Students, teachers, and administrators of Wawasee Community Schools celebrated the completed steel frame of their upcoming performing arts center alongside Weigand Construction, Garmann Miller, and other partners at Wawasee High School in Syracuse, Indiana. The first milestone of the project, the “topping out” is a longstanding tradition practiced across many civilizations for thousands of years. Kent Gilliom, a Project Executive at WCI, outlined three elements involved in each ceremony:
“This beam has three features. First, our signatures. It’s a visual representation of the future inhabitants of the building. You, in a sense, become part of the structure, and forever will be a part of the structure. Second, the American flag is a sign of patriotism…and third, an evergreen that’s to represent growth and tradition, that nature should rise above any made made structure.”
With a crane on standby to lift the metal in place, students and community members excitedly signed the beam before WCI workers hoisted it to the top of the building, securing it to the frame. Just below the final resting place were two banners honoring the Local 292 Ironworkers Union and Crane Industrial Service CO., Inc., who were instrumental in assembling the steel structure.
Setting the Stage
The Performing Arts Center is a major addition to Wawasee High School, with the original theatre first hosting audiences and dramatic productions in 1968. Nearly 60 years later, the new facility will feature:
752-Seat Auditorium
Stage
Orchestra Pit
Sound and Lighting Booth
Lobby
Concession Stand
Ticket Booth
Band Room
Vocal Room
Practice Rooms
Faculty Offices
Dressing Rooms
Multi-Purpose Room
Scene Shop Room
Restrooms
Prop Room
Storage Space
These new amenities will help to meet the school’s expanding program offerings, facilitating events, performances, and learning opportunities for decades to come. The existing theatre area will be repurposed for CTE and supplemental classroom space upon project completion in fall 2026.
Stoking the Creative Flame
“Our theater has been a place where countless students discovered their voices, their confidence and their love for the arts. It has served us well for over five decades. But as our programs have grown and evolved, so too has our vision for what our students deserve – space that matches their talent and their passion…This new performing arts center will be a cornerstone for our school and community – a place where music, theater and creativity can truly shine.” – Geoff Walmer, Principal, Wawasee High School
Fairfield Community Schools welcomed students, families, and community members on October 30 to celebrate the grand opening of its new 28,000-square-foot athletic fieldhouse and the unveiling of its renovated theatreat Fairfield Jr./Sr. High School in Goshen.
The event marked a major milestone in the district’s ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for student development and community engagement. The updated theatre now features modern seating, an enhanced lobby, and advanced sound and lighting systems, transforming the space into a versatile venue for performances, assemblies, and local events.
“I’m just very excited,” said Superintendent Carrie Cannon. “These facilities are going to be utilized by our students and community for years to come. I’m so thankful for everyone who played a part in making this happen.”
The evening included performances by the Falcon cheerleaders and Fairfield Marching Pride, who added festive Halloween flair to the celebration. District leaders recognized Fairfield sports teams, as well as partners, architects Garmann Miller, and Weigand Construction, whose collaboration made the vision a reality. After a ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the new spaces and enjoy a taco dinner.
A Year-Round Hub for Athletics
The fieldhouse is now a centerpiece of Fairfield athletics, providing an indoor track and golf simulator, multi-sport courts, a viewing deck and team store. With the new facility, junior and high school teams finally have the room they need, no longer competing for the same gym space.
Across the district, New Paris, Millersburg, and Benton Elementary Schools also saw upgrades with energy-efficient HVAC systems, new chillers, and advanced temperature controls. These improvements now provide more consistent, comfortable learning environments that support focus and well-being.
Continued Investment in Fairfield’s Future
With these projects complete, Fairfield Schools is already moving forward with additional improvements. The district has issued $12 million in bonds to fund investments in technology, facilities, and infrastructure.
Phase 2, now underway with Weigand,includes a Marching Band Practice Area to enhance rehearsal logistics and safety. Planned parking lot reconfigurations will reduce traffic disruptions, improve lighting for early and late practices, and streamline equipment movement. And upgrades to running surfaces and training facilities will expand opportunities for track, field, and cross-country athletes.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
Through careful planning and strong community partnerships, Fairfield Schools continue to invest in the academic, athletic, and creative growth of their students. With a modern fieldhouse that elevates the game-day experience and a renovated theatre that showcases the district’s artistic talent, Fairfield now offers premier spaces that celebrate both athletics and the arts.
