Longtime Fort Wayne philanthropists Ian and Mimi Rolland were honored with United Way’s Bill Latz Award for Leadership on May 19, 2010. The award was presented during United Way’s annual leadership reception at the Lincoln Financial Group Event Center at Parkview Field.
.jpg)
The Rollands are known as caring philanthropists, advocates for children and education, active patrons of the arts and supporters of historic preservation groups. Mr. Rolland spent his entire professional career with Lincoln National Corporation, climbing the ranks to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Together, the Rollands have raised five children and volunteered for countless non-profit agencies and causes. They worked tirelessly to establish the East Wayne Street Center and focused much of their time on ensuring local children have opportunities to attend excellent child care centers and schools. Mr. Rolland is a past United Way Board member, Board Chair and Campaign Chair. Ian and Mimi Rolland have been donating to United Way of Allen County since 1956 and are United Way Tocqueville Society members (leadership donors).
“I am honored to help recognize the Rollands,” said Joe Jordan, executive director of United Way Partner Agency Boys and Girls Club. “When I think of greatness, I think of Ian and Mimi Rolland. They are great because they are willing to put others before themselves and because they see not what is, but what can be.”
“Ian and Mimi Rolland are known for helping others; their passion is helping make the Fort Wayne community stronger by ensuring that its residents can lead happy and productive lives,” said Ron Turpin, board chair for United Way of Allen County. “United Way of Allen County is fortunate to be among the organizations to which the Rollands have dedicated their time and energy. On behalf of United Way and the many people our agency has served over the years, I want to thank the Rollands for their outstanding leadership and advocacy.”
The Bill Latz Award is given only when a volunteer has provided extraordinary leadership and service to United Way of Allen County. Recipients will have provided 20 or more years of service to United Way, will be major donors for many years, and will have made other exemplary contributions to the organization.
Bill Latz passed away in December of 2007. His service to United Way of Allen County was extensive, including volunteering for the organization from 1942 to 2007. Latz served in almost every United Way volunteer capacity; he was the Board Chair, Campaign Chair and an Account Executive. He held the distinguished title of Board Director Emeritus and stepped in as Interim Director prior to the hiring of a permanent President and CEO in 1994. Latz and his wife, Danny, were Diamond Donors for more than 20 years.
