winter 2011
The Campaign for Lake Forest Academy
Update
Inside An update on Lake Forest Academy’s capital campaign. Read how generous contributions are transforming the campus, supporting the school’s mission, and changing the lives of students and faculty at LFA every day.
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Campaign Leadership Campaign Resources Committee (CRC) Merrill J. Ferguson ’72, P’10, Co-chairman of CRC* Jeffrey C. Neal P’00, P’02, Co-chairman of CRC* Patrick J. Carroll ’87 Karl R. Gedge ’69, P’01 Lauren A. Gorter P’06, P’09* A. John Huss Jr. ’58 Richard R. Jaros ’70* Ned Jessen P’01, P’05 Allan M. Kaplan ’72, P’03* Jeffrey B. Keller ’87* Charlene Vala Laughlin ’64 Betsy B. Rosenfield P’02, P’05, P’09, P’12 J. Michael Schell ’65 Nancy How Speer ’59 Catherine M. Waddell P’01, P’03* Robin G. Zafirovski P’04, P’05, P’09* * indicates core group member
Head of School John A. Strudwick Dean of External Relations Marina S. Krejci Marts & Lundy Consultant Katherine Doub Parents Campaign Committee (PCC) Lauren A. Gorter P’06, P’09, Chair Susan D. Coburn P’07, P’09, P’13 Elizabeth J. Ellrodt P’11 Marco Hanig P’07, P’11 Karen S. Kaplan P’07 Julie M. Kennedy P’08, P’11, P’13 Susan E. Morrison P’08 Betsy B. Rosenfield P’02, P’05, P’09, P’12 Cynthia W. Yingling P’09, P’11 Robin G. Zafirovski P’04, P’05, P’09 2
Lake Forest Academy
Dear LFA Community, SO MANY GREAT STORIES TO TELL… There are so many great stories to tell about the current capital campaign of Lake Forest Academy; stories that describe milestone moments, unprecedented progress, and donor generosity. They make me very proud to be an alumnus of this fine school, and even prouder to be serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees. The stories included in this Campaign Report are truly inspiring. They’re stories about people coming together to make our great school even better; people who recognized that their contributions could and would make a difference for our students and faculty members. They have transformed our school in ways we may not have thought possible six years ago when we began this campaign. Please take note of who they are and how they are ensuring a dynamic future for Lake Forest Academy. Our success is all about the many generous donors who embraced our dreams, who understood that the history and traditions of Ferry Hall and LFA have made our school a strong leader in independent school education. It is an incredibly exciting time for Lake Forest Academy! With so much to celebrate, we pause for a moment to thank and recognize the many generous donors who have brought such success to this campaign. We are energized to forge ahead to realize the rest of our goals and aspirations. Please join me in recognizing these historic achievements. On behalf of all of my fellow trustees, I salute the many donors who are helping transform our school into the very best it can be.
Thank you. Jeffrey B. Keller ’87 Chair, Board of Trustees
Leadership Donors to the Capital Campaign
Table of Contents
winter 2011
The Campaign for Lake Forest Academy
4 7 10 13 17
....... Donor Profile: Gorter Family ....... Endowment: Jessen Family ....... Faculty Housing ....... Athletics ....... Girls Dorm: Ferry Hall
Comprehensive Capital Campaign Contributions to Date* Campaign Dollars Raised Annual Charitable Giving
$30,403,358 $9,693,664
(Academy Fund and Gala from fiscal years 2005–2010)
Total $40,097,022 *Campaign contributions received after November 22, 2010, will be recognized in future donor listings.
Editorial Ruth Keyso Major Gifts Officer
Photography Ruth Keyso George Pfoertner
Design Sarah Stec Archetype Graphic Design
Printing John S. Swift Co.
