Welcome Home Foresters! You're Gonna Make This Place Your Home!

Twenty-three years ago this weekend, my mom rented a van and drove me and my carefully selected and packed stuff to Lake Forest College to begin a four-year journey that would change my life. Like probably every other first-year college student, I was excited to be on my own and terrified, all in the same breath. I think I'd been away from home without my parents or other family twice, each time for less than seven days.

What I discovered from the moment I stepped into Deerpath Hall, which was then an all-freshman dorm and looked nothing like it looks now, was that LFC was like no other place I'd ever been. Yes, it was a small liberal arts school situated in a very affluent suburb 30 miles north of Chicago. Yes, it had a football team, a swim team, a tennis team, a basketball team, and a national-championship winning handball team. It also had an art department and theatre department. LFC had majors in everything I could imagine and extra-curricular activities in things I'd never even heard of. And yes, most of those things existed at almost all other schools around the world.

But there was something else. Something I couldn't ever quite put my finger on or verbalize during any of those four years and I've only come to appreciate in the 19 years since graduation.

Faculty, staff, and students genuinely cared for and about each other and it showed in every decision that was made and every action that was taken. Faculty members held office hours in dorms in order to make themselves more easily accessible. Administrators took students under their wings to mentor them from day one. The Admissions department didn't just recruit us to campus, they stayed with us throughout our college careers and checked-in with us.

Twenty-three years later, Spike Gummere, then the head of the Admissions Department, knows what I'm up to. I had more conversations with Ron Miller, the late Dean of Students, than I can count during my college career. After graduating, I enjoyed social dinners with him where he still challenged me to reach beyond myself and he even came to a Christmas party at my house one year. Jill Van Newenhizen, my calculus professor, not only worked with me when I struggled in Calculus, but her door was also open to me when I moved to Multi-Variable Calculus with Dr. Troyer the next year. Jill and I are still close and have dinner periodically. Nancy Brekke, Bob Glassman, and Arlene Eskilson left indelible marks on my life and fought for me when I secured an amazing internship in Washington, D.C. after graduation only to almost lose it because the agency failed to understand that I would have already graduated when I started the internship. Ultimately, thanks to their persistence, I got to keep the internship. Then President Eugene Hotchkiss knew me by name. He still does and so does now President Stephen Schutt.

When my mom tried to kill herself the summer I stayed on campus for summer school, faculty and staff came out of the woodwork to help me. They moved my final exam in my business ethics course so I could be where I was truly needed, with my family. They sent me notes. They opened their doors and arms to me. Students living in my dorm, some of whom I barely knew, helped me make the best of a very difficult summer by including me in everything.

I fell in love at Lake Forest. I dreamt bigger than I ever imagined possible. I went places I never thought I'd go. I made friends who remain my inner circle all these years later. I don't have to be anyone but me with them and they love me anyway. I explored my core beliefs and most fundamental values to answer the question, "why do I believe what I do?" In some cases, I discovered I didn't believe what I thought I did. I found my voice and believe me, it's never been silenced.

Those four years were filled with the highest highs and sometimes the lowest lows. And I wouldn't have it any other way because, no matter what, one thing remained constant.

That constant was the thing I couldn't put quite put my finger on back then, but I can now. Lake Forest College isn't just a college. It's a family. What separates Lake Forest College from all the other schools friends of my went to is the sense that LFC is home. The phrase "You're a Forester Forever" isn't just a cute catch-phrase. It's a way of life.

As I sit here tonight writing this post, I think about the new students who will be moving into Deerpath and the other residence halls on Friday. I imagine the journeys they will take. If I could give them a few words of wisdom it would be to open their hearts and minds to all that LFC has to offer. Find mentors in the staff, faculty, and the alumni. Experience everything. Be fearless. You're a Forester now. And you're gonna make this place your home.

Lake Forest College Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2010

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2010 is now just a memory. Frankly, after many months of planning and working with all the wonderful reunion committees, it's a little hard to believe it's over. There's a part of me that thinks last weekend flew by and wishes it could have been just one more day, but the sane part of me knows I may not have lived through a third day. I had more fun at Homecoming than I can remember having in ages and only got about 4 hours of sleep each Friday and Saturday night. I'm not saying I'm too old to get 8 hours of sleep in 48 hours, but I'm just saying.

