissertation for his doctorate in economics.” 

In 1961, the couple got married and shortly thereafter moved to the United States. Dieter Renning got a job teaching at Kenyon College in Gambler, Ohio.  

The couple moved to California in 1970 with their two small children when Dieter was offered a faculty position at Stan State. The Rennings fell in love with the campus and community. 

According to the Rennings, Kenyon College had a more ivy league atmosphere, and they liked the down-to-earth atmosphere at Stanislaus State. 

“We have had a good experience with the University here and we really like the students at Stan State,” Hanna Renning said. “Turlock was a good place to raise our family.”  

Music has always been important to the couple, and they sang in choirs most of their lives. In retirement, Dieter is active in the University’s Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association and Hanna is part of the University chapter of the American Association of University Women.  

The couple is also part of a group of campus German speakers who meet once a month to speak German over lunch. 

“We bonded immediately over the fact that I spoke German, as I had spent my junior year of college in Salzburg, Austria,” said Stan State Professor of Music Deborah Kavasch. “That began a life-long friendship.” 

Both of the Rennings used to sing in the Concert Chorale, an ensemble for which Kavasch and her late husband John Marvin were composers. She said she has fond memories of taking trips with the Rennings to Germany.  

“The Rennings have been long-time supporters of the arts,” Kavasch said. “Their support has been such a meaningful asset to so many students.”   

Stan State Professor of Music Daniel Afonso has known the Rennings since 1999, when he started teaching at the University. When he came on board, the Rennings were already strong supporters of the Music Department.

“The scholarship fund is what really allows us to reach students in our community for whom a college degree would not be possible. With their donations, the Rennings have impacted and helped change the lives of dozens of Stan State students,” said Afonso.

As experienced choral singers, the Rennings have been particularly interested in supporting students in choral/voice studies. 

“I first met Dieter when one of our choirs was singing a piece in German, and Dr. Renning graciously accepted my invitation to come to our rehearsal and coach the group on the German pronunciation,” Afonso said. “During the last 25 years, Dieter returned innumerous times to help our choirs with German pronunciation.”   

The couple joined the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus in 2002, which was founded by Afonso, who still directs it. Both sang in the ensemble for nearly 20 seasons before recently retiring from singing. 

“Dieter and Hanna are truly wonderful people,” Afonso said. “They have been loyal supporters of the music department for decades and have been donating to our music scholarship fund for a very long time.” 

Afonso said the couple regularly attended concerts and recitals on campus and volunteered for many special events.  

Dozens of students have reached out to the Rennings over the decades to express their gratitude. Many became music educators and have been employed locally. 

“The letters from students are always really nice to get,” Hannah Renning said. “It’s gratifying to hear over the years we have helped students. It’s really important to remember to give back.”