Dr. Anthony Fortosis was headmaster at Ben Lippen, a Christian high school from 1955 – 1971. After his wife died, Fortosis moved from Asheville N.C. and became dean of faculty at what was then Columbia Bible College in South Carolina from 1971-1978 as well as Director of Christian Education.
Dr. Fortosis chose to become the freshman advisor because of the insight given to him from teaching in the public high school. His understanding of the drastic changes a college freshman must make enabled him to help make the transition much easier. He opened his home on weekends to freshmen groups for fellowship. A tribute to him from the students said, “We say thank you for walking with us each day and talking to us about the things that really matter – those things that are everyday matters, essential to effectively communicate the message and life of Christ to others. Thank you for challenging us to think – giving God an inroad to teach us more about Himself. By putting others first, yourself last, and God always, you have made us feel loved, needed and important, but most of all, you have satisfied the heart of God for this ‘is well pleasing in His sight.’”
Through the years, Fortosis gradually became a well-known leader in Christian Education and was recognized as such. Dr. Fortosis passed away in 1999 with his beloved adult children all around.