The weekend was full of so many incredible memories. Friendships rekindled as though there had been no separation in time. New friendships made. The opportunity to thank professors who changed my life. The chance to set the record straight on how I ended up at LFC. Although the final numbers aren't in, I can share that across the board, the weekend was record breaking. And by filling the weekend with perfect fall days full of sunshine, warm temperatures, and rustling leaves, Mother Nature reminded everyone why we called it The Enchanted Forest. A perfect weekend.

I can't begin to give you all the details of the weekend. Partly because I don't remember them all, but also because I think that what happens in the Enchanted Forest, really ought to stay in the Enchanted Forest.

But thanks to Twitter, I can give you the weekend in 140 characters or less from many of the major players. We all tagged our tweets "#lfhc2010," which stood for "Lake Forest Homecoming 2010." Anyone on Twitter could have followed the fun live by doing a search for that hashtag. I've included the pictures I took, but to see the rest, click on the hyperlinks.

Tuesday & Wednesday, October 5th & 6th
TimState: Follow @LFcollege and use hash tag #LFhc2010 for Homecoming and Reunion updates. We are only days away. Oct. 5th
TimState: The forecast for Saturday now has a daytime high of 74 degrees. Perfect Homecoming weather. #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
LFCollege: For Homecoming weekend tweets, use the hashtag #LFhc2010 and tag your Flickr photos, too! Oct. 6th
TimState: Students must remove their vehicles from the South Campus parking lot by 7 a.m. Friday to make way for Homecoming. #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
CarolynGolz: Homecoming window painting! #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/jtl9owj Oct. 6th
TimState: Homecoming Pass production has begun. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/SB20. Oct. 6th
Jessica_Gardner: Forester Friends: There's still time to register for Homecoming! http://alumni.lakeforest.edu/homecoming Weather will be perfect! #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
TimState: Nothing says welcome quite like a banner. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/EuWw. Oct. 6th
CarolynGolz: RT @timstate: Nothing says welcome quite like a banner.#LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/EuWw -> Great picture! Oct. 6th
RileyHutchinson: The best week of the year at @LFCollege is here and I could not be more excited! Join us at 8:30pm for fireworks on South Campus! #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
CarolynGolz: RT @rileyhutchinson: The bst wk of year at @LFCollege is here & I couldnt B more excited! Join us @ 8:30p 4 firewrks on S. Campus! #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
Jessica_Gardner: I just realized that my dance card is so full this weekend I may not sleep. Sleep is overrated, but you can't have too much fun! #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
TimState: Working on the script for Marsha Anderson '68 for Saturday's nearly-sold-out reunion dinner and dance. #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
TimState: Just got off the phone with an alum asking for fashion advice. #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
TimState: Forecast high for Friday and Saturday is now 77 degrees. We are ready with bottled water. #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th
TimState: Just sent an e-peptalk to our Alumni Board Homecoming Volunteers. Homecoming would not happen without our volunteers. Seriously. #LFhc2010 Oct. 6th

Thursday, October 7th
TimState: Homecoming forecast keeps getting better. Friday's high is now 78 and Saturday's is 80! #LFhc2010
TheCaf: The fireworks last night were great, well done to Pat Dogett. Preparing for the tailgate on Saturday! #lfhc2010
Jessica_Gardner: Just bought a pair of Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats. I hope they really do save my feet on Sat nite when I decide to kick off my heels. #lfhc2010
Jessica_Gardner: I love that our 2010 Reunions Committees are so committed to LFC & that their classmates are so generous! http://bit.ly/btq7ey #lfhc2010
TimState: Many Class Reunions have created giving efforts. #LFhc2010 http://www.lakeforest.edu/live/news/434-reunion-giving-efforts-underway
TimState: Alumni are already arriving on campus and looking around. Haven't felt this kind of buzz since the Sesquicentennial. #LFhc2010
LFCollege: Yay! @timstate Alumni are already arriving on campus & looking around. Haven't felt this kind of buzz since the Sesquicentennial. #LFhc2010
GracieSchlaf: Soo excited for this weekend #LFhc2010 followed by Chicago Marathon... we'll just see how this goes!
TimState: Getting things in place for Boomer's Bash. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/n2S
Jessica_Gardner: So excited to see many Forester friends this weekend and meet the awesome Reunion Volunteers in person! #LFhc2010
JaredMFox: On my way to Chicago for Lake Forest Homecoming. So excited. #LFhc2010
TheCaf: Saw @lizlibby today she embraced the homecoming excitement #lfhc2010
Louise_Barclay: super bummed about missing #lfhc2010! Wish I could be there with everyone to celebrate. @thecaf, make sure you have a beverage for me!
CarolynGolz: @rileyhutchinson It looked like the auto show was off 2 a good start when I left campus tonight! Great job on #lfhc2010 so far! Bonfire tmw!
CarolynGolz: @JaredMFox Thanks for following! Will I see you on campus this weekend at #lfhc2010?!
CarolynGolz: RT @TheCaf: . The fireworks last night were great, well done to Pat Dogett. Preparing for tailgate on Sat! #lfhc2010 - Yay! New tradition?!
JaredMFox: Bumped into Olivia Olson '10 in the airport. Now I know there are three alums in New Orleans. Let the festivities begin. #lfhc2010
JaredMFox: Correction! Virginia Olson '10! #LFhc2010
RileyHutchinson: @carolyngolz Thank you! The auto show went wonderfully tonight! Loving #lfhc2010 so much. See you this weekend :)