Lake Forest Academy 1500 W. Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 www.lfanet.org (847) 234-3210
We extend a most gracious thank you to the following leadership donors who have contributed to Lake Forest Academy’s capital campaign since its inception in September 2004. Your support of the school and its mission is greatly appreciated. We salute you for your loyalty, your generosity, and your support of independent school education at Lake Forest Academy. Diamond Anonymous Susan Cellmer and Jeff Neal Nancy and Steve Crown Ruth and John Huss ’58 Lori and Rich Jaros ’70 Loretta Kalnow Kaplan ’73 and Allan Kaplan ’72 Kathy and Don Levin Haity and Jim McNerney Susan and Bob Morrison Kathy and Mike Schell ’65 Susan and Roger Stone ’53 Cate and Rick Waddell The estate of Paul W. Weinbrenner ’39 Robin and Mike Zafirovski Platinum Jay Ecklund ’55 Lauren and Sid Gorter Lynn and Ned Jessen Connie and Dennis Keller Anne and Chris Reyes The estate of Marguerite Hubert Sherwin ’30 The estate of F. Stansbury Young ’32
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The Gorter Athletic Commons is the perfect place to hang out after school or sports practice.
Leading the Way Gorter Family helps transform campus, propels Academy to new heights by Ruth Keyso Longtime independent school advocates and supporters Lauren and Sid Gorter P’06, P’09 know a good thing when they see it. When their eldest son, Chris, chose LFA in 2002, they recognized the school’s potential and its importance to the community, and looked forward to being a part of its ongoing success. “[LFA] had good bones; it had the elements we were looking for,” says Sid, citing strong relationships between faculty and students, a history of tradition, solid school spirit, and a supportive atmosphere as just a few of the factors that drew their family to the Academy—and kept them there. When the school announced a comprehensive capital campaign in the fall 2004, the Gorters were happy to offer their support. Lauren, who had recently joined the board of trustees, says it was an exciting time to be a part of the Academy’s leadership team. More and more people were recognizing the school’s tremendous
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Lake Forest Academy
potential and the role the entire community could play in transforming the campus from good to great. “It was one of those times in LFA’s history when everything aligned,” Lauren says. “There was strong leadership, a clear vision, definite needs, and lots of support and excitement. The school was poised to realize its objectives.”
“ Just imagine where LFA can go with this campaign. What’s the next act? How can we leave the school better than we found it?” The Gorters have played a pivotal role in helping the Academy reach its goals in the school’s largest and most successful capital campaign to date. In an effort to “lead by example,” Lauren and Sid made a commitment early on to support the campaign in a leadership capacity. Their first gift in 2005 was an unrestricted contribution to the general campaign fund; their second in 2008 was a restricted gift to fund the Gorter Athletic Commons in the new Crown Fitness & Wellness Center. Their reason for supporting this particular project was simple, Lauren says. They understood the need for such a facility on campus and realized the opportunity it held to transform the school’s athletic programming and student life. The commons area, where students can recreate and socialize, would draw more day students back to campus during the weekends and create a more robust sense of community among the student body. “This project just resonated with us,” Sid says. “When you find the right fit, it makes giving fun.” Supporting independent school education is part of the Gorters’ DNA. Sid attended Lake Forest Country Day School, Deerfield Academy, and Lake Forest College, where he is a trustee. Lauren is an alumna of Seattle’s Overlake School and Lake Forest College. Both have been involved with their alma maters as volunteers and supporters at the leadership level. They say having a strong independent school such as Lake Forest Academy in their community is continued...
Lauren and Sid Gorter in the Gorter Athletic Commons, located on the first floor of the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center.
