What Kosciusko County’s “Community of the Year” Award Means for the Grace College Experience

For parents, choosing a college is about more than just academics; it’s about trust. Parents want to trust that their student’s college experience will be one characterized by safety, growth, and opportunities. That’s what makes Kosciusko County’s recent Community of the Year recognition from The Indiana State Chamber of Commerce so significant. It affirms that the Grace College experience is rooted in a supportive, thriving, and safe community.

Approximately 40 community leaders were present to accept the award, including Dr. Drew Flamm, president of Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary. This honor highlighted something Grace families already knew well: the environment surrounding Grace College plays a major role in shaping a positive, well-rounded college experience.

A Community That Strengthens the College Experience

The Community of the Year Award recognizes Kosciusko County for demonstrating excellence in innovation, growth, collaboration, and quality of life. Kosciusko County checks every box. From a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to a strong network of local and national employers, the community of Winona Lake and Kosciusko County provides students access to robust internship and career-building opportunities. These include partnerships with Fortune 500 companies that offer hands-on, real-world experience. Consistently recognized for safety, innovation, and steady growth, the area offers parents confidence and peace of mind while giving students the freedom to fully engage in campus life, professional development, and community involvement. 

“Grace College is surrounded by a community deeply invested in its students’ success,” said Dr. Flamm. “This recognition not only reflects the high value we place on safety and quality of life here in our community, but also the significant growth, innovation, and career opportunities we offer to our students.”

Career Opportunities Rooted in the Community

One of the key benefits of the college experience in Kosciusko County is its thriving professional environment. Known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, the region is home to leading global companies, including DePuy Synthes, Zimmer Biomet, Orthopediatrics, and Paragon. These organizations attract talent from around the world and create exceptional internship and career-building opportunities for Grace students. Instead of waiting until graduation, students can start building professional skills, résumés, and connections right where they live and learn.

Innovation and Growth Continue to Open Doors

Kosciusko County’s recognition also reflects ongoing growth and innovation. One recent example is the arrival of Slate, a new cutting-edge auto manufacturer coming to Warsaw. This new business is expected to bring approximately 2,000 new jobs to the area, along with even more internship opportunities for Grace College students.

Growth of new businesses indicates a strong, thriving community, and these are important factors for families evaluating a student’s college experience. A community that continues to invest in innovation creates pathways for students to explore careers, apply classroom learning, and prepare for life after graduation.

A County-Wide Effort Worth Celebrating

According to Rob Parker, president & CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, the award reflects years of collaboration and shared vision.

“Receiving the Community of the Year Award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce was a huge compliment to the hard work, dedication, and commitment this county has made to improving the lives of our county residents and businesses,” Parker said. “ALL IN Kosciusko, Advancing Lives and Livelihoods in Kosciusko, was the driving force and initiative that the Indiana Chamber recognized as unique, collaborative, and impactful, providing a framework for businesses and people to grow and thrive.”

This collaborative spirit benefits everyone, including students, families, businesses, and educators. This makes for a college experience rooted in connection, opportunity, and shared purpose within a safe community.

Looking Ahead

The Community of the Year Award is more than a milestone; it’s a motivation to keep building a place where people can grow and thrive. For Grace College, it reinforces the value of its location and the partnerships that strengthen student life both inside and outside the classroom.

Together, Kosciusko County’s educational institutions, businesses, and local government continue to create an environment that supports learning, innovation, and quality of life — the building blocks of the Grace College experience.

To learn more about Kosciusko County’s Community of the Year Award, visit:
https://allinkosciusko.com/news/kosciusko-county-honored-as-2025-community-of-the-year-by-the-indiana-chamber/