Friday, October 8th
TimState: Homecoming fun for alumni and parents starts at 9:30 with the Bob Amaden Golf Classic in Lake Bluff. Perfect day for golf! #LFhc2010
TerynJRobinson: Happy Homecoming, Lake Forest College! #lfhc2010
Jessica_Gardner: It's HERE! Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2010 is HERE! Can't wait to see all my Forester friends! #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: Special #lfhc2010 #FF: @timstate @LFCResLife @LFCollege @rileyhutchinson @Jessica_Gardner @TheCaf @thehalldirector @msernatinger @kkblee
CarolynGolz: More #lfhc2010 #FF: @terynjay @JaredMFox @mariob847 @wpittinos
Jessica_Gardner: Special #lfhc2010 #FF: @timstate @carolyngolz @LFCollege @rileyhutchinson @ForesterScores @JaredMFox
Jessica_Gardner: En route to Lake Forest. Hope I remembered everything I need. If not they've got Marshall Field's in Market Square. Oh crap. No they don't.
JaredMFox: En route to Lake Forest. So excited. I, somehow, missed this ride to and from my 4 year home. #LFhc2010
RileyHutchinson: IT'S HERE. #lfhc2010
JaredMFox: @lfcollege is it #lfhc2010 or lfchc2010. I have seen two conflicting hash tags.
TimState: Dean Speros:"Mother Nature heard all of your prayers.Perfect weather, without reaching the much-too-hot 87 degrees for HC in '07." #lfhc2010
TimState: Lake Forest Twitterers... the hash tag for HC 2010 is #LFhc2010, short for "Lake Forest Homecoming 2010."
TimState: Don't miss the Taste of Chicago Lunch in Hart Dinning Hall beginning at 10:45 a.m. #LFhc2010
TimState: Fascinating topics this afternoon at the Forester Symposium! Check out the schedule. http://bit.ly/auZ13P #LFhc2010
LFCollege: @JaredMFox it's #lfhc2010 Thanks for following along!
TheHallDirector: I'm excited about the tasty Taste of Chicago lunch today on campus as well as some exciting symposium presentations! #lfhc2010
TimState: Daniel hangs the Welcome banner. #lfhc2010 http://bestc.am/ExaV
LFCResLife: Hey residential Foresters! Do you know about all the fun Homecoming events this weekend? Check the schedule: http://bit.ly/bxcsbH #lfhc2010
TimState: Boomer's Bubbles are ready for the kids tomorrow. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/PoWK
TheHallDirector: @LFCollege yummm yummm. Boomer goes Raaawwwrrr nom nom nom! #lfhc2010
CarolynGolz: RT @LFCResLife: Hey Foresters! Do you know about the fun Homecoming events this wknd? Check the schedule: http://bit.ly/bxcsbH #lfhc2010
CarolynGolz: Heading out to grab lunch and a seat at Soup and Stories. #LFhc2010
TimState: Overheard at the Taste of Chicago lunch: "This is the best lunch so far!" #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: LFC alum & member of BoT, Tamara Smith tells her story at Soup & Stories. #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/e6lckhj
Jessica_Gardner: RT @CarolynGolz LFC alum & member of BoT, Tamara Smith tells her story at Soup & Stories. #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/e6lckhj
CarolynGolz: "When one door closes, another one usu opens. Are you prepared for life's challenges?" T Smith. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: "We all make choices, the question is what's your attitude abt that choice? Are u motivated 2 make it work?" T Smith #LFhc2010
Jessica_Gardner: "Life is about relationships." Tamara Smith, Soup and Stories. #lfhc2010
CarolynGolz: Life is about creating opportunities for the future. Focus on continually learning. T Smith. Soup & Stories #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: Lessons abt creating opportunity: step outside your comfort zone, build relationships, work your network. T Smith #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: When job searching: research, first impressions, hard work are all important. T Smith. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: T Smith left Corp America to become CEO of YWCA to leave this Earth in a better place, and live her purpose & values. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: Happiness comes in little moments. Take the time to appreciate those moments. T Smith #LFhc2010
TimState: Homecoming Scene: relaxing under a tree. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/Fkofi
CarolynGolz: doesn't matter whether u winORlose, it's how you play the game. Even when u lose, you learn something. -quick pregame talk to WBB. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: The glass ceiling is there the barriers are there. Attitude can make a HUGE difference. Learned to play golf 2 B included. T Smith #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: Mentors & relationships can help navigate challenges. -TS #LFhc2010
LFCollege: @carolyngolz Sounds like the Soup & Stories with Tamera Smith '80 has got everyone bursting with words of wisdom to share! #lfhc2010
WPittinos: Biodiversity and agriculture symposium presentation: who knew this course has no assigned classroom? Liberal arts at its best. #lfhc2010
CarolynGolz: @LFCollege Soup & Stories was a great session! The room was packed. #LFhc2010
TimState: The campus looks gorgeous today. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/LNT
TimState: Installing the ice sculpture for tonight's Boomer's Bash. Students are invited, too! #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/eph9M
TheHallDirector: Great presentation on the last decade of development at LFC by Art Miller #lfhc2010
CarolynGolz: @Daniel3904 Hopefully you'll find time to step away from hmwk and enjoy some HC celebrations. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: RT @timstate: Installing ice sculpture for tonight's Boomer's Bash. Students are invited, too! #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/eph9M -> C u there!
