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.
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.