A preeminent jurist, legal scholar, economist, and senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School, Judge Posner has had an illustrious legal career.  He clerked for Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. and later served as assistant to Commissioner Philip Elman of the Federal Trade Commission, assistant to the Solicitor General of the United States, and general counsel of the federal Task Force on Communications Policy.  He began teaching at the University of Chicago Law School in 1969, and was Lee and Brena Freeman Professor of Law prior to his appointment in 1981 as a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.  He was the chief judge of the court from 1993 to 2000.  He is the author of nearly 40 books on jurisprudence, economics, and several other topics.  The Journal of Legal Studies has identified Posner as the most cited legal scholar of the 20th century. Judge Posner will receive the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa. 

Joining him on stage will be:

 

Susan Garrett ’94, State Senator representing the 29th District of Illinois
State Senator Garrett has represented the 29^th District in the Illinois State Senate for three terms since 2002.  Earlier this spring she announced that she would not run for reelection, and that she will complete her service this year.  Named Majority Caucus Whip for the 97th General Assembly by Senate President John Cullerton, Senator Garrett served two terms in the Illinois House of Representatives (1998-2001) before joining the Senate.  Her district includes parts of suburban Cook and Lake Counties, including Lake Forest.  She graduated from the College in 1994 with a major in Politics. Illinois State Senator Susan Garrett ’94 will receive the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa.  

 

Philip O. Geier, Executive Director, Davis United World Colleges Scholars Program

Dr. Geier has been the Director of this unique program, founded by philanthropist Shelby Davis, since its inception.  The program awards scholarships to students from around the world who have studied at international secondary schools, called United World Colleges, and who go on to matriculate at a select group of American colleges and universities, including Lake Forest College.  To date, the program has provided more than $3 million in scholarship assistance to Lake Forest College students.  The stated purpose of the UWC program is to “further internationalize the American undergraduate experience and to build a network of future leaders around the world.”  This year 35 new UWC scholarship recipients are among Lake Forest College’s first-year class.  Mr. Geier is a graduate of Williams College (B.A.) and Syracuse University (M.A.; Ph.D., American Studies and History). Dr. Geier will receive the degree Doctor of Letters honoris causa.

 

Robert D. Krebs, Retiring Chairman, Lake Forest College Board of Trustees

Mr. Krebs was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1990-1998, and was reelected in 2003.  He was elected Chairman in 2009.  As Chair, Mr. Krebs has overseen a number of exciting developments at the College, including a capital campaign that surpassed its $100 million goal a year early in 2011; the investment in millions of dollars in campus facility improvements; the adoption of a number of accelerated and joint degree programs, and most recently, a bold initiative to increase enrollment to 1700 students by 2016.  Mr. Krebs retires as Chair in May but will continue on the Board.  He holds degrees from Stanford University (B.A.) and Harvard University (M.B.A.).  Mr. Krebs capped a distinguished career in 2002, retiring as Chair of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, the third major United States railroad he headed in succession.  He has since served numerous businesses as a director and has helped lead a variety of nonprofit organizations as a director/trustee.  Mr. Krebs will receive the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa.   

News Contact

Liz Libby
libby@lakeforest.edu
847-735-6011

Related Links:

• Information for graduates on Commencement day