LAKE FOREST ACADEMY 1500 W. Kennedy Road • Lake Forest, IL 60045 POSTMASTER: RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAKE FOREST, IL PERMIT NO.100
SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE: FLIP ME OVER!
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SOMETHING
BE A PART OF
OCTOBER 2012
THE CAMPAIGN FOR LAKE FOREST ACADEMY
EDITORIAL Ruth Keyso Major Gifts Officer rkeyso@lfanet.org CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Alexandra Campbell Susan Hoagland Julie Kennedy P’08, P’11, P’13, P’15 Ruth Keyso John Strudwick P’13, P’15 DESIGN Sarah Stec Archetype Graphic Design PHOTOGRAPHY Alexandra Campbell Ruth Keyso George Pfoertner PRINTING John S. Swift Co. LAKE FOREST ACADEMY 1500 W. Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 www.lfanet.org (847) 234-3210
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jeffrey B. Keller ’87 Chair CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP Ruth and A. John Huss, Jr. ’58 Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs Catherine M. Waddell Campaign Chair Sandra F. Boles Patrick J. Carroll ’87 Susan D. Coburn Jim C. Cowart ’69 Merrill J. Ferguson ’72 Karl R. Gedge ’69 Lauren A. Gorter Richard R. Jaros ’70 Allan M. Kaplan ’72 Loretta Kalnow Kaplan ’73 Julie M. Kennedy Jeffrey C. Neal Ellory Peck J. Michael Schell ’65 Nancy How Speer ’59 Cynthia W. Yingling Robin G. Zafirovski HEAD OF SCHOOL John Strudwick
“ The LFA I was introduced to in 1996 was a real diamond in the rough. It was clear the school had something to sell—a truly outstanding faculty—but needed to expand its message and get it across to more people. Many of us saw a clear opportunity to capitalize on this and change the economic and physical profile of the school. That so many parents and alumni have come together in such a compelling way is very exciting and, even more important, LFA has the leadership and enthusiasm to continue the effort.” —Life trustee Jeff Neal P’00, P’02, Former Chair, LFA Board of Trustees 1999–2003
Milestone Moments in the Campaign for LFA
MAY 2003
OCTOBER 2004
The 2003 Strategic Plan, “Honoring the Past, Building the Future,” was approved by the LFA Board of Trustees. This plan articulated the school’s vision for the future and outlined objectives for reaching its goals.
A. John Huss Jr. ’58 and Ruth S. Huss Chair in Humanities is established; Spanish and English teacher Lynne Kulieke is the inaugural recipient. This gift is recognized as the first toward the Campaign for LFA.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future “ LFA is the most rare and wonderful learning environment anywhere. It’s rich in history, advanced in educational practices, and attracts a worldwide student base. There is no other high school that comes close to possessing the features and attributes found at LFA. Those of us who went there are proud of what it was—and what it has become.” — Former trustee David Gupta ’81, Chicago, IL Annual fund and campaign supporter
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“ It was daunting when we first started. The Academy had no history of a broad-based, comprehensive campaign, though it had received some wonderful individual contributions in the past. But early on, people whom we had approached with asks began to step forward. That’s when we developed a sense of ‘We can get there!’ It’s then we realized we could have a campaign that could be significantly more successful than we had originally thought.” —Life trustee Rich Jaros ’70, Former Chair, LFA Board of Trustees 2003–07
JANUARY 2005
OCTOBER 2005
The LFA Board of Trustees gives its unanimous support to begin a comprehensive campaign, based on the results of a feasibility study conducted by consulting firm Marts & Lundy.
A newly established faculty chair, the Edmund J. Rendtorff Chair in Science, is announced; Ed Shaughnessy is named inaugural recipient.
