Bob McKeon ’21

What drew you to Lake Forest College?
After finishing public high school, I attended Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts for a postgraduate year. During my time at NMH, I realized the impact a small community has on an individual’s academic and social development. Knowing that I wanted a tight-knit community, I began looking at small liberal arts schools in the Northeast and Midwest. I visited LFC for an overnight visit during the spring of my postgraduate year. Over twenty-four hours of being on campus, I met friendly students and enthusiastic faculty and immediately fell in love with the place. It’s safe to say that any small school has a tight-knit community, but there’s something special about Lake Forest College and the family atmosphere it harbors.

Have you had experiences here—besides your classes—that have helped prepare you for your future?
My time in Alpha Tau Omega has been one of the greatest learning experiences I’ve ever had. The leadership development aspect of the fraternity has positively affected my personal and professional growth and I’ve built a lifelong bond with my brothers.

How are you handling the sudden change and transition to online learning?
I’m making the most of it. We’re all in the same boat together.

What do you do in your free time (before the COVID-19 pandemic)?
I enjoy working out and reading. I love WWII books, political and sports biographies, and staying up to date on the news through daily doses of the WSJ. Whenever I’m back home, I enjoy yard work and long walks with my dog.

What are your plans after graduation?
I’m working towards a career in the insurance industry. I’ve had internship experiences in both risk management and commercial insurance that I look forward to leveraging into a full-time job. What that will consist of or where that will be- I don’t know!

Any advice for new Foresters?
Work hard and live in the moment! Be open to new experiences and make sure to utilize the resources the College offers.

What has been your favorite memory at Lake Forest College?
New Student Orientation. The Beach Bash and Chicago Day are a blast. I’ve enjoyed the program as a new student as well as an orientation leader.

Parting words?
Carpe Diem!