News and Events

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.

Students organize Caf takeover for Indigenous Peoples' Day to educate, inform

On Indigenous Peoples' Day earlier this month, students belonging to the Native American and Indigenous Students empowerment group (NAIS) organized a takeover of the Caf to educate the Lake Forest College community on native foods and indigenous cuisine.

Lake Forest College eligible for US Department of Education ranking for Excellence and Equity

Lake Forest College was recently recognized as eligible to apply for the new College Excellence and Equity list by the US Department of Education (ED).

College’s award-winning Brain Awareness Week begins October 28

Brain Awareness Week, the College’s award-winning academic outreach program that explores medical mysteries of the mind, will be held from October 28 to November 1. This interdisciplinary program features engaging lectures with top experts from University of Pennsylvania, Pomona College, University of British Colombia, and many on-campus activities.

Annual Glassman Brain, Mind, Behavior Symposium returns Oct. 31–Nov. 1

The 2024 Robert B. Glassman Memorial Brain, Mind, and Behavior Symposium to be held Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1 returns this year with an outstanding lineup of interesting academic offerings.

Neuroscience marks 15 years of learning, growth, and community

The College’s Neuroscience Program marked a tremendous milestone—15 years—during Homecoming 2024.

Trustees, alumni, friends of the College rally to support Schuler Scholars

When the Schuler Foundation closed, leaving Lake Forest College’s 24 Schuler Scholars without their annual $2,500 scholarships and health insurance coverage, Trustees Diana Moore and Liam Connell stepped in to help.

Dr. Mike Karner ’07 spearheads effort to raise funds for students affected by Schuler Foundation closure

When the Schuler Foundation abruptly closed in July, leaving hundreds of high school and college students in the Schuler Scholar Program without the scholarships they relied on, Dr. Mike Karner ’07 quickly took action. Karner, the Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools, launched a fundraising effort that raised $1.4 million in just one month, ensuring that students wouldn’t lose the financial support critical to continue their education.

Camila Pizano honored among top 16 woman conservationists in Colombia

Assistant Professor of Biology Camila Pizano will be recognized for her biodiversity and conservation work at the COP16, the United Nations’ Biodiversity Conference, in Cali, Colombia on October 24.

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend packed with memories

We may be a bit biased, but we think our 2024 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend was a huge success! A big thank you to the nearly 1,000 people who registered and made it an unforgettable weekend.

Tamino Köhne ’24 pivots to empower youth on coral reef rescue

Tamino Köhne ’24, winner of the Projects for Peace grant, spent an unforgettable month in American Samoa this summer leading workshops and creating a hands-on workbook for local children to teach them how to care for and protect coral reefs. His journey, however, took an unexpected turn.

Courtney Joseph featured in Chicago Tribune on Haitian contributions to Chicago

Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph was recently interviewed by the Chicago Tribune for an article on the Haitian community of Chicago.

Will Conrad awarded ‘life-changing’ $425K grant for TB research

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Will Conrad has been awarded a “life-changing” $425,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support his years-long research into the cause of tuberculosis.

Lois Baer Barr releases novel based on family history

The Tailor's Daughter is a new novel by Associate Professor of Spanish, Emerita, Lois Baer Barr inspired by the lives of her mother’s Eastern European Jewish family living over their tailor shop in Louisville, Kentucky.

Crain’s Chicago names William Lowry ’84 a ‘Notable Black Leader’

Crain’s Chicago Business has named Board Chairman William Lowry ’84 a 2024 Notable Black Leader. This prestigious honor highlights exceptional Black professionals in Chicago who have made significant contributions in their fields while positively impacting their communities.

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.

Schneiderman receives Illinois Arts Council grant for AI-themed performance

Professor Davis Schneiderman has been awarded a Creative Catalyst Grant from the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) for an innovative stage performance exploring artificial intelligence through comedy and storytelling.

Courtney Joseph interviewed on ‘Black Studies Podcast’

Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph recently completed an interview with The Black Studies Podcast on the relationship between scholarly research and political communities, the place of historical methods in Black studies, and how the study of Haiti and the diaspora speaks to the future of the field.

Princeton Review ranks Lake Forest among ‘Best Colleges’ for 2025

Lake Forest College has been named one of the Best 390 Colleges and Best Midwest Colleges by The Princeton Review.

Top 11 must-visit places in Lake Forest, Illinois

Lake Forest, Illinois is a quiet town in Chicago's North Shore suburbs, and it's also home to the Best Liberal Arts College in the Midwest as ranked by the Wall Street Journal in 2024. Whether you're a student, parent, alum, or just visiting, here are all the places in town you should hit up.

Dr. Gary Assarian ’74 leads philanthropic efforts in Armenia

Dr. Gary Assarian ’74 and his wife, Linda, have led and invested in many ventures and businesses to support the social and economic development of the people of Armenia since 2014. Their philanthropic efforts range from supporting the country’s natural ecosystem through a reforestation project to funding a vocational training program.

Enrique Treviño coaches at International Mathematical Olympiad

Professor and Chair of Mathematics and Computer Science Enrique Treviño co-coached Team Mexico for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)—the world’s premier high-school math competition—in Bath, England this summer, earning three medals and one Honorable Mention.

Research by Camila Pizano featured at global symposium and in The Economist

The Economist featured research conducted by Assistant Professor of Biology Camila Pizano in an article covering 100 years of research on Barro Colorado Island in Panama.

Professor William B. Martin, biochemical and biological sciences scholar, dies at 97

Professor William B. Martin, Deane Professor of Biochemical and Biological Sciences Emeritus, died on August 8, 2024. He was 97.

Martin Ettlin Cuitino '27 presents at international conference on sexual assault

Neuroscience and psychology double major and philosophy minor Martin Ettlin Cuitino '27 presented at the 2024 National Sexual Assault Conference (NSAC) in Washington, DC, this summer.

Jackie Slaats to take on new role at the College

Lake Forest College President Dr. Jill Baren recently announced that Vice President for Career Advancement and Athletics Jackie Slaats will be taking on a new and exciting role as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Career Advancement.

Annual scholarship to be established in memory of Gabe Trujillo ’16

Gabriel "Gabe" Trujillo ’16 is remembered by classmates and professors as a driven student and thoughtful friend. Following his unexpected passing in 2023, Lake Forest College is establishing a new annual scholarship to support a Forester who shares Trujillo's passion for learning.

College welcomes to campus Class of 2028, new transfer students

Noon temperatures hovered near a balmy 73 degrees on a sunny first day of classes, as the College welcomed 422 members of the Class of 2028 and 92 new transfer students, August 22.

Shubhik DebBurman honored with national Faculty Mentor Award

Inspired and supported throughout their academic journeys by the dedicated mentorship of Disque D. & Carol Gram Deane Professor of Biological Sciences Shubhik DebBurman, life sciences alumni returned the favor by nominating him for a prestigious national faculty mentor award that he ultimately received.

Board Chair William Lowry ’84 urges DNC visitors to explore city neighborhoods

Lake Forest College Board of Trustees Chairman William “Bill” A. Lowry ’84 penned a letter to the Chicago Sun-Times, urging visitors attending the Democratic National Convention to venture beyond the Loop and explore the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago.

Everything parents need to know about their college student's first year

It's natural to feel concerned about how your child will adjust to college life and how you can best support them. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your college student's first year with confidence.

Bob Knuth nominated for Chicago theater Jeff Award for second year

For the second year in a row, Director of Theater Bob Knuth has been nominated for a 2023–24 Equity Jeff Awards nomination—Chicago’s highest theater honor—for set design on his work outside the College.

Experiential learning: What it is and why it makes a difference for college students

For many college students, learning can take a variety of forms: listening to lectures in the classroom, conducting experiments in a lab, performing music, making art, and more. However, hands-on learning that allows students to put their skills into practice can take a wide variety of forms.

Champion of workers’ rights Kim Cook ’79: How Lake Forest College shaped her career

Inspired by her mother’s experiences as a single, working-class parent, Kim Cook ’79 used her Lake Forest College education to build a career organizing unions and advocating for legislation that would improve thousands of lives across the country.

DEIB Fellows shine at national conference

As part of the DEIB Fellows Internship program, Office of Intercultural Relations Director Nevin Heard and Senior Associate Director for DEIB Marianinna Villavicencio took two students to the prestigious National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (NCORE) in Hawaii earlier this summer.

Musician, writer, and Master of Liberal Studies: How one MLS grad is making it

Lake Forest College’s Master of Liberal Studies program accommodates students’ interests and prepares them for a broad range of successes. For Mallory Kolodziej MLS ’23, the highly customizable program impacted all areas of life.

Leadership skills program prepares graduates for the future of work

Amidst a backdrop of a dynamic job market and the rapid spread of generative AI in the workplace, 30 new graduates from the Class of 2024 spent their June developing leadership skills through a virtual course that will help them stand out as candidates.

Determination and perseverance: The keys to Mark Thompson ’03’s success

Mark Thompson ’03, a Senior Developer Relations Engineer at Google, learned from his early-career mistakes, persevered through challenges, and leaned on his liberal arts education from Lake Forest College to find success in work and teaching.

Lake Forest named ‘Best Value College’ by Princeton Review

Lake Forest College has been named one of The Princeton Review’s 2024 Best Value Colleges, the educational services company announced.

Maximizing your college experience: the power of big city proximity

Big school in a big city? Rural college town? With so many educational settings available, how do you pick the right college location for you? Lake Forest College students get to make the most of being near the third-largest US city no matter their area of study.

