Fort Wayne philanthropist, Miriam “Mimi” Vee Rolland has passed away at the age of 90.The Rollands are connected to many artistic endeavors across Fort Wayne, including: the formation of Headwaters Park; the remodeling of the Embassy Theatre; the assembly of the local AIDS task force; and the 55,000 square-foot Art and Visual Communication Center complex on the University of Saint Francis’ campus. Photo courtesy of Google.

News Release

FORT WAYNE — Miriam “Mimi” Vee Rolland, who alongside her late husband, Ian, backed a variety of Fort Wayne business and art ventures, has died.

Mimi Rolland passed at the age of 90 on Aug. 19. She was born on July 13, 1933 to her parents Gaython Simon and Helen G. Flickinger.

She married Ian on July 3, 1955. The couple would share 61 years together before Ian would pass at the age of 84.

The couple made a gift of $1 million supported the design of the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, which can be found on the main floor of the downtown Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. The research center displays original handwritten notes and letters, photos, documents and furniture from the 16th President of the United States.

Formerly, the collection was held in the Fort Wayne Lincoln Financial Museum before the Lincoln National Corp. transitioned headquarters to Pennsylvania. The artifacts were then distributed between the library and Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites.

The library houses articles such as photographs and letters, while the ISMHS houses articles like clothing owned by the president and first lady.

The Rollands are connected to many artistic endeavors across Fort Wayne, including: the formation of Headwaters Park; the remodeling of the Embassy Theatre; the assembly of the local AIDS task force; and the 55,000 square-foot Art and Visual Communication Center complex on the University of Saint Francis’ campus.

The University of Saint Francis released the statement regarding the passing of Mimi Rolland:

“The University of Saint Francis is saddened to learn of the passing of our longtime friend and supporter Mimi Rolland. Mimi and her late husband, Ian, contributed greatly to our students and especially to Saint Francis Creative Arts. The Rollands graciously agreed to allow Saint Francis to name the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center in their honor in the fall of 2000. The University also awarded Mimi a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2016. All of us at Saint Francis extend our heartfelt condolences to the Rolland family during this time of loss.”

A memorial gathering will be held tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 26 from 2-5 p.m. at Junior Achievement, 550 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 27 at Junior Achievement.

Memorial contributions can be made to Fort Wayne Museum of Art through their website fwmoa.org/support-us/.