Lake Forest College shares #1 spot for Social Mobility in U.S. News rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranked Lake Forest College #1 in the nation for Social Mobility in its latest rankings. This marks the second consecutive year that Lake Forest earned the top spot, this time sharing the honor with Spelman College in Atlanta.
Rob Mermin ’71 uses mime training to find Parkinson’s symptom relief
When most college students decide to backpack around Europe, many bring a camera and a comfortable pair of sneakers. But when Rob Mermin ’71 left for Paris with $50 in his pocket during the summer of ’69, he packed a red clown nose, a pair of baggy pants, and ran away to join the circus—literally.
Professor Karen Kirk publishes paper with eight student co-authors
Professor of Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Foster G. and Mary W. McGaw Professorship in the Life Sciences, Karen Kirk worked with eight undergraduate co-authors to examine how telomerase RNA (TER) is handled inside cells of the fungus, Aspergillus nidulans.
Lake Forest College to add dance, cheer, men’s volleyball in 2026–27
Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Catanzaro announced today that Forester Athletics will grow to 28 programs in 2026-27 with the addition of cheerleading, a dance team, and men’s volleyball.
Jim Catanzaro named Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics
Lake Forest College Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Life Chris Ellertson announced that, following a national search, Jim Catanzaro has been selected as the College’s Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics and will officially assume that role immediately.
Brian McCammack awarded fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Chair of Environmental Studies Brian McCammack was recently awarded a $60,000 fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) for his book project, Black, Brown, and Green: The Origins of Environmental Justice in the 1970s.
Karla Perez ’23 earns top honor in PhD program at Stanford
Karla Perez ’23 was named to the 2025 cohort of 84 new Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) at Stanford University.
The Class of 2025 find success after Commencement
Graduating is a remarkable milestone for those who enroll in college. The Class of 2025 produced 442 graduates, many of whom have already taken first steps in their future careers.
Carla Arnell publishes new paper based on student literary research
Professor of English Carla Arnell’s new article “George MacDonald, A.E. Waite, and the Golden Stair from Victorian Fantasy to Edwardian Mystical Fiction” is being published this month in the journal Renascence.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
The Lake Forest College Class of 2025 Commencement ceremony took place under sunny skies on Wasylik Field on South Campus on the morning of Saturday, May 10.
Students, faculty, and staff honored at 2025 Leadership Awards
The Gates Center honors individual student leaders, student organizations, and faculty leaders at the Leadership Awards Ceremony each spring. This year awards were presented to students, faculty, and student organizations.
Phi Beta Kappa inductees celebrate admittance to prestigious honors society
Eligible students were inducted into the Lake Forest College Phi Beta Kappa Chapter (Theta of Illinois), during a ceremony in Brown Hall's Tarble Room on April 28, 2025.
Ed Wingenbach ’91 to serve as next president of the American College of Greece
Ed Wingenbach ’91 has spent his career emphasizing the importance of a liberal arts education. In July, he’ll promote that value internationally as he leads the American College of Greece as its next president.
WGN News spotlights Lake Forest College premiere inspired by young cancer survivor
A powerful story of music, resilience, and hope reached a wider audience on May 1, 2025, when WGN News aired a 4-minute feature on Lake Forest College’s musical premiere inspired by 11-year-old cancer survivor, Kamila.
Students identify real-world solutions in 2025 Venture Design Challenge
The 2025 Venture Design Challenge finals were held on April 26 in the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel. This year, two teams shared the prize title.
Science students present at national BMB conference
Nine science majors, an alumnus, and two faculty members attended the 2025 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) national meeting in Chicago, April 12–15. Five students presented their research.
Leading the way with AI: Lake Forest College announces new artificial intelligence minor
Beginning in Fall 2025, Lake Forest College students can explore artificial intelligence (AI) through a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary minor.
Nu Rho Psi hosts event exploring connections between social media and the brain
On March 20, 2025, the Lake Forest College chapter of Nu Rho Psi hosted "Demure Perspectives on Social Media"—an interactive educational event exploring the nuanced relationship between the brain and social media.
Psychology students present at Midwest Psychological Association conference in Chicago
In an impressive representation of student research coming out of a single department, 16 undergraduate psychology students presented their accepted research over the annual Midwest Psychological Association (MPA) conference.