Note: Weigand Construction is currently managing projects at Baugo Community Schools and Concord Community Schools. Of the seven school districts in Elkhart County, Weigand has active or completed projects with five: Baugo, Concord, Fairfield, Goshen, and Wa-Nee Community Schools.
School Partnerships Shaping Elkhart County’s Future
In mid-September, three Elkhart County superintendents gathered at the Matterhorn for the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce’s annual breakfast forum, where they discussed the challenges of creating new programs and partnerships and the progress schools are making to prepare students for the future.
The shared message was that public education is effective, but its success depends on consistent investment, strong collaboration, and community support.
Celebrating Student Successes
Baugo Community Schools Superintendent Byron Sanders opened the forum with news from Jimtown, where students are gaining real-world experience through career pathways and apprenticeships.
“High school students are working alongside certified teachers, learning pedagogy, practicing classroom management, and applying skills in real-world settings,” Sanders said. “These are real, meaningful experiences happening every day in our district.”
“Through project-based learning, job experiences, and performance tasks,” Funston said, “students are preparing for life beyond the classroom.”
Addressing Today’s Challenges
The superintendents addressed pressing challenges facing Elkhart County schools, starting with the shortage of early childhood education opportunities. Funston described the county as an “early learning desert,” with limited preschool access and inconsistent state funding. “It’s far easier to teach children to read when they have a strong foundation,” he said.
In addition to early learning, Elkhart Superintendent Larry Huff said rising inflation, along with the recently enacted Senate Enrolled Act 1, a new Indiana property and income tax measure, are tightening school budgets in Elkhart County and across the state.
Teacher staffing remains a pressing issue. Sanders pointed to the nationwide shortage, noting research from the Learning Policy Institute released this summer showing that about one in eight teaching positions across the U.S. are either vacant or filled by someone without full certification. In Indiana, that shortage equates to roughly nine unfilled teaching positions for every 10,000 students.
Funston added that negative narratives around teaching only deepen the problem, saying schools must “uplift the profession and share its positive stories.”
Community Partnerships as Solutions
Despite these challenges, schools are finding solutions through partnerships. At Concord Community Schools, for example, work-based learning programs supported by local businesses provide students with at least 75 hours of hands-on experience addressing real-world problems.
Funston explained that employers don’t have to hire or pay students; simply presenting a workplace challenge allows schools to design project-based units around it. “These experiences show students the value of their education and prepare them for local careers with real pathways to success,” he said.
Districts are also joining forces with higher education. Elkhart Community Schools partners with Indiana University South Bend to give students a head start. High schoolers can earn college credit, and seniors benefit from a streamlined admissions process.
A Call to Action
The superintendents made it clear that schools cannot succeed alone; families, businesses, and community members are critical partners in student success.
Moderator Levon Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, outlined two action steps: do the research and share the stories. He urged residents to review district websites and reports, then promote positive narratives in conversations and on social media.
“Public education remains the choice for 92 percent of Indiana families, and 97 percent of Elkhart County children attend public schools,” Sanders said. “That reflects the trust our communities place in schools — and the responsibility we all share for their success.”
Diane Woodworth to Conclude Her Role, Mike Keaffaber to Join Weigand
Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Business Development Education Specialist at Weigand Construction. After a long and rewarding career in K–12 as a teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent, this role has been a meaningful way to stay connected with friends and colleagues in a different, yet familiar, setting.
Rather than managing a district, I’ve had the chance to walk alongside other administrators as they plan for their schools’ needs. Drawing on what I learned while guiding more than $100M in construction as a superintendent, I’ve been able to help K–12 clients shape their goals and projects with confidence.
It’s been a joy to serve our region’s educators, but this chapter is coming to an end. At the close of 2025, I will be stepping down from my role at Weigand Construction.
I’m comforted knowing that our K–12 partners will be in excellent hands. Mike Keaffaber, former superintendent of MSD of Wabash County, will be stepping into this position, and you’ll be hearing from him very soon!
To the many colleagues and friends in education that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last five years: thank you for every conversation, challenge, and success we’ve shared. The memories and relationships made here will stay with me always. I look forward to cheering on the important work you’ll continue to do for our schools and communities!
The second-grade class at Southwick Elementary was excited to help kick off construction of their forthcoming facility, located on Paulding Road in Fort Wayne. The project, set to finish in 2027, is one of three that Weigand is managing for East Allen County Schools, alongside the new Lions Fieldhouse and the East Allen University/Paul Harding Junior High School campus renovation.