“ I left LFA 25 years ago never questioning whether I could succeed as a scholar, athlete or human being. My only question was in which order and to what degree those successes would manifest themselves. The Academy’s stress on academic excellence propelled me to obtain my master’s degree. Its emphasis on athletic participation motivated me to stay active; I’ve now completed 16 marathons. Its insistence on accountability and service was the foundation for my becoming a leader in my community. Aristotle said, ‘Well begun is half done.’ LFA was my ‘well begun.’” — Kelly Perine ’87, Los Angeles, CA Annual fund supporter
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“ All of our decisions during this campaign quickly became more interconnected than we initially thought and required more analysis than we’d ever imagined. When we wanted to add more faculty housing, we had to develop a master plan for the entire campus; we couldn’t put the first shovel in the ground until we knew how all of the pieces were going to fit together. This kicked off an exciting and collaborative effort by the entire board and required a host of other decisions about the educational needs of the school. Ultimately, that’s how Ferry Hall came to be built; it’s a continuum. One of the deeper rewards of this process is knowing that these initiatives and resulting projects will touch lives in a meaningful way for a long time, that we get to have a real impact. It’s a powerful process.” —Life trustee John Mengel P’06, P’09, LFA Board of Trustees 2003–2009
BY DEC. 31, 2007, LFA CAMPAIGN TOTAL INCLUDED EIGHT, 7-FIGURE GIFTS AND/OR PLEDGES
JANUARY 2006
AUGUST 2006
Ground is broken for 4 faculty houses in the West Village area of campus; this marks the first building project of the Campaign for LFA.
Four faculty families move into West Village.
“ The Academy opened up opportunities for many of us, especially in learning how to get along with people. There was always good, strong communication between teachers and students; the relationship was closer than in most schools. Someone was always available to teach you how to study more effectively or how to do something better. Gail and I feel strongly about supporting the school, including through a planned gift. We hope it will provide the Academy with continued support for the future and, at the same time, allow it to support students in need of financial aid.” — Gail and Jim ’50 Manz, Mundelein, IL Annual fund and planned giving supporters
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“ It was an easy decision to become involved with this campaign. I had four wonderful years at LFA as a boarding student. Many of the skills I learned there helped me at college and were useful for the rest of my life—things like enjoying music, the arts, reading for pleasure. I learned how to feed the soul. Everything that has been done in this campaign— the bricks and mortar, the faculty chairs—were so necessary in keeping the school strong and moving forward. The needs of LFA’s physical plant are being met, as we’ve seen with Ferry Hall, the athletic buildings, and faculty housing. But the endowment, too, is so important. It’s critical in allowing the school to educate students who couldn’t otherwise afford to pay.” —Life trustee John ’58 and Ruth Huss, LFA Board of Trustees 2002–2011
DECEMBER 2008
WINTER 2008–SUMMER 2009
OCTOBER 2009
Ground is broken for the James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing.
The MacKenzie Ice Arena undergoes renovations; upgrades are made to the Glore Gymnasium and the pool infrastructure and HVAC systems.
The James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing formally opens during Cornerstone Weekend.
“ As an adult, I often think back to my time at Ferry Hall. My mother sent me there so that I would receive a better education than at my local high school. I soon discovered that I learned a lot more about life than just academics at Ferry Hall. As a freshman I was afraid of the people I would have to get to know. But it didn’t take long to meet and like my fellow classmates. I treasure the friends I made at Ferry Hall. I think often of the ‘senior revolt’ we staged, the hockey games, Saturday study hall (I went almost every weekend for Latin), chapel every morning before school, chapel on Sundays when we had to wear white, etc. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for the world. That’s why I support LFA-Ferry Hall. It’s important to me to support an institution that formed and molded me into the person I am today.”
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— Mary Ann Sanford ’51, Morris, IL Annual fund, planned giving, and campaign supporter
“ Over the years that I’ve been involved in the campaign, it has been inspiring to witness the energy of fundraisers and donors who have such passion for the mission of the school. We’ve seen a remarkable level of commitment by many in our community, both during periods of momentum and through one of the most treacherous economic environments in history. They’ve shown resilience and a willingness to stay the course—a testament to their loyalty to the school and the future they see for it. This campaign has had a transformative effect on the campus, from athletics to faculty housing to student dorms. But the to-do list isn’t complete. Now we’re gearing up for the final push with a focus on academic space and building up the endowment in support of the school’s top-notch programs.” —Stephen Brewster P’07, P’10, LFA Board of Trustees 2005-present
JANUARY 2010 Ground is broken for the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center, which sits in front of the Glore Memorial Gymnasium.