Richter research program connects students with faculty mentors

This summer, 45 students are conducting research under the guidance of faculty members in 14 areas of study through the Richter Scholar Program.

Alumna, student named co-authors on paper with honored RFU research mentor

Ondine Berg ’23 and Margaret Boersma ’24 are co-authors on a new scholarly paper based on research they conducted during the Lake Forest College-Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU).

Richter Scholar Program puts students on path to success

The Lake Forest College students who are invited to participate in the Richter Scholar Program conduct independent research with faculty members the summer after their first year on campus.

Exploring AI and the humanities: HUMAN Residency Fellowship announced

In partnership with Lake Forest College, Ragdale—Lake Forest’s prominent artist community—has just announced the HUMAN Residency Fellowship.

From Richter Scholar to PhD student: Jack Curtis ’23's journey into robotics research

Jack Curtis ’23 began his research career as an 18-year-old Richter Scholar the summer after his first year at Lake Forest College and is now a PhD student in the electrical and computer engineering program at the Georgia Institute of Technology studying systems and controls.

Felkey hosts webinars for nonprofits seeking meaningful inclusion

Professor of Economics Amanda J. Felkey was recently invited to deliver webinars on fostering belonging and supporting inclusion in organizations for two large nonprofits.

Two alums calling the shots in NHL playoffs

Lake Forest College alumni Brien Rea '05, TV analyst for the Dallas Stars, and Doug Plagens '07, radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Florida Panthers, are following their teams' progress in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Kevin Howley named VP for Finance, Institutional Planning

Kevin Howley has been named the new Vice President for Finance and Institutional Planning. He begins at the College on June 3, 2024.

Schneiderman to interview bestselling author at Lake Forest Reads event

A widow’s unexpected friendship with an octopus residing at the local aquarium leads her to uncover the truth about her son's disappearance 30 years prior—this is the subject of Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is this year's pick for the annual Lake Forest Reads event.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024

The Lake Forest College Class of 2024 Commencement ceremony took place under sunny skies at Ravinia Festival Park on the morning of Saturday, May 11.

Grateful Dead podcast hosts Krebs Center Executive Director as guest curator

Guess the Year, a popular podcast that challenges guests to identify the year a particular Grateful Dead show was performed based on audio clips and context clues, turned to Professor of English Davis Schneiderman as the guest curator of selections for its season finale.

Legacy of inspiration: Spike Gummere’s enduring influence on alumni and beyond

Francis “Spike” Gummere has a legacy at Lake Forest College that touches thousands of alumni, inspired the formation of crucial campus programs, and encourages people to continuously give back to the College.

Five Foresters who have found their futures

With Commencement complete, each member of the Class of 2024 is embarking on a journey of self-fulfillment and career discovery.

Students’ archaeological findings showcased in new exhibit at IIT

In a captivating convergence, the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) has unveiled an exhibit showcasing historic artifacts unearthed by visiting Lake Forest College students and others who participated in an onsite urban dig there last May.

Public Relations Society asks Krebs Center Executive Director for insight into AI

For its recent program “The Intersection of AI+PR” the Chicago chapter of the Public Relations Society of America turned to Executive Director of the Krebs Center for the Humanities and Professor of English Davis Schneiderman as one of their expert panelists.

Sean Menke makes front page of Chicago Tribune

Professor of Biology Sean Menke is known for his extensive research on ant populations. This year, with two broods of cicadas emerging, he is investigating how the winged insects impact local ants.

Paul Henne awarded $217K Templeton World Charity grant

Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Neuroscience Paul Henne '11 is the recipient of a Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) grant to pursue his project, “Charitable Reasoning: how the tools of philosophy can help increase belief revision and decrease polarization.”

Isabella Tello '26 joins Youth Task Force for the Future

Isabella Tello '26 is no stranger to taking part in effecting change on a global scale. With two trips to United Nations (UN) summits under her belt, Tello was recently invited to New York City as part of the Youth Task Force for the Future.

Tilahun Emiru and alum co-author paper on economic drivers of mergers, acquisitions

A paper on business merger and acquisition trends that was co-written by Assistant Professor of Economics Tilahun Emiru and alum Sara Weisblatt ’23 has been accepted for publication in the scholarly journal Studies in Economics and Finance (SEF).

Todd Beer speaks about climate justice through a gendered lens

Associate Professor of Sociology Christopher "Todd" Beer will present his talk “Climate Justice and Health in a Gendered World: Responsibilities, Risks, and Response” in person and virtually at noon (CDT) on Tuesday, May 7.

Anne Barry unites 250 students at Zion-Benton District Choralfest

Associate Professor of Music and Chair of Music Education Anne Barry was a guest conductor for Zion-Benton School District Choralfest earlier this semester.

Students compete in the second annual Public Policy Analysis Challenge

This year’s annual Lake Forest College Public Policy Analysis Challenge provided students with a platform to showcase their proposed policy solutions and apply their expertise in policymaking, addressing issues of violence in America.

Students, faculty, and staff honored at 2024 Leadership Awards

The Gates Center honors individual student leaders and student organizations at the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony each spring. This year, seventeen awards were presented to students, faculty, staff, and student organizations.

Lake Forest College 2024 Phi Beta Kappa inductees announced

Eligible students were inducted into the Lake Forest College Phi Beta Kappa Chapter (Theta of Illinois), during a ceremony in Glen Rowan House on April 16, 2024.

Zachary Cook’s book sheds light on youth economic beliefs beyond political labels

In his latest book titled “Is the Youth Vote Liberal? Analyzing Attitudes Toward Business and Regulation,” Zachary Cook, an assistant professor of politics at Lake Forest College, challenges prevailing stereotypes about the economic beliefs of young Americans.

Suha Jayyousi Dajani successfully defends bio-math dissertation

Visiting Instructor in Mathematics Suha Dajani successfully defended her dissertation and earned her PhD from Northern Illinois University (NIU) earlier this semester.

Tessa Sermet co-edits collection of French science fiction stories translated to English

Assistant Professor of French Tessa Sermet co-edited Continuum: French Science Fiction Short Stories, which was recently published by Ooligan Press.

Students present at national ASBMB conference, win honors

Three students presented their research at the national 2024 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) conference in San Antonio, Texas and brought home several commendations.

Clare Longfellow ’06 to hike Mount Kilimanjaro in support of those with ovarian cancer

In 2017, Clare Longfellow ’06 received a diagnosis of stage one ovarian cancer, and after being cancer-free for seven years, she is hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s Team Teal in July.

College and Art Institute unite for cultural exploration

Through a partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago, the College offered free admission to students, faculty, staff, and alumni on Saturday, April 20. The event, which saw over 200 guests, was put on through a joint effort between the Center for Chicago Programs, the Office of Advancement, the Career Advancement Center, and the Department of Art.

Re-creating home: students, professor break Ramadan fast together

Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims across the world. For many of Lake Forest College's international students, being away from home during this time can be especially challenging. Visiting Instructor in Mathematics Suha Dajani recreated that sense of home by hosting Iftar for students on two occasions this month.

Alumni and students connect at the 2024 In The Loop Mixer

Nearly 200 members of the Forester community came together at the Bank of America building in Chicago on Thursday, April 11 to join in networking and conversation at the In The Loop Mixer.

Chicago library visit unlocks WWI mystery, shapes Marquardt book

A class trip to Chicago’s flagship library, a non-descript box of old, typewritten letters, and historical intrigue has culminated in a new book compiled and edited by Professor of International Relations James Marquardt with help from student researchers.

Career-A-Palooza empowers students to navigate changing workplace trends

The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center recently hosted its largest in-person Career-A-Palooza ever, with a record-breaking attendance of 283 students.

Ahmad Sadri to deliver series of talks across Europe April 25–28

Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri is set to embark on a series of lectures across Europe, offering insights into various aspects of Iranian culture, literature, and ethics.

Tamino Köhne ’24 wins coveted grant to rescue American Samoa’s coral reefs

Tamino Köhne ’24, a dedicated advocate for marine conservation, has been awarded the prestigious Projects for Peace grant for his visionary initiative aimed at rejuvenating coral reefs in American Samoa.

Passing the torch: Majo Orozco Fuentes ’24 follows professor’s path to Yale PhD program

Psychology and neuroscience double major Majo Orozco Fuentes '24 will be heading to Yale University this fall after being accepted into the PhD program in biological and biomedical sciences. Exactly 15 years prior, her mentor Assistant Professor of Biology Becky Delventhal attended the same program.

Anna Trumbore Jones co-authors sourcebook on medieval clergy

In a collaboration bridging academia and teaching, Professor Anna Trumbore Jones of Lake Forest College has co-authored a groundbreaking book, The Medieval Clergy, 800–1250: A Sourcebook.

Peter Kadens, Marsha Oberrieder selected Commencement honorees

Distinguished leaders in philanthropy and healthcare will receive honorary degrees from Lake Forest College at the 2024 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11.

Symposium spectacular: Hundreds celebrate at annual showcase of student work

The College community rallied together on April 9 for a vibrant celebration of creativity and achievement at Symposium—an electrifying event that annually showcases the incredible work of Lake Forest College students. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and friends took part in the day’s activities.

Senior's thesis investigates how AI can help secure interviews

Rebecca Stoia ’24 saw herself facing a problem many graduates encounter when exiting college: searching for a job. Stoia combined her economics and data science majors to work on a thesis project that utilizes AI to help applications stand out.

WGN-TV airs story on 1893 World’s Fair soundtrack played by music faculty

WGN-TV aired “The Long-Lost Soundtrack of Chicago” on the music of the 1893 World’s Fair featuring interviews with Lake Forest College music faculty.