“The project represents a commitment to our students. It is a commitment to building a future for them and a place where they will learn, grow, and thrive in spaces that support their curiosity and creativity.” – Marilyn Hissong, Superintendent, East Allen County Schools
A Growing District
Designed by Garmann Miller, the new facility will bring much needed space to address the school’s burgeoning student population. Attendance increased by 8% over the last year alone, with more expected in the near future. With this in mind, the replacement building will have:
Pod Style Layout
Gymnasium
Double Sided Stage
Classrooms
Dining Area
Community Event Spaces
With some students currently being housed in the nearby Prince Chapman Academy, the completion of this project will be a welcome addition to the EACS roster, helping to manage the influx of young learners entering the district.
A Team Effort
While sharing her remarks during the event, Superintendent Marilyn Hissong noted that it takes collaboration and the involvement of the entire region to help such an undertaking as this one materialize.
“This school will stand as a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together for its children.” – Marilyn Hissong, Superintendent, East Allen County Schools
We’re thankful to be part of the group delivering the new Southwick Elementary building, which is positioned to nurture future generations of students as they develop, discover, and grow.
By building the track as a single surface, crews eliminated the weak points that typically form between segmented sections. This continuous foundation enhances drainage and ensures long-term durability. A cushioned rubber-and-polyurethane layer will be added this fall, providing athletes with a softer, more forgiving surface.
The investment delivers long-term reliability and performance. In northern Indiana, freeze-thaw cycles are notorious for causing concrete to crack, but by removing joints that collect water and ice, the new surface is engineered to last for decades of use.
The strength and stability of this design also comes from within as the track makes use of post-tension cables, a technique found in parking decks, tennis courts, and even airport runways. As concrete expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, cracks can form. Tightened after curing, the cables compress the surface, reducing stress points and preventing water from seeping in.
A Foundation Serving Generations
“The cables come with a 50-year warranty,” the project’s Superintendent RJ Eck says, “providing Concord Community Schools confidence in the project’s quality.”
Executing the continuous pour required meticulous coordination and precision. Nearly 1,000 cubic yards of concrete were delivered in a steady rotation, with batching, placement, and finishing carefully managed throughout the day.
“A single continuous pour gives Concord athletes a lasting foundation,” Eck says. “We’re proud to deliver on our promise — Trust. Well built. — and grateful to the district’s leaders for their confidence in us.”
Significant changes are underway at Jake Field, where a major renovation is transforming the facility into a multi-sport, multi-use hub for students and the community.
The centerpiece of the renovation is a new turf system that replicates the appearance of natural grass. Beneath the surface, drainage layers and a stone base will ensure the field remains playable even after heavy rain.
Adaptive Use for Sports, Students, and Special Events
Designed for versatility, the new field will carry permanent stripes for football and soccer, with color-coded markings to keep play clear for athletes and referees. Track and field competitors will also benefit from dedicated zones for long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, and pole vault, ensuring Concord can host meets and provide students with the opportunity to train at home.
Fans will enjoy expanded seating and a new concession building with restrooms, while athletes gain a dedicated team facility complete with lockers and training rooms.
The atmosphere is receiving an upgrade as well. Musco LED lighting and a new sound system will deliver energy-efficient visibility while adding celebratory displays synchronized with touchdowns, goals, and special events.
When it reopens for the 2026–27 academic year, Jake Field will serve as a central venue for athletes, students, families, and the broader Elkhart County community well into the future.
Plunging shovels into piles of soft earth, students, school administrators, builders, architects, and members of the Leo community marked the beginning of construction for a new fieldhouse coming to campus in 2026. With construction managed by WCI and design led by Garmann Miller on behalf of East Allen County Schools, this addition is just the first of many projects on the timeline for the district this year, as they look to maintain, renovate, and expand their diverse learning environments for current students and those to come.
Student Athletics Hub
The 34,000 square foot building will support multiple sports-related programs with spaces facilitating various activities:
3 Basketball Courts
Batting Cages
Wrestling Training Rooms
Track
Mezzanine
New Roads and Parking Access
Concessions Building
Vestibule
Retractable Bleachers
Educational Excellence
These features in the new fieldhouse serve to strengthen Leo Junior Senior High School’s athletic programming across several different sports. With the added space, school teams will no longer have to share the same areas to practice, streamlining schedules and simplifying logistics for students and parents. On top of improved coordination, the addition will also create an impact reaching past its physical attributes.
