Fall/Winter 2022 Review

A Natural Fit

Review

The Magazine of Lake Forest Academy and Ferry Hall

Head of School

Chris Tennyson

Vice President of Advancement

Robert J. Buckla, Ed.D.

Main Editors

Greg Greenwell

Emmy Schwerdt

Alex Stevenson

Magazine Layout & Design

Margaret Galeano

Photography

David Atas

Ruth Keyso

George Pfoertner

Alex Stevenson

Contributors

Robert J. Buckla, Ed.D.

Ruth Keyso

Rita Schulien MacAyeal ’87

Barry Reszel

Christine Ryder P’15, ’17

Hannah Shallenberger

Garry Sloan P’19, ’21

Chris Tennyson

Admission Office

847-615-3267

admission@lfanet.org

Alumni Engagement Office

847-615-3268

rkeyso@lfanet.org

Marketing & Communications Office

847-615-3284

comms@lfanet.org

Parent Relations Office

847-615-3238

leighann.jacobson@lfanet.org

The Review is published two times a year by the Office of Marketing & Communications at: Lake Forest Academy 1500 W. Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 Telephone: 847-615-3210

2021 ALUMNI WEEKEND AND REUNION

Alumni Weekend & Reunion returned to an in-person event in September 2021 as the Hall of Fame and Women of Distinction honorees for 2020 and 2021 were honored in a ceremony in the Formal Gardens.

POSTMASTER: please send change of address notices to Alumni Office, Lake Forest Academy, 1500 W. Kennedy Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045-1047.

All the words and photos contained herein were written or taken by the editor, unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed in the Review are those of the authors. No material may be legally reproduced without the written consent of the editor and Lake Forest Academy. ©2022, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, Illinois. All rights reserved. Lake Forest Academy supports and adheres to a long-standing policy of admitting students of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

Since we last published The Review in the Summer of 2021 many things have happened at Lake Forest Academy. This edition for Fall/Winter 2022 looks back at the last three classes of LFA’s Hall of Fame and Women of Distinction from 2020, 2021, and 2022 while the 31st Head of School Chris Tennyson replaced former Head of School José De Jesús P’22 in Summer 2022. The Review will be back in production on a twice a year basis with issues in the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer of each year.

2022-23 Board of Trustees

John S. Marlatt ’65

Chair

Jessica P. Douglas ’96

Vice Chair

Charles T. Cooper ’96

Treasurer

Richard L. Zhao ’04, LT’20

Secretary

Jim C. Cowart ’69

Member At Large

Todd E. Altounian ’86

Bruce W. Anderson ’70, P’97, LT’13

Molly Pearson Campbell ’04

Patrick J. Carroll II ’87, P’18, LT’12

J. Patrick Corsiglia P’15, ’17, ’20

Ahmed Farag P’22, ’24

Karin Fink P’22, ‘23

Haji L. Glover ’92

David Gupta ’81 as of 1/2023

Gloria W. Harper P’93

Duane C. Jackson ’01

Scott W. Kaeser ’96

Allan M. Kaplan ’72, P’03

Edward Kovas P’21

Rumi Kuli ’93, P’17, ’22

Scott Meloun ’77

Bancroft O’Quinn, Jr. ’72

Katherine Gray Pollock ’70

Kristin Rey ’83

Emily Sammon ’91

Marianne Silver P’15, ’16, ’21

Thomas S. Wood ’78, P’23, ’24

Xiong Yin P’23

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.

From the Head of School

Dear Friends of Lake Forest Academy,

The Academy’s All-School Handshake is one of the greatest traditions at any boarding school. It shines a light on how special our community is and it is amazing to see every community member line our Formal Gardens and then proceed to shake hands, fist bump, hug, or wave to one another. This year, I was so excited for the handshake that I did not get a lot of sleep the night before. However, I can also admit that I was really nervous. I was nervous about my first day as the 31st Head of School at Lake Forest Academy and the responsibility that comes with that title. Those nerves quickly disappeared, though, when I witnessed the excitement and energy from our students and adults. They were so eager to begin a year that seemed to put the pandemic behind us. And, truth be told, we have not looked back as a community.

It has been a phenomenal start to the school year! We have so much to be proud of and we have accomplished so much together. We opened with record enrollment. We have won three ISL championships in boys soccer, girls swimming, and girls golf. We have seven National Merit Semifinalists in our senior class. Our students are true citizens of the world, celebrating and educating one another about all of the different cultures present on campus. We granted $5.8 million in financial aid, allowing LFA to produce the next generation of leaders from families around the world and across the economic spectrum. In the last school year, our fundraising success included $1.78 million in annual giving dollars. We celebrated parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents on Family Weekend and we celebrated our alumni and alumnae during Alumni Weekend & Reunion. During the Hall of Fame and Woman of Distinction program over Reunion Weekend, I was honored to share the stage with such deserving recipients. We will soon be opening the LFA Community Health Center, a $1.5 million project being constructed on the lower level of New Hall. And, as you know better than anyone, our faculty and staff continue to be outstanding.

You may also be aware that we were recently named the 18th-ranked boarding school in the country – No. 1 in the Midwest! These rankings are not things we take for granted, though. Instead, they motivate us to be better so that we continue to fulfill our mission and cultivate in our students excellence in character, scholarship, citizenship and responsibility. As alumni, you are incredible ambassadors of both Ferry Hall and Lake Forest Academy because you represent what is possible with an education from both institutions. I am so excited to partner with all of you in order to educate the next generation of Caxys. Your belief and loyalty to both Ferry Hall and Lake Forest Academy give me immense hope for what lies ahead. Thank you!

I also wanted to personally say thank you for all you have done to make my first few months as Lake Forest Academy’s Head of School memorable and successful. Your friendship and support have helped me and my wife, Maggie, as well as our three children. We are so honored to lead and serve this great school.

Finally, I wish you all a wonderful, healthy, and festive end to 2022 with the hope that your 2023 is even better.

With Gratitude, Chris Tennyson Head of School

Areli Aquino Human Resources & Finance Office Manager

Emily Hansen Mathematics Teacher

Jay McMullen IT Client Service Specialist

Keily Pacheco Assistant Dean of College Counseling

Filipp Velgach History & Social Science Teacher

Isaias Cairampoma Modern & Classical Languages Teacher (Spanish)

Eric Hillebrand Interim Instructor of Economics

Ines Morroni Admission Office Manager

Jennifer Rundles Dean of Students & Science Teacher

Emmy Schwerdt Digital Engagement Specialist

Angela Zhou ’18 English Teacher

Shavon Conkle School Nurse

Glinda Hall English Teacher

Melissa Norris IT Service Technologist

Tamara Robinson Campus Store Associate

Greg Greenwell Director of Marketing & Communications

Leslie Gomez Academic Office Manager & AP Coordinator

Nancy Nassr Assistant Head of School & Academic Dean

Dieter Villegas ’18 Mathematics & Computer Science Teacher

A Momentous Occasion

The Celebration of Philanthropy and Service

Strong. Vibrant. Resilient. Respectful. Cooperative. Aware. Compassionate. Kind. And Healthy. Head of School Chris Tennyson described Lake Forest Academy with those words as members of the LFA community gathered in Reid Hall on the evening of November 4 for the annual Celebration of Philanthropy and Service. The event recognizes the support of LFA from donors and volunteers and also installs and celebrates the Academy’s newest endowed faculty chairs.

Following a performance of LFA’s student musicians, Board of Trustees Chair John Marlatt ’65 welcomed attendees and thanked donors and trustees for their continued support of the Academy. He introduced Tennyson who highlighted the following achievements over the last year:

Inspire & Invest Initiative: Lake Forest Academy closed the Initiative earlier this year, exceeding the goal of $20 million with a total of $23.5 million secured. The success was due to donor support and the volunteer leadership of Trustees Jim Cowart ’69, Patrick Corsiglia P’15, ’17, ’20, Molly Pearson Campbell ’04, Allan Kaplan ’72 and Life Trustee Loretta Kalnow Kaplan ’73 and alumnus Charlie Waddell ’03

LFA Community Health Center:

Donors who supported the construction and endowment of the new Health Center. The Health Center’s major gifts program and Gala were led by Trustee Karin Fink P’22, ’23 and her husband, Nick, as well as David ’91 and Avery Keller

Cornerstone Society: Members of the Cornerstone Society and Leadership Family donors whose annual gifts are the bedrock of philanthropy at LFA. Academy Fund Parents Division Co-Chair is Jen Reenan P’25. This year, Jen is joined by Lina and Kahlid Awada P’23, ’24

Richards & Tremain Society: Members who have included the Academy in their estate plans.

LFA Community Health Center Update

The LFA Community Health Center is fully-funded through a lead gift from Trustee Molly Pearson Campbell ’04 and 17 major gift donors and many other supporters made gifts via the 2022 Gala. The 4,500-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in January 2023 and will provide our health care team with the best-in-class physical resources needed to care for our students.

Among the highlights of this donor-funded project:

• Exam rooms

• Overnight rooms for both students and Health Center staff

• Resting rooms

• Group gathering space

• A laboratory

• A wellness garden

• An endowment fund to ensure the facility is well-maintained

The Installation of New Endowed Chairs

Dean of Faculty Tom Johnson led the installation of the new endowed chairs that joined three other faculty members who hold endowed chairs:

• The Sidney E. Ainsworth Chair in Mathematics: Paul Makovec

• The John Huss Jr. ’58 & Ruth S. Huss Chair in Humanities: Yue Chen

• The Ned & Lynn Jessen Chair in Humanities: Matt Vaughn

The Dr. John & Mrs. Loring Strudwick Endowed Chair

Funded by generous benefactors through the Academy’s recent Inspire & Invest Initiative that saw significant investment in students and faculty, the Strudwick Chair honors the careers of an extraordinary couple— lifelong educators who gave their all to LFA over their heralded 18 years service on this campus.

Chris Dozois ’84, P’17, ’21 received his bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and then his master’s in education from National Louis University. He returned to his alma mater in 1989 as a member of the History and Social Sciences Department. In additon to teaching, Chris has coaching stints including both boys and girls cross country and track, football, golf and boys basketball. He also lives on campus, sponsors LFA’s model United Nations and teaches World History One and Advanced Placement U.S. History.

Dozois commented, “I feel blessed every day to work at Lake Forest Academy. When I graduated in 1984, I had a goal/dream of coming back to work here. Since I returned in 1989, it has been better than I imagined. Getting to live, teach, and coach at LFA means getting to be a part of a larger community of student and faculty learners. Being able to raise my family here, and seeing both my daughters graduate from LFA has been incomparable, and I feel very lucky. Being honored with the Dr. John and Mrs. Loring Strudwick Endowed Chair was totally unexpected and humbling,

as our school is full of worthy recipients. Seeing the commitment John and Loring had to independent school education in their time here was a model for me, and one I hope to live up to as the inaugural recipient of this chair.”

The Harold H. Corbin, Jr. Endowed Chair

The Harold H. Corbin, Jr. Chair was established in 1969 by a group of former students to honor LFA’s head of school from 1951 to 1969. The Corbin chair holder is challenged to advance his or her understanding of science with the charge to inject that knowledge into the LFA curriculum.

Dr. Kerry Cedergren P’13, ’17, ’24 earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from Illinois State University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Michigan State University. She embarked on a successful career as a senior research scientist at Abbott Labs where she served in the diagnostics division, developing several different blood tests. Kerry joined the LFA science department in 2001 and has taught all levels of chemistry, currently teaching AP Chemistry and the Biochemistry Research class. Outside of the classroom, she supervises independent studies with students as they work on diverse projects, including finding more environmentallyfriendly alternatives to plastics, such as seaweed. This is the intersection of her personal passion for sustainability, expertise, and commitment to enhancing student learning. She is also a class advisor and served on many committees across LFA and currently, she is the head coach of the Science Olympiad team as well as the coach of the girls cross country team.

Cedergren said, “Caring for the environment has been a passion of mine for years, and I am honored to be named the Corbin Environmental Chair. Every day I try to set good examples of how to lead an environmentally friendly life, and as the

advisor of the Sustainability Initiative, I have the pleasure of teaching the students how to make changes in their everyday lives that can benefit the environment and the community.”

The Edmund J. Rendtorff Endowed Chair in Science

The Rendtorff Chair was established in 2005 in honor of 44-year LFA science faculty member Edmund J. Rendtorff. Mr. Rendtorff’s granddaughter, Donna Lindgren, attended the event to represent the family and its history with LFA. Born in 1873, “Sned” Rendtorff received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in electrical engineering and physics from the University of Wisconsin. He taught one year at a high school in Iowa before completing a year of graduate studies in 1898 at Northwestern University and then a served a year as a fellow in physics at the University of Nebraska. He arrived at LFA in 1899 as a science teacher and taught physics and chemistry at LFA until his retirement in 1943.

Mathias Kerr continues the legacy of Rendtorff as he has since his arrival at LFA in the spring of 2007. He teaches both Biology I and Anatomy & Physiology and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Northern Arizona University where he also worked in an immunobiology research lab. During his time at LFA, Mathias has coached football, wrestling, girls ice hockey, girls swimming, and boys soccer while also advising the competitive sailing club. He has traveled with students around the nation and around the globe as a chaperone on multiple school trips. In 2019, he was the recipient of a Mints Endowment Grant and traveled to the Galapagos Islands with the 5 Gyres Organization to observe and discuss ways to address the rising issue of plastic pollution in the environment. He has also served 10 years as a dorm parent in Warner House, four of those as dorm head, and currently as a dorm parent in Atlass Hall.

Kerr added, “As a member of the community and teaching faculty who has engaged with the students in the classroom, through athletics, in the dormitories, and through clubs, it means a great deal to be named to an endowed chair. I have had the opportunity to work with amazing, curious minds, and to help to cultivate and navigate that curiosity has been a delightful challenge. While this opportunity has brought with it countless moments of gratification with the students, it has not been without a lot of dedication and sacrifice. Receiving the recognition of an endowed chair validates that effort and I am honored to be associated with other dedicated educators of dear old LFA.”

Left to right: Chris Dozois ’84, P’17, ’21, Dr. Kerry Cedergren P’13, ’17, ’24, Mathias Kerr

Scholarship and Faculty Support Drive Surpasses $20 Million Goal

The Academy’s first dedicated endowment initiative concluded earlier this year with more than $23,570,000 in commitments—$3.57 million more than the goal of $20 million. The Inspire & Invest Initiative, co-chaired by Trustees Jim C. Cowart ’69 of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Patrick Corsiglia P’15, ’17, ’20 of Lake Forest, was launched to secure new endowed scholarships, endowed faculty chairs and faculty professional development funds and general endowment.

“This campaign was at the very core of what LFA stands for—our mission,” said Head of School Chris Tennyson

“Our alumni, parents, alumni parents and friends stepped up to invest in our students and faculty to provide them the necessary resources success in an increasingly complex world. I am very grateful to our volunteer leaders as well as my predecessors, Dr. John Strudwick P’13, ’15, ’18 and José M. De Jesús P’22, who worked tireless to tell the LFA story to our prospective donors.”

