June 18, 2025
Linda Blaser
Van Ness House dedication honors $5M gift from alumni family
Gary Van Ness ’64 celebrates the unveiling of the Van Ness House sign.
Lake Forest College celebrated a momentous occasion on Friday, June 13, with the naming of a beloved campus building in recognition of a transformational gift from distinguished alumni Gardiner “Gary” Van Ness III ’64 and Jessie (Steiner) Van Ness ’69.
In a ceremony held outside the newly named Van Ness House, the College community gathered to honor the Van Ness family’s extraordinary $5 million contribution to the College’s endowment.
The event, which began at 11 a.m., featured remarks by Interim President Rob Krebs, Francis B. “Spike” Gummere Vice President for Enrollment and Vice President of Campus Life Chris Ellertson, and Gary Van Ness, as well as an unveiling of the new signage. Gary was joined by his son, Gardiner Van Ness IV ’93, representing generations of Foresters deeply rooted in the life and legacy of the College and the City of Lake Forest.
“Being able to honor their generosity by naming this facility, home of our Office of Campus Life, as the Van Ness House is a fitting tribute,” Krebs said. “Their connection to the College goes back more than 60 years, and now their impact on this institution will continue and will be seen for decades to come.”
Gary Van Ness grew up in Lake Forest, attending Lake Forest Country Day School and Lake Forest Academy before enrolling at the College. It was here he met Jessie, 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.
In honor of their legacy, the College named the building formerly known as Rosemary House—originally designated for its location at the corner of Rosemary and Sheridan Roads—as Van Ness House. The building, which houses key administrative and faculty offices, will now carry the family name as a permanent symbol of their dedication to Lake Forest College.
As he addressed the crowd gathered outside the newly named Van Ness House, Gary Van Ness reflected on the profound and lasting impact Lake Forest College had on his life. Standing on the front lawn where he once walked as a student, he spoke not only as a generous benefactor but as someone shaped by the College’s mission and values.
“What Lake Forest College did for me was not just to teach me a major—it nurtured me,” Van Ness said. “It enabled me to grow as an individual, and that growth allowed me to lead a successful life. The College nurtured me so I could be a successful human being. Leading a successful life and contributing to society is good, it’s acknowledged, and for that, I am very, very grateful to all the people who played a role in that.”
His words underscored the spirit behind the Van Ness family’s transformational $5 million gift—an investment not only in the College’s future, but in the power of its people and its capacity to shape lives for generations to come.
During the ceremony, Chris Ellertson, Francis B. “Spike” Gummere Vice President for Enrollment and Vice President of Campus Life, emphasized the deep and lasting impact the Van Ness gift will have on the student experience at Lake Forest College. He reflected on how campus life complements academics in shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Campus life is truly the foundation of the student experience,” Ellertson said. “It plays a vital role in students' personal and professional development—ensuring their health, safety, and wellness, while also cultivating leadership, belonging, and a vibrant community. Gary and Jessie, your gift will have a profound impact not just this August as we welcome a new class, but for many years to come. And just as importantly, it stands as a daily reminder to all of us at the College of our responsibility to do our very best for every student.”
The $5 million gift, designated to the College’s endowment, will provide long-term support for institutional priorities and student success. It is a cornerstone of Our Forester Future, the College’s commitment to ensuring access, excellence, and opportunity for students now and in the years to come.
After the ceremony, Gardiner Van Ness IV '93 reflected on what made his own Lake Forest College experience meaningful beyond the classroom.
“There are many ways that you can get wisdom in life,” he said. “It’s not only classes. It’s the community, how you interact with people, learning new social skills and how to interact with them. I think that’s important. It’s nice to have a community in which you feel safe to do that.”