Trine receives $200K for Trine University Fort Wayne
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Trine University is receiving another financial commitment toward Trine University Fort Wayne, the $40 million academic and training facility that will house programs in its College of Health Professions. Michael and Natalie Axel are gifting $200,000 to support the project, which was first announced in June.
“As a lifetime resident of northeast Indiana, I’m well aware of the critical need for trained professionals to meet the healthcare needs of this area,” Mike Axel said. “I also know the quality that Trine University provides in all its educational offerings, and I’m proud to be part of this effort.”
Earlier this year, the university received a $5 million pledge from the James Foundation Inc. in Auburn, as well as a $2.5 million gift from alumnus and Board of Trustees member Larry Reiners and his wife Judy.
“We have appreciated the leadership and insight Mike has brought to our Board of Trustees, and we are grateful for his and Natalie’s endorsement of this project,” said Trine President Dr. Earl Brooks. “We are proud to have community leaders such as Mike and Natalie at the forefront of this effort to improve the healthcare and the overall economy of this region.”
Mike Axel, who was elected to Trine’s Board of Trustees in 2020, is founder and president of AMI Investment Management Inc. in Kendallville. Natalie Axel serves as an administrator for AMI’s charitable giving and is a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.
Axel founded AMI in 1995. Trine says he previously worked as an investment manager for the Dekko Foundation and Group Dekko International, as well as a financial analyst at RCI in Indianapolis.
The 120,000-square-foot facility is being developed in partnership with Parkview Health and will employ 100 faculty and staff and serve nearly 700 students in Trine’s College of Health Professions.
Trine University Fort Wayne is scheduled to open in fall 2024.
