Alumni
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~It's a Whole New Ball Game Two years ago this fall, when Lake Forest College announced the 150th Anniversary Capital Campaign to more than 200 people in the Mohr Student Center and Stuart Commons, the goals were simple and straightforward: to double the College’s endowment, then at about $60 million; to construct new facilities, such as the planned $17 million Recreation, Sports and Fitness Center, and to increase annual contributions from alumni donors. With over half the money raised by the time the campaign went public, the College was confident in its direction, pleased with the groundswell of support from alumni, parents, and friends, and well on its way to reaching its ambitious fundraising goals. Then last fall, the global economic downturn hit, and like colleges and universities across the country, Lake Forest was compelled to take unprecedented measures to protect the institution. Construction of the Fitness Center was postponed until spring 2009, and a number of cuts were made to alleviate pressure on the operating budget while maintaining core educational programming. Today, with the economy still in recession, the 150th Anniversary Campaign for Lake Forest College has taken on renewed significance. Like most colleges and universities, tuition at Lake Forest College does not cover operational costs--even when times are good. Today’s economic climate is widening this gap. Income from our endowment is down. Many prospective students and their parents are understandably being cautious about private college tuitions and, as a result, applications are marginally down at many liberal arts colleges across the country, Lake Forest included. We have taken a good hard look at the $27 million still left to be raised for the campaign and have reprioritized our objectives. Our number-one priority is now to raise support for the Fund for Lake Forest College (the annual fund) to keep our operations running smoothly and moving steadily forward. Annual support provides us flexibility to direct funding where the need is greatest, such as for students with financial need, faculty development so our professors can remain at the cutting edge of their academic disciplines, and much-needed educational enrichment activities.A strong annual fund provides the core foundation of financial stability for an institution of our size and supports the essentials, including faculty and staff salaries, equipment, software, books, and still other basic needs. If you have not given to the Fund for Lake Forest College, please consider making a contribution. Your support is vital to sustaining ongoing operations. It is imperative that we provide financial security for the College’s immediate future, while steadfastly pursuing our leadership’s bold plan for the future. Pam Gerard
Campaign Executive Committee Campaign Co-Chairs |
Campaign Progress $100 million goal
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