“…The true power of this project is not in the square footage or the programming. It’s in what this facility will do for the students, the staff, and the broader East Allen community. Inside these walls, young athletes will cultivate more than just growth in their skill and their strength. They’ll build confidence, character, and community. They’ll forge relationships, learn resilience, and discover how to compete with integrity.” – Larry Weigand, CEO, Weigand Construction
The sight lines are also aimed at higher than just sports. For East Allen County Schools, it’s a promise to continue promoting environments where students thrive.
“This groundbreaking isn’t just about laying the foundation for a building; it’s about the opportunities it will afford. And it will stand as a testament to our collective commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and arts.” – Marilyn Hissong, Superintendent, EACS
On a gray April morning that gradually faded into spring sunshine, the Goshen community gathered at 1730 Regent Street to celebrate the grand opening of a long-anticipated project: a new baseball and softball complex. This event marked a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to youth athletics.
Nestled behind Prairie View Elementary on Goshen’s south side, the new complex is now the unified home for RedHawk baseball and softball. The facility features two synthetic turf fields, LED stadium lighting, covered dugouts, digital scoreboards, batting cages, and dedicated bullpens. A central building houses amenities like locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and a concession stand for players and fans in one location.
“This project came to life through the collective support of many in our community who believed in this vision,” said Goshen High School Principal Cathy DeMeyer. “We couldn’t be prouder to unveil this top-tier facility.”
Replacing Phend Field and the flood-prone diamond at Shanklin Park, the new complex feels more like a homecoming than a farewell. “The community made a conscious decision to bring baseball and softball together in one shared space,” noted Superintendent Jim DuBois. “That’s what led us to choose this site. And now, playing on these high-quality fields will only help our programs grow and thrive.”
RedHawks Take to the Field
The grand opening featured a RedHawk baseball doubleheader, starting with a dominant 13-run win over La Porte — their highest-scoring game of the season. Junior Bryson Wilson made a standout effort on the mound, pitching five solid innings and notching his first RBIs of the year at the plate.
On the adjacent softball field, the RedHawk girls took on Fairfield High School in a hard-fought game that ended in a 9–5 loss, but not without undeniable energy.
“Seeing our RedHawks step onto these fields is incredibly rewarding,” said Athletic Director Jim Pickard. “I’m grateful to everyone who played a role in bringing this vision to life.”
Building a New Legacy
Construction kicked off in June 2024, with Weigand leading the build. Karen Fisher of Barton Coe Vilamaa headed up the design team, while Andy Bearman and his crew at A&Z Engineering managed critical components like drainage, lighting, and grandstand infrastructure.
“Our priority was delivering a high-quality project,” said Brian Blight, Senior Project Manager at Weigand, “Staying on schedule was critical to ensure the teams were ready for the 2025 season.”
A two-month delay in permitting could have derailed the schedule, but the construction team, led by Blight, Superintendent RJ Eck, and Project Engineer Brandon Hartstein, made up for lost time. “Everyone pulled together and worked in the same direction to make it happen,” Blight said.
One of the complex’s standout features is its advanced drainage system. “Water drains so efficiently that within 15 minutes, you can be back on the field and barely know it rained,” Blight explained. “Short of severe weather, these fields are ready for play almost anytime.”
First Pitches from Goshen Leaders
Two well-known figures, Ken Mirer and Paula Meyers, threw the ceremonial first pitches. Mirer, a longtime Goshen coach who guided the baseball team to five straight sectional titles, a regional championship, and led the football team to two Indiana Class AA state titles, expressed his excitement about the new fields.
“This is unbelievable — it’s as well done as I could have imagined or hoped for,” he said. “There’s a lot of pride behind it.”
Meyers, a Goshen alumna and longtime school employee, has been an advocate for softball facility upgrades and was instrumental in bringing this project to life.
The new complex reflects a broader community investment. “It’s more than a field — it’s a symbol of equity, progress, and the value we place on giving our students the best,” DuBois said, “and the impact goes beyond high school athletics.”
Inspiring Student-Athletes
Already, the fields are slated to host IHSAA sectionals in softball (2025) and baseball (2026). Youth leagues and summer camps are also expected to use the complex, deepening Goshen’s role as a regional sports destination.