Ahmad Sadri speaks at Chicago’s 2025 Nowruz celebration
Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri attended the 2025 Nowruz celebration at Chicago City Hall on April 8.
Foresters present ‘Decolonizing Bodyminds’ research at Midwest conference
Seven students from Professor of Anthropology Holly Swyers’ Decolonizing Bodyminds and Their Relations class presented at the 2025 Midwest Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), held April 11 at Indiana University South Bend.
Kate Feist ’27 wins 2025 Goldwater Scholarship for Parkinson’s research
Science double major and student-athlete Kate Feist ’27 has been named a 2025 Goldwater Scholarship recipient for her research on the causes of Parkinson’s disease, the prestigious national organization announced.
Desang Tenzin '28 awarded Projects for Peace grant to improve monastery living conditions
Economics and computer science double major Desang Lhaki Tenzin '28 grew up in Bhutan, where many monasteries face significant resource challenges. With the support of a Davis Projects for Peace grant, Tenzin is determined to change this.
Students present, win poster awards at national fruit fly conference
Three Lake Forest College students and one alum attended the Genetics Society of America's Drosophila Genetics Research Conference in San Diego, California, March 19-23.
Band, Orchestra, Choir to premiere original piece inspired by girl’s cancer journey
On Friday, April 25, the Lake Forest College Band, Orchestra, and Choir will present the world premiere of an original composition inspired by the story of 12-year-old Kamila, a resilient young girl from Lake in the Hills, Illinois who beat cancer.
Ben Zeller named an ACM Academic Leadership Fellow
Professor and Chair of Religion Ben Zeller has been selected as the Lake Forest College Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) Academic Leadership Fellow for a 2-year term beginning July 1, 2025.
Courtney Pierre Joseph in new PBS documentary on Chicago’s lakefront
Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Pierre Joseph is featured in a new WTTW documentary, “Touring Chicago’s Lakefront with Geoffrey Baer” premieres 7 p.m. (CDT) on Monday, April 14.
Symposium 2025 celebrates student achievement in day-long event
On April 8, the Lake Forest College community gathered for Student Symposium 2025, the College’s annual celebration of student creativity and academic achievement.
Foresters reconnect and build careers at 2025 In The Loop Mixer
More than 200 students, alumni, and employer partners gathered on Thursday, April 3 at the Bank of America building in downtown Chicago for the 2025 In The Loop Mixer—an annual event that brings the Forester community together for networking, mentorship, and career-building conversations.
Students explore math research and innovation at statewide conference
From exploring artificial intelligence to uncovering the role of equity in math education, students had the opportunity to engage with big ideas and inspiring scholars at the 2025 Illinois Sectional Meeting of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), held March 28–29 at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois.
Sadri’s ‘Shahnameh’ translation earns praise and global invitation
Less than two weeks after his new Shahnameh was published on March 18, 2025, Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri was making news globally.
Schwalbe research students earn top honors at conferences
Spring 2025 has been a landmark semester for Assistant Professor of Biology Margot Schwalbe and students in her research lab.
Full circle: Kyra Vidas ’18 reflects on her path to success
Kyra Vidas ’18, Director of Basketball Operations for the WNBA team Phoenix Mercury, returned to campus for the 2025 Curtis Family Lecture Series to share her career success story and the importance of appreciating the experiences and people who shape your life.
Student tutors present research at Midwestern Writing Center Association conference
Four Lake Forest College students who work in the College's Writing Center as tutors attended and presented research at the Midwestern Writing Center Association (MWCA) conference March 13-15.
Students build professional skills at Career-A-Palooza 2025
At Career-A-Palooza, students choose from a variety of sessions and activities where they learn valuable career-building skills that will help them apply for and secure jobs and internships as well as narrow down their fields of interest.
Folk musician Justin Lansing ’07 named 2025 Commencement speaker
Grammy Award-winning folk musician Justin Lansing ’07 will deliver the 2025 Lake Forest College Commencement address on Saturday, May 10.
Artist in Residence events bring two dance companies to campus
This year, Lake Forest College’s Artist in Residence (AIR) committee invited two Chicago dance companies to campus for performances and workshops.
Eukaryon to inaugurate 21st issue of award-winning journal
The print and web-based student publication Eukaryon, which highlights scholarship in the life sciences, will be inaugurated on March 27 at 4:30 p.m. in the Tarble Room in Brown Hall.