Susan Long, Andrea Goreta ’25 publish paper in International Research Journal

Andrea Goreta ’25 and Affiliated Scholar in Psychology Susan Long collaborated on a paper that was recently published in Psi Chi Journal of International Research.

Lauren Slipkowsky named new AVP of Human Resources

Lauren Slipkowsky has been named the new Associate Vice President of Human Resources. She begins at the College on May 6, 2024.

Anne Barry celebrates the College's international identities through song

Lake Forest College's campus is unique. Despite being a community of just under 1,800 students, over 120 nationalities are represented in the student, faculty, and staff bodies. Associate Professor of Music Anne Barry is determined to celebrate each of these identities through something they all share—music.

Tuba expert Max Briggs redefines solo repertoire with scholarly journal article

Teaching associate in music Maxwell Briggs has an article published in the Winter 2024 issue of the International Tuba-Euphonium Association Journal.

Chadwick Memorial Poetry Series welcomes Annie Finch

Annie Finch is an award-winning poet, translator, cultural critic, and performance artist known for her incantatory poems and mesmerizing performances.

Professors present paper at Grateful Dead Studies conference

Associate Professor of Theater Richard Pettengill and Executive Director of the Krebs Center for the Humanities and Professor of English Davis Schneiderman presented their paper, “In and Out of the Grotto They Go: Hugh Hefner, The Grateful Dead, and Playboy After Dark,” at the March 2024 Grateful Dead Studies Fourth Annual Conference, as part of the Popular Culture Association Conference in Chicago.

Sara Jamshidi offers graduate-level data science course on Coursera

Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics Sara Jamshidi is offering a new graduate-level Statistical Learning course on Coursera.

Erica Ochs ’02 breaks barriers in male-dominated technical industry with humanities education

Erica Ochs ’02 has spent her 20-year career in the male-dominated automotive industry fighting stereotypes both as a woman and as someone without a technical degree, demonstrating the wide range of career possibilities that are available with an education in the humanities.

Ahmad Sadri’s ‘Shahnameh’ translation featured by Kamala Harris

For the third time, the White House included Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri’s translation of the Shahnameh in the Nowruz display at the White House.

Andrea Sáenz named Lake Forest College Commencement speaker

Andrea Sáenz, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, will deliver the 2024 Lake Forest College Commencement address on Saturday, May 11.

Students participate in top neuroscience conference in Midwest

More than 60 neuroscience students and faculty attended the 2024 Chicago Society for Neuroscience (CSfN) meeting on March 1 at Loyola University Chicago—the premier brain research meeting in the Midwest.

Mitch Paliga contributes to Mac Sinise's final record

Last November, Director of the Jazz Ensemble Mitch Paliga joined his Lt. Dan Band mates at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville for a bittersweet recording session. The band contributed to Mac Sinise's upcoming and final recording, Mac Sinise: Resurrection and Revival.

Andrew Gard's YouTube channel takes off

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Andrew Gard started his YouTube channel, Equitable Equations, during the pandemic to support the remote learning of his students. Four years later, the channel has grown to serve nearly 25,000 subscribers.

Mock trial team competes, brings home award from regional competition

The Lake Forest College mock trial team participated in the American Mock Trial regional competition where Finnian Harrison ’27 took home a Best Witness Award.

Vivian Ta-Johnson discusses chatbot relationship research in WIRED

Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta-Johnson was interviewed for an article about AI romantic partners in which she discussed her research on chatbots.

Tilahun Emiru and alum publish paper on effectiveness of COVID mandates

A paper on government mandates during COVID that was co-written by Assistant Professor of Economics Tilahun Emiru and alum Anthony DerManulian ’22 has been published in the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research.

Local school districts turn to Lake Forest College for AI insight

For its Let’s Talk community conversation focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, the local elementary and high school district turned to Lake Forest College leaders for their insight and expertise.

CBS airs story on AI and the humanities at Lake Forest College

CBS 2 News Chicago aired a news story on how Lake Forest College is incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the humanities in its 4 p.m. newscast on February 29.

DeJuran Richardson honored by top statistical science organization

Ernest H. Volwiler Professor of Mathematics and Senior Advisor to the President DeJuran Richardson is among a group of Black/African-Americans recognized by the American Statistcal Association (ASA) for their contributions to the field of statistical science.

Fine arts graduates meet a rapidly evolving future—here’s how the liberal arts foster resilience

Now more than ever, students and families are questioning the value not only of higher education, but also of art degrees. Fine arts degrees are increasingly seen as a luxury in an economy hyper-focused on profit and technological advancement. However, the idea that majoring in the arts stifles what a graduate can achieve is a limiting perspective.

Lake Forest College welcomes Mai Aly as new Registrar

Lake Forest College welcomed to campus Mai Aly as Registrar on Monday, February 19.

Scott Edgar releases new book featuring student and alumna co-authors

Associate Professor of Music and Chair of Music Scott Edgar recently released a book on the topic of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in music education, Portraits of Social Emotional Learning in Music Teacher Education, co-edited with Kathleen Melago.

Journal publishes bias concerns paper co-written by Emily Dix

A scholarly paper co-written by Assistant Professor of Psychology Emily Dix has been published in the January 2024 issue of Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

Study on ‘zombie fern’ with illustrations, research by Camila Pizano published

Scientific findings and illustrations of a “zombie fern” drawn by Assistant Professor of Biology Camila Pizano appeared in a scholarly research paper published in the scientific journal Ecology. The New York Times covered the findings in an article on February 25.

Radical women celebrated on campus in class, artist talks, workshops, and more

This semester, the campus and community will have an opportunity to engage with a series of talks and workshops that coincide with a class centered on radical women artists.

OIR leads regional training to support undocumented students

Lake Forest College’s Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) staff led a training session with a focus on empowering campuses across the Midwest to support undocumented students.

Class of 2023 reports strong post-graduate outcomes

Lake Forest College's Class of 2023 have crossed the threshold from undergraduate studies to their chosen paths. Here's how they're making it in the world beyond our gates.

Students gain leadership skills at conference

Last weekend, six students in leadership positions with fraternities and sororities attended the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (AFLV) National Conference in Indiana.

Joe Ferguson ’81 begins role as President of the Civic Federation

According to Joe Ferguson ’81, he ended up at Lake Forest College by accident. It was a happy accident, though, as his experience at the College prepared him for immense success in his career, from working as an attorney to serving as the Inspector General of Chicago for 12 years, and now working as the president of the Civic Federation.

Student researchers assist professor in developing haptic aids for the blind

In the basement of the Lillard Science Center, a small group of students are working to advance and develop technology for the visually impaired that will be both accessible and affordable.

Krebs Center for the Humanities receives $1.2 million Artificial Intelligence grant

Lake Forest College is excited to announce a new $1.2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation for HUMAN: Humanities Understanding of the Machine-Assisted Nexus, a multi-year initiative that explores artificial intelligence through a humanities perspective. The project will equip students with the skills to ethically integrate AI into their professional lives.

Top Moroccan radio station interviews Tessa Sermet on French science fiction research

Assistant Professor of French Tessa Sermet was interviewed by Moroccan cultural podcast “Variations” on 2M Radio Morocco, one of the most popular online radio stations in the country.

Student assists Illinois senator in introducing new legislation

Megan Dodrill ’26 began working in Illinois Senator Julie Morrison’s office last semester. This session, she is helping introduce a piece of legislation she helped research.

Lake Forest College joins Hope Chicago as new college partner

Hope Chicago, the new two-generation economic mobility program offering debt-free college and workforce opportunities to 4,000 Chicago Public School graduates and their parents, announced the expansion of its college and university partner network to include Lake Forest College and five more institutions.

Siobhan Moroney publishes new book with University of Illinois Press

Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of American Studies Siobhan Moroney published a new book, Chicagoland Dream Houses: How a Mid-Century Architecture Competition Reimagined the American Home.

Skater's big win featured on Chicago TV news

Texas native Michael Chapa ’26 was featured on Fox32 News Chicago on January 3 as he and his pairs figure skating partner prepare to compete in the 2024 Prevagen US Figure Skating Championships, January 22-28, in Ohio.

Astrid Houze’ de l’Aulnoit ’23 creates impact at Woman Made Gallery

After graduating in the spring of 2023, Astrid Houze’ de l’Aulnoit ’23 began working full-time at Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, where she helps provide art exhibition opportunities for women and nonbinary artists.

RL Watson's exhibit recognized by The New York Times

The New York Times recently shared a review praising Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North, an exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.

‘Deeply Rooted’ African American experiences project awarded grant

The Archivist of the United States awarded the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff funding to continue preservation of the history of the Black population of Lake Forest, Illinois, with Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph and Assistant Professor of English and African American Studies RL Watson serving as faculty consultants.

Wall Street Journal ranks Lake Forest College ‘Best in Midwest’

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) ranked Lake Forest College the best liberal-arts college in the Midwest in its most recent ranking released on December 18, 2023.

Two economics papers co-authored by Rob Lemke published

Morten Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Economics Rob Lemke recently had two co-authored papers published about energy consumption and environmental policy in China.

What our students learned abroad this year

This year, Foresters went far and wide to deepen their studies and expand their horizons through the College’s study abroad program.

Athletics honors student national anthem singer

Athletics honored Bradley Wilinski ’23 for his dedication in singing the national anthem nearly 100 times at Forester home games on what was the December graduate's last pre-competition performance while a student at the College.

