A reception was held at Westminster Hall on the campus of Grace College Thursday, April 25, prior to announcing the fundraising goal had been exceeded.

WINONA LAKE — Grace College & Seminary on Thursday night, April 25, announced it had exceeded its massive fundraising goal and did so a year earlier than had been projected.

Launched in March 2017, the ASPIRE Campaign sought to raise $37 million to fund Grace’s vision to be an exemplary, Christ-centered educational community characterized by innovation, affordability and real-world preparation, according to a news release from the college.

Aspire Campaign Chairman Greg Dosmann announced the campaign had raised $38,506,130.46 — exceeding its goal by more than $1 million and doing so more than a year earlier than projected.

“It’s an outpouring of the Lord’s blessing like you never, ever, ever could have imagined,” said College President Dr. Bill Katip to an audience of more than 150 dinner guests.

“This remarkable figure represents the generosity and sacrificial giving of 7,339 individuals. Not only did our friends give above and beyond what we had hoped, but they did so a full year ahead of expectation,” Katip said. “We praise God and thank each of you for partnering with us to make lasting investments in Grace College & Seminary that will impact individual lives, this community and our world for years to come.”

Through the ASPIRE Campaign, Grace has made long-awaited investments in its athletic facilities including its first-ever track and field complex, a new competition-level soccer stadium and a rebuilt softball diamond.  In addition, the school has reshaped campus traffic flow and added new green space to beautify and enhance its outdoor space.

Dinner guests were taken on a livestream tour of the new $8 million Dr. Dane A. Miller Science Complex. They saw where and how the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams utilizes the facility for additional research capabilities and educational opportunities for area students. 

Throughout the night, three current and former students shared their stories: business management major and track athlete Martin Schiele, recent alumna and local teacher Meredith Smith and blended degree student Hannah Deblois.  The students’ stories personified the impact of the Aspire Campaign.