Connecting Communities at Alumni–Student Gatherings

Over the 2004–05 holiday break, Lake Forest College alumni groups in St. Louis and Minneapolis tried something a little bit new. Instead of simply hosting an alumni event, they brought together alumni,
current students, parents, faculty, and prospective students for a gathering they hoped would help “connect communities” at Lake Forest College.

At each event, prospective and current students and their parents mingled with alumni, faculty, and administrators for two hours over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, discussing their college goals, career goals, and the latest College happenings. Vice President of Admissions and Career Services Bill Motzer also spoke, encouraging members of the Lake Forest College community—both present and future—
to remain connected and to search out opportunities to assist one another.

“We wanted to develop a program that would bring together these various constituent groups,” says Motzer.  “These ‘Connecting Communities’ receptions serve as a great networking opportunity for these groups to discuss their common interests and learn more about what’s happening at the College.”

The “Connecting Communities” events began through a collaboration of many individuals, the Admissions Office, the Alumni Admissions Committee, and alumni groups in St. Louis and Minneapolis. Prospective and current students (and their parents) in both cities were invited to formal receptions in January, which were hosted by local alums but were organized and supported by the staff at the Admissions Office back in Lake Forest.

The result was a networking opportunity that benefited all involved. Prospective students got a closer look at Lake Forest College. Current students received advice on internship opportunities or career mentoring from alums in their hometown. Both groups cultivated relationships that could pay off down the road in the form of summer internships or job opportunities. And alumni enjoyed the feeling of pride and connection to the College that came from “giving back” through these opportunities to help both prospective and current students become better prepared for their transitions into and out of Lake Forest College.

According to Motzer, alumni have expressed great interest in taking a more formal role in the admissions and mentoring process. “Our alumni are energized to give back to the College through personal relationships with students,” he says. “These types of gatherings foster those relationships.”

Adds Rob Orr ’75, chair of the Alumni Admissions Committee, “Many alumni tell us that they would love to help out with the admissions process and with mentoring our current students. So we think it’s a great idea to start building a network of ‘alumni cells’ in cities where we have a solid alumni base. These gatherings provide a way to do that.”

In St. Louis, about 100 people attended the event, which was hosted by Jack Carruthers ’78. St. Louis has consistently had a strong alumni organization, so this event was the natural place to launch the concept of “Connecting Communities.” Minneapolis soon followed, with a reception held at the Minikahda Club and hosted by Jamie Lowe III ’87. About 50 people attended this event.

“‘Connecting Communities’ is consistent with the culture of our campus,” says Motzer. “Lake Forest is a personal place where the faculty know the students, and the alumni know the students, as well. These opportunities also fit the model where alumni are increasingly playing an important role as a recruiting and career resource for our students.”

All alumni who have participated so far in “Connecting Communities” have expressed how much they enjoyed finding a local way to engage with current and prospective Lake Forest students. The Admissions Office and the Alumni Admissions Committee would like to see “Connecting Communities” events in other cities, and both groups are prepared to assist willing alumni in setting up and hosting these types of receptions in their own areas.

Call 800-LFC-ALUM for more information about hosting a “Connecting Communities” event in your area.