Meet the Forester mentors who help students make it
Over winter break, 242 members of the Forester network reached out to support current students through the Foresters CAREER Mentoring Program that pairs students with professionals.
Linh Pham awarded climate grant to study economic impacts of Vietnam carbon transition
Assistant Professor of Economics Linh Pham recently won a grant to study the macroeconomic implications of the carbon transition in Vietnam.
Josh Hedge publishes article on Utah dinosaur egg diversity
Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology Josh Hedge recently published an article on fossil eggshell diversity of the Mussentuchit Member in the scientific journal PLOS One.
2025 Forester Day raises funds for areas across campus
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.
Ridges Sanctuary, College affiliation opens new doors to learning
Lake Forest College is pleased to announce a budding interdisciplinary affiliation with The Ridges Sanctuary, a leading environmental conservation organization in Bailey’s Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin.
Olivia Smith ’21 carves her own path as a medical tattoo artist
As a medical tattoo artist, Olivia Smith ’21 spends her days restoring confidence in her clients, helping them feel comfortable in their own skin.
Neuroscience achieves departmental status at Lake Forest College
The newest department on campus represents one of the top five majors for Lake Forest College students. Neuroscience, formerly under the wings of the Departments of Biology and Psychology, has been elevated to full department status.
HUMAN Residency Fellows to explore AI through the humanities
Ragdale, in conjunction with Lake Forest College, is pleased to announce the recipients of the HUMAN Residency Fellowship, made possible by the Mellon Foundation.
Ahmad Sadri to discuss enduring power of Shahnameh in NYC Public Library event
Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri, a distinguished translator and scholar of Persian literature, will participate in a special event exploring the enduring legacy of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh in the New York Public Library on March 12.
Foresters in love: Alumni share stories of finding "the one” on campus
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked our alumni to share their Lake Forest College love stories. From meet-cutes during classes and at parties to the admissions office and a hockey locker room, these stories span decades and capture the moments when sparks flew and lasting love began.
Sean Menke receives NSF grant to uncover ant reactions to periodical cicadas
Last summer, Lake Forest's landscape was changed by the emergence of periodical cicadas that surface every 17 years. Professor of Biology Sean Menke partnered with fellow scientists to explore the impact of these cicada emergences on ant populations, and the project received a grant from the National Science Foundation to enable further research.
Vocalist's on-campus performance highlighted in Classic Chicago
A recent article in Classic Chicago magazine, “Lake Forest College: Celebrating Town and Gown,” spotlighted a special evening of music and community at Lake Forest College.
Lake Forest College mock trial teams shine at regional tournament
Lake Forest College’s mock trial program continues to grow in strength and success, as two teams competed at the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) regional tournament at the University of Notre Dame in early February.
Class of 2024 reports 97 percent placement rate
The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC) is pleased to report that within six months of graduation, 97 percent of Class of 2024 graduates were employed or enrolled in continuing education
Paper published on how job ad wording affects women’s career decisions
Research that began as a Richter Scholar Program project four years ago with Farhan Ahmed ’24 under Assistant Professor of Business Cassondra Batz-Barbarich was recently published in the Journal of Personnel Psychology.
Study uncovers unexpected relationship between banks and peer-to-peer lending
Lake Forest College professors and students challenge conventional wisdom with groundbreaking research.
Omicron Delta Kappa inducts outstanding students in annual ceremony
Lake Forest College recently celebrated the induction of new members into Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a prestigious national leadership honor society.
Tom Whalen ’01 at the helm of TITAN submersible investigation
The implosion of the TITAN submersible on June 18, 2023 gripped the world’s attention, and Lieutenant Commander Tom Whalen ’01 found himself at the center of the investigation into this devastating tragedy.
Lake Forest College to host free VITA tax preparation services
IRS-certified students and alumni from Lake Forest College will provide free, in-person tax-preparation services to qualifying community members filing 2024 returns this spring.
Brian McCammack awarded NEH fellowship for environmental justice project
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Chair of Environmental Studies Brian McCammack was recently awarded a $60,000 fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for his book project, Black, Brown, and Green: The Origins of Environmental Justice in the 1970s.
Todd Beer study on conservation, gender equality, and education published
Associate Professor and Chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department Todd Beer, recently published a peer-reviewed research article in The Sociological Quarterly, the official journal of the Midwest Sociological Society.