The Inspire & Invest Initiative began in 2018 in response to the Board of Trustees’ challenge to increase its permanent endowment above $50 million for enhanced fiscal stability. The Board identified the objectives of sustaining and

growing the Academy’s efforts to provide deserving students access to scholarship opportunities in addition to attracting and retaining world-class faculty. At the close of the Inspire & Invest Initiative in March, the Academy’s endowment market value was approximately $57,682,000, up substantially from the market value of $11 million in 2001.

The results of the Inspire & Invest Initiative yielded remarkable success for the objectives, which will directly impact the Academy’s students and faculty.

Achievements include the addition of 52 new need-based endowed scholarships, 15 new endowed faculty professional development funds and three new endowed faculty chairs.

“I am extremely proud of the entire Caxy community, and I want to extend my congratulations and gratitude to the people who made this goal a reality,” said Strudwick, Head of School from 2001 – 2019, who helped launch the Initiative with the support of Trustees Cowart and Corsiglia as well as Co-Vice Chairs (Trustee) Allan Kaplan ’72, P’03 and (Life Trustee) Loretta Kalnow Kaplan ’73, P’03 of Northfield, Ill.

Matching and challenge funds from five families totaled $1.8 million, inspiring donors to participate. “The matching and challenge aspects of the Initiative inspired some of the largest lifetime gifts to the school from the Academy’s alumni and parents,” said Dr. Robert J. Buckla, vice president of advancement. “In addition, this Initiative was successful due to foundational giving from the classes of 2000 – 2010, who give us much enthusiasm for the school’s continued philanthropic potential. Many of these Caxys made their largest gift

commitments in their history, often with five-year pledge payments.”

Inspire & Invest Initiative matching and challenge benefactors included Cowart and his wife, Janet; Laura and Gregg George P’21, ’23; former Trustee Gregory Glass P’18, ’21; Life Trustee Catherine and Frederick Waddell P’01, ’03 and the Waddell Family (Frederick ’01 and Caroline Waddell and Charlie ’03 and Casey Kennedy Waddell ’08); and an Anonymous donor.

One of the highlights of the Initiative was the establishment of the Next Generation Endowed Scholarship by a group of young alumni. The Next Generation Committee was co-chaired by Trustee Molly Pearson Campbell ’04 of Miami Beach, Fla., and Charlie Waddell ’03 of Kenilworth, Ill.

More than 40 alumni, alumni parents, and trustees served as volunteers for this endowment campaign. One hundred percent of LFA trustees contributed to the Initiative.

“This Initiative was so important for the institution and was introduced and realized by people who truly believe in the mission of Lake Forest Academy,” said Cowart. “A number of committed volunteers contributed many hours and resources to achieve the Initiative’s goals. As co-chair of the Inspire & Invest Initiative, I wish to thank everyone who participated in this campaign. I would also like to thank the Academy’s Advancement team for their countless hours organizing such a successful Initiative to advance LFA.”

Added Corsiglia, “I congratulate the LFA community on this important and lasting accomplishment. In particular, I want to thank the many volunteers and LFA’s Advancement team for their hard work and dedication in surpassing the Initiative’s goal. Eclipsing $57 million in our endowment fund will prove to be transformational for the Academy.”

While the Initiative has concluded, the school is continuing to seek philanthropic support for scholarships and faculty retention funds. To discuss scholarships or faculty support, contact the Advancement Office at advancement@ lfanet.org or 847-615-3275.

Inspire & Invest Initiative Highlights

CASH GIFTS/ PLEDGES BEQUESTS

ALUMNI DONORS

92 Alumni donors in class years 2000 and younger

4 at $1 Million or more

26 at $100K to $999K

$456,018 in realized bequests

Alumni donors span class years from

1948-2015

38

Alumni donors 2000 and younger who made gifts of $1000 or more. (34 of these represent the largest lifetime gift by the alumna/us)

18 at $50K to $99K

36 at $25K to $49K

$9M in expected bequests/trusts

239 Alumni donors

Of the 52 SCHOLARSHIPS established through Inspire & Invest,

35

were created by alumni

LARGEST LIFETIME PLEDGES

62 Largest lifetime pledge via Inspire & Invest ($25K)

102 Donors

CLASS OF 2019/ESTABLISHED STRUDWICK ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

7

76 Largest lifetime pledge via Inspire & Invest ($1K-$24,999)

200Donors Parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends of LFA

FERRY HALL ALUMNAE INSPIRED FUNDS were established through Inspire & Invest

1. Ferry Hall Endowed Scholarship for Girls

2. Louise Hamilton Short ’66 Endowed Scholarship Fund

3. Mary Ann Sanford ’51 Endowed Scholarship Fund for Girls

4. Eleanor Falk Johnson ’32 Endowed Scholarship Fund

5. Ferry Hall Class of 1970 & 1975 Endowed Scholarship

6. Gertie Kalnow Chisholm ’74 Endowment for Student Residential Life

7. Gertie Kalnow Chisholm ’74 Endowed Faculty Professional Development Fund

Simply the Best

Hall of Fame & Women of Distinction Honorees for 2020 and 2021

Alumni Weekend and Reunion returned to campus in the Fall of 2021 to celebrate the 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame and Women of Distinction. The ceremony was held outdoors in the Formal Gardens as then Head of School José M. De Jesús honored the newest honorees as Hall of Famers and Women of Distinction.

2020 Hall of Fame and Women of Distinction

Zaid Abdul-Aleem ’90 Service to the School

As a decade-long member of the LFA Board of Trustees (2007 to 2017), Zaid Abdul-Aleem ’90 helped strengthen the school through service on the board’s advancement committee, finance committee, and the endowment subcommittee while also extending his volunteerism to involvement with the Academy’s students and alumni through the Black Student Union.

At LFA, Abdul-Aleem was junior and senior class president, prefect, Caxy Key, and All-Conference in football, basketball, and track. He went on to Duke University where he earned B.A. and M.A. degrees, was a Fulbright Scholar, and captain of the Duke football team earning All-Academic ACC honors, Student-Athlete of the Year, and a place on the 1994 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, an annual award given to football players for the impact they make off the field.

Robert Bates ’60 (posthumous) Service to Society

The late U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Robert Bates ’60 is honored posthumously for his ultimate sacrifice. In addition to the Purple Heart, Bates also received a Silver Star for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action” in his command of the First Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines during Operation KERN in the Republic of Vietnam, before he was mortally wounded on October 22, 1966. Bates was the first soldier from Lake Forest who died in Vietnam.

The Bates family’s connection to the Academy is longstanding. One of the first buildings on the current LFA campus was Bates House, constructed in spring 1948. This dormitory was funded, in part, by Robert’s father, George Bates, Class of 1922. Additional LFA alumni with family connections to Lt. Bates include George Bates ’52, Kathryn Bates Leonard ’82, Nancy Bates Westergard ’87 and Lesley MacGregor ’03.

Bill Dolbee P’04, ’10 Service to the School

With his retirement following the 2019-20 school year—a year punctuated by the school’s transition to e-learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic—Bill Dolbee P’04,’10 left a legacy of 36 years’ service and leadership to the Academy. Long-heralded as one of the school’s most storied and celebrated instructors, he was the 1991 recipient of the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, graduation speaker for the classes of 1993 and 2020, and had the school’s yearbook, the Caxy, dedicated to him in 1995.

Dolbee assumed the roles of associate head of school; assistant head of school; dean of faculty; history department chair; dormitory parent; coach of football, softball and basketball; club adviser; and mentor to all. In 2018, Dolbee was named the inaugural recipient of the Ned & Lynn Jessen Endowed Chair in the Humanities. Always a proponent of a pluralistic community, Dolbee was a major force in helping LFA become the diverse and empathetic institution it has

become. Among his final duties prior to retirement was to support the transition of José M. De Jesús as Head of School.

Gloria Harper P’93 Woman of Distinction

Lifelong educator Gloria Harper P’93 served LFA as dean of students; dean of multicultural affairs; AP Biology, Biology I, Freshman Physics, Current Issues in Science, Anatomy and Physiology instructor; dormitory parent/head; and cheerleading coach while employed at LFA from 1989-2006. The year after leaving LFA’s faculty to assume the position of chief program and academy officer with the Golden Apple Foundation (where she served for 11 years) in Chicago, Harper began a decade of service on the Academy’s Board of Trustees. She was elected as an LFA Life Trustee in 2017.

LFA alumni continue to share stories of how Harper’s science classes were inspiring and thought-provoking. When Harper is in the room, she embraces “her children.” She has also served as chair of the board of trustees for the Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, a not-for-profit outpatient addiction treatment center on Chicago’s West Side and the Winston Knolls Education Group/School for students on the autism spectrum in Hoffman Estates, Ill. as well as being on the board of the Global Youth Leadership Institute.

Rebecca Makkai ’95 Achievement in the Arts

The induction of Rebecca Makkai ’95 into the LFA Hall of Fame is among a long list of achievements. Named one of Chicago Magazine’s 50 most powerful women, this acclaimed author saw her first novel, The Borrower, awarded a Booklist Top Ten Debut, Indie Next pick, and O Magazine selection. Her second book, The Hundred-Year House, received commendation as The Chicago Writers Association’s novel of the year and received raves in the New York Times Book Review and elsewhere. Her 2015 short story collection, Music for Wartime, included four stories that were featured in the Best American Short Stories anthology.

Makkai’s The Great Believers was named a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction and the 2018 National Book Award, and won the ALA Carnegie Medal, the LA Times Book Prize, the Stonewall Award, and the Clark Prize, among other honors; it was also named one of the New York Times’ Top Ten Books of 2018. The Great Believers has been optioned for television by Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions. Makkai’s work has been translated into more than 20 languages.

A resident on LFA’s campus with husband, Jonathan Freeman, assistant dean of students/director of residential life and English teacher, Makkai maintains strong connections to many of her former teachers, and in 2019 was able to honor her former AP English teacher, Tom Elieff, with the Chicago Writers Museum inaugural Inspiration Award. In addition to her writing, Makkai serves on the faculties of Sierra Nevada College and Northwestern University and is artistic director of StoryStudio Chicago.

Eric Stisser ’90 Achievement in Athletics

As vice president of corporate partnerships for the St. Louis Blues (NHL) and the indoor sports venue (Enterprise Center), Eric Stisser ’90 earned his second major sports championship ring when the Blues won the Stanley Cup in 2019. He received his first pro title ring from his time with the St. Louis Rams, Super Bowl champions in 2000. In his 14th year with the Blues, Stisser manages and develops strategic business relationships and generates revenue through corporate partnerships, advertising sales, signage, media, community relations, promotions, and other sales.

Stisser was a three-year starter and team captain for football, basketball, and baseball and was named All-Conference and All-Lake County his senior year in all three sports at LFA. As quarterback of the football team, he led the team to a 10-1 season. He was also a 1,000-point scorer as point guard on the basketball team and a stellar shortstop on the Caxy baseball squad. Also in his senior year, Stisser served LFA as prefect and Caxy Key. Following his graduation from DePauw University with a B.A.

degree, Stisser returned to LFA as assistant director of admissions and development from 1994-96 and also served as assistant coach for football, baseball, and basketball before embarking on his successful career in professional sports. He earned his MBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Fellow alumni in Stisser’s LFA family tree include David Andreas ’67, Andy Lee ’87, Cayman Lee Campbell ’89, Mark Stisser ’89 and Jason Delane Lee ’90

2021 Hall of Fame and Women of Distinction

Makola Abdullah ’86 Service to Society

The youngest African-American in Northwestern University’s history to receive a Ph.D. in engineering, LFA Life Trustee Dr. Makola Abdullah ’86 became a career all-star academic administrator, serving multiple roles while championing the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United States. Since 2016, he has served Virginia State University, an HBCU, as its 14th president.

Following his graduation from LFA, Dr. Abdullah received his B.S. degree from Howard University in civil engineering, then earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University, also in civil engineering. Prior to his appointment as president of Virginia State, Dr. Abdullah also served as provost and senior vice president at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla., as well as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. In his time at the helm of Virginia State, Dr. Abdullah’s work has included establishing VSU student mentoring partnerships in math and reading with local public school systems; opening the Academic Center of Excellence as a one-stop advising/tutorial hub for first-year students; and establishing the university’s Advisory Board for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning Intersex Ally+ (LGBTQIA+) Inclusion among other initiatives. His fundraising prowess has seen the largest gift ever to the university.

2021 Hall of Fame and Women of Distinction (CONTINUED)

Elizabeth Plamondon Cutler ’85 Woman of Distinction

Elizabeth Plamondon Cutler ’85 is an entrepreneur best known for co-creating the fitness phenomenon, SoulCycle, with Julie Rice. Differentiating themselves from other fitness businesses, SoulCycle, through the creative leadership of Cutler, provided consistent customer service paired with excellent instructor training. Using 30 unique modules, instructors go through eight weeks of hospitality training, including brand history and inter-colleague communication. After growing to 60 studios, Cutler and Rice sold the company in 2016.

Following her graduation from LFA, Cutler went on to the University of Colorado, Boulder and earned her B.A. degree in art history and religious studies. Her studies took her to Bodh Gaya, India where she lived in a Buddhist monastery and traveled throughout Southeast Asia. Prior to the success of SoulCycle, Cutler served the real estate industry and had invested in Izze Beverages, whose founder is the husband of Cutler’s LFA classmate, Eliza Ellsworth Woloson ’85, and named for the Woloson’s daughter Isabel. Additional Lake Forest Academy connections include Cutler’s father, George ’55, who was also a member of the Board of Trustees, and brother, George ’87

Jason Delane Lee ’90

Achievement in the Arts

Acclaimed actor of stage and screen, Jason Delane Lee ’90 says he is most proud to have originated the role of Malcolm X in the 2013 world premiere production of Kemp Powers’ play One Night in Miami, at Los Angeles’ Rogue Machine Theatre and having the opportunity to perform in three different productions of the work in cities around the country. This world premiere production was nominated for Los Angeles Theater’s Best Ensemble of the Decade by Broadway World.

Following his graduation from LFA, Delane Lee received his B.A. degree in history and theater from Wittenberg University, then earned an MFA degree from the Professional Actor’s Training Program at Ohio University. He rose through the Chicago theater ranks, ultimately securing lead roles at the Goodman, Victory Gardens, and Lookingglass theaters, among others, before heading to Los Angeles.

Paul Dunlop Service to the School

A fixture at Lake Forest Academy from 1979 to 2021, Paul Dunlop, along with his wife, Connie McCabe, was instrumental in the formation and reinvention of the Academy’s English as a Second Language program (now known as ELL) that allowed international students to ease into American culture as well as the English language at LFA. Passionate about language acquisition, the couple traveled the globe creating relationships that turned into partnerships for the Academy. They recruited students for LFA, wanting the best and brightest to attend and make the community stronger. Dunlop and McCabe are credited for creating and implementing the summer program for ESL students along with summer sports programming.

Dunlop received his undergraduate degree in philosophy and religious studies from Wagner College before enrolling at Rutgers University, where he earned a M.A. degree in linguistics and English as a Second Language education.