Gold Christine and Tom Bagley Christy and Bryan Cressey Shauna Barry-Ferguson and Merrill Ferguson ’72 Kathy and Guy Crane Liz Ellrodt and Scott Schweighauser Gwendolyn and Austin Fragomen ’61 Tamara and Brian Gamache Betsy and Andy Rosenfield The estate of Martha Hood Roynon (wife of Jackson Roynon ’27) Nancy and Mike Sitterly ’65 Sodexo America LLC Bob Stuart Jr. Corinne and Paul Wood Silver Anonymous (3) Alisoun and Stephen Brewster Gertie Kalnow Chisholm ’74 and Homer Chisholm Howard Dubin ’50 Connie and Tom Duckworth Betty++ and Frank F. Ferry Jr. ’39++ Audrey and Jim Gorter Wendy and Michael Graham Sally Proudfoot Gries ’63 and Bob Gries Sheila Harley and Mark Simonian ’77 Sue and Bill Hayes Bondy and Tom Hodgkins ’53 Ann and Greg Jones Molly and Jeff Keller ’87 Charlene Vala Laughlin ’64 Debby and David MacKenzie ’50 Debi and Daniel Manoogian Ladd and John Mengel The estate of Paul Milner ’48 Virginia and Reg Norris ’55 Sandi and Ted Novascone ’50 Cheryl Sullivan Steve Sullivan
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The Gorter Family at Chris’ graduation from Babson College in May 2010. (from left): Sid, Chris ’06, Lauren, Taylor ’09
a boon to the city; it provides an alternative to public schools and creates an opportunity to acquaint people with the benefits of independent school education. In the past 10 years in particular, more people have been “peeking over the fence” to see what’s going on at LFA. “It has been rewarding to hear people talk about LFA in the community; the image of the Academy has been raised,” says Lauren. “It is back on the scene.” But there’s still more to do. The Gorters are committed to staying involved with the Academy and to seeing the campaign through. They believe there is a “great story to be told” about the institution and they want to be a part of communicating it. They also hope to leverage their support of the school to get other alumni, parents, and friends of the Academy giving back. There are still plenty of areas of need on campus, and lots of opportunities for people to make a difference. “Just imagine where LFA can go with this campaign,” says Sid excitedly. “What’s the next act? How can we leave the school better than we found it?” Lauren and Sid Gorter live in Lake Forest, Ill. Chris ’06 is a 2010 graduate of Babson College and is working in Chicago. Taylor ’09 is a sophomore at the University of Richmond. n
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Lake Forest Academy
The LFA Endowment:
Creating a Legacy for Future Generations by Ruth Keyso If you have a conversation with trustee Ned Jessen P’01, P’05 about Lake Forest Academy, you’re likely to hear the word “endowment.” For Ned, the school’s endowment—its savings account, so to speak—is the single most important asset in its arsenal of investments. The endowment gives the school a financial cushion in case of need. It also provides revenue to support the operating budget for things such as faculty salaries and innovative academic opportunities, since tuition only covers about two-thirds of the cost of educating each student. The endowment is funded through donor gifts, which are invested and appreciate over time. Ned and Lynn Jessen have chosen to designate their campaign gifts to the school’s endowment. Ned’s service on the LFA board of trustees has made him keenly aware of the need to expand the school’s endowment fund to ensure the Academy’s financial sustainability over time.
Copper Anonymous Debbie and David Andreas ’67 L&N Andreas Foundation Margaret and Larry Benjamin Robyn and Adam Brass Claude Brenner ’44 The estate of Nanette Colehower Britton ’40 Keena Dunn Clifford ’64 and Chris Clifford Susan and Peter Coburn Kathleen and Jamie Cowie Athalie and John Derse Kathy and John Ferguson Barbara and James Ferry ’68 Ginny and Russ Flaum Dawn and David Gupta ’81 Susie and Howard Jessen Julie and Ned Kennedy Sara and Tom Klein Anne Marie and Russell Levine Kristen and Charlie Mills Ellory Peck and Mark Rudberg Alan Rottman Joan and Kevin Shannahan Michelle and John Simms Nancy How Speer ’59 Dianne and Jim Stuart ’59 Nicki Newman Tanner ’53 and Harold Tanner The estate of Carleton M. Vail ’30 Ann and Jeff Walters Wendy and Tom Watkins Cindy and Jeff Yingling Fang Wei Yuan Bronze Zaid Abdul-Aleem ’90 Cathy and Sam Addoms ’57 Beth and Max Bardeen ’67 Jenny and Jacob Barker ’88 Gaynell and Charles Barton Jr. ’57 Susan and Bill Block ’58
“The endowment is as great a need as the school has,” says Ned. “A gift to the endowment supports LFA both in the short term and for generations to come.” continued...
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The Jessens are passionate about the Academy and are committed to seeing the institution thrive. They became involved at LFA in 1997 when their daughter, Margaret, enrolled as a freshman, followed by son Parlin, who enrolled as a sophomore in 2002. The family was confident that the Academy was the right school for them: small class sizes, a boarding component, and high-caliber teachers all contributed to an “excellent experience” for their children. “Margaret told us that every teacher she had at LFA was very good and that she learned from all of them,” says Ned. “A 100 percent satisfaction level on something like that is astounding—exceptional. It seems like a miracle. We can’t ask for more than that.” Ned champions growth of the school’s endowment as a way to ensure that the same extraordinary opportunities that his children enjoyed at LFA will be available to students today and into the future. For him, the endowment is the foundation that supports all of the terrific programming and people that touch the lives of students at the Academy and help the school fulfill its mission. “The endowment makes direct contact with all of the things that give our students—our children—the superior education and experiences that make LFA so exceptional,” he says. Trustee Ned Jessen and his wife, Lynn, at their home in Lake Bluff.