Map your future: a junior’s guide to the college search
Congratulations! Your college search starts now, and as a high school junior (or maybe even a sophomore), you're ahead of the game—and that's something to be proud of.
Courtney Joseph, RL Watson lead students in preserving Black history of Lake Forest
A grant from the National Archives has enabled Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph and Assistant Professor of English and African American Studies RL Watson to lead students in researching the Black history of Lake Forest, Illinois. Halfway through the grant cycle, the team has already accomplished a noteworthy amount of work.
New Foresters begin on first day of spring semester
The skies deceivingly shone bright blue while temperatures remained frigid throughout the first day of classes on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Amy Budde ’19 returns to the College as Head Women’s Hockey Coach
Amy Budde ‘19 is living her dream.
Nicolas Rubio '25 releases original EP and music videos
Nicolas Rubio '25 completed his schooling in Chile and was just starting law school when he decided to pivot entirely and move to Lake Forest, Illinois to pursue music at the College.
Corporate visit shapes next generation of finance leaders
The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC) recently hosted an unforgettable career exploration event at BMO Harris Wealth Management in downtown Chicago. With over 45 attendees, it was the largest company visit for the Business, Finance, and Data Science career pathway in the past six years—a testament to the incredible opportunities available to Lake Forest College students.
Mentorship in action: Ajit Sharma ’23 gains legal experience from Antonio Musillami ’00
When aspiring attorney Ajit Sharma ’23 was searching for a job after graduation, he utilized the College’s vast alumni network to connect with real estate attorney Antonio Musillami ’00, who owns a law firm in Chicago. Musillami’s firm hired Sharma as a paralegal, and he has now been working there for more than a year.
Organismal biology class gains insight at Field Museum
Being so close to the third largest city in the US allows faculty to add a unique dimension to in-class work with out-of-class trips to such enlightening destinations as the Field Museum of Chicago.
Foresters present at international Neuroscience 2024 conference
Sixteen life science students and four faculty members attended the largest brain conference in the world October 5–8 in Chicago.
Students to host panel discussion at Lake Forest-Lake Bluff History Center
On Wednesday, November 20, three Lake Forest College students who have spent months researching the history of Black Presence at the College will take part in a panel session that will focus on the latest discoveries the students have made.
Lake Forest College to support green energy through Renewable Energy Credits
The College will purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) representing 100 percent of its energy use for the year 2025.
Finance students, faculty, and staff meet global figures at Chicago finance conference
Associate Professor of Finance Muris Hadzic and Vice President for Career Advancement and Strategic Initiatives Jackie Slaats accompanied 16 Lake Forest College students to the annual Invest For Kids (IFK) conference hosted in Chicago on October 22.
Schneiderman interviews bestselling author for Lake Forest Reads
Several hundred community members gathered at the Gorton Community Center on November 1 to hear Lake Forest College’s Davis Schneiderman interview Shelby Van Pelt about her bestselling novel Remarkably Bright Creatures as part of the annual Lake Forest Reads program, organized and planned by the Lake Forest Library, and sponsored by the Friends of Lake Forest Library.
Brain Awareness Week, Glassman Symposium draws interested crowds
Last week’s Brain Awareness Week, held October 28–30, and the correlated 12th annual Robert R. Glassman Memorial Syposium, held October 31–November 1, wrapped up another successful year showcasing medical mysteries of the mind through a number of public events on campus.
Coming home: Commencement returns to campus in 2025
President Jill M. Baren has announced the exciting news that Commencement will be held on campus in 2025.
Students and alumni share takeaways from 2024 Speed Networking
The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center’s signature fall event, Speed Networking, provided students with the opportunity to meet with professionals in the Forester Network for short networking rounds where they gained valuable career advice, practiced essential networking skills, and learned about available internships and jobs.
Showcasing Chicago: Josh Moulton ’00 exhibits art during 2024 Homecoming
As Josh Moulton ’00 stood in the Durand Art Institute surrounded by his paintings of Chicago, he reflected on a dream realized: showcasing his work at the very place where he studied and practiced his art over two decades ago.
Two alumni make headlines at Rosalind Franklin University
Philip Ofosu-Amaah ’19 and Ryan Fist ’24 were featured in Helix, Rosalind Franklin University’s semi-annual magazine, for their recent accomplishments as they pursue careers in the healthcare field.