Aspire Campaign Chairman Greg Dosmann announces the largest campaign in Grace College & Seminary history at a Thursday evening gala. The $37 million Aspire Campaign has garnered $27.08 million to date. Photo credit to Grace College & Seminary. (photo provided)

WINONA LAKE — Grace College & Seminary hosted a gala Thursday, March 23, at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, Winona Lake, to formally announce their Aspire Campaign.

The campaign goal is $37 million, with plans to enhance academic programs, expand the Dr. Dane A. Miller Science Complex and increase funding for programs. The Aspire Campaign is the largest campaign in Grace history; it is four times greater than any past fundraising effort. Bill Katip, president of Grace College & Seminary, announced at the gala that $27.08 million of that goal has already been met.

The core priorities of the Aspire Campaign are educational excellence, connected community, culture of innovation and sustainable affordability.

Bill Burke, chairman, Grace College Board of Trustees, announced that Grace College & Seminary is seeking to start its own mechanical engineering program. According to Burke, there are currently 60 students enrolled in engineering at Grace College. That number is expected to grow by offering mechanical engineering on the Grace College campus beginning in 2018. Grace College has enjoyed a partnership with Trine University to provide engineering degrees on the Grace Campus. It is believed that now is the right time to start their own engineering program at Grace College. Burke said that Grace College has been growing in science and math capabilities. As part of the Aspire Campaign, Grace College is seeking $1.5 million dollars to go toward launching the engineering program.

Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Center for Lakes and Streams, and Suzie Light, executive director, Kosciusko Community Foundation, announced that the Center for Lakes and Streams is in its tenth year. Bosch and Light informed those in attendance that gifts and pledges from 78 different businesses, organizations and individuals currently totals over $5 million for the endowment for the Center for Lakes and Streams. Light stated that the beauty of an endowment is that those funds are permanently invested to provide ongoing support forever for the Center. Of the current $5 million raised, over $1 million is from local businesses, organizations and individuals; $1.5 million is from the Lilly family through the Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Foundation; and $2.5 million is from Lilly Endowment Inc. To acknowledge the generosity of the Lilly family of Lake Wawasee, the name of the Center has been changed to the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams.

Pastor Mike Yoder, a Grace College graduate, Grace Seminary graduate and member of the Grace College Board of Trustees, announced the development of Deploy. Yoder described Deploy as a biblically-centered, competency-based education program that will be hosted in churches around the country. Future pastors and ministry leaders will receive a theological education at a location that will facilitate the development of their skills and knowledge. Yoder said, “What is most exciting is the opportunity to train new leaders.”

Drew Flamm, vice president for advancement at Grace College & Seminary, shared the touching story of Florence Horn, who grew up in Kosciusko County. At the age of 48, Horn enrolled at Grace College to pursue a degree in elementary education. Horn obtained her degree and went on to a successful teaching career.

Every year since graduating, Horn has written a check for $1,000 to support Grace College. She has done this faithfully for 49 years. Horn said she wanted to be able to help students who may not have been able to get a college education otherwise. In 2016 Horn doubled her donation, writing a check to Grace College for $2,000. She stated that she wanted to ensure that she gave $50,000 to the school and was doubling the amount, “Just in case I don’t make it another year.” Horn is humble about her donations, stating there are probably a lot of other graduates who give more than she does. Flamm emphasized that giving is not about the amount one gives. Horn was invited to attend the Aspire Gala but declined, stating that, “Being 100, I no longer go out at night.” Horn’s annual gifts support the Grace Fund, which provides scholarships for students and helps keep tuition costs as low as possible. $5 million is being sought for the Grace Fund.

Tyler Tillett, a senior majoring in marketing at Grace College, spoke about the scholarship assistance that made it possible for him to attend Grace. Tillett stated that he was initially unaware of how a smaller school would operate. He described Grace College as having, “An infectious openness and acceptance of others,” and states, “When you step on the campus you feel included and like part of the family.”  Tillett said his confidence has grown and he feels ready to achieve his dreams and serve Christ in every way possible.

Dominic Kimbrough, a senior studying marketing at Grace College, praised the educational programs and atmosphere, stating, “My experiences at Grace have taught me how to be a Christian man in the business world.”