The Academy draws on its endowment annually to supplement the operating budget for faculty salaries, professional development, student scholarships, and learning opportunities outside of the classroom. The annual draw is 4 to 5 percent of the value of the endowment, thereby ensuring that the principal of the investment is preserved and grows. One of the goals of LFA’s strategic plan is to grow the endowment to $50 million. (It is currently valued at about $21 million.) Appreciation in the school’s investments will make an important contribution to this growth, says Ned, but gifts from donors are
“ The endowment makes direct contact with all of the things that give our students—our children —the superior education and experiences that make LFA so exceptional.” by far the primary way to increase the size of the endowment to $50 million over the course of the next five years—something Ned believes the current LFA community can do. Ned hopes those interested in supporting the Academy today will consider directing their gifts to the school’s endowment. Donors can designate gifts to their personal interest area, such as faculty professional development, academics, student scholarship, athletics 8
Lake Forest Academy
or fine arts. Or, they can make an unrestricted endowment gift and allow the school to use the funds in support of greatest need. “A gift to the endowment is a great way to express our gratitude for what LFA has done—and continues to do—for all of us,” Ned says. During their 13 years of involvement with the Academy, the Jessens have witnessed tremendous growth and innovation at the school. Hundreds of students have benefited from the generosity of individuals who have supported the endowment and made unimaginable learning opportunities a reality. The Jessens hope more alumni, parents, and friends of the Academy will recognize the endowment fund as one of the top priorities in the capital campaign and contribute to its growth in the years ahead. “The endowment is one of the most significant ways to touch the lives of each and every student and faculty member at LFA today, and ensure that the Academy is here for many generations to come,” he says. Ned Jessen served on the LFA Board of Trustees from 1999-2008. He was re-elected in July 2009 for a three-year term. Ned lives in Lake Bluff with his wife, Lynn. They have three children: Margaret ’01, Parlin ’05, and Paula. n
Endowment to Fund Faculty Chairs The Academy is committed to attracting and retaining the most skilled and outstanding classroom teachers. A key source of funding for faculty compensation and program support comes from endowed chairs. The income from endowed chairs provides enhanced compensation packages for senior faculty members, including professional development opportunities, comfortable housing, and competitive salary and benefits packages. • Dr. Ray Bird Master Chair in English • A. John Huss Jr. ’58 and Ruth S. Huss Chair in Humanities • Edmund J. Rendtorff Chair in Science Restricted Endowed Funds • Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence • Raymond Delaplaine Burnet Prize in Economics • The Class of ’58 Academic Fund • Sarah Proudfoot Gries ’63 Scholarship Fund for Women • David O. MacKenzie ’50 Scholarship Fund • Manoogian Family Faculty Fund • McNerney Scholarship Fund • The Morgan, Scott, and Cass Counties Scholarship Fund • Linda Sue Novascone Memorial Scholarship Fund • The Perisho Memorial Scholarship Fund • Marguerite Hubert Sherwin ’30 Scholarship Fund for Girls • Nicki Newman Tanner ’53 Excellence Fund
Bronze (continued) Caroline and Bill Bowen ’57 The estate of Joan T. Bowlby ’46 Bill Broeksmit ’73 Cecilia and John Buerkle Muriel Burnet ’40 Kathleen and Patrick Carroll ’87 Tina and D.H. Carroll ’57 Chinni and Rao Chilamkurti Carl Davis ’58 Sylvia and Toby Davis Jenny and Mark Emery Virginia and Bob Ferguson ’43 Laurie and Bill Friedeman ’65 Joanie and Karl Gedge ’69 Lynn and Al Gordon Judy and George Haecker ’57 Barb and Doug Hambleton Gloria Harper Margaret and Jim Herrmann Lee and Stephan Hobson ’57 Kathryn and Randy Holmes ’58 Howard Isenberg In honor of Suzanne Isenberg ’83 and Marc Isenberg ’86 Gail and John Jacobson Anne and Eric Jensen Rebecca and Chris Johnson The Kaplan Family Doug Kaplan ’07 Karen and Matt Kaplan Kathleen Kenyon and Doug James ’58 Mee and Ho Youn Kim Tracy and Peter Lee ’70 Paula and John Lillard Jim Lyle ’58 Kay and Chip McIntosh ’59 Scott Meloun ’77 Ruth Ann and Tom Moore ’57 Margi Iten Murphy ’56 and John Murphy Dawn Clark Netsch and Walter A. Netsch, Jr.++
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Faculty Housing Remains a Top Priority at LFA (top) Two of the four faculty homes in the West Village area of campus. (right) The Dozois Family: Chris ’84 and Laura with their daughters, Katie and Lizzie.