Linh Pham co-chairs first Vietnam Symposium in Climate Transition

Assistant Professor of Economics Linh Pham is co-chairing the first Vietnam Symposium in Climate Transition (VSCT-2023) that will take place from December 14 to 15 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Hayley Headley ’24 honored as 2023 student Lincoln Laureate

Hayley Headley ’24 received one of the highest honors bestowed on a college student in the State of Illinois when she was inaugurated as a 2023 Student Lincoln Laureate.

Ben Zeller speaks at American Academy of Religion conference

Professor of Religion Ben Zeller attended the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, and presented a paper on a new religious movement.

Luca Sassi '23 named Schwarzman Scholar

Luca Sassi ‘23 was recently named a Schwarzman Scholar, gaining a spot in one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowship programs.

Hailey Holtzman ’26 leads effort to launch figure skating team

The moment Hailey Holtzman ’26 spotted the College’s skating rink during her first campus visit, she knew she wanted to start a figure skating team. One year later as a first-year student, she advocated for and led the effort to create the team, which competed for the first time this November.

Religion lecturer Hazim Fazlić speaks at conference in Turkey

Dr. Hazim Fazlić, a lecturer in the Department of Religion, recently spoke at the Conference on Contemporary Muslim Thought in Istanbul, Turkey.

William Lowry ’84 receives President's Lifetime Achievement Award

Board Chairman William Lowry ’84 has been awarded the 2023 President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.

Graff's class brings archaeology to fourth graders

Ten sociology and anthropology students accompanied Associate Professor of Anthropology Rebecca Graff to Ravinia Elementary School in Highland Park to teach fourth-grade students about archaeology in November.

Mark Hertzberg ’72 inducted into Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame

On November 9, Mark Hertzberg ’72 was inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame for his over 40-year-long career as a photojournalist telling the stories of his community through the lens of his camera.

Katharine Q. Seelye ’71 authors Rosalynn Carter New York Times obit

Katharine Q. Seelye ’71, pioneering online political writer and current obituary writer at The New York Times, wrote Rosalynn Carter’s obituary for the newspaper.

Tabitha Andrews ’24 gains hands-on museum curation experience

Tabitha Andrews ’24 had a great experience this fall organizing and installing an exhibit at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff showcasing artifacts unearthed on South Campus by students in 2019.

Papadovasilaki supervises students' participation in Fed Challenge

Five seniors participated in the Federal Reserve's National College Fed Challenge, a national competition for undergraduate students.

Batz-Barbarich looks at gender inequality in research paper, podcast

Assistant Professor of Business Cassondra Batz-Barbarich recently co-authored a research paper and appeared on a podcast discussing gender inequalities.

Felkey, Papadovasilaki publish study on ‘Gender Inequality in Finance’

A paper co-authored by Professsor of Economics Amanda J. Felkey and Associate Professor of Finance Dimitra Papadovasilaki has been published in the Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy.

Shubhik DebBurman receives Distinguished Mentor Award

Disque D. and Carol Gram Deane Professor of Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Neuroscience and Chair of Neuroscience Shubhik DebBurman received the 2023 Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN) Distinguished Mentor Award at the 2023 national Society for Neuroscience (SfN) meeting in Washington DC on November 12.

Neuroscience students present research in Washington DC

Four seniors attended the 2023 National Society for Neuroscience (SfN) meeting in Washington DC November 11 through 15.

Lou Catalan ’23 debuts ‘becoming an American’ documentary

What does it mean to be an American, and how do we respond to the fundamental flaws of immigration policy in the United States? In an autobiographical documentary detailing his own experience growing up in the US undocumented, Lou Catalan ’23 asks these questions.

Davis Schneiderman appears on Grateful Dead podcast

Executive Director of the Krebs Center for the Humanities and Professor of English Davis Schneiderman appears on the most recent episode of The Good ‘Ol Grateful Deadcast, the official podcast of the Grateful Dead, the iconic American rock band.

Eleventh annual Glassman Symposium sees record numbers

Students and alumni gathered in Calvin Durand to present research during the College's Brain Awareness Week Robert B. Glassman Memorial Brain, Mind, and Behavior Symposium on November 2.

Students, faculty, and staff attend Chicago investment conference

Assistant Professor of Economics Linh Pham and Internship Specialist Albert Greene brought 16 Lake Forest College students to the annual Invest For Kids conference hosted in Chicago on October 24.

Speed Networking 2023 creates over 3,000 professional connections

The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center’s signature fall event, Speed Networking, saw record-breaking turnout for the event's return to an in-person, on-campus format on Thursday, October 26.

Mandy Gaulke ’09 awarded grant to continue health disparities research

The Independent Research Fund Denmark awarded Mandy Gaulke ’09 and her research group 3.1 million DKK (about $438,000) for their research project titled “Advancements in medical technology and disparities in health.”

Susy Bielak featured in binational Lit & Luz Festival

Assistant Professor of Art Susy Bielak's work was recently featured in the Lit & Luz Festival: A Celebration of Language, Literature, and Art, a week-long binational event that pairs writers and artists from Chicago and Mexico City to develop new collaborations.

Dallas Morning News publishes timely Ahmad Sadri editorial

The Dallas Morning News published an editorial by Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri on October 17, 2023.

RL Watson co-curates exhibition for American Folk Art Museum

Assistant Professor of English and African American Studies RL Watson has co-edited and co-curated the book and exhibition Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North for the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.

Students get career-ready with donated professional clothing

What can students do when they have a professional interview coming up, but their college wardrobes are missing professional attire? Visit the Forester Career Closet on campus, of course!

Taiwan research explores emotional intelligence, resilience, financial risk-taking

Assistant Professor of Chinese Ying Wu and Associate Professor of Finance Dimitra Papadovasilaki spearheaded an immersive, independent research project, “Overcoming Financial Shocks: Is Emotional Intelligence and Resilience the Answer? A case study in Taiwan.”

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend packed with memories

We may be a bit biased, but we think our 2023 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend was a great success! Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a weekend to remember.

Susy Bielak opens major multimedia exhibition

Assistant Professor of Art Susy Bielak has opened a new exhibit with collaborator Fred Schmalz, commissioned by Grand Central Art Center (GCAC), California State University, Fullerton.

Annual Glassman Brain, Mind, Behavior Symposium returns November 2–3

The 2023 Robert B. Glassman Memorial Brain, Mind, and Behavior Symposium to be held Thursday, November 2 and Friday, November 3 returns this year with an outstanding lineup of interesting academic offerings.

College’s award-winning Brain Awareness Week begins October 30

Brain Awareness Week, the award-winning academic outreach program that explores medical mysteries of the mind, will be held on campus from October 30 to November 3. This interdisciplinary program features engaging lectures with top experts from University of Chicago, Harvard Medical School, Oregon Health & Science University, and many on-campus activities.

Netflix film ‘Nyad’ documents alum’s swimming feat

The upcoming Netflix film Nyad starring Annette Benning and Jodie Foster is making a splash with positive reviews ahead of its release.

Assistant Professor Paul Henne ’11 publishes peer-reviewed papers

Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Neuroscience Paul Henne ’11 has published two peer-reviewed research papers this year.

Todd Beer, alum collect data at ‘March to End Fossil Fuels’ in NYC

Associate Professor and Chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Todd Beer attended the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City on September 17, 2023 where he and a team of others, including alum Lisa Ledvora ’16, collected survey data among the 75,000 participants from a wide variety of social movement organizations.

Rebecca Graff invited to present her archaeological research for ISIE

Associate Professor of Anthropology Rebecca Graff has been invited to present at a new speaker series for the Institute for the Study of International Expositions (ISIE).

Becky Delventhal awarded prestigious NSF grant

Assistant Professor of Biology Becky Delventhal was awarded a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support her lab research.

FAFSA is changing this year—here's what families need to know

For the first time in thirty years, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is changing. Here's what college students and their families need to know about how the FAFSA updates impact them.

RFUMS summer scholars program marks 15 years of collaborative research

The 2023 Summer Scholars are the latest Foresters to participate in this unique partnership between an undergraduate school and medical school, a partnership that began in 2009.

Lake Forest takes top spot on U.S. News ‘Social Mobility’ ranking

U.S. News & World Report  rated Lake Forest College #1 in the nation for Social Mobility in its rankings report released on September 18, 2023.

Wall Street Journal, Forbes rank Lake Forest College one of top in nation

In their latest college rankings released this week, both the Wall Street Journal and Forbes gave Lake Forest College high honors, ranking it one of the top colleges in the nation.

Bob Knuth nominated for prestigious Chicago theater Jeff Award

Director of Theater Bob Knuth has been nominated for a 2022-2023 Equity Jeff Award for his work outside the College on the play Clue: Murder, Madness, Mystery and Mayhem based on the iconic boardgame.

Cassondra Batz-Barbarich published in Journal of Business and Psychology

Assistant Professor of Business Cassondra Batz-Barbarich was recently published as a second author of the paper "Well-Being: The Ultimate Criterion for Organizational Sciences" in the Journal of Business and Psychology.

Students named to 2022–2023 Dean’s List

In recognition of extraordinary academic achievement, Lake Forest College recently released the Dean’s List for the 2022–2023 academic year.

Foresters earn top awards at Animal Behavior Society conference

Barbosa Lab students attended the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) in Portland, Oregon with Iman Shepard ’23 receiving the Genesis Award for best undergraduate poster.

College welcomes to campus Class of 2027, new transfer students

Temperatures hovered near 100 degrees on the first day of classes, as the College welcomed 429 members of the Class of 2027 and 84 new transfer students, August 25.

Carla Arnell selected an Inkling Fellow for new academic year

Professor of English and Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Studies Carla Arnell was recently chosen to be an Inklings Fellow during the 2023–2024 academic year.