“ When I was at the Academy I was not an ideal student. Yet the lessons I learned—no matter how poorly—were largely responsible for my success later in life. That is why I give to the annual fund: in the hope that my small contribution will help some other student reach his or her potential.” — Bill Gentry ’49, Lake Bluff, IL Annual fund and campaign supporter
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“ As donors came to understand the objectives of the campaign and how immediately their gift could make a difference at the school, they were compelled to step up and help. In fact, many of our donors tell us that the single largest gift they’ve ever made has been the one to this campaign. This speaks volumes about their belief in LFA and their commitment toward building on the strength of the school in the present while positioning it for the future.” — Life trustee Cate Waddell P’01, P’03, Former Chair, LFA Board of Trustees 2007–2010 Chair, Campaign for LFA
OCTOBER 2010
DECEMBER 2010
The LFA community celebrates the official opening of the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center.
Durand House is moved from its original location to a new space behind McIntosh Cottage; renamed Weinbrenner House. Construction now begins on Ferry Hall.
Renovation of pool corridor finished; athletic complex now complete.
“ My 4 years at LFA were instrumental in shaping the person I am today. The high expectations in the classroom made for an effortless transition to my demanding college courses. Living in the dorm also made life away from home in college a completely stress-free endeavor. As a boarder, I was given the chance to develop amazing friendships, not only with my fellow students, but also with my teachers, many of whom are still close friends today. At LFA, I learned just as much outside the classroom as I did in it. Time spent on the field hockey field, late-night study sessions in the dorm, and informal conversation around a table in Hutch are what I remember the most. These invaluable memories, among many others, are why I choose to support LFA with my annual donation. Many people ‘figure out’ who they are during college, but for me, it was my 4 years at Dear Old LFA.”
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— Laura Lambruschi ’02, Jackson, WY Annual fund supporter
“ For me, one of the turning points in the campaign occurred when I was sitting in a meeting with fellow trustees and faculty in the Garden Room as architects presented conceptual plans for an athletic complex. The designs were inspirational; there was incredible enthusiasm among everyone and a real aha moment when we saw everything tied together, a feeling of ‘We’re going to do this.’ I’m proud to be part of a board that was committed and determined to take LFA to the next level through this campaign. Watching the buildings rise from the ground and seeing the new spaces in use—how they’re being enjoyed and cared for—is gratifying. I hope our current generation of students will realize how they’ve benefitted from their experience here and join fellow alumni in support of their alma mater.” —Robin Zafirovski P’04, P’05, P’09, LFA Board of Trustees 2004–present
JULY 2011
JULY 2011
NOVEMBER 2011
Renovation completed on North Cottages; 2 faculty families move back in.
Weinbrenner House (formerly Durand House) opens its doors to 6 faculty and their families.
The Academy’s first master chair, the Dr. Ray Bird Master Chair in English, is announced at the annual Cornerstone Society Dinner.
“ I went to a public high school for two years before transferring to LFA. The Academy taught me how to study, but I didn’t know it at the time. And the full realization didn’t happen until my last two years of college and in graduate school. So my reason for giving back is simple: My two-year experience at the Academy is one of the more significant events of my life.” — Herb Kamin ’52, Highland Park, IL Annual fund and campaign supporter
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“ My involvement with the campaign has been primarily on the construction management and master planning side. I’m pleased that our faculty, trustees, architects, and builders have distilled our program needs into buildings that look, feel, and cost right. The school has gotten great value for the money it has spent on new facilities; the buildings have been completed on time, on budget, and they serve the school well. I love how the Crown has integrated the athletic facilities into one complex, how students now migrate from the academic buildings at the end of the day to the athletic campus. This campaign has gone way beyond my expectations in terms of raising money and building buildings. Everyone has raised their game. It is a completely different place than it was 8 years ago.” —Tom Duckworth P’08, P’10, P’12, P’14, LFA Board of Trustees 2005–present
DECEMBER 2011
MARCH 2012
Construction begins on a 5th faculty house in West Village.
36 female boarders and 4 faculty families move into Ferry Hall.
“ I left my rural hometown in Michigan to attend LFA when I was 13 years old. I was scared but excited, even at such a young age, about the opportunities and better future I knew it would afford me. My teachers at LFA became my surrogate parents, teaching me life lessons I still look back to today. I made lifelong friends from far-off places, such as Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, and with diverse backgrounds, ranging from some of the most impoverished and crime-ridden areas of Chicago to the most affluent neighborhoods of Chicago’s North Shore. I’m confident that I would not have experienced nearly as much in my life or be the man I am today without having attended the Academy. I give back because I’m proud of my alma mater, thankful for the gifts I received, and because I hope that my contributions will help others be afforded those same opportunities.”
