The challenge is to get the attention of candidates who sometimes have preconceived notions about the Michigan economy or life in Grand Rapids, says Dr. Marsha D. Rappley, dean of the college. But, like Fazleabas, “once they come, they want to come back,” she says.

“There is an opportunity to do something here that, quite frankly, is not being done many other places in the country,” says Leach, 56, an Alma College alum. “It’s really an opportunity to do something from the ground level. That message of vision is the same vision that I was able to communicate to Dr. Risinger and Dr. Fazleabas, and both of them were also visionaries in that way.”

So with the physical infrastructure built, the job, as Fazleabas says, is “to build a nucleus of excellent scientists that are going to attract others” to continue developing a world-class health care setting.

Fazleabas followed Leach to MSU and now some of his researchers from Chicago are coming to join him. He also just hired a Chinese researcher who had been working in Sweden. Vocation aside, what the incoming professionals are finding is that the culture of Grand Rapids is world-class in its own right. Among the recruits is an avid golfer who most certainly finds this area green.

“The bottom line is this community has all of the arts and entertainment that my wife and I need,” Leach says. “It has a tremendous sense of community that’s palpable. It’s very refreshing.”

As a result of the enormous support of the community, we have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. This is the testimonial of Al, Laurie and Jamie Forte about why they chose to support the Secchia Center. The stories of our donors are incredible so we wanted to share one with you. We may even share more in the blogs to come…

“We are a family of passionate fans - passionate about Grand Rapids, and also about Michigan State University. We have a deep and rich connection to Michigan State University that stretches over three generations, starting with Al’s father, then Al himself, and now our daughter Jamie. We are all thrilled to support the Secchia Center because it will benefit an organization and a place we love.

Our philanthropic interests revolve around feeding, clothing and educating people. When we consider a giving opportunity, we look at how well it fits with our interests as well as how the funds will be used. Stewardship is very important to us. As a family we are excited about giving, because we both grew up in families that did not have the means to be philanthropic. Our relationship with MSU, and our trust in its leadership, gave us the confidence to give what was for us a very substantial gift, because we knew it would be well used to continue changing lives long after we are gone.

Our family made this decision together, and we are more excited about this gift than any other gift we have ever made. It is awe-inspiring to think that we are leaving an indelible mark on Grand Rapids through our contribution. We love this community, and we know the Secchia Center will enrich Grand Rapids by creating opportunity and economic growth. We are inspired by the leaders of West Michigan, who worked tirelessly to bring the Secchia Center dream to life. We can’t wait to see this building open and then watch the tidal wave of change that will sweep over Grand Rapids because of it!”