Alumni
SHERIDAN ROAD | What's New at Lake Forest College
150th Anniversary Campaign Highlights
Lake Forest College's goal to raise $100 million by 2012 is within reach thanks to many generous donors who have contributed more than two thirds of this amount. Although the downturn in the economy has impacted both individuals and institutions across the country, the College continues to work to improve the educational experience of our current and future students. The campaign goals remain the same — to increase the endowment, build new facilities, and increase annual support for College essentials. Here is where we stand with our fundraising efforts.
We've raised $9 million for the construction of the 63,000-square-foot Recreation, Sports, and Fitness Center on South Campus, which will help meet the health and wellness needs of the campus. Added to a special $6 million long-term borrowing that has already been secured and dedicated to this project, this yields $15 million on the $17 million total project cost. Construction is set to begin in 2009 and features include three new multipurpose courts; a track; an aerobic and dance studio; a lobby café and social gathering space; batting/golf cage; strength, cardio, and fitness spaces; recreational locker rooms; ADA-compliant public restrooms; and relocated and expanded athletic training space and offices.
As one of the few colleges in the Midwest to offer Division III men's and women's hockey teams and a skating rink that is open to the community, the College aims to continue the tradition of on-campus ice hockey. To that end, the Home Ice Advantage Campaign has raised nearly $1 million of the $4.5 million needed to renovate the Alumni Memorial Field House hockey rink. Improvements will include a new playing surface and sub-surface, updated locker rooms, new stands that will seat up to 500 fans, revamped lobby complete with trophy cases and wall plaques honoring past hockey achievements, and improved public restrooms. The College must raise $2.25 million from alumni, parents, and fans to fund this project and is working to secure the other half of the funds through the community and other outside sources.
Increasing annual fund support is another top campaign priority, with a $2.2 million goal by May 31, 2009 — the end of the current fiscal year. The annual fund helps fund essentials like faculty and staff salaries, equipment, software, and books. Such gifts also keep the campus secure and clean, keep the lights burning in the library, and upgrade computer networks. "There is no aspect of Lake Forest College that is not supported or improved by these gifts. No matter the size of the gift each one touches someone here on the campus personally every day," says Mark Mollenhauer, director of annual giving.
We are also proud to report progress on our goal to increase annual contributions from alumni donors. More than half of the major gifts ($50,000 or higher) donated to the campaign are from alumni. Last year, 29.5 percent of our alumni participated in making a gift to the College compared to 20 percent five years earlier.
Learn more about the campaign at www.lakeforest.edu/alumni/150campaign.
In late August, the 385 students who make up the Class of 2012 arrived on campus. They come from the largest applicant pool in the College's history, more than 2,500, and represent 34 states and 26 countries. Academically, the incoming class is one of the strongest ever with an average grade point average of 3.51. With 67 percent from out of state, they come from around the country and around the world. Our first-year students also entered with a variety of noteworthy experiences.
These students include:
- Won two industry awards for the invention of a board game
- Acted as Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Junior Reserve
- Officers Training Corps
- Author of an Illinois disability bill that was passed and named after the student, "Ally's Law"
- Coached Special Olympics
- Wrote for the Web site Tokoni.com
- Worked as a counselor at a circus camp
- Intern at a county prosecutor's office
- Won a national championship in Irish dance
- Several graduated as class valedictorians
Remembering Lincoln
The 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln is February 12, 2009. Along with other institutions across the country, Lake Forest College will commemorate the bicentennial throughout the year with two Lincoln-focused courses, speakers, and alumni events.
Highlights include lectures by two renowned Lincoln scholars. On February 5, 2009, Eric Foner, DeWitt Clinton Professor of American History at Columbia University, will speak on campus. Foner is the past president of the American Historical Association and the Organization of American Historians. Most recently he is the author of Forever Free: The Story of Emancipation and Freedom (Alfred A. Knopf 2005).
On October 8, 2009, James McPherson, distinguished scholar of the American Civil War and professor of history, emeritus at Princeton University, will deliver a lecture. McPherson is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (Oxford University Press 1988).
Plans are also underway for alumni to view two Lincoln exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum, Gettysburg National Battlefield, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois.
Check www.lakeforest.edu for updates about upcoming Lincoln events.
Debating the Drinking Age
In July, President Stephen D. Schutt joined more than 100 college presidents around the country by signing onto the Amethyst Initiative, which calls for a public discussion about the possibility of lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 in response to "a culture of dangerous, clandestine "binge-drinking'" on and off college campuses.