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— David Allen ’96, Chicago, IL Annual fund supporter
“ We came of age in the Ferry Hall dorms. In the old North and South Halls, we shared stories, grew up together, and forged lasting friendships. Though we may not see our classmates or close friends on a regular basis, they remain a part of us and dear to our hearts. We will always have a connection to Ferry Hall, the institution; our high school experience contributed so greatly to the women we’ve become. We are thrilled that a new girls’ dorm has opened on the LFA campus and is named Ferry Hall! Our old campus alumnae now have a visible, meaningful space at LFA of which everyone can be proud. Though our beloved Mayflower Road buildings can never be replaced, the new dorm will further perpetuate the legacy of our alma mater.” — Loretta Kalnow Kaplan ’73, P’03, LFA Board of Trustees 2004-present, and her sister, Gertie Kalnow Chisholm ‘74
APRIL 2012
JUNE 2012
The community dedicates all 5 West Village houses, Weinbrenner House, and Ferry Hall with a formal celebration.
Ground is broken for a new Science Center.
Annual spring Gala raises more than $500,000 in support of Academic Space Initiative.
“ Looking back on our time at LFA, we each had different experiences. But we all agree that the breadth of LFA’s programs and the quality of its student/faculty community encouraged us to pursue our varied interests and helped us to discover and develop our individual talents. We are excited that our sister, Caraline, a freshman, will be able to cultivate her own strengths and passions while at LFA. We support the Academy Fund so that she and future generations of Caxys can access the deep resources at the school and learn from the abundant opportunities that enriched our own high school experiences.” — Doug ’06, Katharine ’06, and Dan Patterson ’10, Lake Forest, IL (pictured with their sister, Caraline, a freshman at LFA) Annual fund supporters www.lfanet.org
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“ I am very excited and proud to be the head of such a generous school community that has come together so enthusiastically in support of this comprehensive campaign, the first in the school’s history. The Campaign for LFA has taken the Academy to a new level and confirmed its position as one of the strongest independent schools of its kind. We continue to serve our mission of excellence by expanding the campus physically, growing the endowment, introducing modern technology into the classrooms, and enhancing the curriculum. It’s a privilege to lead this special institution and to be connected to a network of donors and volunteers who choose to make LFA a priority.” —John Strudwick P’13, P’15, LFA Head of School 2001–present
AUGUST 2012
SEPTEMBER 29, 2012
Renovation of the second floor of the Korhumel Wing in the Corbin Academic Center is completed.
Lake Forest Academy publicly announces the Campaign for LFA at Homecoming & Reunion Weekend.
AUGUST 2013: PROJECTED The Science Center opens for classes.
“ I’ve supported Lake Forest Academy almost every year since I graduated more than a decade ago. It’s an easy decision for me, because of the role LFA has played in preparing me for college and for life. I learned about study habits, work ethic, morality, and human relationships at LFA. I have immense gratitude for the dedication and involvement of the faculty; they believed in the inherent worth and potential of each of their students and followed through with all lessons—in and out of the classroom. Any gift I give that makes their jobs and lives better—and helps them reach more students—is worth every penny for me.” — Margaret Jessen Kelley ’01, Lake Bluff, IL Annual fund supporter
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The following list includes existing and newly created endowed funds at LFA (items in boldface were established during the Campaign for LFA).