Princeton Review ranks Lake Forest among ‘Best Colleges’ for 2024

Lake Forest College has been named one of the Best 389 Colleges and Best Regional College by The Princeton Review.

Vivian Ta talks AI chatbot relationships with Channel 4

Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta was interviewed by British public news Channel 4 for a story about AI chatbot relationships.

David Gueringer ’13 uses his interdisciplinary edge to uplift diverse stories

Equipped with a double major in economics and music and years of teaching experience, David Gueringer ’13 is leveraging his skills as an entrepreneur to make diverse stories accessible.

Elayne Vollman publishes paper in the Journal of Educational Psychology

Assistant Professor of Psychology Elayne Vollman's paper, "Worked Examples Moderate the Effect of Math Learning Anxiety on Children’s Math Learning and Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic," was published in the Journal of Educational Psychology.

Update on MOVEit software and third-party vendor data breaches

Lake Forest College is actively monitoring and responding to data breaches related to MOVEit Transfer, a file transfer software used by many third-party vendors.

Edward Whipple named Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Dr. Edward Whipple has been appointed Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students effective Monday, President Jill M. Baren announced today.

Dimitra Papadovasilaki publishes study examining racial wealth inequity

Associate Professor of Finance Dimitra Papadovasilaki recently had a study, “Portfolio Decisions and Perceived Racial Discrimination,” published in the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics.

Justin Lansing ’07 turns liberal arts education into Americana Folk music career with duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers

Rand Smith, Professor Emeritus reflects on Justin Lansing ’07 and his journey from student musician to Grammy-winning family performer with childhood friend, Joe Mailander. Follow along on Lansing’s path in the words of his First-Year Studies professor and Fast & Cheap bandmate.

Growing partnership with student garden brings hyper-local produce to campus plates

A growing partnership between the Lake Forest College Student Garden and Parkhurst, the campus’s catering and food service, is helping put hyper-local food on students’ plates.

Student awarded two national grants for independent research

Neuroscience and biochemistry and molecular biology major Federica Bertolotti ’24 was awarded two competitive research grants to support her senior thesis project examining neurodegeneration.

WGN-TV interviews music faculty about World's Columbian Exposition CD album

WGN-TV Chicago interviewed and filmed music faculty for a Backstory with Larry Potash feature on the music CD they produced to commemorate the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 for an October airing on the Emmy Award-winning show.

Crain’s Chicago Business turns to Courtney Joseph for insight

Crain's Chicago Business turned to Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph for her insight on a recent article exploring the importance of Black studies at the college level.

Students get practical experience in archaeology, Chicago history

Students gained invaluable hands-on experience this summer while unearthing remains of important historical structures that lie beneath the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) campus.

Health Professions Program expands with pathways to Aurora University, Midwestern University

Lake Forest College has expanded its Health Professions Program partnership with two universities. Students can now pursue pathways in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) at Midwestern University's Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) and a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at Aurora University.

Richter research program connects students with faculty mentors

This summer, 40 students will conduct research under the guidance of faculty members through the Richter Scholar Program.

Katie Panning Spieth named Vice President for Advancement, Secretary of the College

President Jill Baren announced today that Katie Panning Spieth will join Lake Forest College as Vice President for Advancement and Secretary of the College on June 1, 2023.

Students, faculty, and staff honored at Leadership Awards Ceremony

Lake Forest College's 2023 Leadership Awards Ceremony recognized students, faculty, and staff for their contributions to the College community.

Vivian Ta and students present at Midwestern Psychological Association Conference

Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta brought several students to the 95th Annual Midwestern Psychological Association Conference at the Palmer House in Chicago April 20-23.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023

The Lake Forest College Class of 2023 Commencement ceremony—the first for College President Jill M. Baren—took place at Ravinia Festival Park on the morning of Saturday, May 13.

Professor Michael Kash ’77 named first Harald C. Jensen Endowed Chair for Physics

Professor of Physics Michael Kash ’77 has been named the first recipient of the Harald C. Jensen Endowed Chair for Physics.

Student Government Executive Board sworn into office

The new Student Government Executive Board for the 2023–24 academic year was officially sworn into office during a ceremony held in Calvin Durand Hall.

First annual Public Policy Analysis Challenge comes to a close

Lake Forest College's inaugural Public Policy Analysis Challenge gave students the opportunity to present their proposed policy solutions and put their knowledge of policymaking to the test.

Venture Design Challenge helps students innovate and effect change

Students won monetary prizes to help support their original innovative solutions at the Venture Design Challenge on April 29.

Bestselling author Blake Crouch visits campus

New York Times bestselling author Blake Crouch visited campus while filming the TV adaptation of his 2016 novel Dark Matter on April 20.

Sara Jamshidi attends prestigious Banff International Research Station

Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics and Director of the Applied Data Center Sara Jamshidi attended a workshop in random algebraic geometry at the Banff International Research Station (BIRS) in Alberta, Canada, April 16–21.

Neuroscience students teach local youngsters about the brain

The College’s Brain Lab program returned after a 3.5-year hiatus when two dozen third graders from Evelyn Alexander School in nearby North Chicago, Illinois visited campus on April 26.

Marilén Loyola co-edited book project earns international grant

The Mediterranean Studies Association (MSA) has awarded its 2023 Grant for International Interdisciplinary Projects to the book project Sea Change: Representations of Transformation in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, which is being co-edited by Lake Forest College Assistant Professor of Spanish Marilén Loyola.

College faculty honored at annual Hotchkiss Celebration

Nearly 50 members of faculty and staff gathered to honor the published and creative work of the College’s distinguished faculty during the ninth annual Sue and Gene Hotchkiss Celebration of Faculty Scholarship.

Professors, students to research abroad in Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

To promote a greater understanding of Asia, two professors from Lake Forest College, Assistant Professor and Chair of Asian Studies Ying Wu and Assistant Professor of Finance Dimitra Papadovasilaki, will be leading a research trip to Taiwan with six students.

Lake Forest College 2023 Phi Beta Kappa inductees announced

Forty-eight juniors and seniors were inducted into the Lake Forest College Phi Beta Kappa Chapter (Theta of Illinois), during a ceremony in Glen Rowan House on April 18, 2023.

Laurel Robbins ’23 wins top prize for tuberculosis research

At the 2023 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) meeting in Seattle, Laurel Robbins ’23 won the grand prize in the undergraduate poster competition for her category. This is the highest honor an undergraduate can achieve at the international meeting.

Networking in Chicago: Lake Forest College's In The Loop Mixer makes a strong return

The In The Loop Mixer is back after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foresters connected at the event in Chicago’s iconic Loop in the Bank of America Building on Thursday, April 13.

Students meet with national federal courts expert during Judiciary class

Students in Visiting Assistant Professor of Politics Stephanie Caparelli’s Political Science 266: The Judiciary class had the opportunity to speak with renowned federal courts expert and CNN’s Supreme Court analyst Steve Vladeck during class on April 17.

Student places third in national analytics competition

Rebecca Stoia ’24 won third place in the 2023 CarMax Analytics Showcase, an annual challenge for college students where the company presents real data and challenges students to interpret it.

Students awarded $10,000 for refugee health project

Bilaal Ansari ’25 is leading a team of his friends from various Chicago-area universities to take on a looming public health crisis for Chicagoland Rohingya refugees. The students were awarded a Davis Projects for Peace grant worth $10,000 to support their plans.

Bringing the world home: Lake Forest ranks second in Davis Cup for third consecutive year

When spending years abroad to get a degree, what makes a campus feel like home? In light of Lake Forest College’s third year as the runner-up in the Davis Cup, Sara Martinez ’23 and Mac Chan ’25 shared their perspectives on the significance of this recognition.

Development begins on Krebs Center for the Humanities

Lake Forest College receives major gift to support the humanities, and names its new Executive Director

Students take over Springfield with Model Illinois Government

What would happen if the Illinois General Assembly left town for the weekend? Have no fear, Model Illinois Government (MIG) is here!

Desmond Odugu awarded the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship

Associate Professor of Education Desmond Odugu was awarded a fellowship by the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program to travel to Nigeria to work with University of Nigeria, Nsukka on multiple research initiatives and curricula innovations that seek to develop indigenous decolonial approach to language and eduction as well as the historiography of education.

CBS interviews Courtney Joseph about DuSable’s Indigenous wife

K. & H. Montgomery Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph was interviewed by CBS News Chicago for an upcoming story about Kitihawa DuSable, the Indigenous wife of Chicago’s first non-native settler.

Bidens again mark Nowruz with Ahmad Sadri’s ‘Shahnameh’ translation

For the second time, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden included Professor Ahmad Sadri’s translation of Shahnameh in their Nowruz display at the White House.

Becky Delventhal and students attend 'Fly Meeting’

Assistant Professor of Biology Rebecca Delventhal brought several of her research students to the Genetics Society of America’s Drosophila Research Conference, which is known within the community as the "Fly Meeting," March 1 - 5.

Tara Natarajan named Krebs Provost, Dean of Faculty, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Tara Natarajan, PhD, has been named Lake Forest College Krebs Provost and Dean of the Faculty, and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective June 2023. She was selected from a large competitive field including four finalists who visited campus and met with students, faculty, and staff in early 2023.

Matt Kelley and ‘K-Lab Quintet’ publish article in Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research

Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean of the Faculty Matthew Kelley published an article with Deniz Akpinar ’23 from Turkey, Vaughan Bamford ’23 from Canada, Sara Martinez ’23 from Costa Rica, Tracey Nassuna ’23 from Uganda, and Madison Stevens ’23 from Indiana.

