Your gift of any size to the Forester Fund provides direct and immediate support to the College's greatest needs: scholarships and financial aid, new programs and initiatives, experiential learning, and faculty excellence. Your contribution will have a profound impact on the Lake Forest College community as we make it together.
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.
Thanks to the generosity of 3,034 others, the Forester Fund raised over $2.7 million during 2024-25. This fund is critical in supporting every part of the Forester experience, including:
Forester Day, the College’s annual day of giving, generated $750,000 in gifts from more than 1,640 donors for areas across campus, including annual scholarships, the Forester Fund, the College’s endowment, student leadership programs, and more.
Held on Thursday, February 27, the day included trivia for students, the Third Annual Telethon, a Forester Flair contest, and celebrations on campus, in Chicago, and in Denver. Thank you to everyone who called in to the telethon, attended our celebrations, and took the time to give back to the College.
Mark your calendars for 2026 Forester Day on Thursday, February 26!
Stories like these are made possible by philanthropic contributions. The strengths of our College—life-changing scholarships, personal connections and mentorship, excellent academic programs and faculty, engaging spaces where our students learn and life—come alive thanks to Forester Fund donations.
"Due to the support of donors like you, I was able to study abroad, which opened my eyes to new perspectives and cultures. That experience enhanced my personal growth and strengthened my ability to communicate and relate to people of all cultures."
Involvement: New Zealand Study Abroad, Football, Track and Cross Country, Men's Black group, Office of Advancement Student Worker
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
"Being a first-generation college student has put a lot of pressure on me to do well in school to make my family proud. Lake Forest College has helped me so much to get academically and socially committed in a short amount of time."
Involvement: Gummere Fellow, Delta Kappa Honor Society, Center for Academic Success Peer Academic Coach, American Marketing Association Vice President of Membership, Investment Club
Major: Business
Hometown: Vernon Hills, Illinois
"The generous donations from the Lake Forest College community make a real difference, enabling students like me to pursue our dreams and contribute positively to campus life. Their support drives us to excel and prepares us for future challenges."
Involvement: Student Government Association President, Center for Academic Success Calculus Tutor, Residential Assistant
Major: Physics
Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