by Ruth Keyso When Chris Dozois ’84 was in college, he dreamed about returning to high school—as a teacher, that is. “I fell in love with the 24-hour life here as a student; it appealed to me,” says Dozois, who boarded at the Academy during his final two years of high school. “I snuck back here when I was 22 and have stuck around ever since.” Dozois is one of 52 teachers who live on campus and who serve as advisors, coaches, instructors, and surrogate parents to 408 students. Whether hosting an advisory dinner at his home, meeting with students after hours to help with a history essay or riding the Caxy van with his cross-country runners
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Lake Forest Academy
to an away meet, Dozois takes his duty as a boarding parent seriously. “If my daughters were away at boarding school, I’d like to know that adults there knew them and cared about them,” he says. “I’d want to know that they weren’t just housed and on their own.” The Academy is committed to attracting and retaining strong boarding faculty members, such as Dozois, who support our students both in and out of the classroom. One way is by providing safe and comfortable on-campus accommodations for them and their families. In 2006, the school added four, free-standing single-family homes to its roster of available housing. Located in the West
Bronze (continued) The Neustadt Family Nancy Neustadt Barcelo ’70 Kathy Neustadt Hankin ’74 Susan Neustadt Schwartz ’72 Linda and Gerry Nordberg ’53 Anne and Homi Patel Monique Pittman-Lui and Nason Lui Maureen and Frank Raiter ’57 Noyes Rogers ’57 Mary Ann Sanford ’51 Susan and Alan Sebulsky Marianne and Jeff Silver Regina Spellers Sims ’85 Loring and John Strudwick Penny and Tony Wastcoat ’57 Katy and Gib Zeratsky ’57
Faculty Housing In 2006, the Academy built four new free-standing faculty homes in the West Village area of campus, behind Marshall Field House. The two-story units provide additional residential space for our on-campus faculty members, who support our boarding and day students through their roles as teachers, coaches, advisors, and surrogate parents. The spacious, comfortable homes each include three bedrooms, living room, office, dining room, kitchen, garage, and basement. Moving forward, the Academy plans to build additional free-standing homes on campus and to renovate apartments in Durand House, as part of the Ferry Hall dormitory project.
Village area of campus behind Marshall Field House, these modern homes offer plenty of space for faculty families with two or more children. “There’s space for families to grow into,” says Dozois, who lives in one of the new homes. “Faculty can come here young,
get married, have children, and grow with the school.”
brass Anonymous Susan and Tim Damour ’58 Charles Erickson ’57 Frances and Donald Hart Theodore Hazen Jr. ’57 Judy and Hal Hoppe Jr. ’57 Cathy Lynch and Douglas Sharp ’57 The estate of Harry H. Maus ’25 Bill Reuling ’57 Karen and Ed Sickel III ’57 Jean Silvestri and Dade Darby ’72 Julie and Chuck Smithers Jr. Lynnie Dawson Solner ’60 and Robert Solner Darlene and Walt Stevenson III ’58 Stacie and David Thurman ’85 Charlie Touton II ’57 Grace Vickerstaff ++ indicates deceased
Long-time residential faculty member and Associate Head of School Bill Dolbee P’04, P’10 says faculty housing is a high priority at the Academy. The fact that the first construction continued... campaign update
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project of the capital campaign in 2006 was the West Village housing area reflects how significant this issue is to the school and its board of trustees, he explains.