Student-athletes are noticing the difference. Olivia Garcia, a a junior who plays both JV and varsity softball, says the upgraded field has strengthened her team. “Having a new field has brought us closer together,” she said. “Being able to experience something new is a great opportunity that we’ve been given. It’s motivated us to give it our all.”
That kind of energy wasn’t always easy. “The old field had dips and mud,” Blight said. “It was tough to maintain, especially in the spring. Now, they have something on par with college programs.”
The complex also serves as a powerful reminder of Goshen’s enduring community spirit. “This is a tight-knit community,” Mirer said. “Back in the day, we’d pack the gym for every basketball game — about 4,000 people. And it wasn’t just families with kids playing; it was people who had played here themselves. That pride carries from one generation to the next. Goshen has always had tremendous community support, and that continues.”
Christ Chapel at Hillsdale College, located in south-central Michigan, is gaining national recognition for its classical beauty and the craftsmanship behind its construction.
Built by Weigand Construction, the chapel was awarded Best Brick & Stone Project at the 2025 International Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC)Craft Awards. This honor places Christ Chapel at the forefront of masonry craftsmanship, highlighting the enduring skills of BAC partners. (Weigand is a BAC signatory contractor, certified in specialized masonry work such as grouting and reinforced masonry.)
Construction of the chapel took place between 2017 and 2019, making it the first religious building of its size to be completed in the United States in over 70 years. The chapel boasts a striking 70-foot facade that leads into a sanctuary accommodating 1,350 worshippers beneath a 64-foot painted barrel ceiling. Eight Doric limestone columns support the entrance portico, while the altar is framed with elegant marble Corinthian detailing. The structure is crowned by a 32-foot self-supporting masonry dome, the largest built in over 50 years.
A Crowning Achievement
“The recognition feels like winning the Super Bowl for construction masons,” says architect Duncan Stroik, who designed the chapel in a Neoclassical style inspired by Christopher Wren and early American churches. Stroik is a founding professor at Notre Dame’s classical architecture program and has over 35 years of experience in practicing and teaching sacred architecture.
With its primary design motif being Doric and enhanced with Renaissance details, Christ Chapel remains rooted in tradition. This choice reflects a deliberate homage to the enduring legacy and spiritual significance of Western architecture.
Strong Legacy in Skilled Craftmanship
Since 1986, the BAC Craft Awards have highlighted outstanding craftsmanship and union service, showcasing not only technical excellence but also the cultural impact of construction artistry.
Christ Chapel is now among the distinguished recipients of this award — a place where liturgical beauty meets brick and mortar and where modern construction revives classical inspiration. Its significance extends beyond aesthetics; it serves as a beloved community landmark. “The chapel elevates the spirit,” Stroik says. “It gives form to faith.”
Students, project partners, and school faculty gathered to kick off construction of their new Student Activity Center. Members of the architectural team, school facilities, and our own construction team took to the podium to speak. Sharing the origins of this exciting addition and its benefits, the ceremony finished with students, teachers, and administrators digging up fresh dirt, officially beginning the building phase.
“We are so ecstatic to get this off the ground. I would also like to show our gratitude to Weigand Construction and Garmin Miller…the quality and dedication that Weigand and Garmin Miller have brought to the table for Fairfield Community Schools has been extremely, extremely professional.” – Carrie Cannon, Superintendent, Fairfield Community Schools
The Breakdown
Part of a $30M project that packages renovations and improvements to Fairfield’s existing campus, The Student Activity Center will include:
Two Stories
Two Lane Track
Bleacher Section with 640 Seats
Batting Cages
Mezzanine
Lobby
Basketball Courts
Volleyball Courts
Multi-Use Spaces for Events and After School Programs
One challenge the school faces is the lack of room for clubs, workshops, and sports team practices. Fairfield administrators noted that these features would play a vital role in supporting the school’s extracurricular activities, creating more space for large groups to meet for academic and athletic purposes.
Serving the Community
Seeing the potential of what a project like this could do for the community, it was crucial that our team bring the best building solutions possible to the table. We’re encouraged by the passion and involvement the Fairfield Community demonstrated over the course of planning this project.
“We heard about this project back in December of 2022…in that timeframe we’ve witnessed a tremendous amount of involvement from this community, and there’s no doubt that you all care greatly about what we’re doing here. At Weigand, our why is that we build landmarks that impact the lives and communities that we serve, and there’s no doubt that’s what we’re doing here and I’m grateful to be a part of it.” – Aaron Holy, Director of Operations South Bend, Weigand Construction