Academic Experience
FACULTY CHAIRS • Sidney E. Ainsworth Chair in Mathematics •D r. Ray Bird Master Chair in English • Harold J. Corbin Jr. Chair in Environmental Science • A. John Huss Jr. ’58 and Ruth S. Huss Chair in Humanities •E dmund J. Rendtorff Chair in Science SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER ENDOWED FUNDS •A lumni Award for Teaching Excellence •T he Class of ’58 Academic Fund •R aymond Delaplaine Burnet Prize in Economics • Cedric J. Cromartie ’80 Memorial Scholarship Fund •G lobal Entrepreneurship Fund •S ally Proudfoot Gries ’63 Scholarship for Women •D avid O. MacKenzie ’50 Scholarship Fund •M anoogian Family Faculty Fund •M cNerney Scholarship Fund • Mints Professional Development Fund • Mints Scholarship Fund •T he Morgan, Scott and Cass Counties Scholarship Fund • Dana W. Niswender Prize in Writing •L inda Sue Novascone Memorial Scholarship Fund •T he Perisho Memorial Scholarship Fund • J oshua Aaron Rothstein ’05 Memorial Lecture Fund •M arguerite Hubert Sherwin ’30 Scholarship Fund for Girls
THE HALLMARKS OF AN LFA EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE are small class sizes, close student-faculty relationships, and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to succeed in college and beyond. LFA faculty are known for delivering an educational program that is unique yet challenging, that inspires and motivates young people to achieve their goals and exceed their potential. The Campaign for LFA is committed to supporting the work of faculty by providing competitive salaries and meaningful professional development opportunities, while ensuring that the classroom environment is modern, comfortable, and conducive to the best teaching possible. Likewise, it supports students by offering generous financial aid to those in need while making sure everyone has access to the most modern technology and learning tools available today. The academic experience at LFA grows stronger every day. The combination of committed teachers and inspired students is powerful; it promotes a learning environment characterized by mutual respect and understanding, and stimulates ideas and dialogue that opens minds and challenges expectations.
•N icki Newman Tanner ’53 Excellence Fund
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Academic Experience
“ I’m passionate about my work at LFA because of the students I teach and the people I work with. I know more about my students than just their math grade. And they know things about me and my life, such as that I have two children. I don’t know if this makes them better students, but it creates more respect between them and me; it gives them a different type of motivation to learn. If they have a strong relationship with me, they are more likely to enjoy math and do their homework. They see me as more than just a teacher—they see me as someone who wants them to succeed.” — Ardelle Hagar Former Math Department Chair and recipient of the Sidney E. Ainsworth Chair in Mathematics
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“ At the heart of everything we do at LFA are strong studentfaculty relationships. These relationships bring about phenomenal experiences for our students academically. They learn how to interact with adults and how to ask for assistance if they need it; it becomes a part of who they are. Our faculty go above and beyond to provide an individualized experience for each student here. If someone is into, say, robotics and service, our teachers work with that student to bring those two worlds together. They can set specific goals for each student because they know those students as individuals. This makes us stand out as an institution. It makes this educational experience unique.” — Phil Schwartz Dean of Faculty and Curriculum
Academic Experience
“ I really like that the faculty live on campus. I can talk to them after school and in the dorm. I have easy access to my teachers. At LFA, you get to know the faculty on a personal basis, not just as teachers but through sports and clubs and advisory. That makes the school special. And I love the small class sizes here. You can’t skip, you always have to pay attention, and the classroom environment is really interactive. Your opinion is always heard, and you can learn new ideas and opinions from your peers. You can help each other out.”
“ I came to LFA from a private school, so the transition was easy. It’s a similar environment, so I feel at home here. I like that I can take difficult classes earlier and progress more quickly. For example, I have a friend my same age at another school, and he’s in pre-calc. At LFA I can take AP AB calculus. And it’s not like we just sit and listen to lectures here. We delve into things, and we’re allowed to individualize our learning, to focus on something in more depth.” —Palmer Taylor ’13
—Nan Wang ’13
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Athletics
THE MOST VISIBLE CHANGES to LFA in the past three years happened at the north end of campus. The addition of two athletic facilities, the James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing and the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center, have changed the landscape of the school and transformed the way students perceive—and approach—the athletic program. A state-of-the-art training room. A fitness center. Dedicated locker spaces. A meeting room. Storage areas for athletic equipment. These are just some of the tangible features of the new spaces. But the intangibles, too, are creating a buzz. The new buildings have revived students’ “pride of place” and increased school spirit; students are eager to host home games and to show off the facilities to their families, friends, and visiting teams. In addition, the facilities have enabled the school to enhance its fitness program—there is more indoor space for PE offerings, such as weight training and Pilates—and to expand its social space, giving students a place to hang out before and after practice. As Reid and Corbin empty out in the afternoon, the Crown and Fitz fill up; Caxy athletics have never been more popular!