“ If my daughters were away at boarding school, I’d like to know that adults there knew them and cared about them. I’d want to know that they weren’t just housed and on their own.” “It would be hard to imagine a strong boarding school without appropriate housing for its teachers,” Dolbee says. “To remain one of the top boarding schools in the country, we need housing that helps us attract strong teaching candidates and to bring in those off-campus faculty who want to be part of our residential program.” Robust residential programs enhance the boarding experience for all students. When faculty live on campus, they have ready
access to the athletic facilities, the arts center, and the dormitories, where they interact with students during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends. This promotes a sense of connectivity and community between adults and students and fosters meaningful, lifelong relationships. Looking ahead, the school has plans to renovate existing faculty living spaces on campus and to build additional residences, a mixture of free-standing homes and dorm apartments that will serve faculty at different ages and stages of their careers. Because residential faculty are committed to the students 24/7, Dolbee says, we want them to have homes that meet their needs and the needs of their families. “A school is more than just buildings; it’s the people who make a place special. But to have good people, you need good housing.” n
“ Having good on-campus housing such as West Village makes living where you work so much more comfortable. It comes down to quality of life: We want our faculty to concentrate on educating LFA students and not to worry about their housing situation. A nice living space can make a big difference in the mental well-being of a faculty member.”
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Lake Forest Academy
—Dean of Faculty Matt Less
New Buildings Change Face of Athletics at LFA
by Ruth Keyso Before the Fitzsimmons and Crown buildings were constructed on the LFA campus, athletes here had to improvise. Soccer players sat in the middle of the playing field to discuss tactics. Cross-country runners changed uniforms in the bathroom or in their cars. Field hockey and football players competed for weights and workout space in the former chapel—the sole fitness area on campus. The windows in the Morrison Fitness Center overlook the basketball court in Glore Memorial Gymnasium, creating a skybox effect.
“We were raw,” says Athletic Director Kevin Versen P’09, P’13. “We were at the bare minimum in terms of facilities.” continued on page 15... campaign update
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“ These facilities make LFA so much more appealing to the student body. At a boarding school, the athletic facilities are a big part of the school, and school spirit is generally centered around sports. I think we’ll attract a lot of good athletes because we have great workout facilities. The buildings are definitely raising our school to a new caliber.”
—Joanie Davis ’11, soccer, hockey, and tennis player
“ Our athletes now have a safe and secure place to shower, change their clothes, and store their equipment. And because of these phenomenal facilities, our students are spending more time at this end of campus— they’re coming to practice earlier, talking with their teammates in the locker room, and unwinding before stepping into their sport in the afternoon. It’s a nice feeling; a nice change.”
—Director of Hockey Operations Darrin Madeley P’11, P’14
(above) The Morrison Fitness Center on the second floor of the Crown offers a spectacular view of campus, with Atlass Hall and The Cressey Center for the Arts to the east, Reid Hall to the south, and the field hockey field to the west. (page 15) Students congregate after school in the Zafirovski Training Room with Athletic Trainer Scott DeGraff. The room includes 3 treatment tables, 2 taping tables, a combination electric stimulation/ultasound machine, and a state-of-the-art dual whirlpool tub. 14
Lake Forest Academy
Athletic Facilities
“ The professional training room is one of the best elements of the new buildings. It used to be a box; now it’s a huge room with top-of-theline equipment and a full-time trainer—worthy of a college campus. Students receive excellent treatment there. And it’s a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for visiting teams, who use it as well.” —Assistant Athletic Director Matt Vaughn But the addition of the new athletics buildings changed all that. Since the James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing and the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center opened, student-athletes have had modern, clean spaces in which to watch game films, to shower and change clothes, to work out, and to congregate before and after matches. Not only has this improved the athletic program for students and coaches at LFA, it also sends a powerful message to members of the wider community about the importance of athletics at the Academy. “It’s nicer for visiting teams to come here now,” says Versen. “It shows that the school cares about its athletes; that we provide them with what they need and take care of them. They look at our program in a new light.” The new facilities have also done wonders for team-building. With all student-athletes sharing locker space in the same area, there is more interaction among different teams and players. And because the playing venues—rink, pool, court—are now connected, it is more convenient for students and spectators to walk from place to place to cheer one another on. But perhaps most important, the new facilities have provided areas for students to interact with one another and their coaches—the fitness room, the commons area, and the training room in particular—thereby further enhancing the atmosphere of camaraderie at the Academy. “We’re meeting the school’s needs while bringing the community together,” says Versen. n
Crown Fitness & Wellness Center The two-story Crown Fitness & Wellness Center, located in front of Glore Memorial Gymnasium, opened on Oct. 25, 2010. In conjunction with the Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing, the Crown enhances the Academy’s athletic program by providing a modern indoor practice place for students. The center also includes a commons, where students can socialize with one another before and after daily practices. • • • • • •
itness center F Multi-purpose room Departmental staff offices Conference room Athletic commons area Vending area
James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing The James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing opened on Oct. 30, 2009. Situated in front of the David O. MacKenzie ’50 Ice Arena, the Fitzsimmons provides a much-needed space where students and coaches can hold team meetings and congregate before and after games. • • • • • •
ocker rooms (8) L Meeting room Concessions area Athletic offices Training room Laundry facility
Facilities Enhancements Significant improvements were made to Glore Memorial Gym and the swimming pool during the past two years. A new boiler was installed in the Glore complex, and the chemical and pumping systems for the pool were replaced and upgraded.In addition, drains and gutters were repaired, the pool was repainted, and a new pool balcony was constructed, as part of the Glore Corridor project.
