Grace College and Seminary has received one of the largest single gifts in the school’s history. This significant contribution was given to Grace by Mrs. Shirley (Sue) Fuson on behalf of herself and in memory of her late husband, Dr. Robert (Doc) Fuson, who passed away in March of 2012.

This gift will be in the form of Winona Lake frontage, located in Warsaw. The gifted property will be named the “Doc and Sue Fuson Family Leadership Learning Center.” In accepting this property, Grace will help to materialize some of the Fuson’s desires for its use.

While plans are still tentative, the school would like to use the land as a family leadership learning center for Grace’s alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Grace is also looking into further uses for the property in keeping with the Fuson’s wishes, aligning with Grace’s own mission, and helping further foster connections with the surrounding community and alumni. These might include: an antique fire truck museum, a music venue for MasterWorks performances, a family retreat center, a research center for Grace’s Center for Lakes and Streams on Winona Lake, student activities, board events, water sports, events for local children, weddings, funerals, receptions, and a place for host families and students.

“This was an unexpected gift to Grace Schools that was just finalized last week. This gift was so unexpected that it was obviously of the Lord’s doing,” said Dr. Bill Katip, president of Grace College and Seminary. “While it was unexpected to us, it was not unexpected to our Lord. It is part of His plan for Grace College and Seminary, and we thank and praise Him for this as well as for the overwhelming generosity and faithfulness of the Fuson family.”

The late Doc Fuson and his wife, Sue, have been long-time residents of the community. Doc Fuson was the Senior Vice President for Zimmer, Inc. of Warsaw, Ind., from 1975 to 1996. Dr. Fuson was very involved in the community as a board member for the Kosciusko Community Foundation and Warsaw Biblical Gardens. He and Sue loved attending and supporting the MasterWorks Festival and had a love for antique automobiles, especially fire trucks.

“This community is extremely grateful for the gracious contribution from Sue Fuson in honor of her late husband, Dr. Robert Fuson, and his many wonderful causes, his influence, and his vision for Warsaw and Winona Lake,” said Dane Miller, Ph.D., founder of Biomet Inc., and The Village at Winona.

Grace College is an evangelical Christian community of higher education that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service. Grace College also offers flexible online graduate degrees, on-campus and online degree completion programs, and highly affordable, easily accessible degree programs in Detroit, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. The 180-acre main campus is located in the historic resort town of Winona Lake, near Warsaw.