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Students work out in the Morrison Fitness Center on the second floor of the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center.
Athletics
(l to r): Keat and Caroline Crown, Steve and Nancy Crown P’07, P’09, Renee and Lester Crown (above) Students hang out in the Gorter Athletic Commons on the first floor of the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center.
“ As a trustee and a parent of two LFA graduates, I felt it was important to contribute to the campaign in a meaningful way. Serving on the Athletic Complex Committee, I witnessed the incredible amount of time and energy put forth by many trustees, from planning and design to fundraising for the project. It was a long and thoughtful process. “ While athletics is an important part of the LFA experience, I viewed the athletic center as more of a community center, where all constituencies—students, faculty, faculty families, coaches, staff—would benefit. Steve and I wanted to direct our gift toward a project that would serve the entire community; I believe the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center has done that. The physical campus is an important aspect of the learning environment at LFA. It represents a first impression to new students and their families, and keeps LFA in the mind’s eye of proud alumni. Having state-of-the-art facilities allows the school to compete with top-tier boarding institutions everywhere.” —Former trustee Nancy Crown P’07, P’09
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Athletics
“ I’ve done weight training all four years here, and I never used to feel like I was getting the full athletic experience. But with the new facility in Crown you feel professional, more like an athlete. The new buildings have definitely brought us all closer together. Different teams hang out in the lobby before practice, and when we’re playing basketball we can see people watching from the upper level that looks onto the court. The new facilities have brought more fans in. And we try harder when people are watching us. It’s motivating.” —Lauren Clamage ’13
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“ Before the new facilities were built, we played hockey at the rink then had to walk to the area above Hutch, where we worked out. Then we walked back to the rink. Now we just go upstairs to work out. Everything is next to one another and convenient. And we don’t have to cycle through when we’re lifting. There’s enough equipment now. Our new locker rooms are amazing, too, as good as at most colleges. This will help the school attract new student-athletes, because people will be more inclined to come here.” —Frankie Senese ’12
Athletics
(above) The Waddell Locker Room in the James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing.
“ We used to be limited to old-school workouts with treadmills and just a few pieces of equipment. Now we can strengthen our athletes better by incorporating functional movements and core exercises into their workouts. This helps them stay injury-free and excel on the fields and the courts. Our students are becoming more health and fitness conscious because of these new facilities and are taking better care of their bodies. It’s packed down here every day after school.” — Melvin Allen Strength and Conditioning Coordinator
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Residential Life
ONE OF THE PRIORITIES OF THE CAMPAIGN for LFA was to improve the residential life experience for students and faculty. Since 2005, the Academy has built 5 freestanding faculty homes in West Village, converted the former Durand House into 6 faculty apartments, and constructed Ferry Hall, a 20-room residence hall for girls, which includes 4 apartments for faculty families. The new structures have transformed the living experience on campus. The homes, apartments, and dorm rooms are spacious, modern, and comfortable and promote a sense of community and camaraderie among residents. But don’t take our word for it: Read on to learn what students and faculty are saying about the new spaces. Pretty soon everyone is going to want to live on campus!
(above) Kalnow Commons on the 1st floor of Ferry Hall
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Residential Life
FERRY HALL Lusanda Mayikana and her son, Mbasa ’14, in their apartment in Ferry Hall.
“ The bonding time I have with the girls in Ferry Hall is so enjoyable. I like doing activities with them, such as holding spa night in the commons or making Rice Krispie treats or baking in my apartment. There is a sense of sisterhood in Ferry Hall. The girls take care of one another and look out for each other. There’s a feeling of unity there.” — Lusanda Mayikana P’14 Dean of Pluralism and Multicultural Affairs, English teacher
On April 27, 2012, Ferry Hall was ready for its closeup. After a 14-month-long building process, the new girls dormitory was dedicated in a formal ceremony attended by 90 alumni/ae, trustees, faculty, and friends of the Academy. The first structure built exclusively for girls on the LFA campus, Ferry Hall is home to 36 female boarders and 4 faculty families. It is situated in the heart of campus overlooking the field hockey field. What happens in Ferry does not stay in Ferry; everyone on campus knows how much fun it is to live there. We’ve heard about the manicure party the night before prom, the late-night feeds of fruit and cheese, and the birthday celebrations in the commons, complete with yogurt parfaits. It’s good to be a boarder!