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“ The students have taken ownership of the buildings and treat them with respect. I see students cleaning up after themselves, picking up trash. They’re proud of the facilities, and it shows. Our athletes used to look forward to going to away games; now they look forward to hosting teams at home. The facilities have transformed the campus and its athletic program; everyone’s experience—the kids’, the coaches’, the spectators’ —is better as a result.” —Head Football Coach Ted Stewart
The Crown includes a 6,000 square foot fitness center with 50 stations on its second floor. The building also boasts a multi-purpose room for dance, yoga, and other activities, as well as a commons area where students can study or socialize. 16
Lake Forest Academy
Ferry Hall Returns to LFA by Ruth Keyso Alumnae who attended the Ferry Hall brunch during Reunion Weekend 2010 were in for a big surprise. In his welcome address to the nearly four dozen alumnae gathered in the Garden Room, Head of School John Strudwick P’13 made an announcement that many had been waiting years to hear: The Academy is undertaking a new building project for a girls dormitory. The name? Ferry Hall.
(below) A rendering of the new girls dorm, Ferry Hall, scheduled to open in 2012.
“I was so surprised by the announcement,” says Marj “Mickey” McNeil Spuzello ’60, who recently gifted the Academy her Ferry Hall blazer and class ring, which will be included in a display of Ferry Hall keepsakes in
the new dorm. “Having the dorm named Ferry Hall will retain a connection with our high school and Lake Forest Academy today. And the new dorm will create an opportunity for more girls to board at the Academy, like I did when I was a student.” The two-story brick dormitory will be situated in the center of campus alongside the field hockey field. It will include 36 beds and 4 faculty apartments as well as a commons area, meeting rooms, and space for Ferry Hall memorabilia. The style of the dormitory will reflect the architecture of the former Ferry Hall campus on Mayflower Road in east Lake Forest. continued...
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“ The dorm is a special place. We study together, eat together, and hang out. It’s like a close, tight-knit family. The girls become your sisters; you share secrets with them and talk to them when you’re stressed out. And the faculty live near you as well, which is great because you can get help from them.”
—Four-year boarding student Mary Joo ’11
“It’s the first place on campus that’s been created just for girls since the merger [with LFA in 1974],” says history teacher and dorm parent Suzy Vaughn, who has lived on campus for 15 years. “Because it’s a small dorm, it will build a tight-knit sense of community; it will also make boarding life more appealing for prospective female students and parents.” This new project underscores the significance of the Ferry Hall experience and its historical importance to the Academy today. Trustee Nancy How Speer ’59, a three-year boarder at Ferry Hall, says the project is a wonderful way to commemorate and honor the girls school’s legacy and to keep it alive for many years to come.
Ferry Hall Girls Dormitory The Academy is thrilled to announce the creation of a new and modern dormitory to house the school’s female students. Ferry Hall will complement Marshall Field House, which has been in existence since the 1960s, and will provide an outstanding living space for female students, thereby helping us attract the best and brightest young women to campus. The style of the new dormitory reflects the architecture of the original Ferry Hall campus in east Lake Forest. • • • • • •
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ingle and double rooms, with 36 beds total S 4 faculty apartments (two 3-bedroom; two 2-bedroom) Commons areas Study rooms/meeting rooms Kitchenette Laundry room
Lake Forest Academy
“I am so pleased with the Academy’s commitment to providing excellent housing for girls,” says Speer. “The bonus is that it’s a two-fer: better housing for faculty as well. We are addressing two goals of the capital campaign with this new building and improving the quality of life for the whole community.” The Academy has already raised more than $5 million for the dormitory project. In September 2010, it received a $400,000 challenge grant from an alumna who has asked the school to raise an additional $400,000— for a total of $800,000—to help complete this project. The dorm is scheduled to open in 2012.
