2023 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend attendees

Alumni

As an alum of Lake Forest College, you're a Forester forever!

No matter where you are now or what you're doing, you'll always be welcome in the Forest and part of a community of 15,000 alumni. Take a look around at what your fellow alumni are up to, what exciting things are happening on campus, and how to get involved. We hope to see you soon.

Spike and Judy Gummere make transformative $5M gift

Referred to as a “living legend,” countless alumni of Lake Forest College know who former Dean of Admissions Spike Gummere is—and he likely signed their letter of admission. From addressing students by name to serving as a mentor for Gummere Fellows, Spike has been part of thousands of students’ lives during his 57 years at the College.

Now, he and his wife Judy are ensuring that legacy lives on through a $5 million bequest—one of the largest planned gifts in the College’s history.

This remarkable gift does two powerful things: it establishes the Francis B. “Spike” Gummere Vice President for Enrollment, a position currently held by Chris Ellertson, and it strengthens the College’s endowment—further securing the student-centered academic experience that Spike and Judy have long cherished.

"When I arrived in 1968, Lake Forest—as a traditional co-ed institution—was a hot college,” Spike said. “There's no denying the growth in our reputation over the years, which is wonderfully reassuring. I love to say to alums: ‘Your degree is worth more today than the day you got it.’”

Register Now for 2025 Homecoming

The best weekend of the year will be here before you know it! We can't wait for all of the excitement and celebration the weekend will hold, and we hope you can join us on campus October 10 to 11, 2025. Check out the full schedule and register now.

Gary Van Ness '64 unveiling new name of house

Van Ness House dedication honors $5M gift from alumni family

Lake Forest College recently named the home of the Office of Campus Life, located on the intersection of Sheridan and Rosemary roads, the Van Ness House in recognition of a transformational gift of $5 million from distinguished alumni Gardiner "Gary" Van Ness III '64 and Jessie (Steiner) Van Ness '69.

Gary Van Ness grew up in Lake Forest and met Jessie at the College, a fellow student who would later become his wife. The two built their lives in "The Forest," raising their family just minutes from campus. Their deep connection to the College, and their desire to strengthen its future for generations to come, inspired their generous endowment gift.

From Lake Forest to Cambridge: Sam Bickersteth ’24 pursues PhD in philosophy of religion

After graduating from Lake Forest College, Sam Bickersteth ’24 returned home to England to pursue a master’s degree in the philosophy of religion at the University of Cambridge, and he will begin his PhD there in the same field this fall. His research puts into conversation the major themes and ideas of two very different theologians, continuing the research his senior thesis at the College was based on. “The College carves out space for the individual student, and if you care about what you’re doing, you can do something quite special and profound,” Bickersteth said.

New rankings are out!

U.S. News & World Report ranked Lake Forest College #1 for Social Mobility.

Wall Street Journal ranked Lake Forest College the best liberal arts college in the Midwest and #27 on its list of the Top 100 Colleges.

The New York Times recognized Lake Forest College as #13 of the Top Colleges with the Greatest Economic Diversity.

Reputation, Rankings, and Facts

Give to Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College alumni know the power of a Forester education. To maintain the high-quality curriculum and transformative experiential learning opportunities we are so proud of, we need the support of generous donors. No matter the size of your donation, you are positively impacting students.

Support Lake Forest College

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Lake Forest College let me do everything I dreamed of. I've carried that into my life after Lake Forest College as well, maintaining my drive to pursue everything I want. I never feel stuck or handcuffed to one thing — I feel confident I can go after whatever goals I want, whether they're personal or professional.

Alex Hemmer '16

We're here for you

The College aims to be a resource for our alumni even beyond graduation. The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center provides resources for alumni through Handshake, newsletters with open job opportunities and upcoming webinars, access to virtual or in-person appointments with a career advisor, and more.

Career Resources

Get involved

We love connecting with our Forester alumni. Whether you visit campus, mentor a student, support a student scholarship, or let us know what news you want to see, engaging with your Forester community is as easy as clicking a button.