George Gillett ’56 Achievement in Athletics

Businessman George N. Gillett, Jr. ’56 is an entrepreneur who took his childhood interest in athletics and nurtured it, along with his marketing prowess, to foster intimate participation across myriad professional sports organizations—from Alpine skiing to NASCAR, the NFL and NHL to the Harlem Globetrotters.

The 1961 graduate of Dominican College of Racine, Wis., was business manager and partner of the Miami Dolphins. In 1968,

he parlayed his $1 million investment in the Dolphins, selling it for $3 million, and using some of the proceeds to purchase the nearly defunct Harlem Globetrotters. He reinvigorated the Globetrotters through marketing and a Saturday morning cartoon series and formed the nationally-syndicated radio group Globetrotters Communications. Gillett acquired the Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts in 1985 and launched a massive installation of high-speed chairlifts. In 2001, Gillett bought an 80% interest in the Montreal Canadiens and their home arena, Molson Centre. In 2007, he purchased a controlling interest of the NASCAR team Evernham Motorsports from founder Ray Evernham, thereby forming Gillett Evernham Motorsports, which merged in 2009 with fellow NASCAR team Petty Enterprises. From 2007-2010, Gillett was coowner of the storied Liverpool F.C., a soccer team in the Premier League.

David Gupta ’81 Service to Society

Former LFA Trustee David Gupta ’81 was the inspiration and guiding force behind the Academy’s inaugural Chicago Networking Event, the now-annual educational and social gathering of alumni and parents for a decade and a half in Chicago’s Loop. Gupta is the middle of three LFA graduates in his family—his brothers Raj ’79 and Mark ’83 are also Caxys, as is his cousin, Sidhartha Gupta ’94

Gupta earned his B.S. degree in architectural engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was honored as the school’s Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award winner in 2020. Gupta also graduated from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with an MBA degree. He is the founder and CEO of SDI Presence LLC, an IT managed services provider and consultancy that leverages team presence to advance its clients to a secure digital enterprise. Before starting his own company, he was a senior vice president at Environmental Systems Design. Gupta also founded PGV Solutions, which merged into SDI in 2016. He is proud that SDI consistently ranks as a “Best Place to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Tribune, and Built in Chicago.

John Marlatt ’65 Service to the School

A dedicated member of the LFA community, John Marlatt ’65, has taught at the Academy, supported philanthropically many of LFA’s capital and programming initiatives and now serves as chair of the Board of Trustees. Marlatt’s board work has included a close partnership with the Academy Woods property owners, adjacent to the school, to ensure the Academy community and neighborhood work cooperatively together. He also has served as chair of the Board property committee as well as the ad hoc master planning committee.

During his school years as a Caxy, Marlatt played on the basketball and golf teams while also running on the cross country team. He further participated in the bridge and cribbage clubs and was a staff member of the literary magazine. Marlatt earned his B.A. degree in economics and political science from DePauw University. He then attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he received his MBA degree in finance. His education led him to the banking profession, where Marlatt rose through the ranks at multiple organizations. He served as a branch manager, managing director, and senior vice president at multiple global banks including Credit Suisse and Commerzbank AG. A career of nearly 40 years gave him expertise in an array of corporate financial solutions and the ability to understand client issues to successfully construct, coordinate, and deliver global solutions through geographic and product teams.

Constance McCabe Service to the School

An LFA award-winning educator and the face of the Academy’s English as a Second Language program (now ELL) for many years, along with husband Paul Dunlop, Constance “Connie” McCabe served LFA students from 1979 until her retirement following the 2020-21 school year.

McCabe founded the writing center on campus and advised the Chinese Dictionary Project. She was cherished as a mentor and leader by many in the LFA community. The curriculum she facilitated for ESL students is regarded as thoughtful and precise, balancing the needs of students from different nations at a wide variety of starting points. As the English as a Second Language Chair, she and Dunlop worked together on the Academy’s international program. Together they brought dozens of LFA educators with them on trips to China. In June 2010, McCabe received the Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence and in May 2013 she was awarded with the Laima Salcius Faculty Award. McCabe earned her B.S. degree from the University of Vermont and an M.A. degree from New York University.

Nancy Royster Rice ’61 Woman of Distinction

A legacy Ferry Hall graduate (following her mother, Helen Heyl Royster ’29, and sister, Jean Royster Smiley ’56), Nancy Royster Rice ’61 learned to forge her own path at her family alma mater. Following graduation from Ferry Hall, Rice went on to Smith College for her undergraduate studies. She then earned a M.A. degree in history from Bryn Mawr College while teaching at Friends Central School in Philadelphia. She attended Emory University Law School for two years, completing her law degree at Harvard University.

As one of the first 12 women partners at the historic law firm of Ropes & Gray in Boston, Rice specialized in health law. She worked as the primary general counsel for teaching hospitals and the New England regional organ and tissue bank organization. Her particular interests include patient rights, clinical human research, corporate compliance, physician practice issues, health data management, and risk management. Rice is also the founding chair of the Health Law Section of the Massachusetts Bar Association. She has spent time giving back as an adjunct professor at the Boston University School of Law and the Suffolk University Law School.

Michael Springer ’71 Service to the School

A changemaker in the medical publishing industry, Michael Springer ’71 is a proud Chicago native. His work as a writer of commercials and for the TV show The Waltons started him on a path to publishing and executive management at four of the most influential organizations in health care. After his son was born, Springer accepted what he thought would be, at most, a six-month job at the American Medical Association. He ended up staying at the AMA for 15 years and helped facilitate AMA’s launch into online publishing. During that time, the AMA and mentor Dr. George Lundberg sponsored Springer to attend the Stanford Professional Publishing Program. This, along with his B.S. degree in communications from Northwestern University and his certification in business from the University of Illinois at Chicago, made him realize he wanted to move on from the editorial side and become a publisher.

Springer served as publisher of new media at the AMA before being recruited to become president and CEO of the American Hospital Publishing Inc., a forprofit subsidiary of the American Hospital Association. After a merger with Health Forum, Springer worked with Care Pages, which was bought by WebMD. Then, for nine years, Springer was the VP for publishing and communications at the American Academy of Family Physicians. He then served as the managing vice president for publishing and ultimately the senior vice president for business and publishing for the American Dental Association. He currently works for himself as president of M2M Communications Inc., which specializes in business development and governance for publishing, media, and health care. A former member of LFA’s Board of Trustees, Springer is one of the founding architects of the Walter Hoesel Fund, which helps LFA’s neediest students be fully involved in school life. The fund is named for former LFA Head of School Walter Hoesel. Springer also served on the Alumni Council and is a Richards and Tremain Society member.

Largest-Ever Graduating Class of 125 Joins the Ranks of Academy Alumni

With the weather and setting deservedly combining to form a perfect backdrop, Lake Forest Academy’s largest-ever graduating class completed their school careers the afternoon of May 28 under blue skies in the splendor of the Formal Gardens.

Taking their places following the traditional processional to “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” the Class of 2022, their guests, LFA faculty, staff, alumni, and parents of alumni listened to the invocation by Assistant Dean of Advancement Garry Sloan P’19, ’21, then a welcome and opening remarks from outgoing Head of School José De Jesús P’22. The Book of Gratitude was presented by 2021-22 Parents Association President Dr. Aida Quiroz P’22, ’23, ’26 to Dean of Faculty Tom Johnson. Class

President Ryota Nambara ’22 of Tokyo offered student remarks, and class advisor, Modern and Classical Languages Teacher Marianela Gonzalez, introduced individual graduates, who were awarded diplomas by Board of Trustees Chair John Marlatt ’65 of Lake Forest. Closing remarks came from incoming Head of School Chris Tennyson before the LFA’s rendition of Katie Moran Bart’s “Blessing” and the recessional to Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4.”

The festivities, per LFA tradition, accentuated the school’s proud international tradition and global thrust. National flags of 64 nations, representing the native countries of LFA graduates from 1980 to 2022, adorned the stage. These included: Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina,

Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Columbia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

It was a most appropriate display for Tennyson’s fitting focus on journey in his closing remarks. Sharing the life story of a Minnesota alumnus who overcame

tremendous childhood obstacles to attend LFA and achieve success, Tennyson reminded graduates that spending their high school years in a place that prides itself on remarkable diversity will help them change the world for the better.

The incoming 31st Head of School then gave a nod to the “grit and perseverance” embodied by the class that spent more than half its LFA experience embroiled in the COVID-19 global pandemic. “There were likely times that it seemed like we were asking a lot of you—maybe too much,” Tennyson told them.

“But we did so because we believe in you. You were asked to study, to think, to create and to work closely and collaboratively with others, including your teachers. You were asked to make good decisions, to develop healthy habits, and to be global citizens—doing your part to learn about and serve others. Through all this, you navigated everything with grace. It would have been easy to give up. But you have succeeded and made all of us extremely proud.

“May your new journeys be as exciting, as challenging in good ways, of course, and rewarding as your LFA journey was. And, along your journey, please remember to demonstrate empathy,

optimism, and humility. You are going to do wonderful things, both individually and as a collective, and please know that the Academy’s doors are always open to welcome you back.”

It would have been easy to give up. But you have succeeded and made all of us extremely proud.”

CHRIS TENNYSON, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Bard College

Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Boston University (3)

Boston, Mass.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, Calif.

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Carroll College

Helena, Mont.

Colgate University (2)

Hamilton, N.Y.

College of the Holy Cross (2)

Worcester, Mass.

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Davidson College

Davidson, N.C.

Denison University (2)

Granville, Ohio

DePaul University

Chicago, Ill.

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa

Duke University (2)

Durham, N.C.

Elon University

Elon, N.C.

Emory University

Atlanta, Ga.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Ga.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Mass.

Haverford College

Haverford, Pa.

Howard University

Washington, D.C.

College Matriculation

Indiana University

Bloomington, Ind.

Ithaca College

Ithaca, N.Y.

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, Ill.

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, Pa.

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, Calif.

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Ill.

Marshall University

Huntington, W. Va.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Mich.

New York University (2)

New York, N.Y.

NYU Shanghai

Shanghai, China

Northeastern University

Boston, Mass.

Northwestern University (5)

Evanston, Ill.

Otterbein University

Westerville, Ohio

Pennsylvania State University (2)

State College, Pa.

Pepperdine University

Malibu, Calif.

Pomona College

Claremont, Calif.

Purdue University (2)

West Lafayette, Ind.

Reed College

Portland, Ore.

Rice University

Houston, Texas

Rhodes College

Memphis, Tenn.

Rollins College

Winter Park, Fla.

Santa Clara University (2)

Santa Clara, Calif.

Southern Methodist University (5)

Dallas, Texas

Stanford University

Palo Alto, Calif.

Syracuse University

Syracuse, N.Y.

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

Tulane University of Louisiana (2)

New Orleans, La.

United States Military Academy

West Point, N.Y.

University of California (3)

Berkeley, Calif.

University of California (3)

Davis, Calif.

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Calif.

University of Denver

Denver, Colo.

University of Illinois at Chicago (2)

Chicago, Ill.

University of Illinois (5)

Urbana-Champaign, Ill.

University of Massachusetts

Boston, Mass.

University of Miami (3)

Miami, Fla.

University of Michigan (3)

Ann Arbor, Mich.

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pa.

University of Rochester (2)

Rochester, N.Y.

University of St. Andrews

St. Andrews, Scotland

University of Southern California (2)

Los Angeles, Calif.

University of Sydney

Sydney, Australia

University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

University of Washington

Seattle, Wash.

Villanova University

Villanova, Pa.

Wake Forest University (5)

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Washington University (3)

St. Louis, Mo.

Wells College

Aurora, N.Y.

Honors for Excellence

Cum Laude and Move-Up Day Awards

Cum Laude

The Cum Laude Society is the secondary school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, and membership in the Lake Forest Academy chapter is one of the highest academic honors the Academy can bestow on its students. The Cum Laude induction ceremony took place at a luncheon on May 26, 2022 in Reid Hall. Based on their exceptional scholarship during their tenure at LFA, the Cum Laude Committee is honored to induct the following seniors into the Lake Forest Academy chapter:

Richard Ascroft

Maeve Brady

Isabela De Jesús

James Delia

Alexis Farbman

Brooke Farrell

Jiayu Feng

Brendan Flaherty

Shayna Goldberg

Ashley Guo

Yutan Jin

Akhil Kommala

Avani Marmer

Lauren Morrison

Yimeng Mou

Kirstin Palasz

Tatum Pearlman

Natalie Putzel

Jennifer Robertson

Shaan Samra

Muhammad Emir Ezzat Suhaime

Haili Sun

Faculty Awards

Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence

The recipients of the 2022 Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence are Modern & Classical Languages Teacher

(Spanish) Valerie Sorenson and Science Teacher Sarah Michaelson

Yilin Sun

Stewart Thompson

Thanh Trinh

Jiamu Wang

Fengcheng Yang

Xueyun Zhai

Wenjun Zhang

Xinqi Zhang

A small percentage of students are considered each year for membership during their junior year as well and those students are as follows:

Benjamin Arthurs

Myke Chen

Saanvi Malkani

Khue Nguyen

Alan Nigmetullin

Anna Nikishina

Anton Walvoord

Michael Xing

QiMao Yang

Move-Up Day Awards

Abigail Shanley-Roberts Spirit Award

Montgomery Gold ’23

Daughters of the American Revolution Award

James Delia ’22

American Legion Award

Ricky Ascroft ’22

Aurelian Book Prize

Bela De Jesús ’22

Alexander Award

Akindele Aboyade-Cole ’22

Mary Freeland Award

Mariana Quiroz ’22

Butler Award

Lily Ainsley ’22

Hixon Award

Arianna Griffiths ’22

Horace S. Vaile Award

Ferdoss Ibrahim ’22

Wetzel Award

Natalie Putzel ’22

Virginia Phillips Speidel Award

Ferdoss Ibrahim ’22

Jonathan Fremd Award

Enos Zaah ’25

McLaughlin Prize

Kate Graham ’24

The recipient of the 2022 Laima Salcius Faculty Award is Dean of Pluralism & Multicultural Affairs, and Health, Wellness & Community Teacher Lusanda Mayikana

Jewell J. Jackson Jr. Award

Saanvi Malkani ’23

Benjamin D. Waldie, Sr. Award

Safiya Nicol ’22

Faculty Award

Ricky Ascroft ’22

Laima Salcius Faculty Award

Campus View

Two Caxy traditions took place to kick off the 2022-23 academic year with the All-School Photo and the All-School Handshake. The Class of 2022 provided a new addition to the AllSchool Handshake with a sculpture of two hands shaking (pictured above) to represent one of LFA’s favorite traditions to start each school year. The inscription reads: “In honor and celebration of the traditions at LFA, in particular the All-School Handshake, which symbolizes unity, community, and friendship.”

A Natural Fit

Tennyson Takes Reins as Academy’s 31st Head of School

In the summer of 1999, Chris Tennyson arrived in Lake Forest—an independent school alumnus, The College of Holy Cross bachelor’s degree (economics) in hand— to begin his first year teaching in the Academy’s math department.