Lake Forest College, RFU share $1M gift for Nursing Pathways Scholarship Program

Lake Forest College and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) have received a $1 million gift from The Grainger Foundation to support scholarships for the novel Nursing Education to Workforce (NEW) Pathway Program.

Students and faculty attend Society for Neuroscience meeting

Over 60 Lake Forest College students and several neuroscience faculty attended the Chicago Society for Neuroscience (CSfN) meeting on March 3 for a day-long academic excursion.

Students present at Art Institute of Chicago’s University Partner Fest

Elise Blochwitz ’23, Sarah Mubarek ’23, and James D. Vail III Professor of Art History Emerita Ann Roberts presented as part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s University Partner Fest on Saturday, February 25.

Forester Day 2023 sets new giving record

The fifth annual Forester Day, held on March 2, 2023, raised a record $676,352 from 2,035 donors.

U.S. News & World Report turns to CAC’s Colleen Monks for expert insight

U.S. News and World Report extensively quoted Director of the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center Colleen Monks in a story on how networking in college can impact one's future career.

Assistant Professor Kent Grote named first Rosemary Hale Scholar

Assistant Professor of Economics Kent Grote has been named the first Professor Rosemary Hale Scholar, it was announced February 24, 2023.

CNN turns to Nevin Heard for insight on racial trauma

CNN reporter Kristen Rogers turned to Director of Intercultural Relations Nevin Heard for insight on understanding racial trauma.

International nonprofit recognizes Helen Bond for work in Guinea

Lecturer in Music Helen Bond was recognized by the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) in its 2021 Annual Report for her work placing biosand water filters in Guinean homes through Motherland Rhythm Community, a nonprofit organization she founded.

Courtney Joseph featured on NPR podcast to discuss hip hop

On a recent episode of The 21st podcast, K. & H. Montgomery Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph shared her expert insight on the history and influence of hip hop in Illinois.

History-making soccer legend Julianne Sitch named Commencement speaker

History-making soccer legend Julianne Sitch, the first woman in NCAA history to lead a men’s team to a national championship, will deliver the 2023 Commencement address during the ceremony on Saturday, May 13.

New students inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society

The Lake Forest College Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, inducted 26 new members on Monday, January 31 during a ceremony in Calvin Durand Hall.

Mentoring program expands and grows connections between students, alumni

A record 168 students connected with 147 alumni, trustees, and friends through the College’s career mentoring initiative, the Foresters CAREER Program, during December and January.

Jackie Slaats presented with MWC Meritorious Service Award

Lake Forest College Vice President for Athletics and Career Advancement Jackie Slaats was presented with the Midwest Conference Meritorious Service Award at halftime of Saturday's women's basketball game.

College welcomes 47 new students in Spring 2023 semester

As classes resumed this week to start spring semester 2023, Lake Forest College welcomed 47 new students to the Forester family.

Ahmad Sadri editorial on ‘canceling’ Islamic history is published

The Dallas Morning News published an editorial written by James P. Gorter Chair of Islamic World Studies Ahmad Sadri on the recent firing of an instructor at Hamline University.

Vivian Ta co-authored paper published in ‘Policing Journal’

A research paper co-written by Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta has been published in Policing: An International Journal.

Sean Menke, alums’ paper published in ‘Urban Ecosystems’

Urban Ecosystems has published a paper on urban ant diversity in Chicago that compares green rooftops, city street medians, and city parks co-written by Professor of Biology Sean Menke and two alums.

Safa Hamed named Peace Ambassador of the Year in 2022

Safa Hamed, lecturer in mathematics, received the Peace Ambassador of the Year Award in Turkey for her book, Love Life and Press on With Peace, which promotes peace among the people of Palestine and Israel.

Year in review: Top stories of 2022

As students and faculty enjoy winter break, we offer a look back at the College’s most-viewed stories of 2022.

Music faculty to present at prestigious conference

One of the largest music education conferences in the world brings guests from all 50 states and more than 40 countries to Chicago. This year, Associate Professor of Music and Chair of Music Scott Edgar, Teaching Associate in Music Max Briggs, and Teaching Associate in Music Natalie Grana are presenting.

Professors, alumna attend American Academy of Religion meeting in Colorado

Assistant Professor of Religion Anya Golovkova, Professor of Religion and Chair of Religion Benjamin Zeller, and alumna Kristin Rawlings ’19 found a sense of reunion and community at the American Academy of Religion annual meeting in Denver, Colorado, November 19–22.

Chicago Tribune turns to Ahmad Sadri for input on World Cup

The Chicago Tribune reached out to Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies Ahmad Sadri for his input on how local Iranian-Americans feel about the Iran team playing in the World Cup during a time of such turmoil in their homeland.

Student attends Paris Peace Forum, meets world leaders

For Isabella Tello ‘26, meeting with world leaders and attending global forums is a way to help raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action while bringing the voices of the girls and women from her community to international settings.

Students present research at international neuroscience conference

Tracey Nassuna ’23, Ryan Osselborn ’23, Fede Bertolotti ’24, and Amanda Grassel ’23 had the opportunity to present their research at the Society for Neuroscience 2022 conference, held in San Diego November 12–16.

Julián Cano ’23 honored as this year’s student Lincoln Laureate

Julián Cano ’23 received one of the highest honors for a college student in the State of Illinois when he was named a 2022 Student Lincoln Laureate by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois last week.

Lake Forest students' food waste solution secures first place at NIU Hackathon

The Applied Data Center (ADC) sponsored two Lake Forest College student teams to attend the Huskie Hackathon at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. One of the teams received first prize in the food waste category for their innovative solution.

Batz-Barbarich co-authors interdisciplinary paper on faculty microaggressions

Assistant Professor of Business Cassondra Batz-Barbarich co-authored a research paper recently published in The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science.

Alums return in full force to connect with students at 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 virtual networking rounds, where they gained valuable career advice, practiced essential networking skills, and learned about available internships and jobs.

Foresters win 2022 MWC Men’s Soccer Title, advance to NCAA DIII tournament

The Forester men’s soccer team captured the 2022 Midwest Conference (MWC) Tournament Championship in dramatic fashion and earned the MWC's automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament.  

CBS News interviews Ahmad Sadri for his insight on Iran uprising

A CBS News correspondent from London interviewed Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri on campus for his insight on the current uprising in Iran.

Anne Barry shares Irish music traditions with over 500 high school students in Washington

Associate Professor of Music and Chair of Music Education Anne Barry was invited to Western Washington University's 2022 High School Choral Festival as a guest conductor and culture bearer.

Jean-Marie Maddux researches treatment for co-morbid alcohol and tobacco use disorders

Assistant Professor of Psychology Jean-Marie Maddux recently published an article, “β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes mediate nicotine-induced enhancement of Pavlovian conditioned responding to an alcohol cue,” in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.

Life satisfaction study co-authored by Batz-Barbarich is published

A paper co-authored by Assistant Professor of Business Cassondra Batz-Barbarich was recently published in the Journal of Happiness Studies.

Rebecca Graff exhibit explores race, Chicago’s built environment

A new exhibit co-curated by Associate Professor of Anthropology Rebecca Graff will connect the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, aka the “White City,” to the material, spatial, and social histories of two 1892 structures located on Chicago’s privileged Near North and disinvested Near South Sides.

President Jill Baren inaugurated as College’s fourteenth president

President Jill M. Baren was inaugurated as the fourteenth president of Lake Forest College during a historic ceremony on Thursday, October 27.

Faculty, staff, students turn out to celebrate Moon Festival

Around 100 students, faculty and staff joined in celebrating the Moon Festival on October 13.

Dani Robles ’19 and band CalicoLoco making news

Dani Robles ’19 and their band, CalicoLoco, are featured in a Daily Herald article as the indie-pop group’s newest single drops.

Vivian Ta publishes article on women’s involvement in peacebuilding

Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta published an article entitled “How Women Promote Peace: Gender Composition, Duration, and Frames in Conflict Resolution” with colleagues Eric Keels of US Air War College and A. Burcu Bayram of University of Arkansas.

Nevin Heard named Director of Office of Intercultural Relations

Nevin Heard has been named Director of the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) at Lake Forest College, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Andrea Conner announced October 14.

2+2+2 equals a great opportunity for students interested in nursing

We are proud to introduce the 2+2+2 program, a partnership between College of Lake County (CLC), Lake Forest College, and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) that allows students to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in six years.

Faculty member, alumni, students co-author paper on chatbots

Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta and a group of students, some of whom have graduated since assisting on the research, recently published a scholarly article, “Assessing the Topics and Motivating Factors Behind Human-Social Chatbot Interactions: Thematic Analysis of User Experiences.”

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2022 scores big

Alumni returned to campus in full force for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2022.

College presents award-winning Brain Awareness Week, October 31–November 4

Brain Awareness Week, the award-winning academic outreach program that explores medical mysteries of the mind, will celebrate its 20th year this year from October 31 to November 4. This interdisciplinary program features engaging lectures with top experts from University of California, Santa Barbara; Dartmouth College; Harvard Medical School; and many on-campus activities.

Glassman Brain, Mind, Behavior Symposium marks 10 years, November 3–4

The 2022 Robert B. Glassman Memorial Brain, Mind, and Behavior Symposium to be held Thursday, November 3 and Friday, November 4 will mark 10 years this year.

Felkey, Dziadula ’07 research paper honored by American Economics Association

Lake Forest College Professor of Economics Amanda J. Felkey and University of Notre Dame Associate Teaching Professor Eva Dziadula ’07 will present their research paper on gender difference in student engagement at the 2023 American Economics Association (AEA) meeting in New Orleans, January 6–8, 2023.