AlexReplied: @LFCollege will alumni be turned away from tailgating tomorrow if they haven't registered? #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: 2 alums debate 2 students: "Sarah Palin is good for feminism". #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/eb1jqj
WPittinos: @ProfSwyers making people laugh and cry during her presentation about Wrigley bleachers and community - remembering Ken and Les. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: The women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are good for feminism. Sarah Palin is NOT good for feminism. -alum debater #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: Sarah Palin acknow. that her view of fem doesn't fit in the small box that most fem put themselves in. -Student debater in favor #LFhc2010
WPittinos: @profswyers says it's an unwritten rule in the bleachers that talk about work is forbidden. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: Boomers Bash set up - amazing how nice the gym looks! Round bar for all campus Happy Hour. #LFhc2010 http://tl.gd/6d233p
WPittinos: "The bleachers are like your dog park." @ProfSwyers #LFhc2010
TimState: Alumni tailgate spots are full and any vehicle without a tailgate pass will be redirected; alumni are welcome to walk in. #LFhc2010
TimState: The cinnamon bear waits his fate as the Forestini is prepared. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/fV4NG
TimState: Cheryl and Laura are ready to greet donors #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/E8FgT
TimState: In case there was any question at all, Class of 1968 is on campus. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/xYa8
esLakeForest: Glenn and Liz gave a presentation about the garden at the homecoming symposium today. Thanks to all who attended! #LFhc2010
TimState: Overheard at Boomer's Bash: "This is stunning!" #LFhc2010
TimState: Carolyn and Colin wrist-banding students for Boomer's Bash. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/v3Z
Mariob847: Happy hour! Starting #lfhc2010 off right http://yfrog.com/mz79002774j
TheCaf: Wild lunch at the caf today...homecoming spirit is in the air!!! #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2vsnw1
Louise_Barclay: Love it. Take one "driving a car" RT @owine: My goal for #lfhc2010 is to post risqué pictures that gets @LFCollege to block me. Can I do it?
TimState: For a brief moment, the champagne was missing. #LFhc2010
TheHallDirector: I love how nice everything looks! I'd like this for my office! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/n8w2yqj
TimState: About to transition to the Recreation & Sports Center Donor Dinner. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/BJbrg
JaredMFox: Saw so many amazing people today. Thanks to Public Safety Officer Cohen for the ride to the train. #LFhc2010
JaredMFox: They put my picture in the new sports center! #LFhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2vtd0t
CarolynGolz: Setting up for Ellis & Katie Todd to perform at the bonfire. #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/5n1mgcj
CarolynGolz: Ellis doing sound check. #LFhc2010 cc: @rileyhutchinson http://yfrog.com/3dbt6yj
CarolynGolz: Katie Todd doing sound check. Her dad is an alum of @LFCollege! #LFhc2010 cc: @rileyhutchinson http://yfrog.com/jwr6ujj
Mariob847: Touring alumni reunions with the senior 25. Just hit 1960, now we're at 1968-70. #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/jpmlaej
Jessica_Gardner: On to party #2 of 6 for the nite.
WPittinos: Class of 1990 reminiscing about living in pre-remodeled Deerpath Hall - awesome stories. #lfhc2010
CarolynGolz: @wpittinos What? No pic? ;) #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: @AlexReplied It sounds like you just need ID to get into tailgating. You can also register on site tomorrow. #LFhc2010
CarolynGolz: LFFD lighting the bonfire! #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/6976855013j
CarolynGolz: Burn baby burn! #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/2rnopgj
WPittinos: Spike's catching up with friends at the 1985 reunion in Durand Art Institute. #lfhc2010 http://plixi.com/p/49478317
Mariob847: #LFhc2010 I spy President Schutt at the Class of 1980 reunion! http://yfrog.com/j1bdakj
TheHallDirector: Homecoming bonfire! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/n0bucxj
TheHallDirector: We totally just talked to @ellismusic about how the weather was like the chocolate crunchy on ice cream! Yum! #lfhc2010
TheHallDirector: .@ellismusic performing at LFC! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/41xwqbj
TerynJ: Tim finally takes a seat after a long day at work. #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2vuxfe
Jessica_Gardner: Best part of 1990 reunion? Tuna salad croissants from Aramark! If you were here in 1990, you recall the Tuna Croissant Incident. #lfhc2010
TimState: The Donor Dinner was a smash hit! #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/K8Jxj
TimState: Boomer's Fruit spread. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/SPX
TimState: The students threw an awesome bonfire. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/jVKdh
Mariob847: #LFhc2010 this poor parking lot... Good luck tomorrow mr. Lot http://yfrog.com/n36ozcj
TimState: 1968 rocks on into the night. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/KsuS
Jessica_Gardner: Ending the night at The Full Moon. Is there a better way? http://twitpic.com/2vwasgJessica_Gardner: At The Full Moon with Christopher. So many memories: late nite study sessions, @timstate's graduation party and more! #lfhc2010