Fast forward 23 years to July 1, 2022. That was the day Tennyson quietly moved into the head of school office in historic Reid Hall, officially assuming the leadership from LFA’s 30th Head of School José M. De Jesús P’22, who relocated to New York City to become head of The Dalton School following a three-year stint at Lake Forest Academy.

Just a few weeks prior, on May 28, Tennyson addressed the graduating class of 2022 at commencement. With his typical quiet confidence, he said, “I want us all to pause and think about our journey that brought us here today. How did you learn about LFA? What convinced you to come to LFA? It would have probably been much easier for you to remain at your old school or at home, but you made

a different choice—a bolder and more adventurous one.”

Indeed, these graduates followed in their new leader’s footsteps.

“I am honored, humbled, and excited to serve the institution that I have come to love and call home,” Tennyson said. “The

Academy is positioned to do great things in the years ahead.”

Tennyson’s appointment was approved by the school’s Board of Trustees led by Chair of the Board John Marlatt ’65 in March 2022 following a Head of School Search process chaired by Board Vice Chair Jessica Douglas ’96.

“I am so proud of the entire LFA community in helping us make this most important leadership decision for our school,” said Marlatt. “My heartfelt thanks to the Head of School Transition and Search Committee for their tireless work to understand LFA’s needs and to recommend our excellent candidate. I also offer special thanks to our Board of Trustees for their expedient action and full support of our new Head of School. I am fully confident in Chris’ ability to lead LFA to even greater excellence.”

Tennyson’s ascension to LFA’s top leadership post is the culmination of more than two decades of teaching, coaching, and administrative duties. Tennyson was most recently associate head of school and dean of students/academic affairs and helped keep LFA’s doors open during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has taught in the history and social sciences department, in addition to mathematics. He has coached girls basketball and was a key member of the Head of School Equity Task Force.

But beyond titles and job descriptions, Tennyson’s adult life is rooted at LFA. He met his wife, Maggie, after she joined the Academy’s math faculty in 2003; they married and now have three children— Hugh, James, and Mary Cate. With a combined 40-plus years on campus, their lives have touched thousands of students and hundreds of faculty/staff. “LFA is now so much of who we are as a family,” he said. “This is our home.”

And there’s no doubt the couple’s collective experience is the very definition of institutional knowledge. Maggie Tennyson’s LFA career includes teaching geometry and many levels of calculus and algebra. She has coached cross country and track and nurtured generations of students as dorm parent in nearly every on-campus residence hall. Maggie has also worked with the summer English as a Second Language program that introduces international students to the school. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Middlebury College and a master’s degree in secondary mathematics

education from DePaul University. During his time at LFA, Chris completed his graduate degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Scranton.

As Chris Tennyson forges his own leadership path, he says he’ll look back on experiences to guide him in staying focused on the top priority, “remaining studentcentered.” He continues teaching and draws upon his time as dean of students, about which he said, “I represented the student voice to the best of my ability, and it meant a lot to me to get to know the students as best as I could. LFA has become one of the greatest learning environments in the country because we have remained steadfast toward our educational mission and guiding principles.”

Acknowledging the asset that is LFA’s campus, Tennyson says he looks to the completed construction of the new Health Center as the next tangible benefit to the community. “We have undergone a physical transformation of the school’s campus,” Tennyson said. “The new Health Center is a game-changer in terms of taking care of the people in our community.”

I am fully confident in Chris’ ability to lead LFA to even greater excellence.”

BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR JOHN MARLATT ’65

2022 Hall of Fame & Women of Distinction Honorees Recognizing Excellence

It was an eventful and busy week from Sept. 19-24 at Lake Forest Academy as Alumni Weekend and Reunion events coincided with Spirit Week activities for the student body. Alumni Weekend and Reunion featured another impressive class of Hall of Famers and Woman of Distinction as Lake Forest Academy was buzzing throughout the weekend with activities. Nine distinguished alumni were recognized throughout the weekend and highlighted

on Saturday evening inside The Cressey Center for the Arts during the induction ceremony. Joining the Hall of Fame were David Andreas ’67 (posthumous), Alex DeBrincat ’16, Mark Dryfoos P’96, ’00, Peter Goulet ’62, Sheri Kersch Schultz ’72, Kelly Perine ’87, Lori Rewick Simon ’70, Steve Ryder P’15, ’17, and Amish Shah ’92

David

Andreas ’67 (posthumous) Service to Society

Known for his intellect, heart, and humor, David Andreas died unexpectedly on January 15, 2019. He was the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of National City Bancorporation, and those who knew him credited him with influence on communities and organizations in both Minnesota and Florida. He graduated from Lake Forest Academy in 1967 and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Denver and a master of arts in anthropology from Minnesota State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1971-73 and then built a career in the banking industry.

With wide-ranging intellectual curiosity and an extraordinarily generous spirit, David served on numerous boards including the Minnesota Center for Victims of Torture, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Children’s HeartLink, Marshall & Ilsley (M & I bank) Corporation, the Center for Ethical Business Cultures, Minnesota State University, the Mankato College Business Advisory Council and Breck School. He also had great affinity for Victory Junction Camp in Randleman, North Carolina, which supports children with serious medical conditions. As a man who loved physical activity, David participated in annual heli-skiing adventures in the Canadian Rockies, cross country

motorcycle trips with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, and boating in the Florida Keys. His closest confidantes say he had a keen sense of fairness and was a steadfast supporter of many causes that promoted educational equity, opportunity, and justice.

Alex DeBrincat ’16 Achievement in Athletics

Alex DeBrincat is already an acknowledged National Hockey League star for the Ottawa Senators. He began his high school career at Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Mich., before transferring to Lake Forest Academy, where in a single season he scored 54 goals and recorded 111 points in 50 games. After LFA, he played three seasons for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League while also playing in the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship for the United States.

Drafted by the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the 2016 draft, he played five seasons in Chicago before a trade in July 2022 sent him to Ottawa in exchange for three draft picks. Over his five seasons with the Blackhawks, he was the youngest player to receive the team’s Player of the Year Award and went on to become the second-youngest Blackhawk to reach 40 goals in a season. In 2021–22, DeBrincat served as an alternate captain for the team’s home games and was named to

his first NHL All-Star Game. Entering the 2022-23 campaign, he has totaled 160 goals and 147 assists over 368 career games in the NHL.

Mark Dryfoos P’96, ’00 Service to the School

Mark Dryfoos was the director of performing arts at Lake Forest Academy for 35 years, positively affecting countless lives through his work as an educator. In addition to making an impact in the arts, he coached boys hockey, boys and girls lacrosse, and boys and girls soccer – even earning Independent School League Coach of the Year in 1999 when coaching girls soccer. Active in campus life, he and his wife, Amy, served as dorm parents in Bates, Durand, Ferry, Field, McIntosh and Warner – every dorm but Atlass. He retired in 2016. His total teaching experience spanned 42 years and during his 15 years as head of the fine arts department, Mark oversaw 200 plays, musicals, one-acts, and sketches and received four awards from Illinois High School Theater Festival Performance. He was a Golden Apple Nominee and won a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 1992. At his “Foos-apalooza” retirement party, more than 120 alumni, faculty, friends, and family feted his career. Mark and his wife, Amy, are parents to two LFA alumni, Mark ’96 and Laura Heatley ’00, and have four grandchildren.

Peter Goulet ’62 Service to Society

Dr. Peter Goulet is professor emeritus of management at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), where he taught for 34 years before retiring. He continues working as an active editorial reviewer for journals and professional association meetings and as a consultant for non-profits and start-ups. Peter held various academic positions prior to his appointment as professor and T. Wayne Davis Chair in Entrepreneurship in 1996, a post he held until his retirement in 2007. His career included teaching, researching, and consulting in small business, finance, non-profit management, and strategy. Prior to the chair appointment, he was founder of the school’s MBA, real estate, and finance programs. At UNI, Peter was also director and founder of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, where he coordinated five external service centers related to small business, with combined resources in excess of $5 million.

In his years at LFA, Peter played tennis, was a member of the sailing team, and earned a letter as the manager of the swim team. He was a writing center tutor and a member of the cribbage and science clubs. Also, as manager of the Tuck Shop, he was responsible for controlling the inventory of soda, candy, chips, and other sundries; ordering food and supplies; and serving customers. He earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in economics and English from Denison University. He then earned an MBA and a doctorate, both in finance, from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. After receiving his doctorate, Peter began his teaching career at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Before joining UNI, he worked in senior management for nearly three years as executive assistant to the president for an aluminum products manufacturer in Indiana.

Sheri Kersch Schultz ’72 Woman of Distinction

Sheri Kersch Schultz co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation in 1996 with her husband, Howard Schultz, interim CEO and chairman emeritus of Starbucks Coffee Company. Guided by a belief that the right opportunities at the right time

can unleash human potential—and that “inequality of opportunity” is stifling America’s own potential—the Foundation invests in innovative solutions that can bring together the philanthropic, government and private sectors and form collaborative partnerships to create greater opportunity, accessible to all.

A passionate volunteer and longtime advocate committed to making a difference in the lives of young people, Sheri, Howard, and the Foundation decided to concentrate their efforts on two communities: Opportunity Youth, the 4.6 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the country who are not in school and not working, and America’s 4.2 million post-9/11 veterans, heroic individuals whose valuable skills and experience are often misunderstood and undervalued when they return to civilian life. Under Sheri’s leadership, the Foundation has launched two national initiatives: A portfolio of programs and investments that put Opportunity Youth on pathways toward fulfilling lives by investing in meeting their basic needs, skills training, employment, and building social capital, and an initiative which helps returning military service members and their families successfully transition into civilian jobs and professional careers. Each program actively engages the business community, bringing together leaders from the private and public sectors whose collaboration is key to sustaining each program’s success and ensuring the upward mobility of the populations the Foundation supports.

Kelly Perine ’87

Achievement in the Arts

Kelly Perine has enjoyed a successful acting career in film and television for more than 25 years. Born in State College to a Pennsylvania State University professor father and a chemical engineer mother, Kelly showed an early love for performing, taking part in numerous plays in community theaters. He further honed his craft on the stages of Lake Forest Academy and doing film work in Chicago during his high school years. At LFA, Kelly earned 10 varsity letters, participating in wrestling,

baseball, and soccer, and was MVP in soccer and twice in wrestling. He also played on the USA/Europe Illinois Select soccer team.

This veteran actor is most known for appearances on television and in movies. He’s made appearances on “E.R.,” “Seinfeld,” “The Practice,” and “Mad About You,” along with recurring character performances on “The Drew Carey Show,” “Providence,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” “True Jackson V.P.,” and “For Your Love.” Kelly was a series regular on United Paramount Network’s “Between Brothers,” “Under One Roof” and the comedy “One on One.” He most recently starred as “Sir Gareth” in Nickelodeon’s hit series “Knight Squad.” Other recent television offerings included appearances on “Alex Inc.,” “The Thundermans,” “Dog with a Blog,” “School of Rock,” and “Austin & Ally;” movies include “Manipulated,” “The Babymoon,” “The Wedding Pact,” “Dog Gone,” “Convincing Clooney,” and “Speed Dating.” Kelly has also been featured in national ad campaigns for a variety of products including Jimmy Dean sausages, Go Daddy, H&R Block, AT&T, Foot Locker, Bud Ice, Coors Light, Wendy’s, and Toyota. In addition, he’s an award-winning writer, director, and producer with numerous features and sitcom projects in development.

Steve Ryder P’15, ’17 Service to the School

Steve Ryder taught French, Russian, and Latin at Lake Forest Academy for 37 years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in modern languages from Cambridge University in England and began his instructional career as an English teacher in Lausanne, Switzerland, for seven years. At LFA, he served as the Modern and Classical Languages Department Chair from 2009-2015, during which time he expanded the International Fair to include student-led classes. His love of soccer brought him to coach nearly every soccer team at LFA. He also helped as a timer at swimming, cross country, and track events on campus.

2022 Hall of Fame and Women of Distinction

As a member of the Academy’s residential staff, Steve served as the dorm head of Field and Warner, and also worked in Atlass and in structured study hall. His interest in the Soviet Union/Russia took him there on school trips numerous times, once leading to an exchange with students and teachers from Lithuania. He also co-chaired a Head of School Symposium on Russia and facilitated an exchange between LFA students and Swiss students in Lausanne. A music lover, fan of the Beatles, and guitar player, in 1986 Steve founded the student-faculty rock band “Fax Plus,” which later changed its name to “Co-ax.” Over the years, he performed with countless students and colleagues. In appreciation of Steve’s work in Co-ax and the impact it had on their son, an LFA family established the Stephen C. Ryder Endowed Visiting Artist Series to bring additional artistic experiences to students. Steve and his wife, Christine, LFA’s assistant dean of advancement, are the parents of two LFA alumni, Madeleine ’15 and Andrew ’17.

Amish Shah ’92 Service to Society

Amish Shah dedicates his time to family, community, and his love of start-ups and entrepreneurship. Amish currently serves as the CEO of

Kem Krest, after joining the company in 1996. Based in Elkhart, Ind., Kem Krest is a $500+ million certified Minority Owned Business (MBE) providing total program management of parts, chemicals, and accessories on behalf of manufacturers in the automotive, agricultural/ industrial, power sports, and defense industries. In addition to his work expanding Kem Krest, Amish co-founded early literacy educational technology start-up ESGI - Educational Software for Guiding Instruction, which he was involved in for 13 years.

He has worked to develop business skills and financial literacy among young people as a founding board member for Elkhart County’s Lemonade Day and has stayed connected for more than 10 years. He also continues his volunteer service with the following efforts: Diversity Supplier Council member for General Motors; Supplier Advisory Council member and chair for Harley-Davidson; board of directors member for Conexus Indiana; board member and Diversity Committee co-chair and board member for South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership; board member for Beacon Health System; and trustee at Lake Forest Academy. In August 2022, he was named to the inaugural Indianapolis Business Journal’s Indiana 250, a list of the most influential business leaders in Indiana. Among his other honors: regional winner

Dozois Honored as the Strudwick Endowed Chair

As part of Alumni Weekend and Reunion, previous Head of School Dr. John Strudwick P’13, ’15, ’18 and his wife Loring were on campus to present the inaugural The Dr. John & Mrs. Loring Strudwick Endowed Chair. It was established to honor a senior distinguished faculty member. A 1984 graduate of LFA, Chris Dozois ’84, P’17, ’21 has been teaching at the Academy since 1989. Dozois has served in a variety of roles during his time at LFA and currently teaches AP United States History and World History I. He also coaches the girls cross country team and leads the Writing Center. The presentation was made during the induction ceremony on Saturday evening.

in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year contest, Mendoza College of Business “Commitment to Michiana” honoree, Citizen of the Year from the Lions Club of Elkhart County, Mayor’s Award for Community and Business Achievement, Ohio Valley Regional Winner of the Inc. 500 / 5000 Fastest Growing Companies, and Michiana Forty under 40 by the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce.

