Alumni

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The end of the 2007-2008 academic year brought the annual rite of passage for our students graduating in May — Commencement. As usual, it was a glorious day for our seniors, their families, and the faculty who have worked so hard to help them reach this important life milestone.

Before we sent our graduates off into the world with diplomas in hand, they had the privilege of hearing Scott Simon of National Public Radio's Morning Edition deliver the commencement address. His moving account of his first job at a home for mentally challenged adults on the North Side of Chicago reminded the graduates that learning can take place in a variety of settings, including unconventional ones, and a liberal arts education prepares students to continue learning throughout their lives (you can read more about the speech on page 10). I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2008 and welcome you to the growing ranks of Lake Forest College alumni.

Commencement capped off an exciting academic year at the College, which included the end of our 2007 sesquicentennial celebration and the launch of the biggest capital campaign in College history (with some good news on that below). Another big highlight happened in March when the College convened the Deane Conference on Nuclear Power. Generously sponsored by Carol Gram Deane '74 and Disque Deane, the conference brought experts on many aspects of nuclear power to campus to join a global conversation about some of the opportunities and challenges in the field today, including global warming, new generations of nuclear reactors, the threat of nuclear proliferation, and nuclear waste storage.

What made this conference so unique was the experience that it gave some of our students, who had the opportunity to share research on related topics and have spirited interactions with leading experts in the field. The conference proved to be highly educational as it illuminated different viewpoints on nuclear power. Spectrum provides coverage starting on page 18.

I am also pleased to share that with $65 million raised, the College is two thirds of the way to reaching the $100 million goal in the 150th Anniversary Campaign. This fall, just one year after the campaign launched officially, we plan to begin a large expansion of our Sports Center on South Campus that will dramatically enhance recreational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. We are excited to see our campaign goals start to come to fruition and hope you will check the College's Web site at www.lakeforest.edu for ongoing updates.

For now, enjoy the rest of your summer. We hope to see you at Homecoming Weekend in October.

Stephen D. Schutt
President