September 30, 2025
Meghan O'Toole
Celebrate fall like a Forester
A crisp breeze, a touch of color on the leaves, and students flooding back to campus. The fall semester of college is all about new beginnings supported by long-standing traditions.
These aren't just events on a calendar—they're the traditions that define what it means to be a Forester.
Playfair! for first-year students
This New Student Orientation staple brings students together for team-building exercises. Here, new students have a chance to bond with one another and meet peers across the College through games and activities.
Beach Bash for first-year students
As New Student Orientation winds down, what's a better way to inject the start of the academic year with good vibes than a party at the beach?
Students play sand volleyball and beach games, swim, and kayak on Lake Michigan.
Chicago Day
When upperclassmen move in, first-year students leave campus to explore the wonderful city of Chicago! This fall tradition kicks off the academic semester the day before classes officially start. First-year-studies professors organize group trips into the city for their classes.
Popular destinations include:
- The Lake Forest College In The Loop residences
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Notable theaters across the city
- Eataly, a large-format Italian food hall and marketplace
- And destinations relevant to the class curriculum
Matriculation and Gauntlet
Matriculation is a ceremony that honors the milestone of the transition to college.
As students file out of Matriculation, they are met by members of the Forester community, who form a cheering gauntlet through which the students pass.
Forester Friday Kickoff
This annual event happens on the Middle Campus Quad at the beginning of the fall semester. All Foresters are encouraged to stop by to the event and join the campus community for Forester spirit, Gear Store purchases, an athletics rummage sale, and treats.
During Forester Fridays throughout the year, members of the College community wear Lake Forest College clothing and/or red and black. Be sure to show your Forester pride!
Homecoming: Pep Rally, Bonfire, and Reunions
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend includes everything you need to connect with fellow Foresters, explore your favorite parts of campus, and create new memories with friends, family and classmates.
During this event, alumni come to campus from across the country to enjoy the annual bonfire, see the alumni art exhibit, and watch the Forester football game.
Late Night Breakfast
When finals week rolls around, one thing that keeps morale up is the semesterly Lake Night Breakfast. Your favorite faculty and staff volunteer their time to serve up breakfast classics, starting at 9 p.m. in the Caf, that fuel all the studying happening on campus.