Lori Rewick Simon ’70 Service to Society

Lori Rewick Simon comes from a long line of philanthropists, so it was only fitting that she chose the journey of helping others. Her father, a lifelong volunteer, would often remark when he saw less advantaged people, “There but for the grace of God go I.” It was a statement that resonated with Lori, and whenever possible she reached out to those in need. A graduate of Ferry Hall, the University of Southern California, and Hallmark Institute of Photography, Lori started her career with dreams of being the first female wildlife photographer to explore and document the plight of animals on the verge of extinction. Her life took a different path and, while she stayed committed to the cause, she ventured into a small photo studio which eventually led to a successful career in sales.

Lori jumped into the non-profit world where her years in sales and leadership positions made an impact. Starting as VP of development for Junior Achievement Arizona, moving on to director of WalkAmerica and state director for the March of Dimes, and then as executive director for Casting for Recovery, a national program utilizing fly fishing as healing for breast cancer survivors. Currently, she is the executive director of the North American Nature Photographer Association Foundation, whose mission is to raise funds and provide resources to advance awareness and appreciation of nature through photography. An award-winning nature photographer, Lori is a member of the Professional Photographers of America, a Master Photographer, a certified professional photographer, and volunteers on numerous non-profit boards.

Left to right: Tom Johnson, Chris Dozois, Chris Tennyson, Loring and John Strudwick

A Full House for Sheri Kersch Schultz ’72

All-School Meeting Advised to “Fall Forward”

On Friday afternoon of Alumni Weekend & Reunion, the LFA community was joined by the 2022 Woman of Distinction Sheri Kersch Schultz ’72 at the All-School Meeting. Schultz challenged LFA’s students to—in the words of Denzel Washington—“fall forward” as they begin the same journey that she started at Ferry Hall nearly 50 years ago.

The co-founder of the Seattle-based Schultz Family Foundation

also asked the Caxys to live “with intention and curiosity” and “above all to practice some form of gratitude every day.”

The connection with the students was evident after the 45-minute meeting as lines quickly formed around the Cressey Center for the Arts stage to meet with Schultz, her husband Howard Schultz, and President of the Schultz Family Foundation Tyra Mariani, where they stayed to talk individually with each of the students.

Top left: Sheri Kersch Schultz ’72 at the podium; Top right: Schultz with Tyra Mariani and Chris Tennyson; Bottom left: Howard Schultz conversing with students Gabi Stewart ’24, Phil Kavu ’24, Yaseen Primus ’24, and Rashad Smith ’23; Bottom right: Schultz speaks with students Trevor Reenan ’25 and Redding Worth ’23 following the All-School Meeting in The Cressey Center for the Arts.

Celebrating Sisterhood

On Saturday afternoon in the Little Theater in Reid Hall, the Celebration of the Women of Ferry Hall and Lake Forest Academy took place to recognize the history and outstanding achievements of Ferry Hall alumnae and to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Ferry Hall dormitory. The program included Riya Kapoor ’23 as Ferry Hall Prefect, Nancy Neustadt Barcelo ’70 as a previous Woman

Remarks from Riya Kapoor ’23, Ferry Hall Prefect

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Riya Kapoor and I am honored to be your 19th Ferry Hall prefect. I am so excited to get to know all of you, as you are all remarkable women.

Before I tell you about myself, I would like to take a moment to congratulate this year’s Woman of Distinction, Sheri Kersch Schultz, as well as this year’s Hall of Fame honoree Lori Rewick Simon. I am so honored to be here with you today.

As Mr. Tennyson shared, Ms. Kersch Schultz is the co-founder and chair of the Schultz Family Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to create greater opportunity, accessible to all. This resonates with me for a multitude of reasons, but the most important one being my background.

My parents immigrated here from India for nothing other than opportunity, not only for themselves, but ultimately for me.

Coming to Lake Forest Academy is the best opportunity I have ever received. I came here as a freshman and have now been boarding in Marshall Field dormitory for three years and am now a proctor in the dorm, which means I am one of the student leaders and work closely with the dorm parents. After being nervous to come to a new school and live away from home, I came to fall in love with everything about LFA. Whether it was staying up late in the dorm commons doing homework together, or spending hours in math help trying to learn how to factor, the sense of community here ensured that my nerves quickly evaporated.

My experience as a boarder here can be boiled down to one word that I am sure resonates with most of you: sisterhood.

Being an only child my entire life, I never knew what it was like to have an

of Distinction, Suzy Vaughn as inaugural head of the Ferry Hall dormitory, Head of School Chris Tennyson, and remarks from former Ferry Hall resident Madeleine Pye ’15 read by Joie Romelus ’23, a current Ferry Hall resident, who also shared her personal memories of life in Ferry Hall. Following the program, the group toured the Ferry Hall dormitory.

every time I was up to bat, what I loved about the sport is how I could still hear the cheers of my teammates through the batting cage.

This admirable community is reflective of the Ferry Hall community. The core values of intellect, character, exploration, kindness, love of learning, and community have remained prominent in the school to this very day.

environment so uplifting and captivating, that it felt like family. Other things I never knew included sharing one bathroom with 20 girls all trying to brush their teeth and shower at the same time or having my physics teacher see me in my pajamas.

One of my favorite traditions in the dorms in the annual capture the flag tournament. On the first Thursday of September each year, girls dorms Field, Ferry, and Mac fight for victory against boys dorms, Warner and Atlass. While intense, what I admire most about this time each year is the sense of community amongst all of us.

During my time here, I have found myself delving into the community at LFA outside of the dorms. I have been able to immerse myself in activities like South Asian Student Union, Girl Up, cross country and softball. Last year I was also the house captain of Sargent, which you all may know as the yellow team. Three years ago, if you asked me to swing a bat, I would probably knock someone out in the process, and even though I am not exactly a softball star now, I was able to try something new and out of my comfort zone, which is one of the unique parts about LFA. Even though I would strike out

These values were instilled in me from the moment I arrived at LFA, and are ultimately what led me to the position as Ferry Hall prefect. When asked to rank prefect positions last year, my first choice was Ferry Hall prefect. I got the chance to connect with the previous Ferry Hall prefect, Natalie. Her passion and excitement about the legacy left behind by the women of Ferry Hall inspired me. I wanted to have the opportunity to connect with all of you and learn and follow the paths you all have created.

Among other of my favorite traditions, such as Move-Up Day, the House System, and Ferry Hall Day, this lunch gathering during Alumni Weekend stands prominent and important because it gives me, as well as other student leaders here today, the chance to learn from your positive impact on the community.

Ms. Kersch Schultz and Ms. Simon are wonderful examples of Ferry Hall values and I would like to congratulate them once again. It is because of women like you that the legacy of Ferry Hall is alive at Lake Forest Academy today. We appreciate you and offer you our most sincere congratulations.

More than anything, Lake Forest Academy has helped me find my voice, and to me, that is the most valuable thing life can offer. I would like to thank you all for being here today and I look forward to connecting with you and learning more about each of your stories.

Ferry Hall Class of 1970

Seated

Barcelo, Elizabeth Thomas Camp, Laurie Taylor-Curby, Barbara Curtis; Standing (l to r): Lori Rewick Simon, Kathy Pollock, Jeanne Crilley Dresser, Connie Rakowsky

Lake

Class

Class of 1987

Left to right: Patrick Carroll, Rita Schulien MacAyeal, Kelly Perine, Lindsay Heabel, Christy Doss Hemesath

Class of 2001 and 2002

Left to right: Diamond Weathersby, Margeaux McReynolds, Jonviette McReynolds Lawrence

Class of 2007

Left to right: Brett Myers, Megan Gallagher Gosselin, Chih-Hao Yang, Jaime Hermosillo

Forest Academy and Ferry Hall

of 1972

Seated (left to right): Katie Sneve, Elissa Skoning Bettcher, Stacey Squire Kruchko, Sheri Kersch Schultz, Lynda Pepper Bollman, Linda Rottman, Sarah Haverstick; Standing (l to r): James Jenkins, John Collins, Bancroft O’Quinn, Evan Chiligiris, Bert Webbe, Jim McLaughlin, Allan Kaplan, Merrill Ferguson, Rick Klare

(left to right): Nancy Neustadt

There’s No Place Like Homecoming

As Part of Alumni Weekend and Reunion, Caxys Enjoyed Themed-Dress Days and Finished Spirit Week with the Homecoming Dance

Spirit Week Theme Days

Ferry Hall Day Lake Forest Academy celebrated the 153rd anniversary of the opening of Ferry Hall on Thursday, Sept. 22. Head of School Chris Tennyson and Ferry Hall Prefect Riya Kapoor ’23 posed for a photo at the Ferry Hall sign. Faculty, staff, and students gathered in the JC Cowart Student Center to celebrate the day as the choir sang the Ferry Hall alma mater.

Tuesday’s theme was Twins as students dressed alike in a variety of costumes and themes.

Decades Day was the theme for Wednesday with freshmen in the 1950s, sophomores in the 1970s, juniors in the 1990s, seniors in the 2000s, and faculty/staff dressing as they did when they were in high school.

Burning Bright

A spirited and enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a win for the Caxys on Friday night at MacKenzie Ice Arena. Following the Hockey Game, the LFA community enjoyed a Bonfire as part of Homecoming festivities.

Rockin’ Back to the Future

The student body celebrated together at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday night to wrap up a festive Spirit Week at Lake Forest Academy. Midway through the dance there was a surprise performance by Co-Ax, LFA’s student/faculty rock band, that played music for the “Back to the Future” theme of the night.

Lake Forest Academy

It’s a Family Affair

Multi-Generations Enjoy a Weekend of LFA Fun and Entertainment

Wood House Coffee and Tea

Head of School Chris Tennyson and Dean of Students Jennifer Rundles welcomed families of ninth and 10th grade students and transfer students to Wood House for a casual coffee and tea to kick off Family Weekend on Friday morning.

Welcome Luncheon with Keynote by Matt Zafirovski ’04

LFA welcomed alumnus Matt Zafirovski ’04 to campus for Family Weekend. Matt delivered the keynote address at the opening lunch on Friday, Oct. 14. Nearly 80 parents gathered in the Little Theater in Reid Hall to hear Matt talk about his Academy experience, what makes LFA a great place, and where his education took him post-high school. He also shared information about his career trajectory and being COO of a tech company.

Matt holds degrees from Duke University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He lives in Winnetka, Ill., with his family and has been the chief operating officer at ACP CreativIT, headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill., for the past two years. He was recently appointed CEO of the company. CreativIT is a technology company with services in Cyber Security, Cloud, Infrastructure, Voice, Audio Visual, and Endpoint Sales and Services.

Fine & Performing Arts

The Fine and Performing Arts programs took center stage throughout the weekend at The Cressey Center for the Arts. The Student Art Show displayed works by LFA students throughout the Cressey Center while the Fall Play – The Life of Galileo – culminated a three-night run on Friday night. On Saturday afternoon, Co-Ax played before the evening’s performances by the orchestra and choir at the Fall Family Concert.

Game

Caxy Tailgate Party

Sat. Morning Book Club

Dean of Pluralism & Multicultural Affairs, Health, Wellness & Community Teacher Lusanda Mayikana P’14 hosted current parents and alumni parents for a discussion on the book Courageous Discomfort

Grandparents Brunch

Caxy grandparents including Judy and Tom Linstroth with their grandson Carson Emery ’25 (above) gathered for a delicious brunch in Little Theater in Reid Hall. Dean of Faculty and History Teacher Tom Johnson discussed what sets LFA faculty apart from teachers at other schools. He also addressed campus housing, endowed chairs and the unique professional development opportunities available to LFA faculty members.

The Caxy Tailgate brought together parents, students, siblings, and grandparents for a Family Weekend favorite – the Caxy Family Picnic! Fall foods including chilis and other fall treats were enjoyed while Student Council organized games and activities for everyone, including a guess the weight contest of a giant pumpkin. Congratulations to Brian Botero ’23 who was the winner of the guess the weight of the pumpkin contest with an amazing guess of 360 pounds – only 11 pounds off the actual weight of 371!

Sunday Morning Namaste

Family Weekend wound down with a restorative yoga practice led by Information & Media Literacy Librarian and certified Yoga instructor Ashley Kolovitz who was joined by Lei Yuan P’24, and the Inouye Family (Thor and Jessica P’26 and freshman Grace).

Days The Caxys were busy competing on the fields, courts, and ice during Family Weekend with events all weekend long.

1947

LITTA “WILLIE” WILLIAMS SANDERSON

“Willie” turned 92 years old in August 2021. Her family treated her and two friends to a celebratory dinner. She writes that she is still ambulatory, but travel is now limited to happy memories of the past.  Her grandkids are great fun (her youngest granddaughter recently graduated from Chapman University, summa cum laude) and a glimpse of a wonderful future for them and for our country. Willie is proud that her grandchildren are caring, responsible, knowledgeable, and involved. She tells her granddaughters stories of her mischief at Ferry Hall, to great laughs. They were also fortunate to have wonderful educations and love hearing about hers. Keep up the good work, LFA/FH! Willie continues to take water aerobics classes and remains in touch with fellow Ferry Hall alumna Mary “Lefty” Dailey ’46. Willie would love to hear from classmates. Email her at: williesanderson@ aol.com

1958 TIM DAMOUR

Tim writes that in September 2021, he and his wife, Susan, were in Williamstown, Mass., and visited with Carl Davis, who was visiting up there also.  He is in great shape and enjoying his life.  Then, a few days later, they visited with Jane Kamine in Cambridge, Mass.  Jane is the widow of David Holtzman, whom they miss whenever they are with Jane.

1966

1966 ALUMNI

Buff Courter and Jeff Konker send in the following notes from classmates: l Mark Baker is moving toward retirement from his teaching dentistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago. l Bill Barr is still practicing law in Wichita, Kan., while maintaining his home in Park City, Utah. Southwest Airlines loves him. His son lives in New Jersey, and his daughter lives in Denver. It seems as everyone in his family, except himself, has had COVID. l Mike Boe’s son completed his PhD and is heading toward an MD degree. l Buff Courter finished the first draft of his novel “Searching for Babbo,” expected to be published in 2023. l Steven Fifield remains busy with apartment complexes in Chicago and Los Angeles. l Jon Fremd reports that he is still working as a physical therapist but has had to reduce his practice during the pandemic. Since his body cannot tolerate any injection,

COVID has been a challenge. But, he says he is currently healthy and doing great! l Neil Gumenick had to close his successful acupuncture practice during COVID and transition to teaching. At this point, he has reopened a new office in Santa Monica. Both of his daughters are pregnant, each due in summer 2022. l Jeff Konker is doing well in Chicago. He continues to take his University of Chicago literature course, currently reading Shakespeare. His son, one of those young men who star in national Ultimate Frisbee tournaments, was maried in July 2022. l Richard Lang, the artist of our class, continues to create new pieces of art and still participates in exhibits. He works with many mediums, but remains renowned for his artistry with plastics, much of it from his own California beach. l Mike Leonard is adjusting to retirement. l Mike ran into Mike Boe, but Mike did not recognize him. Are we looking different as we grow older? Or are we losing our eyesight? l Scott Lennox shared that his wife died last year, but his son, a future botanist, works just three blocks from his home, so that helps keep him enjoying life. l Doug Read is still recovering from his earlier cancer. If you think two years of restrictions was a challenge, imagine four years of isolation, steering clear of any possible infection. Finally, he is out and about, last seen exploring Alaska. l Stephen Sheppard, with his continued sharp wit, remains ready to regale classmates with his LFA memories.