Fred Cate ‘Privacy and Consentt’ talk draws captive audience

The College's first Public Policy Lecture Series kicked off with a fascinating talk by privacy expert and Indiana University Professor Fred Cate on September 27.

Students experience traditional Moon Festival observance

Assistant Professor of Chinese and Chair of Asian Studies Ying Wu and seven Lake Forest College students participated in a Moon Festival event hosted at Northwestern University on Saturday, October 1.

Yoalli Rodríguez Aguilera presents at Williams College

Assistant Professor of Latin American and Latinx Studies and Anthropology Yoalli Rodríguez Aguilera was invited to speak at Williams College last week.

Student advocates for girls’ education at United Nations Summit

Isabella Tello ’26 presented at the United Nations (UN) Transforming Education Summit on September 16 in New York City.

Health Professions Program expands with new pathways to Midwestern University

Lake Forest College has expanded its Health Professions Program partnership to include the opportunity for students of any major to pursue Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) pathways at Midwestern University.

Meet the alumnae proud to be the next generation of visionaries in education

Erin Simunovic ’08 and Jemia Cunningham-Elder ’09 are helping break the barriers bureaucracy builds against students in Chicago‘s North Lawndale neighborhood with a school network at North Lawndale Preparatory School. Their mission: support students to and through college.

Rob Baade gets national attention in Chicago Bears stadium debate

Ernest A Johnson Professor of Economics Emeritus Rob Baade received national attention in a recent rews story on the NFL’s Chicago Bears’ potentially moving from the historic Soldier Field on the city's lakefront to a new, enclosed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights.

Lake Forest College receives high marks in national rankings

Lake Forest College has been recognized as a top-tier college in the most recent rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and The Princeton Review.

Co-authored Muris Hadzic housing market research is published

A research paper co-authored by Associate Professor of Finance Muris Hadzic and collaborators has been published in the journal Applied Economics.

Princeton Review ranks Lake Forest among ‘Best Colleges’ for 2023

Lake Forest College is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduates, according to the most recent rankings released by The Princeton Review.

College again sets record for largest incoming class

For the second consecutive year, Lake Forest College made history with another new record for the largest-ever incoming class.

Alumna to publish thrilling gothic debut

“Imagine you could be rid of your sadness, your anxiety, your heartache, your fear. Imagine you could take those feelings from others and turn them into something beautiful.” — Sandstone Press

This intriguing concept is the driving force behind the debut novel by Angie Spoto ’12.

Students named to 2021–2022 Dean’s List

In recognition of extraordinary academic achievement, Lake Forest College recently released the Dean’s List for the 2021–2022 academic year.

Two professors, alumnus collaborate on published research paper

A research paper co-written by Leo Carrico ’20, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Arthur Bousquet, and Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta was published in the Journal of Methods and Measurement in the Social Sciences.

President Biden names Allison Perkins ’82 to national board

Allison Perkins ’82 was appointed by President Joe Biden to the National Museum and Library Services Board of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Foresters sweep undergraduate poster competition

Six Lake Forest College students placed in the top five at the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (GLC-ASPET) on June 17, 2022.

NPR turns to Lake Forest College for insight on monkeypox readiness

Lake Forest College gained national attention in a new National Public Radio (NPR) story on how colleges are preparing for monkeypox as students return to campus. 

Students contribute to public history on Archipedia

Ten essays about public housing sites in the city of Chicago written by Lake Forest College students under the direction of Assistant Professor of History and Chair of Urban Studies Cristina Groeger were recently published by Archipedia, a project of the Society of Architectural Historians.

Health Professions Program expands with DMD at Midwestern University

The new agreement with Midwestern University guarantees ten interview spots for Lake Forest College students

Lake Forest College launches Nursing Pathways Program

The Nursing Pathways Program grants access to top-tier mentors and educators and provides a comprehensive education to help students thrive in their future nursing careers.

Students intern at top-ranked rehabilitation hospital

Pre-med, chemistry major Annie Ahern ’23 and psychology major, Chinese minor Autumn O'Reilly ’23 are interning at the nationally-recognized Shirley Ryan AbilityLab this summer.

Todd Beer confronts climate injustice in new book Environment, Climate, and Social Justice

Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology Todd Beer recently co-edited and contributed to the book Environment, Climate, and Social Justice: Perspectives and Practices from the Global South, which aims to examine climate-related injustice in the Global South.

How to make the most of your summer as a college student

The mention of summer conjures images of relaxing in the sun, traveling, and reposing on the beach (we have one of those!), but when it comes to making the most of summertime as a college student, there is no shortage of options.

Recent grads sharpen leadership skills with Lake Forest Graduate School of Management

Lake Forest College continued its partnership with Lake Forest Graduate School of Management (LFGSM) to provide new graduates with a Leadership Skills course, funded through the Butler Family Foundation.

ACM receives $1.5M Mellon grant to establish Academic Leadership Program

The Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) has received a $1.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to establish the ACM Mellon Academic Leadership Fellows Program, a three-year initiative aimed at expanding the demographics of academic administration at ACM colleges.

Alumnus receives prestigious award from Children’s Tumor Foundation

Paul Jones ’17 was recently recognized as a recipient of the Young Investigator Award from the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Batz-Barbarich faculty gender bias paper published in ‘Sex Roles’

A paper on gender bias co-written by Assistant Professor of Business Cassondra Batz-Barbarich and colleagues has been published in the Springer Nature journal, Sex Roles.

Local History Center 50th anniversary features student-curated exhibit

A museum retrospective curated by Lake Forest College students will be on full display during the History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff’s 50th birthday bash on June 17.

Co-authored Vivian Ta research paper wins first-place award

A research paper co-authored by Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta and collaborators from other colleges won first place in the International Association for Relationships Research Article Awards.

David Castagnetti ’84 receives prestigious Business-Government Relations Award

David Castagnetti ’84 received the Business-Government Relations Award from the Bryce Harlow Foundation at its annual awards ceremony on May 3.

2022 Richter Scholars devote summer to high-level research

This summer, 47 students in the Richter Scholar Program are conducting research with faculty mentors, developing valuable relationships and a deeper understanding of research.

Five students, Vivian Ta present research at psychological association conference

Lake Forest College had a notable presence at the 2022 Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA) annual meeting in Chicago with research presentations given by five students in the Technology, Relationships, and Language Lab and Assistant Professor of Psychology Vivian Ta delivering an invited talk.

Reteaching the history of racism: Humanities 2020 introduces institute for educators

A great shift in the way our culture understands and discusses racism is taking place. Lake Forest College’s Humanities 2020 Mellon Foundation Grant team is organizing a institute to enable cohorts of educators to get involved in these shifts.

Student honored with national-level Nu Rho Psi research grant

Tracey Nassuna '23 was recently recognized as a recipient of a 2022 Nu Rho Psi Undergraduate Research Grant to support her proposed senior thesis, "Evaluation of Beta-Synuclein Toxicity in a Yeast Model."

Nicholas Wallin appointed Music Director of American Youth Symphony Orchestra

Associate Professor of Music Nicholas Wallin aims to instill a love of music and understanding of ensemble in his students, and as the newly appointed Music Director for American Youth Symphony Orchestra (AYSO), he has more opportunities to connect with young musicians.

Professors collaborate to model the COVID-19 pandemic

Using publicly available data, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Will Conrad and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Arthur Bousquet combined traditional epidemiological approaches with machine learning to better predict the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in France, Germany, the UK, and South Korea.

President Schutt discusses increasing enrollment on Chicago’s WBBM-Radio

President Stephen Schutt discussed the advantages of a small college experience and the rising enrollment at Lake Forest College on Chicago WBBM-Radio during its annual Education Week coverage.

WalletHub turns to Les Dlabay for expertise on student personal finance

Professor of Economics and Business, Emeritus Les Dlabay was asked to contribute his expertise for a 2022 student money Survey through the finance publication WalletHub.

Alumna publishes first children’s book, launching full-time writing career

For Natasa Zoubouridis ’12, family is a choice. A writer whose career in television pivoted at the onset of the pandemic, Zoubouridis’s experience nannying her best friend’s children led her to write her first children’s book, “Mommy, Who is This Lady?” (A Love Letter from Your “Kind Of” Aunt).

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

The Lake Forest College Class of 2022 Commencement ceremony was held under sunny skies at Ravinia Festival Park on the morning of Saturday, May 7.

2022 Senior Honors Convocation recipients announced

The 2022 Senior Honors Convocation—the traditional ceremony that honors graduating seniors—was held in the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 6.

Education journal Paedagogia publishes second volume

Paedagogia, a scholarly journal edited and published by students in Lake Forest College’s Department of Education and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, released its second volume on April 27.

Spring 2022 Leadership Award winners honored at ceremony

Students and faculty gathered to honor exceptional students for their accomplishments at the annual Student Leadership Awards in the Calvin Durand Lounge on April 25, 2022.

Neuroscience students earn Projects for Peace grant to fight Parkinson’s stigma in Uganda

Amanda Grassel ’23 and Tracey Nassuna ’23 were first intrigued by Parkinson’s Disease while completing lab research, but they felt disconnected from the humans directly impacted by the disease. They will travel to Uganda this summer to help support efforts to destigmatize Parkinson's Disease.

Students shine at national biochemistry and molecular biology meeting in Philadelphia

Ten science students presented their collaborative research with faculty at the 2022 ASBMB (American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) Annual Meeting held April 2-5 in Philadelphia.