Although he has not decided that lowering the drinking age is the right course of action, Schutt signed on to help start a conversation about the way the laws surrounding drinking in this country could work more effectively.
"Lowering the drinking age to 18 could make it possible for colleges and universities to model responsible drinking behavior on campus," he says. "As a nation we recognize the responsibility of 18-year-old men and women to vote, drive, smoke, and fight in a war — so it does seem somewhat odd to officially declare them too young to drink. I oppose irresponsible drinking by anyone of any age. I am interested in ways of encouraging responsible behavior."
While Lake Forest College enforces drinking laws, provides educational programming, and offers counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse, binge drinking is a problem on campuses across the country, as it can lead to violence, abuse, health problems, and drunk driving.
Studies show that about 51 percent of current binge drinkers fall into the 18- to 20-year-old age group.
News of the initiative garnered widespread coverage in the national media. Several news outlets, including the Associated Press, NBC5 Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and ABC7 Chicago, produced stories that featured Schutt and students.
Some students endorsed the idea, arguing that they are mature enough to make their own decisions or come from countries where drinking is legal under age 21, while others supported laws that deter high school students from starting to drink.
Critics included Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who cite fewer drunk driving fatalities since the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was signed into law in 1984.
According to the National Institute of Health, the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths among 16- to 20-year-olds in the United States decreased from 5,244 in 1982 to 2,115 in 2004 largely because of the legal drinking age of 21 and zero tolerance laws.
When the law was passed 24 years ago, it called for withholding 10 percent of federal transportation funds from states who failed to raise the minimum drinking age to 21.
With the law up for reauthorization next year, more college presidents are supporting the idea of more debate. At press time, 130 had signed on to the initiative, which was launched by former Middlebury College President John McCardell.
Despite varied opinions on the subject, the initiative has successfully increased public discussion, at least at Lake Forest College.
On October 22, a debate occurred between the British National Debate Team and two Lake Forest students, Jessica Kuchinski '11 and Chase Cook '11 on the topic "Should the U.S. Lower the Drinking Age to 18?"
In a nearly full Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel, Kuchinski and Cook argued in favor of changing the law, listing the other rights that 18-year-olds gain, like the ability to vote and fight in a war. They called it unfair to target the 18-20 age group when drinking was legal before 1984.
Members of the British Debate Team countered with the argument that those are positive rights while drinking can have more negative consequences, like poor decision-making about driving and sex.
The format of the debate allowed for members of the audience to make comments and vote for a winner.
The audience consisted mostly of students. Against conventional wisdom, they voted almost unanimously for the British team, who argued against lowering the drinking age to 18.
"It is correct to suggest that under all my assumptions, it would be more difficult to go 100 seasons without winning than it was to win in any given year. It is less than half as likely."
“It is correct to suggest that under all my assumptions, it would be more difficult to go 100 seasons without winning than it was to win in any given year. It is less than half as likely.”
— Professor of Mathematics Edward Packel, author of the book on sports probability The Mathematics of Games and Gambling (Mathematical Association of America, 2006), quoted in History Magazine's June/July 2008 issue. The Cubs last won the World Series in 1908. The L.A. Dodgers eliminated them in the first-round playoff series this fall.
What I Did On My Summer Vacation
Spectrum checked in with five students after summer vacation to find out what they did and what they learned in the process.
Mario Mazzetti '10
Lake Zurich, Illinois
Theater, English Literature
On Vacation: I played the lead role of Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors at College of Lake County. I've always loved the show and the character of Seymour ever since I saw my older brother play the part when he was in middle school. I wanted to tackle the role because of the numerous acting challenges presented by working with the puppets.
On the Experience: I found that I can do anything if I put my mind, heart, and soul into it. That's how I won the role and succeeded in performing every night despite contracting strep throat during the run of the show. I'm ready for my next theatrical challenge!
Anum Haider '10
Chicago, Illinois
Economics, History
On Vacation: As a Richter Scholar, I helped Assistant Professor of Economics Amanda Felkey investigate how abortion laws affect birth control pill usage. I read and summarized journal articles and compiled state-level data of factors that may affect pill usage, such as income, race, religion, and insurance coverage. I also saw how these variables affect the induced abortion rate. I found that the abortion rate is significantly higher in states with higher Jewish populations and/or foreign-born people.
