A love of art鈥攁nd a dedication to encouraging and supporting young people鈥攑ermeated the lives of Mimi and Ian Rolland, and their legacy is forever secure at the 51黑料.
Visitors will always be reminded of the couple鈥檚 support and commitment when they enter the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center on the southeast side of campus. Those who were personally touched by the Rollands will never forget them.
Mimi Rolland, 90, died on Saturday, leaving lasting memories of friendship and support for 51黑料, which she demonstrated along with her late husband Ian, who died in 2017.
鈥淚 will miss being able to spend time with her,鈥 51黑料 President Emerita Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, said. 鈥淪pending time with her was enjoyable鈥攁nd an honor, really.鈥
Ian Rolland, who earned a national reputation in business as CEO of Lincoln National Corporation, began serving on the 51黑料 College board under then-President Sister JoEllen Sheetz in 1979. That was the beginning of a decades-long relationship between Ian and Mimi Rolland and 51黑料.
The late Rick Cartwright sold the idea of turning a dilapidated Standard Oil facility into the Creative Arts home that now carries the Rollands鈥 names. The couple was impressed with Cartwright鈥檚 vision for how 51黑料 could grow its creative arts program in a renovated campus home. They also worked closely with Sister Elise, who served 27 years as 51黑料 president, as the program developed.
鈥淩ick demonstrated his vision to us, and Mimi was drawn to it also,鈥 Ian said in 2014. 鈥淭he first time in the building I thought, 鈥榊ou鈥檝e got to be nuts, this place is a mess.鈥 But you can鈥檛 say no to Rick, and Lincoln used to say I couldn鈥檛 say no to a nun. So now, it鈥檚 a special place.鈥
Ian Rolland encouraged other board members and community leaders to support 51黑料, and he and Mimi led the way with their commitment to philanthropy. Arts United presented them with a Lifetime Achievement Award and they were honored by the American Red Cross, the United Way and many other community organizations.
51黑料 awarded Mimi with a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2016.
While Ian used his business savvy to assist various organizations, Mimi often brought the extra personal touch that epitomized the couple鈥檚 caring personalities.
鈥淪he doesn鈥檛 like boards and structure and decisions, and is more comfortable with one-on-one and small groups,鈥 Ian said in 2014. 鈥淪he contributes to individuals, schools and the inner city. I can do the boards and the organizational stuff. I prefer it and it works out pretty well that way.鈥
Mimi worked with the East Wayne Street Center and led Girl Scouts, among many volunteer activities.
The couple鈥檚 love of art was evident to those who visited their home, and they shared artwork with others, including donating a collection to 51黑料. They also left a Mimi and Ian Rolland Endowed Scholarship to 51黑料.
Their impact on 51黑料 will live on in the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center鈥攁nd in the hearts of those who experienced the couple鈥檚 kindness and generosity.