1971

REX VOLAND

Rex just completed the Texas Child Care Directors Certification Course and has been promoted to director of Pflugerville Martial Arts Academy. He has been working as a child care worker there for 5 years and was asked if he would like the position and, of course, he said yes. He is starting a new career at 69! This goes well with his other career as a Professional Santa Claus, which he has been doing since 1986 (and still going strong). His child care experience began at LFA Summer Day Camp as a counselor. He worked there for three years (1969-1971). He has been involved with children ever since. So, thank you, LFA!

1972

JIM MCLAUGHLIN

Jim and his wife, Karolee, relocated from Allenspark, Colo., and are now permanent residents of Homosassa, Fla. “We’ve turned in the snow shovels and ATV plow for a lawn mower. 60 years of shoveling has been enough on my back.” Jim has turned over day-to-day operations of the company he founded, Americule Inc., to his daughter, Janis Marshall. He remains involved in Americule’s product development and manufacturing improvement arenas.

CHUCK MACNAB

Chuck sent in a photo of some members of the LFA Class of 1950. The shot was taken in the Library at LFA (Chuck snapped it remotely). Pictured top row, l to r: Chuck Spray, Duke Weber, Jim Lewis, Howard Dubin, Ed Burg, Bob Scott, Chuck MacNab; Bottom row, l to r: Ron Meyers, Don Maling, Kirby Von Kessler, Jerry Raube, Bud Shafter, Tony Marquette

KEN ROTHSCHILD

Ken, Richard Nast, and Jennifer Barthel got together for lunch.

1978 MARK CHILDERS

Mark attended his 20th Major League Baseball All-Star game when he visited Los Angeles for the 92nd edition on July 19, 2022, at Dodger Stadium.

1994 TIM JACKSON

Tim lives on Bangs Lake in Wauconda, Ill.  Danette Riehle Gioia and her partner, Matt, spent a day on the boat with Tim before COVID.  If anyone is ever venturing out this way, let’s meet up!

2003

COURTNEY LARSON GAINER

Courtney and Sonia Wang ’02 (below) reconnected in London after nearly two decades.

2004

2007

LISA PERRONE CIRELLI

Lisa is pleased to announce the birth of her daughter, Layla Rhode, who was born in June 2021. Layla joins big brother, Rocco. Lisa is also happy to share that the tech start-up she co-founded, Stylyze, was acquired by Neiman Marcus. Lisa spent 10 years building the company, alongside her business partner, Kristen Miller. Lisa and Kristen joined the Neiman Marcus team to help further its digital merchandising initiatives. News about the acquisition was published in The Wall Street Journal, Women’s Wear Daily, and Geekwire, among other news outlets. Lisa writes that she is thankful for the impact her teachers at LFA had on her, instilling skills and confidence to build a business and see it through. She is especially grateful to her advisor Dr. Kerry Cedergren.

MEGAN GALLAGHER GOSSELIN

Megan and Shaun Gosselin welcomed a baby girl in September 2021 - Charlotte June. Charlotte joins big sisters Elliott and Blair. Everyone is doing well!

2009 SYDNEE BURNS

In 2021, Sydnee transferred into the business of Newborn Care by becoming a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula. After being a Professional Nanny to infants and toddlers over the years, she decided to strictly focus on newborn care, working with infants 0-4 months. She provides knowledge, guidance, and assistance to parents welcoming their new bundles of joy. She helps establish proper feeding and sleep habits and support to parents during the first few months. She provides care 24/7, day or night, depending on one’s preference. She would love to extend her knowledge and services to the LFA community!

ELIZABETH GRISANZIO MANION Elizabeth (right) and Ellie Annibali ’17 both work for LW&CO and staffed a fundraiser for Take Back The House 2022 in Naples, Fla.

2011

2018

COURTNEY BRADAC

Courtney was united in marriage to Rockne McDaniel at The Vine Church on June 12, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. The couple will reside in Carbondale. Courtney graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2022 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She and Rockne welcomed a baby girl, Fern, in August 2022.

CODY WATSON

2012

FAITH EKAKITIE

Faith and his wife, Mikaela Ekakitie (girls varsity volleyball coach at LFA), announce the birth of their son, Ezra James.

2014

JENNA SELATI

Jenna is in her third year at The University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design working on a dual master’s degree in architecture and landscape architecture.

2017

PETER CORSIGLIA

Peter is a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, Chicago. He graduated from the University of Richmond Robins School of Business in 2021 with a degree in accounting (concentration in finance).

201 9

JACK SELATI

Jack is a senior at Colgate and plays No. 1 singles and doubles on the tennis team. He earned All-Patriot League honors last season and is majoring in economics with a minor in Jewish Studies.

2021-22

CHRISTINA FRANCO

SUNNY SUN

Associate Dean of College

Counseling Mia Rogers was at Rice University for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conference and had lunch with two LFA alumni, Christina Franco ’21 (right) and Sunny Sun ’22 (left).

LFA CAXYS studying at the University of Pennsylvania got together in October 2021 for dinner and conversation in Philadelphia. Left to right: Eduard Nunez ’21, Michael Lentskevich ’20, Ting “David” Sun ’19, Shujing “Maggie” Zhou ’19, Hannah Liu ’21

Cody and his wife, Laura, welcomed their first child in August, daughter Eve.

SENIOR CLASS GIFT

A Cherished Tradition

The Class of 2022 commemorated its graduation from the Academy by making a class gift to the school, a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for their high school experience. The class gift committee, helmed by All-School President Ferdoss Ibrahim, Senior Class President Ryota Nambara, and class representatives Natalia Cummings, Cutler Terlato, and Stewart Thompson, joined with classmates to raise more than $2,100. They used the funds to purchase a bronze statue of a handshake, a nod to the All-School Handshake tradition at LFA, a ceremony that symbolizes unity and community. The sculpture will sit atop a pedestal with a plaque honoring the Class of 2022. The class also placed a paver at Alumni Circle near the Bowditch Bell, a tradition that started with the Class of 2014. The paver is signed on the back by all members of the class. Congratulations, Class of 2022, on becoming alumni of Lake Forest Academy!

The Class of 2022 poses for a group photo in the Formal Gardens at its Senior Celebration Night on May 25, 2022.

The senior class leadership team places its class paver at Alumni Circle. Kneeling, left to right: Natalia Cummings, Ryota Nambara, Stewart Thompson; standing, left to right: Cutler Terlato and Ferdoss Ibrahim

College Dinner Series Celebrates 10 Years!

Case Western Reserve University

Yale University

October 4, 2022

College Dinner Series 2022-23 kicked off on Tuesday, Oct. 4 with a dinner at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland with Ruth Keyso, Emily Hawkins ’21, and Liam Larsen ’19, and at Yale with Christine Ryder, Lena Ansari ’19, and Tyler Watts ’21

University of Illinois

October 6, 2022

We had a great time seeing our Caxys at the University of Illinois. This year marks the 10th anniversary of LFA’s college dinner series, which kicked off at UIUC in the fall of 2013.

Thanks to the following faculty and students who gathered this year at our fave locale, Papa Del’s in Champaign: Anna Freyman ’22, Tim Plambeck P’21, Ani Plambeck ’21, Jack Wang ’22, Jay Chen ’22, Jason Woo ’20, Oscar Li ’19, Christine Ryder, Kevin Hagen, Blake Cedergren ’17, and Ruth Keyso along with grad students Clint Shi ’18 and Junhao Pan ’15

Movida at Hotel Madrid

October 12, 2022

We had a terrific time with our Caxys in Milwaukee at Movida!

Bonus: We celebrated Jade Steger’s 21st birthday! Thanks for spending your milestone birthday with your Caxy family, Jade! Pictured clockwise from bottom left: Maddy Ryder ’15, Richard Melville ’15, Director of Alumni Engagement Ruth Keyso, Jade Steger ’20, Justin Hone

’18, Anthony Padovano ’06, LFA Science teacher Ed Shaughnessy

P’14, ’16, ’17, Assistant Dean of Advancement Christine Ryder P’15, ’17, and Melissa Gibson ’95

Case Western Reserve University

Yale University

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Reception

October 3, 2021

LFA and Ferry Hall alumnae enjoyed a reception at the home of Ferry Hall alumna Jean Royster Smiley ’56 in Florida in the fall 2021. Pictured left to right: Susie Spiel P’82, ’84, Bondy Hodgkins P’82, ’85, GP’19, Jean Royster Smiley ’56,

New York City/Tri-State Reception

November 15, 2021

McCann Worldgroup, NYC

Teddi Siragusa, Tom Hodgkins ’53, P’82, ’85, GP’19, Dick Siragusa ’53 (seated), George Spiel P’82, ’84, Karla Gillette GP’12, ’16, then-Head of School José M. De Jesus P’22.

Denver-area Reception

December 8, 2021

Crawford Hotel

Alumnus Sean Bryan ’89 hosted an LFA reception at his company, McCann, in Manhattan, where he showed some of his agency’s latest work and discussed the role of purposeled marketing in building great brands. Pictured left (left to right): Co-Chief Creative Officer of McCann Worldgroup Bryan with Tori Glass ’18 and Antonio Ferraiolo ’21; below (left to right): Sachi Patel ’11, Lindsay Hanig ’11, and Matt Kneeland ’10.

Alumni/ae from the 1950s through 2010s joined LFA for a reception at the Crawford Hotel in Denver Union Station on Dec. 8. Pictured l to r: ThenHead of School José M. DeJesus P’22, Tom Kelley ’65, Nathan Silver ’73.

Black Student Union (BSU)

February 23, 2022

Zoom Discussion

Alumni Dr. Bancroft O’Quinn ’72 (left) and Richard Young ’04 (right) spoke with students in the Black Student Union (BSU) as part of the club's Black History Month celebrations. O’Quinn, a trustee at LFA, is an otolaryngologist, who earned his degrees at Princeton University and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He lives in Tennessee. Young is Managing Director - Investor Relations for State Street in New York City. He is a graduate of Howard University and Harvard Law School. Both alumni shared the story of their journey to LFA and the pathway to their current careers.

Josh Rothstein Young Alumni-Student Networking Night

March 9, 2022

Reid Hall, LFA campus

Nine alumni returned to campus to speak about their careers with current students at the Academy’s 8th annual networking event, the Josh Rothstein Young Alumni-Student Networking Night. Alumni represented the fields of medicine, law, consulting, technology, finance, logistics, writing, venture capital, and telecommunications. The event is named in memory and honor of Josh Rothstein ’05, who passed away during his sophomore year at Lake Forest Academy.

Front row, left to right: Natalie Rothstein (sister of Josh ’05), Nancy Rothstein P’05 (Josh’s mom), Dr. Beverly Onyekwuluje ’11, Whitney Wright ’13, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore ’04, Ariana Bhatia ’12, Peter Graham ’08, then-Head of School José M. DeJesus

P’22; back row, left to right: Jonathan Calfee ’02, Alex Kirshenbaum ’13

, Sean Gilmore ’04, Justin Haines ’07

Dr. Beverly Onyekwuluje ’11, a resident physician at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) Annual Meeting

April 8-9,

2022

The 34-member Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) held its annual meeting in person (with a Zoom component) on April 8-9 on campus. Members joined the meeting from China, France, California, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, NY, and the Chicago area. Four new members were appointed by the Head of School this year: Elizabeth Alicea ’98 (NYC), Ariana Bhatia ’12 (Chicago), Jennifer Runchu Ma ’15 (Beijing), and Jordan Wolff ’15 (Seattle). The Board is composed of 18 women and 16 men from 10 states and China. They represent the class years of 1961-2015. AAB members serve as ambassadors for the Academy and assist the school with a variety of initiatives. They also serve as a sounding board for the Head of School. The annual meeting was followed by a gathering with the Black Alumni Advisory Council (BAAC), a subset of the AAB, that partners with the Head of School on matters related to diversity and inclusion and ways to support and serve our students of color.

Zoom Panel Discussion on Venture Capital

April 21, 2022

Students from all grades met via Zoom with four LFA alumni for a conversation about venture capital (VC). Alumni working in the VC world shared their thoughts about the industry, their pathway to this field, and answered questions from students—including budding founders—about this professional career path.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Reception

May 12, 2022

Musical Instrument Museum

Alumni gathered for a reception with LFA VP of Advancement Rob Buckla in Phoenix in May 2022.

Left to right: VP of Advancement Rob Buckla, Lew Deitch, Molly Lauen GP’15, ’17, John Dille ’59, Charles Blitzer, Marsha Wasneski Blitzer ’74, Nancy Thomas P’15, ’17

, Nick Rhodes ’00

, Jim Thomas P’15, ’17

, Michelle Heffel ’98, John Blachaniec ’81, Nancy Blachaniec Bertschy ’83, Allen Keene P’24, Wendy Miller Patry ’60, David Keene ’24, Jen Keene P’24, Judy Buckingham, Dick Buckingham ’60, and Mimi Griffiths ’66

Clockwise, from top left: Connor Crown ’09, Founder and Managing Partner, Expanse Venture Partners (formerly Meteor Venture Partners), (Chicago and Los Angeles); Alex Kirshenbaum ’13, Co-founder and VP, 81 Collection and Co-founder and CEO, The Helix Partners (Chicago); Zunaira Arshad ’13, Partner, Drive Capital (Columbus, Ohio); Derek Mazur ’08, Director, Venture Capital (Chicago)

Left to right: AAB members Mark Karstrom ’80, P’18, Artie Preiss ’04, Rickey Larke ’11, Eric Bauer ’12, Terry Hall ’67, then-Head of School-Elect Chris Tennyson, Jeff Parker ’81, Leland Brewster ’07, Alicia Cressey ’03, Cecily Barnett Meers ’69, P’97, ’09, Elizabeth Alicea ’98, Eric Brown ’98

AAB members gather in the JC Cowart Student Center classroom for their annual meeting.

Minneapolis/St. Paul Reception

May 19, 2022

The Minikahda Club

Alumnus John Dawson ’92 hosted an alumni reception at the Minikahda Club for alumni and friends in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in May 2022. This gathering was an opportunity to welcome Chris Tennyson into his new role as Head of School.

Alumni Happy Hour

July 21, 2022

Happy Camper, Wrigleyville

More than 80 alumni (classes of 2001-2018), guests, and faculty attended a summer happy hour at Happy Camper in Wrigleyville to welcome and celebrate Chris Tennyson as LFA’s new Head of School. This was Tennyson’s first official alumni event in his new role as LFA’s 31st Head of School.

Cum Laude Society Luncheon

May 26, 2022

Thank you

Megan Gallagher Gosselin ’07 of Fox Lake, Ill., who addressed this year's Cum Laude Honor Society inductees at a luncheon at LFA on May 26. Megan was honored as a Cum Laude Society member 15 years ago. Megan holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute and a master’s degree in supply chain management from Penn State University and works as a supplier quality engineer with GE Aviation.

