Grace Elizabeth Groner Foundation

Who was Grace Elizabeth Groner?

Grace Groner was born in Lake County. By the time she was 12, she and her twin sister Gladys, had become orphans.  A friend of their parents and a member of the Lake Forest community, George Anderson, took in both Groner girls.  The Anderson family raised the Groner girls and paid for them to attend boarding school and Lake Forest College.

When Grace graduated from Lake Forest College in 1931, she began working for Dr. Abbott.  She worked at Abbott Laboratories for over four decades.  It was during her early years at Abbott that Grace decided to financially secure her future.  She purchased three Abbott stocks worth $180.  Grace never touched her investment and continued to reinvest the dividends.  Grace lived a frugal life.  She walked everywhere and ever at her old age, and with walker in hand, would do her own yard work.  During her lifetime, she made frequent donations to Lake Forest College and other anonymous donations to people in need.  She spent decades serving others through the First Presbyterian Church.  

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Pictures of Groner Recipients

  • Lauren Levinson ‘13 leads an owl activity for the children to learn about owls. Lauren Levinson ‘13 leads an owl activity for the children to learn about owls.
  • Lauren Levinson interns at the Gorton’s Drop-in Center and teaches the children the cycle of an apple.  Lauren Levinson interns at the Gorton’s Drop-in Center and teaches the children the cycle of an apple. 
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  • Aidan Price, Agnes Dadej, Jimena Resendiz, Sam Mercier and Amy Gonzalez at Montpelier’s Archaeology Field School.   Aidan Price, Agnes Dadej, Jimena Resendiz, Sam Mercier and Amy Gonzalez at Montpelier’s Archaeology Field School.  
  • Ally Bain, U.S. Department of Justice interned. Ally Bain, U.S. Department of Justice interned.
  • Forester, Jerrold Rosema, with the Field School participants Forester, Jerrold Rosema, with the Field School participants

At the death, at the age of 100, she left a great gift to the students of Lake Forest College- a foundation that was started with a large bequest.  Her dream was to provide students with the opportunity to enhance their education by serving themselves, Lake Forest College, and the community.  Grace envisioned that through off-campus study programs, internships, and service projects, students would enhance their education in ways that were unique and only available to the students of Lake Forest College. 

What is the Grace Elizabeth Groner Foundation?

The Grace Elizabeth Groner Foundation offers unique opportunities to Lake Forest College students that are unavailable to students at any other small liberal arts college.  Our mission is to assist students in gaining off-campus study and internship experience in the spirit of service to others,  We believe that service to others is the fundamental basis of any community.  

The Grace E. Groner Foundation recognizes four aspects of service: 

Service to Self

Make the most of the opportunity being presented by Lake Forest College and give it your all. You will have an individualized academic program with great professors to help you, but ultimately your success is yours to make.

Service to Others

Remember no one is self-made. We have all had help along the way. We are all a team, and what we gain, we gain together.

Service to Community

All Groner Recipients are expected to give to their community. On campus, at home, wherever your studies take you, there will be others in need. Recognize their needs and offer your help.

Service to Lake Forest College

As a student you will be asked to serve Lake Forest College to build it for the future and then continue your support as future alumni.

Grace E. Groner lived her life with these concepts of service; we hope her example will inspire you in your years at Lake Forest College to be all you can be.