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Residential Life
“ Ferry is such a beautiful house to live in. It’s small, so you get to know everyone better. I love the dorm parents. Mrs. Vaughn plans all sorts of stuff for us, like a barbeque, open pool in the gym, and a tea party with the Strudwicks. Mrs. Foos let us borrow her nice tea cups, and we ordered pastries from Bent Fork. All of the dorm parents make themselves available to us, and they’re easy to talk to. You can just knock on their door when you need them. There’s a family feeling in all of the dorms but especially in Ferry because it’s small.” —Miriam Fraga ’14
“ Ferry Hall is really quiet, and there are lots of spots to get your homework done, like in the commons areas and in the study rooms. And if you want to watch TV, it’s easy because there’s one TV upstairs and one downstairs. My favorite spot in the dorm is the downstairs commons, where there’s a window seat and a cute dining room table. That’s where everyone hangs out. Because it’s a small dorm you get to know who everyone is and what they do. Ferry Hall is really nice. I like it.” —Michelle Whitehead ’14
Faculty and students celebrate the end of the school year with a BBQ in the Ferry Hall courtyard.
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Update October 2012
Residential Life
“ I love the size of the rooms in Ferry and the big windows. It feels like a house. We’re a tight-knit community there; everyone is friendly to one another, like we’re all sisters. You never pass someone in the hall without saying hello. And there’s always something fun going on. We watch movies in the commons, and we’ve made S’mores outside and had a scavenger hunt in the dorm. It’s a good second home for me.” —Madeleine Pye ’15
(right) A single dorm room in Ferry Hall
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Residential Life
WEINBRENNER HOUSE One of the newest additions to the LFA neighborhood is Weinbrenner House. Formerly Durand House, the twostory brick structure was moved (yes, lifted on wheels and moved) from its original location next to Field House to its new home behind McIntosh Cottage. It’s known as a peaceful place, just a stone’s throw from the dorms in the hub of campus, but remote enough to still feel private. The 6 faculty apartments are cozy, and the community is close; residents can frequently be seen grilling on their balconies or socializing on their porches.
Andrew and Olivia Poska with their daughter, E.B.
“ The opportunity to live in a new place on campus was compelling. We lived in Faculty Circle for 7 years, but as a young family with a new baby, we wanted the opportunity for a fresh start in Weinbrenner. Now we’re around the students more and are just a 2-minute walk from playing hide-andseek in the Crown or working out in the fitness center. And with 9 faculty children within 100 yards of our place, our daughter just walks outside and shouts and the kids gather. There is a real sense of community here.” — Andrew Poska Senior Associate Dean of College Counseling
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Residential Life
WEST VILLAGE Chris and Maggie Tennyson with their sons, Hugh (left) and James
“ West Village has a neighborhood feel to it, tucked away back here with Ferry Hall and Weinbrenner. There are lots of other families with young children around; our son Hugh adores the older kids and follows them around. We loved living in a dorm and still enjoy being there when we’re on call or on duty, but we feel so lucky to have the space we have now in West Village, especially as our family grows.”
A fifth, freestanding faculty home was added to West Village during the spring 2012, creating a cul-de-sac in this campus enclave of faculty families. Residents say one of the best things about West Village is its proximity to the heart of campus. Though it can be a quiet and private place compared to life in a dorm apartment, you can still hear the hustle and bustle of student activities and the cheers from the playing fields on game day. Talk about the best of both worlds!
— Chris and Maggie Tennyson Dean of Students, math teachers
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Academic Space Initiative
AS THE ACADEMY MOVES INTO THE NEXT PHASE of the Campaign for LFA, it turns its focus on academics, with a two-part project to create a new Science Center and to transform existing space in the Corbin Academic Center (Corbin 2014). LFA is outgrowing its current academic space. The science labs and classrooms were built for a student body of 250, and there are 430 students at the Academy today. In addition, the existing space limits science electives to traditional programs rather than intellectually challenging, research-based study in areas such as robotics and molecular biology. So, it’s time to build and reconfigure existing spaces. In June 2012, the school broke ground for a new Science Center, which sits between The Cressey Center for the Arts and Atlass Hall. The two-story building will provide ample room for fully integrated lab-classrooms, a departmental office, and space for students to do hands-on work. Moving the science program into the new building frees up space in Corbin; this will be transformed into new and renovated classrooms and study areas, and will include a multimedia center, where students can do web design, video and audio recording, and computer programming.