Left to right: Art Erickson ’55, Julia Sinople ’19, Jonathan Salm, Jim Shaver, Nancy How Speer ’59, Karl Mortensen ’64, Alina Stevenson, Peter Johnson ’08, Rebecca Johnson P’04, ’08, ’08, David Johnson ’08, Kim Johnson, Director of Alumni Engagement Ruth Keyso, Leslie Steiner Johnson ’79, then-Head of School-Elect Chris Tennyson, John Dawson ’92, VP of Advancement Rob Buckla (Not pictured: Former LFA faculty members Jill and Joe Silvestri).

to alumna

Left to right: Shaena Wright ’18, Becca Dee ’18, and LFA Spanish teacher Tameka Carter

Left to right: Luke Corsiglia ’15, Peter Corsiglia ’17, Max Wetzel ’17, Daniel Rabin ’17, and Sampson Hao ’17

Right: Head of School Chris Tennyson addresses those gathered at the Happy Hour.

Great Turnout for Alumni & Friends Picnic

August 7, 2022 LFA Campus

More than 150 alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends of the Academy gathered at the Academy on Sunday, Aug. 7 for a picnic to welcome Head of School Chris Tennyson There was plenty of delicious picnic food and entertainment for the children. Thank you, alumni, for the large show of support for our new head of school!

Top (left to right): Shaena Wright ’18, Teni Bakare ’19, and Shaliya Heard ’20 Center (left to right): Richard Hanks P’11 with LFA math teacher Maggie Tennyson and Life Trustee Robin Zafirovski P’04, ’05, ’09

Below: Head of School Chris Tennyson with alumnus Ray Kim ’56

Left to right: Margeaux McReynolds ’02, Maren Wesley Hussain ’02, Yousuf Hussain ’03, Trustee Gloria Harper P’93, Liz Peinado ’08, and Caroline Kim ’07

AAB member Terry Hall ’67 and Sergio Rivera

$200,000 Caxy Legacy Challenge Supports LFA Today and Tomorrow Building LFA’s Future

What if there was a way for donors to make a deferred gift through their estate plan and help LFA see an immediate benefit? That question led LFA to introduce a new and unique concept. The Caxy Legacy Challenge (CLC) empowers estate gift donors to see both immediate and long-term impact when they inform LFA of their previously undocumented deferred gift commitment. This creative program is fueled by Ferry Hall alumna Sheri Kersch Schultz ’72 of Seattle and LFA alumnus David Gupta ’81 of Chicago.

With documentation of a new or existing estate gift, CLC donors gain access to funds from a challenge pool of $200,000 made possible by Kersch Schultz and Gupta. The estate gift donor then directs the unlocked challenge pool dollars—up to $10,000 per donor—to an existing endowment fund of her/his choice.

“Sheri’s and David’s latest commitment to the Academy is an incentive for Ferry Hall alumnae, LFA alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, and friends to plan for the future,” said Head of School Chris Tennyson. “Their generosity

opens the door to bonus philanthropy that benefits LFA today. This is truly an appreciated partnership of a Ferry Hall alumna and LFA alumnus.”

A strong endowment provides security in the face of unforeseen circumstances—such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Academy’s endowment continues to grow through estate gifts, endowed fund commitments, and prudent investment management, though a school of LFA’s size, stature, age, operational breadth, and program expanse needs a substantially larger endowment to remain competitive with other independent schools. Guided by national independent school standards, LFA seeks to grow its endowment to three times the operating budget (for fiscal year 2022-23, LFA’s operating budget is $26.29 million). This will position the school well for the future, allowing it to offer deserving students access to scholarship while attracting and retaining first-rate faculty. The market value of LFA’s endowment has hovered near $60 million in recent months.

Details of the Caxy Legacy Challenge include:

• New estate gift commitments or existing commitments not previously documented with the school are eligible for the Caxy Legacy Challenge.

• Eligible commitments include gifts from wills, living trusts, charitable trusts, and beneficiary designations. Other estate gifts may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Eligible estate gift commitments of $50,000 or more will unlock 10% of the gift’s face value from a challenge pool—to a maximum of $10,000.

• Challenge pool funds will be directed to an existing endowment fund of the donor’s choice.

• Estate gift commitments must be documented via an LFA Bequest Intention Notification form and/or a copy of the page of the donor’s will, living trust, charitable trust, or beneficiary designation pertaining to the gift benefiting LFA.

• All CLC participants will gain membership in the Richards & Tremain Society—a recognition organization for members of the LFA/Ferry Hall community who have included the school in their estate plans.

Take the Challenge!

For more information about the Caxy Legacy Challenge or to inform the Academy of your estate commitment, please contact one of these Advancement team members:

Ruth Keyso (rkeyso@lfanet.org)

Christine Ryder (cryder@lfanet.org)

Garry Sloan (gsloan@lfanet.org)

Sheri’s and David’s latest commitment to the Academy is an incentive for Ferry Hall alumnae, LFA alumni, parents of alumni, current parents and friends to plan for the future.”

CHRIS TENNYSON, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Former Faculty

Lynne B. Kulieke, 77, died Sept. 16, 2021, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. She was a beloved teacher for 48 years at Ferry Hall and Lake Forest Academy, retiring in 2014. Immediately after completing her B.A. degree at Lake Forest College and an M.A. at Middlebury College, Kulieke started teaching Spanish at Ferry Hall in 1966. After Ferry Hall and LFA merged in 1974, she taught a variety of English courses and supervised the literary magazine. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Northwestern University before becoming chair of the Modern & Classical Languages Department at LFA from 1983-2003. She served on numerous committees, chaperoned many student trips, and participated in a variety of faculty development opportunities, including receiving a Mints Professional Development grant in 2004 to study French language in France. Her honors at LFA include the Faculty Award in 1984, induction in the LFA Hall of Fame in 1994, being the inaugural appointee to the A. John Huss, Jr. and Ruth S. Huss Chair in Humanities in 2004, earning the Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence in 2009, and receiving both an honorary Ferry Hall diploma and being named the Woman of Distinction in 2012. Memorial donations may be sent to the endowed scholarship that bears Kulieke’s name: lfanet.org/kulieke-scholarship.

1942

Mary Bertolero Sandermann, 97, of Coronado, Calif., died Aug. 4, 2021.

1943

Totten Kenneth Warfield Sr., died April 30, 2022. Totten was a highly decorated World War II veteran and served as mayor of Polo Village, a World War II Veteran Village for married couples. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in business and worked at Hughes Aircraft Company for the Phoenix Missile Program. Warfield volunteered with the Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, the Arizona Cancer Center, served as a scout master, and was a member of St. Mark's Presbyterian Church. In retirement, he visited more than 135 countries. Totten was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Leila, and oldest son, Totten K. Warfield Jr. (Donna). He is survived by his three children, Thomas K. Warfield, Sr. (Karen), Susan Warfield Preimesberger (Neal) and Pamela Warfield Sands (Jeff); brother John D. Warfield, III, ’42; eight grandchildren; and 17 greatgrandchildren.

1944

John Alden Thayer, 95, died Sept. 23, 2021. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. Thayer worked at Sundstrand until his retirement and then was a consultant for P&G Architects for more than 20 years. He was a member of Second Congregational Church, Rockford Country Club, and the University Club. He served on several boards in the community including Northern Illinois Hospice, Center for Sight and Hearing Impaired and the Greater Rockford Airport Authority Commission. Survivors include children Robert (A) Thayer, Julie (David) Whalen, Kathy (Joe) Sharp; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; wife Marilyn; and sister Georganne.

1945

James W. Downs, 95, died June 7, 2022. Downs served in the U.S. Army in Korea and then earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard College and a graduate degree from New York University. He was a lifelong educator who taught high school English and served as headmaster at the Rockland Country Day School. He authored numerous articles and books. An avid fly fisherman, he was active in the local Trout Unlimited Chapter. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and became an accomplished watercolor artist. Survivors include his wife, Anne Barnes Downs, along with his children Amanda, James and Anita; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Patricia W. Downs, in 1999, to whom he was married for 48 years.

1947

John David Oatman, 93, died Nov. 8, 2021. After his studies at Colorado College, where he played on the football team and was president of his senior class, he completed five years in the military as an Air Force pilot. In 1956, he joined his family’s business, Milk Specialties, a dairy recycling operation, before developing his own company, Sugar Tree Products. He sang tenor in the First Congregational Church choir for almost 60 years and founded the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. Dave is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters Loris (Arno) Damerow, Ann (Dan) Gardner, the Rev. Julia (Jim) Hollister; daughter-in-law Dottie Oatman; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Dave was preceded in death by his son, Peter Oatman.

1948

Richard M. Bressler, 91, died July 15, 2022. Bressler was inducted in Lake Forest Academy’s Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2013. His citation reads: A captain of industry, you have been a leader in some of America’s most prominent companies, including your chairmanship of Burlington Northern, Inc. You have also been at the forefront of the Academy community as one of the school’s most generous donors. A humble man, your quiet dedication to our students and faculty through support of scholarship and teaching excellence has strengthened the school and demonstrated a commitment to the values and ideals upon which LFA was founded. Your zest for life and travel, your boundless devotion to your alma mater, and your constant commitment to ensuring the strength and stability of the Academy, are worthy of the highest praise and emulation. It is an honor to celebrate your contributions to Lake Forest Academy and to recognize the tremendous influence you have had upon the students and faculty of the school.

James R. Foster, 91, died Jan. 13, 2022. He received his bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and J.D. from Yale Law School. Foster was a trial attorney at the U.S. Court of Military Appeals, U.S. Department of Justice, and then served as an officer and director of L.B. Foster Company. Jim was also the founder and CEO of Travel Professionals Inc. He served as president of Temple Jeremiah, was on the board of directors and was a life trustee at Highland Park Hospital, life trustee at Evanston Northwestern Hospital, vice president of the American Jewish Committee, and Midwest chairman of American Associates of Ben Gurion University. Jim was husband for 69 years to Lynn; father of Kim (Tony Petracca) Foster, Craig (Terri) Foster and Kyle (Leo) Weinstein; and grandfather of five.

Elizabeth Kerwin Twede, 92, died Sept. 14, 2022. Elizabeth graduated from Finch Junior College in New York City. She was an active member of many community organizations including Lake Forest’s Church of St. Mary and its Infant Welfare Auxiliary Board; the Northshore League of Women Voters; the Metropolitan Family Services of Chicago; and the Locust Street Company in Evansville, Ind. Twede was also a longtime supporter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago. She was preceded in death by her first husband, LFA Life Trustee Oren T. Pollock, and her second husband, Charles R. Twede. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Kerwin Crane ’49 (William); her children, LFA Trustee Katherine G. Pollock ’70 (Lesley Spencer), Nancy P. Patterson ’72 (Thomas) and Edward L. Pollock (Tracy); seven grandchildren; and eight greatgrandchildren.

1949

James F. Barr, 90, died June 25, 2022. He was the son of Mark Chester, LFA Class of 1912, and Ruth Wilke Barr. James worked in transportation for CB&Q RR Freight Agent, was a traffic manager for United Facilities, and a junior traffic manager for Grain Processing in Muscatine, Iowa, and Gail Products in Galesburg, Ill. Survivors include his friends, Caleb and Abby Larson of Mediapolis, Iowa, and their children, Walker and Kase Larson.

George Amos “Mickey” Poole Jr., died June 21, 2022. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his law degree from Stanford Law School. Poole served as a trainer pilot during the Korean War and then practiced law in Illinois and California. He is survived by his wife, Carol; brother, Stuart Shumway Poole ’53; children, George Amos Poole V, Ellen Lilian Rankin, Cynthia Poole Gallivan, Bridget Belden, and Shannon Lueken; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anne Royse Stewart, 90, died March 13, 2022. She graduated from DePauw University and later earned her master's degree in counseling and served those with drug and alcohol issues. Stewart married and raised a family with Robert Gene Smith and later married John J. Stewart, with whom she enjoyed travel throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Anne is survived by children Sarah Ann Rubel, Robert Royse Smith (Donna) and James Paul Smith; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Anne was preceded in death by her husband John.

1950

Edward Lloyd Burg, Jr., 90, died Nov. 14, 2021. Burg attended Lawrence College, served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and then joined his father to run Burg Hotel Supply Company. Later, Ed founded and ran Lakehead Safety and Equipment Company. Ed was a deacon of Duluth Congregational Church and a member of many civic organizations, including the VFW, Elks, Glen Avon Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, ADD Temple, and Rotary. He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Harris) Burg; four daughters, Laurie Beth Burg (Jimmy Hagstrom), Linda Smith (Mike), Lisa Rhoads (Judson) and Anne Quintanilla (Mario); nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

John E. “Jack” Holloway died on Jan. 4, 2022. He credited LFA’s Mr. Arpee, Mr. Wetzel, and Mr. Friery with guiding him into manhood through education and sports. He received a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Senior Medical Service Specialist. Jack went on to have a distinguished career in medical supplies and equipment sales and was named to the Burdick Corporation Sales Hall of Fame. Jack is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna (Sass); children John M. Holloway (Patti), Laura Goddard (Mike), Marc Holloway (Renea), Greg Holloway (Adrienne); stepson Brian Foss (Samantha); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren from their blended family.

Avery J. Stone died Jan. 18, 2021. He was the brother of the late Roger Stone ’53, grandfather to Aaron Rubens ’05 and great-uncle to Doug Kaplan ’07 and Lindsay Stone ’25

1951

John “Jack” Morris Mudge, Sr., 79, died Aug. 31, 2021. Jack earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Virginia. At graduation, he was commissioned as ensign and spent two years on a destroyer in the Atlantic fleet. Jack married Sidney Wollerton and was employed 29 years with the A.C. Nielsen Company, where he worked for the food and drug index in the New York region; he retired as a vice president. He is survived by his wife, Sidney, daughter Margo Williams (John); son, John Mudge Jr.; step-sister Sally Anderson ’45; and three granddaughters. Jack was predeceased by step-brother Stanley D. Anderson, Jr. ’47.

1952

Virginia P. Jamison, 86, died Aug. 19, 2021, following a brief illness.

Walter “Tod” Turle, 87, died March 16, 2022. Turle was a graduate of the University of Rochester and served in the Navy for three years before serving for 20 years in the Naval Reserves. Tod was a great lover of animals. He is survived by his wife, Lori, a nephew, a niece, a great nephew and two great nieces.

1953

Herman Gerald “Gerry” Nordberg, Jr., 86, died April 19, 2022. He was a proud member of LFA’s undefeated 1952 basketball team. Nordberg graduated from Colgate University, received an MBA from Stanford, and then joined the Navy, where he served as a Lieutenant JG and Naval Intelligence Officer. His finance career began at Dean Witter and then First Boston before he established Nordberg Capital Inc. Gerry’s work in the Nordic region earned him the moniker of Wall Street's "Mr. Scandinavia.” He supported various affiliated schools, including serving as lifetime trustee of Lewis and Clark College and a member of the Maroon Council at Colgate. He is survived by his wife, Linda; son Peter Nordberg; daughter Elizabeth Nordberg; son-in-law John Leary; and five grandchildren.