On the Experience: Aside from learning how to use Microsoft Excel and statistical software more competently, I learned about careers in research, particularly economics research, and what I should do if I hope to become a professional researcher myself one day.
Samantha LePicier '10
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Environmental Studies, Studio Art
On Vacation: I cycled with 30 other people from Providence, Rhode Island, to San Francisco to raise money and awareness for affordable housing. During our travels we stopped to build houses with affordable housing groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together. Before the trip, each rider had to raise $4,000 to donate to applicable groups before our trip started. My group and one other fully funded a house in Providence. It was an amazing experience and I wish I could do it all over again. I joined Habitat for Humanity my sophomore year and had already cycled cross country, so when I heard that I could raise money, build houses, and cycle all in one summer, I was hooked.
On the Experience: Individuals can make a large impact on others' lives with just a little hard work and a selfless attitude. Even if you are not the best at something — like hammering a nail in less than 10 swings or biking over the Rockies — if you keep working hard, you will succeed.
Robert Erickson '10
North Aurora, Illinois
Philosophy, English, Politics
Kedryn Sampson '10
West Cornwall, Connecticut
Psychology, Anthropology
On Vacation: We spent six weeks preserving, recording, and experiencing Jamaican culture in Falmouth, a historic town that was occupied by the British and played a role in the North American slave trade. Through a University of Virginia architecture program, we did field drawings, carpentry, and masonry. The goal was to preserve the fabric of each building and keep the historical district intact.
On the Experience: The Jamaican culture has been impacted greatly by the practice of slavery.
We learned about a different culture and people and helped restore buildings that have impacted lives of both people today and in the past. We learned that no matter where you come from, what you study, and what your goal is, a group of 30 individuals can come together to make a difference.
Sports editor for The Nation and author DAVE ZIRIN spoke about the role of politics in sports on September 9.
EARL C. JOHNSON, an author and survivor of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, shared his story of escape on September 11.
As part of the Current Advances in Psychology (CAP) Colloquia series, JESSICA WITT from Purdue University delivered a talk titled "Seeing into the Future: An Interaction Between Perception, the Self, and Action" on September 22.
PHILIP KLINKNER '85, a political science professor at Hamilton College, delivered the talk, "Obama and McCain: Campaigns as Previews of Presidential Leadership," on September 23 as part of the Gates Center/Student Government Leadership Speaker Series (see page 36 for more details).
On September 24, AI XIAOMING, a communications professor from China, spoke about her work as a documentary filmmaker who highlights the concerns of marginalized groups in the country.
Nanotech expert and Northwestern University chemistry professor CHAD MIRKIN delivered the 23rd Volwiler Distinguished Scientist Lecture, "Small Things, Big Implications," on September 25.
On September 27, award-winning Czech pianist LUKAS VONDRACEK performed a recital in honor of the late Ingrid H. Speros.
Former Governor of Virginia and Senator GEORGE ALLEN delivered a speech titled "Start Your Creative Engines for American Energy Security" on September 30.
As the third speaker in the Gates Center/Student Government Leadership Speaker Series, conservative author and former Reagan White House policy advisor DINESH D'SOUZA shared his views on "McCain, Obama, and the War on Terror" on October 7.
Statistician NATE SILVER, who analyzed polls and political data for the 2008 presidential election on his blog at www.fivethirtyeight.com, spoke in the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel on October 8.
On October 14, filmmakers and wolf experts JIM AND JAMIE DUTCHER shared their experiences in a talk titled "Living with Wolves."
ORIT BASHKIN, assistant professor of Middle Eastern history at the University of Chicago, delivered the speech "The Jews of Iraq: Intellectual and Cultural Pluralism in Hashemite Iraq" on October 16.
Billy Branch, a Chicago-born musician who has performed with many blues legends, performed with his band BILLY BRANCH AND THE SONS OF BLUES on October 23 at the Center for Chicago Programs.
$120,000
ACM-Mellon Post doctoral Fellowship award to bring a fellow in the religious study of Islam to the College for two years for the Islamic World Studies Program.
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Cafeteria trays no longer in use in the Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall after the facility went trayless last spring to help reduce environmental impact. The College donated more than 500 trays to the Child Care Coalition of Lake County for use by preschoolers.
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Voters registered during the voter registration drive on campus.
