Spectrum
From the President
Many things at Lake Forest College can be described in the superlative. In late August, for example, we ushered in the largest group of new students in the history of the College. Four hundred six first-year students and 71 transfers joined their classmates to comprise a remarkably active, accomplished, interesting, and culturally and ethnically diverse student body. The energy on campus this fall is infectious, and if you haven’t been back in a while, please visit and see what I mean.
The College also just completed our largest-ever capital campaign,surpassing our $100-million goal a year early. Mohr Student Center and Stuart Commons, Buchanan Hall, and a new Sports and Recreation Center are just a few of the Campaign’s most visible results; other less tangible but equally important achievements include a larger annual fund that issupported by a growing group of alumni donors and friends, and an expanded endowment that features six new endowed faculty chairs and dozens of student scholarships. All of these Campaign accomplishments position us to achieve another superlative goal in the next several years: a student body of 1,700 students, which is now the mean among the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges. You can read more about the success of the 150th Anniversary Capital Campaign in subsequent pages.
The cover story for this Spectrum highlights several Foresters who have pushed and bullied themselves to attempt extraordinary athletic feats. They include open-water swimmer Diana Nyad ’73, who made international news in her efforts to swim from Cuba to Florida, ultramarathoner David “Hector” Pendergast ’75, Ironman racer Katie Snowden ’07, and still other competitive alumni. You can also read an inspiring Q&A with department supervisor Harriet Doud who for the past several years has competed in wheelchair/handcycle races in Illinois.
In this issue, too, you will learn about the opening of the new Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall, see students who are performing fascinating research on their own and with their professors, and view photos and a recap of Homecoming, Family, and Reunion Weekend, which took place at the end of September.Thank you as always for your continued support, and best wishes for a superlative holiday season.
Stephen D. Schutt
President
