Franklin College recently received three significant gifts supporting the renovation and restoration of the Elwood Fitness Center as part of Franklin Forward: The Campaign for Franklin College.

The renovation and restoration, currently underway, will preserve and improve the exterior of the historic building while retaining its architectural integrity. At the same time, the interior space will transform into a modern, functional space for students to pursue fitness, recreational and athletic activities. The gymnasium will be restored primarily for recreational use. The lower level of the building will be renovated to provide office, locker room and support service areas for the football, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse teams that compete in Faught Stadium across the street. 

Drs. Leonard L. (Len) ’62 and Teresa Bissonnette have pledged $250,000 toward the renovation of the Elwood Fitness Center. Over the years the Bissonnettes have been generous supporters of the College with multiple major gifts. Since 2006, they have funded two endowed student scholarships in pre-medicine. The couple also made a significant gift toward launching the Franklin College Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program in 2018 and subsequently funded an endowment to support engaged learning in the sciences in 2019. Most recently, they supported the Franklin College Campaign for the Sciences, and the Science Center now features three areas named in their honor, the zoology and botany labs and the museum.

“It is a pleasure to support the campaign to renovate the historic gymnasium within the Elwood Fitness Center,” said Len. “Preserving this important space while transforming it into a state-of-the-art fitness facility ensures it will continue to serve Franklin College students for generations to come. We are especially proud to name the conference room the Drs. Leonard ’62 and Teresa Bissonnette Conference Room, which we hope will be used to welcome and interview prospective students, among many other purposes. Franklin College has long provided a strong environment for both academics and athletics, and this project further enhances that tradition. An education is something no one can take away, and we believe Franklin College is an exceptional place to receive it. We have been inspired by the remarkable growth and progress of the campus and its curriculum over the years.”

Wes Cunningham ’87 has pledged $250,000, including $200,000 to support the renovation of the Elwood Fitness Center and $50,000 to benefit the Franklin Fund. Cunningham has been a loyal supporter of the College’s Franklin Fund, esports program and the Counseling Center. In 2018, the College recognized his selfless act of donating a life-saving kidney to a former college classmate by presenting him with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

“I made this gift because, 43 years after arriving at Franklin College and 39 years after graduating, I remain deeply invested in the College’s long-term success,” said Cunningham. “I am impressed by the changes Franklin has made — from expanding degree offerings to strengthening recruitment, enrollment and retention practices, while also exercising thoughtful fiscal management — ensuring its continued vitality. Just as individuals must adapt as circumstances change, institutions must do the same. The administration and the board of trustees have demonstrated both the commitment and ability to make the decisions necessary to sustain the College for the long term. I am pleased to be part of that effort.”

Trustee Cary Guse ’94, M.D., and his wife, Kristi (King) ’93 have made a gift commitment designating the athletic training room in the renovated Elwood Fitness Center as the Dr. Cary ’94 and Kristi (King) Guse ’93 Athletic Training Room.

Over the years, the couple has demonstrated a deep commitment to their alma mater, consistently investing in the Franklin Fund while also supporting the Pi Beta Phi scholarship fund and the Goaltenders and Bull Pen Clubs. In addition to their financial support, Kristi has served on the Alumni Council, while Cary has participated in on-campus pre-med panels, sharing professional insights and guidance with students. In 2014, the couple further strengthened their impact by making a major gift to support the Franklin College Campaign for the Sciences.

“Without financial assistance, a college education would have been an impossibility,” said Cary. “The Franklin College alumni base stepped up for us. Because of their contributions to the Franklin Fund, our education and experiences at FC changed our lives. It’s only right that we lend the same help to others who want the chance to work toward their dreams. It’s a good feeling to share each other’s successes. Now it’s our turn to do the same for future Grizzlies.”

“Each of these generous commitments reflects a deep belief in the power of a Franklin College education and the transformative impact of the Franklin Forward campaign,” said Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather. “These gifts do more than enhance our facilities and programs — they create meaningful opportunities for current and future students. We are very thankful to each of these donors for their loyal support.”

Franklin Forward is a five-year, $40 million comprehensive fundraising initiative designed to enhance the sustainability and continued impact of the College. It focuses primarily on growing the College’s endowment to support scholarships, academic programs and student experiences, while also funding a major renovation of the Elwood Fitness Center and advancing key institutional priorities. The campaign, which began in 2024 and was publicly launched last month, will conclude June 30, 2028.

To learn more about the campaign and details about giving, go to www.franklincollege.edu/franklin-forward or contact Nora Brems, vice president for institutional advancement, at (317) 738-8864 or nbrems@FranklinCollege.edu.