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Books discussed this fall in the reading series "Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Reads." Faculty led the community-wide book discussion group of The March: A Novel by E.L. Doctorow, All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren, and Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser.
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Engagement at Homecoming in October between Beth Liebschutz '00 and fiancé Bart Roettger, thanks to some logistical assistance from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
In the News
Assistant Professor of Politics CAROLINE NORDLUND commented in an October 21 Chicago Public Radio segment about the hotly contested 10th Congressional District race.
On the issue of private student loans, Director of Financial Aid JERRY CEBRZYNSKI was featured on Good Morning America on October 14, in an AP story on October 10, and in a USA Today column on August 25.
SAAJIDHA RIZVYDEEN '12 was quoted in a Chicago Tribune article on September 18 about Chicago Public Schools graduates earning $157 million in tuition aid.
Director of Public Safety RICHARD COHEN's efforts to develop an emergency management plan for his hometown of Lindenhurst were covered in a September 12 Lake County News-Sun story.
The College's effort to decrease food waste, conserve water and energy, and reduce the need for polluting detergents by removing trays from the cafeteria was highlighted in a Chicago Tribune feature on September 7. An October 16 follow-up article noted that the trays were donated to the Child Care Coalition of Lake County.
Associate Professor of English DAVIS SCHNEIDERMAN questioned the notion of plagiarism in an essay that appeared in the August 5 Chicago Tribune.
Professor of Politics RAND SMITH was quoted in an August 2008 Chicago Magazine article on the legacy of Italo Balbo.
The July 3 Lake Forester featured SAMANTHA LEPICIER '10, who cycled across the country for Habitat for Humanity to raise money this summer.
Q & A with Associate Professor of Biology Karen Kirk
It's becoming easier to decode our DNA, which could one day lead to a more personalized approach to medicine, says Karen Kirk, who teaches Molecular Genetics. Students sequence their own DNA in her class.
"This is only the tip of the iceberg," Kirk says. "One day, students can find out why they like to parachute or rock climb, depending on which version of the DRD2 gene (which involves thrill-seeking behavior) they carry." Spectrum asked Kirk about the growing field of pharmacogenomics and how it could keep us healthier.
SPECTRUM: What is pharmacogenomics?
KIRK: It is the personalization of medicine therapies. This requires healthcare professionals to know the genetic makeup of an individual and to understand how the genetics influence the efficacy of pharmaceuticals. Pharmacogenomics looks at the entire set, or genome, of the genetic interactions with drugs.
SPECTRUM: How could it help people with cancer and other incurable diseases?
KIRK: Let's say five people have the same type of cancer. Each person is given the same drug protocol, which only works on four of them. The fifth person is given a second drug protocol, or a third or fourth, until a drug works.
Drugs react differently depending on one's genetic makeup. But if we knew the genetic variations for each person, we could tailor the drug and eliminate the trial-and-error that takes up valuable treatment time.
SPECTRUM: Are we using pharmacogenomics now? Why or why not?
KIRK: A little. Perhaps the best-known example is Herceptin, the breast cancer drug. This drug is effective on only 20 percent of patients, but there is a diagnostic test that tells you if your genetics allow it to work. But this situation is rare, and there are many barriers to developing pharmacogenomics.
First, we need to understand how a drug interacts with its target and how a change in genetics can affect this interaction. Second, we need to have a clearer picture of each individual's genetic makeup. Ideally, we would have the entire DNA sequence, or genome, of everyone. Third, the pharmaceutical companies may need more incentive to develop a second drug to treat that fifth cancer patient. If you can cure 80 percent with one drug, the company may not think it is worthwhile to come up with another drug for the remaining 20 percent.
SPECTRUM: Why is sequencing our own DNA so important?
KIRK: It's like having a good road map to find a building, and you couldn't find the building without it. Ten years ago it was science fiction to think we would each have our own DNA sequence. But now the technology has become so inexpensive, it is predicted that the $1,000 human genome is about five years away. If it were as easy as scraping the inside of your mouth to submit cheek cells for DNA sequence, and the bill was no greater than your new television set, wouldn't you do it?
SPECTRUM: What does the future look like for pharmacogenomics?
KIRK: Although having our own DNA sequence is around the corner, other aspects of this research are not. Having your own road map might help you find that building, but it won't tell you whether that building can hold up to an earthquake. We have an enormous amount of research in the years ahead to help us figure out how drugs are interacting with their targets, and we will need healthcare professionals who understand the science behind genomics.