Foresters meet President-Elect Jill Baren at on-campus reception

Nearly 100 students, faculty, staff, alumni, Board members, and friends of the College gathered in Brown Hall on the afternoon of April 21 to meet Dr. Jill M. Baren, President-Elect of Lake Forest College.

A home for international students: Lake Forest College ranks second in the 2021-22 Davis Cup

Each year, the Davis United World College Scholars Program releases a report that combines each participating university’s updates and achievements in supporting Davis Scholars. This year, Lake Forest College was recognized as the first runner-up in the Davis Cup, underscoring the effort the College puts into supporting students matriculating from United World College (UWC) institutions.

ENTP students create debut I-POP retail shop on Saturday, April 23

Students in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (ENTP) will shine a light on under-served small local businesses at their first-ever pop-up shop on Saturday, April 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gorton Community Center.

Diversity in practice: Earl Barnes ’86 selected as Crain’s Notable Executive of Color in Health Care

Earl Barnes ’86 was recently recognized as a Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Executives of Color in Health Care. Crain’s selected 34 accomplished executives of color who have broken barriers as they rose to positions of influence in healthcare.

Lake Forest College 2022 Phi Beta Kappa inductees announced

The nation’s oldest and largest academic honor society is widely recognized as the nation’s most prestigious honor society.

Student named 2022 Goldwater Scholar and recipient of Parkinson's research grant

Ryan Osselborn ’23 started his research career in earnest the summer of 2021. With less than a year of high-level research experience under his belt, he thought applying for grants and scholarships to help fund his research would be a long shot. However, in the space of one week, Osselborn was notified that he had been awarded two separate recognitions that will help propel his research and career beyond Lake Forest College.

Career-A-Palooza 2022 draws record number of students

After two years of a virtual format, a hybrid Career-A-Palooza drew a record 188 students—the largest ever for the signature Gorter Family Career Advancement Center spring event.

Bidens mark Nowruz with Ahmad Sadri’s ‘Shahnameh’ translation

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden included Professor Ahmad Sadri’s translation of Shahnameh in their Nowruz display at the White House.

Michael Ebner reflects on family’s Ukraine ties in Chicago Sun-Times

Michael Ebner, the James D. Vail III Professor of American history, emeritus, reflects on his family’s history in Ukraine in an opinion piece he wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Papadovasilaki co-writes paper linking technological displacement to stock market crash of 1929

SN Business & Economics will publish a paper that explores a possible link between the 1920s technological revolution and the stock market crash of 1929 that Assistant Professor of Finance Dimitra Papadovasilaki co-authored.

Eukaryon celebrates its eighteenth year

Eukaryon is an award-winning undergraduate research journal at Lake Forest College that publishes the very best of life science scholarship conducted by Lake Forest students.

Interdisciplinary artist Alexandra Antoine named 2022 Artist-in-Residence

The Artist-in-Residence Committee has selected Alexandra Antoine as the 2022 Artist-in-Residence. Antoine will reside on campus from March 20 to March 25 and return for a final discussion of her work on March 30.

Humanities 2020 hosts local premiere of ‘Your Name is Juan Rivera’

Lake Forest College and the Humanities 2020 Mellon Foundation Grant are proud to present the local premiere of Your Name is Juan Rivera on March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest. Your Name is Juan Rivera is a documentary about the life of Juan Rivera, who was wrongly imprisoned in the Illinois Department of Corrections for 20 years.

Anya Golovkova elected co-chair of American Academy of Religion studies unit

Assistant Professor of Religion Anya Golovkova has been elected a co-chair of the Tantric Studies Unit of the American Academy of Religion (AAR).

Media worldwide run Associated Press story featuring Rob Baade

An Associated Press (AP) story featured Professor Rob Baade has run in news outlets around the globe.

Students recognized for research, leadership, service at premier Midwest neuroscience meeting

More than 50 students and faculty attended the 2022 Chicago Society for Neuroscience (CSfN) meeting on February 26 at DePaul University in Chicago—the first scientific off-campus academic outing since the pandemic began.

Diane Sawyer interviews Ben Zeller for ABC’s ‘The Cult Next Door’

Associate Professor of Religion Ben Zeller appears in an ABC 20/20 retrospective on Heaven’s Gate and discovery of the largest mass suicide conducted on American soil.

Brian McCammack to present Urban History Seminar at the Chicago History Museum

Brian McCammack, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, is presenting "Open Land for Whom? Race, Environmentalism, and the Battle Over Chicago's Washington Park" at the Chicago History Museum.

2022 Chicago Brain Bee champion named after a year of Covid hiatus

After last year’s cancellation due to the Covid pandemic, the 2022 Chicago Brain Bee was held once again in-person on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Lake Forest College.

Omicron Delta Kappa welcomes record number of inductees

The Lake Forest College Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, inducted 45 new members on Monday—the highest number inducted at the College to date.

Forester career success: From Lake Forest College to the NBA

Lake Forest College alumni Jonah Herscu ’15 and Kyra Vidas ’18 crossed paths again when their respective NBA teams faced each other earlier in the season

Announcing the Fourteenth President

In a record-breaking year in which Lake Forest College welcomed its largest incoming class in history, the Board of Trustees has advanced the College’s history-making momentum by naming Dr. Jill M. Baren as the College’s first woman president.

Media turns to Rob Baade for insight on true cost of the Olympics

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing prompted a number of media requests to interview Ernest A. Johnson Professor of Economics Robert Baade, a world-recognized expert on the economics of the Olympics.

Senior networking program draws record number of mentors

A record number of alumni, trustees, and friends of the College participated in the Foresters CAREER Program, an opportunity for seniors to connect with professionals in the Forester Network.

In memoriam: Russ Tutterow, Lake Forest College drama professor (1975-81)

Alumni embark on an effort to establish an endowed Russ Tutterow Internship Program to honor beloved drama professor and his lifelong commitment to nurturing talent.

Courtney Joseph to kick off Black History Month on NBC Chicago and in Field Museum talk

As the nation begins its celebration of Black History Month, NBC Chicago and the Field Museum turned to K. & H. Montgomery Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph for her expert insight. 

Students back 'In The Loop' in College’s popular semester-in-the-city program

The College’s signature In The Loop Program is back this semester with 25 students—mostly seniors—delighted to be living, studying, and interning in Chicago.

New York Times cites Desmond Odugu’s research on racist property clauses

An article in The New York Times on a new Illinois law that removes racist clauses from property deeds cites a study conducted by Associate Professor of Education Desmond Odugu.

Rebecca Graff to recommend future Illinois historic sites as state advisory council member

Associate Professor of Anthropology Rebecca Graff will have a hand in making Illlinois history. An urban archaeologist, Graff was recently appointed to serve on the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council.

New College of Nursing at Rosalind Franklin University aims to build workforce, expand access to education

Students select business attire at free, on-campus Career Closet

Sydni Foley ’22 hopes more students check out the on-campus Forester Career Closet after helping to relaunch the service last fall.

College welcomes 40 new students this semester

As classes resumed this week to start spring semester 2022, Lake Forest College welcomed 40 new students to the Forester family.

Cristina Groeger’s first book honored by Harvard University Press

Assistant Professor of History Cristina Groeger received The Thomas J. Wilson Memorial Prize from Harvard University Press (HUP), for her first book, The Education Trap: Schools and the Remaking of Inequality in Boston, published in 2021.

Visiting professor honored by Lady of Earth Foundation

Visiting lecturer Suha Jayyousi Dajani was honored and recognized by Lady of Earth Foundation in Jerusalem for her work in the US as an academic professor, researcher, and community service leader.

Ahmad Sadri provides expertise on situation in Iran

Asia Times turned to Gorter Professor of Islamic World Studies and Professor of Sociology Ahmad Sadri for his insight on Iran’s president filling his administration with graduates of a prominent Tehran university.

Christine Walker provides expert insight on children’s mental health care

Christine Walker, MPPA, an instructor in politics and public policy, was an expert witness at a legislative hearing on December 8.

Public policy and making change: Lake Forest College students present at Illinois Mental Health Summit

Sara Patton '23 and Abby Mann '24 made a mark at the Illinois Mental Health Summit on October 12 when they presented their own experiences and concerns about the state of mental health treatment resources in Illinois.

Yoalli Rodríguez Aguilera wins First Book Prize in women’s, gender studies

Assistant Professor in Latin American and Latinx Studies and Anthropology Yoalli Rodríguez Aguilera received the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA)/University of Illinois Press (UIP) First Book Prize in the field of women’s and gender studies.

Media turns to Zachary Cook for insight on 2024 presidential race

A major Illinois newspaper turned to Assistant Professor of Politics Zachary Cook for his expert view on the possibility that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will run for president in 2024 if President Joe Biden does not seek a second term.

Denise Kripper magazine article details student translation work

Latin American Literature Today (LALT) recently published an article by Assistant Professor of Spanish Denise Kripper on the important role the magazine has played in the education of translation students in the US.

Heather Heitkotter ’15 awarded NIH research fellowship

Heather Heitkotter ’15 won a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for her retinal trauma research.

Scott Edgar’s new book includes chapter by former student

Associate Professor of Music Scott Edgar has published a new book in his social emotional learning (SEL) series, this time showcasing inspiring stories from a dozen music educators, including Rachel Manchur ’18.

Rebecca Graff, Courtney Joseph pen chapters in ‘Chicago: A Literary History’

Associate Professor of Anthropology Rebecca Graff and K. & H. Montgomery Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Joseph have chapters published in a new book, Chicago: A Literary History.