1954

Lowell Brockway Dana II, 85, died, Feb. 27, 2022. Dana received a bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and served two years in the US Army Reserve. He attended graduate school at Carnegie Institute of Technology. His professional career was in his family business, Dana Printing Company, which he successfully rebuilt and went on to lead for 40 years. He was a member of the Muskegon Country Club, Muskegon Rotary Club, and St. Mary's Catholic Church. He served on the boards of North Muskegon Public Schools, Old Kent Bank (Grand Haven), and the Paul C. Johnson Foundation. He was also a trustee of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Lowell is survived by his wife, Nell; sons Brock (Susanne), Tom, Tim (Lindsey) and Jeff (Mindy); and seven grandchildren.

Edward “Ted” Jones, 85, died July 26, 2021. He attended Colgate University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jones was the retired chairman of Jones Dairy Farm, and his business innovations resulted in three patents. Ted was active in the Fort Atkinson, Wis., community and involved with the Fort Atkinson Development Corporation, United Fund, Chamber of Commerce, Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital, and Fort Atkinson Airport Committee. He also served on the board of directors of the American Meat Institute. Ted was preceded in death by cousins, Alan P. Jones, Jr. ’43 and William B. Jones ’45. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children Edward Cole Jones III (Carmen Garces),

1953

Roger W. Stone, 86, died Sept. 12, 2021. A life trustee of Lake Forest Academy, he will be remembered for his love of family, lifelong passion for business, kind and generous spirit, quick wit and unassuming manner. Roger attended the University of Chicago Lab School as well as Lake Forest Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. While in college, Roger’s entrepreneurial spirit took root, and building businesses became his avocation. He enjoyed nurturing others by providing professional advice and investing in small companies in need of growth capital.

Roger began his career as a box salesman at Stone Container Corporation, a family business, and worked his way up to CEO and inter national leader in the paper industry, transforming Stone Container into a world leader with more than 30,000 employees and $6 billion revenue. At an age when most business leaders would have retired, Roger went on to build two additional paper companies, BoxUSA and KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation, with his son-inlaw and business partner of 40 years, Matthew Kaplan. Throughout his life, Roger was actively involved in numerous national and international corporate boards, paper industry organizations and educational institutions. Roger was honored with numerous industry achievement awards and recognitions as a business leader.

Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years, Susan; his children, Karen (Matthew) Kaplan, Lauren Stone and Jennifer Stone; his grandchildren, Allison, Alex, Doug ’07, Lindsay ’25 and Daisy; his great-grandchildren, Haley, Charlie and Ryan; and his sisters-in-law, Patricia Stone and Joyce Hicks and their families. He was predeceased by his brother, Avery ’50

Philip Hamilton Jones (Denice), Charlotte Wells Blome (Erik), Martha Parker (Jones) Pollay ’87 (Peter), and Elizabeth Crane Jones ’90; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and his cousin, Milo C. Jones ’48 (Joan).

Donald Klinger, 85, died Oct. 7, 2021. Don attended the University of Iowa and was the President and CEO of Klinger Paint Company until his 2017 retirement. Klinger was a member of the Royal Order of the Jesters, El Kahir Shrine, and Crescent Masonic Lodge #25 A.F. and A.M. He is survived by his wife, Joan Janda-Klinger; children, Deb (Cleve) Klinger Corlett, Greg Klinger, Stacy (George) Janda-Nimmo, Michele (Craig) Wilson, Lisa (Dennis) McIntee, Tammy (Trampus) Wihlm; and 18 grandchildren.

1955

Mary Lynn Howe, 84, died Nov. 7, 2021. She graduated from Boston University and lived a life of parenting and volunteerism with Orchard Ridge Elementary, Brownies and Girl Scouts, and Cub and Boy Scouts. Mary is survived by daughters Melanie (John) Zimmer and Jenny (Mike) Bennett; son Peter Howe; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Myles Howe, grandson Peter Zimmer and several infant grandchildren.

Sue Davis Johnson, 84, died Nov. 9, 2021. Johnson graduated from Grinnell College with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She worked as an executive secretary for CILCO for more than 35 years before retiring in 1995. Sue married Raymond Johnson, who preceded her in death. Sue is survived by three step-children, Linda Johnson, Raymond Johnson II and Lana Johnson; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

1957

James Lewis Hayner, 82, died June 6, 2021. Born in Evanston, Ill., he followed his high school career at Lake Forest Academy to a career in sales and a residency on Bainbridge Island, Wash., for more than 43 years with his wife Catherine.

1958

Paul Brown, 82, died April 5, 2022. Brown graduated from the University of Denver where he played basketball. He then worked for American Oil Company. In retirement, he sold commercial real estate. An avid athlete, Paul competed in the New York Marathon, participated in a recreational hockey league, and had a passion for golf. Paul is survived by his wife Stephanie; his son Paul D. (Marnie) Brown; daughters Shauna (Shaun) Erdmann; his daughter Lara (Chris) Unger; and six grandchildren. He is predeceased by his spouses, Miker Morford Brown and Marsha Woodall Brown.

Mavor “Mave” R. Hedberg, 81, died June 8, 2022. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then parlayed his love of sports into a 24-year career with Wilson Sporting Goods. Hedberg coached his sons in little league baseball and basketball and was a tennis player, hiker, skier, and golfer. Mave is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis Haberkamp Hedberg; sons John (Mirla) and Brad (Sandra); and a grandchild.

Bonnie Lou Earle March, 81, died Feb. 2, 2022. Bonnie worked for Pan Am Airways in Chicago, where she met her husband of 57 years, Dr. Jerome Edward March. They raised two children. She is survived by her husband, Jerome; son Scott Edward Earle (Neng); daughter Kimberly Joy; and two grandchildren.

David R Oakley, Sr., 81, died Jan. 22, 2022. Oakley graduated from Quincy College with honors and had a successful career in media, serving as vice president of broadcast operations at Quincy Broadcasting Company and in positions at the national level with NBC Affiliates Board, National Association of Broadcasters, and Radio Advertising Bureau. He founded Satisfaction Guaranteed, a consulting business with clients such as Coca-Cola Bottling, and had tours with the National Association of Broadcasters, Radio Advertising Bureau, and Cable Advertising Bureau among others. He also volunteered with St. Mary Hospital, United Way, and Transitions of Western Illinois. Dave is survived by Mary Kane Oakley, his wife of 62 years; five children and spouses, David and Theresa Oakley, Michael and Virginia Oakley, Timothy and Denise Oakley, Susan and Vincent Gauthier, Catherine and Gary Bunce; 14 grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

1959

Anne Bloomberg, 81, died Feb. 7, 2022. Bloomberg worked in the world of local politics, serving on campaigns for Cleveland, Ohio, politicians. She lived and renovated homes in Ohio City for many years, helping lead the vitalization of the area. Her work career included time at the Ohio Welfare commission, as the self appointed “Goddess of Good Fortune” at the Ohio Lottery, and a long stint at Ameritech, all followed by years of involvement in the restaurant scene. Anne is survived by her brother-in-law, Charles Whitehill, and a nephew.

Michael A. Hutchinson, 80, died Feb. 12, 2021.

Arthur “Chip” McIntosh III, 81, died March 27, 2022. He attended Stanford University and began his professional career by buying distressed apartments around the country, improving them and then selling them. Later he and a business partner became involved in the almond business, successfully sharing ownership of several almond orchards for decades. Chip is survived by his wife, Kay; sons Hawley and Monty (Sheila); stepdaughter Canda (Kevin); and seven grandchildren.

Irene B. Pangere Nestorovich, 81, died Oct. 30, 2021. Nestorovich was the former owner and operator of Bridals by Artemis in Merrillville, Ind. She was also a former employee of San Francisco Music Box Store. Irene was a lifelong member of Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where she was the past president of the St. Helen's Philoptochos Women’s Society of the Church, Daughters of Penelope, and Kanari Chios Society. Irene is survived by her children, George Nestorovich ’88 (Kelly) and Mark Nestorovich ’91 (Kara), and two grandsons. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, George.

1961

Judy Windecker Legg, 78, died Jan. 20, 2022. She attended Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J., and the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Legg lived in the Ormond Beach, Fla. area for more than 50 years and was a member of the Jr. Service League, served on the PTO at Tomoka Elementary, and played tennis at Trail’s Racquet Club, where she was a longtime member. Judy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Alfred “Al” Legg; sons Michael Peter Rinaldi, Jr. and Clifton Charles Rinaldi (Dani); and five grandchildren.

1962

David Bull, 79, died April 17, 2022. Bull attended Colorado College where he perfected his golfing skills and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He served in the Vietnam War, specializing in combat infantry and earned a purple heart among other medals, awards, and accolades. David worked in sales and as an entrepreneur in Colorado, Arizona, California and Illinois. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Alexandra Jane, and is survived by daughter Sarah Kathryn Bull Burk (Sean); son Zachary Taylor (Jennifer); and thre grandchildren.

Gwen Ross, 78, died Dec. 7, 2021. She received her associate's degree from Columbia College in Missouri. After living and working in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach, she settled in the Cherry Creek area of Denver, Colo., where she lived for the remainder of her life. She is survived by her beloved Demi and her sister Betsy.

1967

Deborah Lee Sadler Townsend, 71, died May 21, 2021. Deborah was an active Girl Scout, earning its highest honor, the curved gold bar, and seriously considered a career in professional scouting. She graduated from Alma College in Alma, Mich., and taught kindergarten for nine years in central Michigan before heading to Alaska for the next 29, teaching in small villages and establishing or improving their libraries. Deborah is survived by her husband, Peter; daughter Holly (Nicole) Bishop-Perdue; and three grandchildren.

1969

William Aberman, 70, died June 19, 2022. Bill’s treasured titles included: son to Myles and Jean Aberman; husband to Andrea; dad to Jordan, Kerry and Max; brother to Barb; mentor, teacher and friend to his colleagues; and unicorn to his doctors, whom he amazed with his strength, resilience, positivity and grace throughout his fight with cancer.

Clayton S. Moore, 71, died Oct. 20, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Moore and is survived by children, Shannon (Ron Kropp) Moore and Clayton S. (Brooke) Moore Jr.; two grandchildren; brothers Michael ’73 (Sarah Olcott ’73), Paul ’74 (Kathleen) and Brett (Suzanne) Moore.

Anne K. Alexander Pedersen died in May 2021.

1976

James H. Langstaff III, 64, died Dec. 3, 2021. He was the son of Dr. James Hartzell Langstaff Jr. ’33 and Mary Elizabeth Durbin Langstaff. Jim was a self-employed jewelry manufacturer and goldsmith with a degree from the Gemological Institute of America, California. He met Robert J. Vietti in 2000; they celebrated a commitment ceremony in 2005 and were married in 2019. Jim is survived by Bob and a sister, Katherine A. LangstaffAdams.

1977

James P. Paschal, 62, died May 30, 2021. He was born in St. Charles, Ill., attended St. Charles High School, Lake Forest Academy, and graduated from the University of Denver. Jim then joined the family business, Warwick Publishing Company, which he co-owned with his brother, Rob, working there for 40 years and serving as president until the time of his death. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kim.

1979

George D. Newton, III, 61, died Jan. 5, 2022. George studied hotel management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and then relocated to Austin, Texas, where in 1990 he married Jerri Lynn Muse. George is predeceased by his wife, Jerri Muse-Newton, and survived by his mother, Marja Newton, and three sisters.

1982

Charles E. “Ned” Piper IV, 57, died March 22, 2021. Piper was born in Clearwater, Fla., and adopted at nine months old by parents from Lewistown, Penn. He played golf and swam at Lake Forest Academy and later discovered a love for sailing and grilling. Ned started the first P.O.D.S. franchise in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. P.O.D.S. corporate purchased the franchise back, keeping Ned on to help with the transition. Work influenced his move to Flower Mound, Texas, where Ned joined the local Hobie fleet and competed in many Hobie regattas. He is survived by a brother and a sister.

1997

Bryan Bonato, 43, died May 24, 2022. He was born and raised in McHenry, where he attended Montini grade school and participated in school and local youth sports, continuing his football career at Lake Forest Academy and at Swarthmore College from which he graduated with a business degree. After working in New York City in the stock-options field, Bonato returned to Illinois where he became a sports reporter for the Lake County NewsSun newspaper. He then returned to school to become a certified public accountant, working several years in the tax field in the Libertyville area. He is survived by his parents, Donna Griffith and Jeff Bonato; grandmother Mary Pollock; and siblings Stefani Bonato and Phillyp "P.J." Bonato.

2002

Lauren Neal, 37, died June 23, 2022. Lauren received her bachelor’s degree from the University of WisconsinMadison, where she was a member of Chi Omega. After a year with AmeriCorps in Austin, Texas, she attended the University of Kansas, earning her master’s degree. She served on the Alumni Advisory Board of Lake Forest Academy; the Lyric Young Professional Board of the Lyric Opera of Chicago; and was a Chi Omega financial advisor. Neal was a member of the Lake Geneva Country Club, a food blogger, White Sox fan, and always ready for a Disney World adventure. She is the deeply loved daughter of Susan Cellmer and LFA Life Trustee Jeffrey Neal; beloved sister of Kevin Neal and Brian Neal ’00 (Jacqueline). Lauren leaves behind heartbroken friends and her energetic Golden Retriever, George. Gifts in Lauren’s memory may be made to Lake Forest Academy, Advancement Department, 1500 W. Kennedy Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045 or made online at: https://give.lfanet.org/ campaign/lauren-neal-memorial/c418867

Friend of LFA

Howard Ellsworth Jessen, 96, died Sept. 29, 2021. He graduated from CalTech (California Institute of Technology) with a degree in civil engineering and later served in the Korean War. He earned his master’s degree in engineering from the USC and his MBA from the University of Chicago’s Executive Program, now Chicago Booth. Jessen enjoyed a 39-year career with Ceco Corporation, where he started as a draftsman, and worked his way to an executive leadership position on the senior management team, retiring in 1987 as Senior Vice President of Planning and Development. Since it was important to Howard to maintain his engineering credentials, he took certification classes into his early 90s, and was ranked No. 1 in the state of Nebraska as the longest practicing engineer. Having such a curious mind meant Howard’s passions were unlimited. Just a few of them included music (opera, symphony and jazz), language, history, mathematics, nature, meteorology, maps, astronomy, reading, track, dogs, and children.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Susanne “Susie” Carson Jessen. He is survived by his sister Eleanor Higson; his three children, LFA Life Trustee Ned Jessen P’01, ’05 (Lynn), Art (Diane), Gwen (Steve Gilmore); his grandchildren, including Margaret Jessen Kelley ’01 (Jonathan) and Parlin Jessen ’05; and his great-grandchildren.

Lake Forest Academy is grateful to Howard’s commitment to education and learning, and his philanthropy to LFA through his support of the Academy Fund, the Ned and Lynn Jessen Endowed Faculty Chair in the Humanities and provisions made through his estate.

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2022-23 Academy Fund Goal – $1.775 Million

RICH BARBER ’12, SHREWSBURY, MASS.