November 24, 2025
Paige Haehlke
Season of Gratitude: Foresters share how they give back to the College and community
At Lake Forest College, Forester spirit extends far beyond the classroom. It lives in the countless ways members of the Forester Family give back to our campus and community—through generosity, mentorship, service, and leadership.
To better understand what inspires Foresters to strengthen the College and uplift those around them, we asked alumni, students, and parents to share why they choose to support the College. Their reflections highlight the many different ways Foresters give back:
- Donating to the Forester Fund
- Mentoring students and attending networking events
- Volunteering in the community
- Leading the Parents and Families Council
Donating to the Forester Fund
At the College, the Forester Fund is critical to the success of our students and the strength and vibrancy of our campus and community. The Forester Fund supports:
- Scholarships that expand access and affordability
- Hands-on learning opportunities that equip students with real-world experiences
- Faculty-led research that prepares students for rigorous graduate programs
- Career preparation that sets students up for success
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Together, we can turn generosity into impact. Every contribution to the Forester Fund helps future Foresters thrive.
Dai Ichikawa '92, Alumni Council member
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From my college search process to my post-grad journey, Lake Forest College faculty, staff, and alumni have been meaningfully supportive. I give to carry on that tradition of generosity within our tight-knit community.
Andrew V. Palmer '16, Alumni Council member
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I give back to the College because of the transformational experiences I had there. I want to give back to the institution for the years of support I received and contribute to a mission that ensures access to such an amazing community.
Ashlyn Pope '23
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The liberal arts education we received prepared us for successful careers and a full and rich life, and we support the College because we want current and future students to share our experience. Financial aid gave us the opportunity to receive a quality education and become part of a caring and committed Lake Forest College community.
Dave and Nancy Wilber '68
Mentoring students and attending networking events
Helping students build and use a network is one of the things that sets Lake Forest College apart. The College boasts a strong community of alumni and professionals who give back to the College in tangible ways by helping students and recent grads. Through these connections, students have access to hundreds of professionals willing to help them understand and navigate their career path.
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During my time at Lake Forest College, I grew my skillset and network substantially through the guidance of several excellent mentors. Now that I’m into my own career, it’s a privilege to be able to be on the other side of that relationship. Students from Lake Forest College are bright, driven, and eager to take on new challenges. It’s both a pleasure and a productive endeavor to be able to bring them onto my team and point them in the direction of some of the real-world matters that we’re working on.
CJ Black '16
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When I was a student at the College, I enjoyed networking with alumni and professionals who took the time to share their experiences with me. They offered some of the best career advice, and they also gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue my goals. It feels incredibly rewarding and unreal to be mentoring students now, because I used to be in their shoes! I want to be as big of a resource as I can, especially to the first-generation immigrants and college students, because I am immensely grateful to the people that have helped me along the way.
Belany Contreras '17
Volunteering in the community
Service to others is a cornerstone of a Lake Forest College education. Through the Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth, students provide thousands of hours of service each year in communities locally, nationally, and abroad.
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I volunteer my time because it is a great way to meet people and expand my knowledge. I feel like there is always something new to learn about running an event, making connections, and giving your time to others. Giving back to the community is always rewarding, and volunteering is such a simple way to give back.
Laine Hole '27
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I choose to volunteer my time because I believe that we were placed in this world to bring positive impact and build relationships everywhere we go. Seeing the fruits of one’s volunteering must hands down be one of the greatest feelings that can possibly exist. Making a difference requires effort every single day, and the best way to make a difference is by giving back. I just imagine if someone did something nice for me, just how much of an impact it would have in my life, and I would want to replicate that for someone else.
Omar Villanueva '27
Leading the Parents and Families Council
The Parents and Families Council is committed to deepening the partnership between families and Lake Forest College through leadership, engagement, and philanthropic support. Council members serve as advocates and ambassadors and foster community among parents and families, support student success, and advance the College's mission by guiding and contributing to the Forester Fund and other campus initiatives.
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We are committed to supporting Lake Forest College because of the truly remarkable experience our daughter has had as a student. She has grown in ways we couldn't have anticipated—as a student, as an athlete, and as a person. This is why we are passionate about giving back through our involvement with the Parents and Families Council and by supporting the Forester Fund. These are just two of the ways we can show our gratitude and help ensure that future students have the same enriching experiences.
Mark Aimone P'26, Parents and Families Council Co-Chair
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As a family, we have always looked for ways to pay it forward. After watching our son continue to thrive at the College, we explored ways to be more connected and found we could contribute to the Parents and Families Council, the Forester Fund, and the F.A.N. Club. It is wonderful to be part of a community that not only values the students but also values the skills and talents of parents.
Andrea Scott P'27, Parents and Families Council Co-Chair
Foresters gave back on Giving Tuesday
On Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 213 Foresters gave a total of $59,857 in support of our students! Donations to the Forester Fund touch every area of campus, supporting student scholarships, career preparation, student organizations, and more—everything that helps Foresters thrive and find success after graduation.
- 143 alumni, 37 parents, and 23 faculty and staff joined together to make a difference
- The Class of 1969 led all alumni with the most donors
- Parents of the Class of 2028 and 2029 tied as the top leadres for parent giving