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Update October 2012
Academic Space Initiative
“ I currently use a lot of my valuable class time shifting between the classroom space and the lab space. With integrated labs and classrooms, I’ll get that time back to devote to what I love: teaching chemistry.” — Dr. Kerry Cedergren P’13 Science Department Chair Edmund J. Rendtorff Chair in Science
“ I was at the Academy when the Corbin Academic Center opened. At that point, the science rooms were the latest and greatest in science education. But science has changed. It’s much more hands-on these days, massively more integrated than before. The things students do now go beyond what we were doing at the college level in 1969. The world in which today’s graduates will compete will be even more responsive to people who understand the science behind how things work. We need to provide our students with a top-notch, world-class education in the discipline.” — Jim Cowart ’69 LFA Board of Trustees 2011–present
www.lfanet.org
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Endowment
ONE OF THE PRIORITIES OF THE CAMPAIGN for LFA is raising funds for endowment. As the school moves into the final 18 months of its campaign, it hopes to add an additional $4 million to the endowment fund. Endowment dollars support every aspect of school life. They help fund faculty salaries and financial aid; they support technology and academic programming; and, most important, they are an investment in LFA’s future security. Endowment dollars are invested and grow over time and can serve as a financial cushion for the school in times of need. The Academy draws on the endowment annually to support the operating budget. Think of an endowment as the vehicle for making great things happen. Endowed funds can enrich a classroom experience, support resources for a senior faculty member, provide tuition assistance for students in need, and enable the school to attract and retain the most gifted and talented educators from across the country and around the world. An investment in the LFA endowment is an investment in the people and programs that keep the school strong, competitive, and current. In addition to outright gifts, planned gifts are another way to support LFA and its endowment. Many donors choose to make gifts to the Academy through their will or by naming LFA the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan account. Planned gifts can have a tremendous impact on the endowment and can help ensure that LFA remains strong from now into the future. 28
Update October 2012
Endowment
The Hayes Family (l to r): Will ’07, Max, Mary Kate ’12, Bill, and Sue Hayes
“ At LFA you can see the enthusiasm that faculty put into teaching. They get kids excited about things and feed their passion for a particular discipline. We’ve seen what our own children have taken away from their classes, in particular their English and journalism courses with Dr. Bird and Mr. Murphy. They’ve taught them skills that will be helpful for the rest of their lives and have even shaped the careers our children plan to pursue. We love LFA and the atmosphere of learning there, knowing that our children are surrounded by a great team of people who are all skilled in their areas of expertise. We’re thrilled to support the Academy in any possible way; we’ve seen our kids turned on by the school and can’t wait to send our next one there.”
“ As a teacher you think that you are giving something to the students, but really they are the ones who give something to you. To see their knowledge and their compassion, to know that literature, language, and culture are important to them, to receive their feedback, and to see them reach their potential— that keeps me motivated. Witnessing the development of each child, from the time they come in as freshmen until they leave as seniors fully equipped for college—that’s my legacy.” — Noëlle Balson Spanish teacher, A. John Huss Jr. ’58 and Ruth S. Huss Chair in Humanities
— Sue and Bill Hayes P’07, P’12 Endowment supporters (Dr. Ray Bird Master Chair in English) www.lfanet.org
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Update October 2012
LAKE FOREST ACADEMY STRIVES to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. Character encompasses respect for others and their beliefs, dedication to honesty in every sphere of life, realization of moral clarity and conviction, and pursuit of virtue and value in life. Scholarship encompasses acquisition of knowledge, development of critical thinking, enthusiasm for discovery and learning, and exercise of a powerful imagination. Citizenship encompasses appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism, involvement in the LFA community, participation in service to others, and commitment to global awareness and understanding. Responsibility encompasses development of self-reliance, ability to seek guidance, dedication to cooperation and teamwork, and action based upon informed decisions.
LAKE FOREST ACADEMY 1500 W. Kennedy Road • Lake Forest, IL 60045 (847) 234-3210
8 Click: www.lfanet.org www.lfanet.org
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