In addition to allowing more residential space for female students on campus, the dorm will provide four additional faculty housing units. Trustee John Huss ’58, longtime supporter of the school’s capital campaign—particularly its faculty housing initiative—says this helps the school achieve its objective of providing safe and comfortable accommodations for its residential faculty while promoting interaction between faculty and students.
for the new dorm project and thrilled that today’s underclassmen will have a chance to experience boarding life in Ferry Hall. She also hopes that today’s students will feel inspired to learn more about the history of Ferry Hall and understand the legacy behind the name of the dorm.
“The fact that the dorm will be called Ferry Hall will revive memories among the alumnae,” she says. “Of course the building itself is important, but it’s the intangibles that come with it—the all-girl spirit that the Ferry Hall women carry—that will define the new dorm.” n
“When I think back on my own days in Warner House, I remember what an incredible benefit it was to have faculty living near the students.We could visit with mister or missus faculty member at any time.” It is precisely this sort of arrangement the Academy has in mind when designing the new housing facility. Each wing—two on the first floor and two on the second —will include places where students can socialize with one another and with their teachers. Residential faculty, who will live in each wing, will be available to students at all hours and will help promote a family-like atmosphere in the dorm. The addition of Ferry Hall will allow the Academy to reconfigure space in Marshall Field House—one of two girls dorms on campus—and to help balance out the number of female to male boarders. Ferry Hall Prefect Hannah Jung ’11, who lives in Field, says she is excited
“ From an admissions perspective, the new dorm will make us more attractive to female applicants and help us even out the ratio of boys to girls. We currently have girls on the waiting list to board at the Academy, and some of our day girls want to be boarding students. We look forward to having more flexibility when it comes to boarding and day populations; we want to be able to accommodate all of our families.” — Dean of Admission Loring Strudwick P’13
campaign update
19
winter 2011
The Campaign for Lake Forest Academy
For more information about Lake Forest Academy’s capital campaign, contact Dean of External Relations Marina Krejci at: (847) 615-3223 or mkrejci@lfanet.org.
Lake Forest Academy Board of Trustees 2010–11 Zaid Abdul-Aleem ’90 Makola M. Abdullah ’86 Mark T. Ahern ’74 Lawrence S. Benjamin Stephen J. Brewster, Treasurer Patrick J. Carroll ’87, Secretary Chinni Chilamkurti Nancy C. Crown Thomas J. Duckworth Elizabeth J. Ellrodt Merrill J. Ferguson ’72 Christopher E. Freeburg ’90 Brian R. Gamache Karl R. Gedge ’69 Lauren A. Gorter, Vice Chair L. Thomas Gregory Gloria W. Harper Maurice L. Holmes ’83 A. John Huss, Jr. ’58 Michele Marsh Ihlanfeldt ’89 Ned Jessen Gregory K. Jones Loretta Kalnow Kaplan ’73 Jeffrey B. Keller ’87, Chair Ben Malek ’91 Susan E. Morrison Monique Pittman-Lui Jeffrey L. Silver Mark S. Simonian ’77 Regina E. Spellers Sims ’85 Nancy How Speer ’59, Vice Chair John A. Walton Robin G. Zafirovski Richard L. Zhao ’04 20
Lake Forest Academy
MISSION STATEMENT Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. Character encompasses respect for others and their beliefs, dedication to honesty in every sphere of life, realization of moral clarity and conviction, and pursuit of virtue and value in life. Scholarship encompasses acquisition of knowledge, development of critical thinking, enthusiasm for discovery and learning, and exercise of a powerful imagination. Citizenship encompasses appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism, involvement in the LFA community, participation in service to others, and commitment to global awareness and understanding. Responsibility encompasses development of self-reliance, ability to seek guidance, dedication to cooperation and teamwork, and action based upon informed decisions.
Lake Forest Academy 1500 W. Kennedy Road • Lake Forest, IL 60045 (847) 234-3210
8 Click: www.lfanet.org