Saturday, October 9th
TimState: @Jessica_Gardner You should have told me you were headed to the Full Moon!
TimState: @AlexReplied @LFCollege Alumni can walk into tailgating today. Those without a Tailgate Pass can not enter with vehicles. #LFhc2010
TimState: Sunrise from Glen Rowan House. Perfect day for Homecoming. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/IA9Mp
Jessica_Gardner: Funniest Friday moment: Alum I saw at Boomer's Bash says to me, "I heard your hubby & baby are here! I want to meet them." Me too. Me too.
TheCaf: Already received 6 text message saying "merry Christmas" #lfhc2010
RileyHutchinson: It's a great day to be a Forester. Happy happy Homecoming! #lfhc2010
Louise_Barclay: Wish I was going to be at #lfhc2010 today. Hope you all have lots of fun :) #misscollege
TimState: Setting out the spread for the Breakfast of Champions. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/V4CQ
Jessica_Gardner: I thought about doing the stairs at the beach. #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w0rig
TimState: Getting the chips ready for the Forester Fare picnic lunch. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/VWf
TimState: The kitchen is preparing for tonight's Reunion Dinner and Dance. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/Ebe
TimState: Making the magic happen. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/asKN
TimState: Ta-Da! Tonight's Centerpieces... #LFhc2010http://bestc.am/F9jzI
TimState: Caitlyn Golz, the marshal of parade line-up. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/Zroxz
What's a trip to LFC without a trip to the beach???? #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w0s8g
TimState: Students are getting ready for the Parade. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/wWu2
TimState: Grease is the WORD! #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/Fvskf
TimState: Parade makeup. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/gLQ
TimState: It's going to be close to 80 for today's Homecoming festivities. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/gjt5w
esLakeForest: Walking through the town square--yes!-- you can find homecoming spirit there. #LFhc2010 http://yfrog.com/f3qzfaj
WPittinos: Football team just paraded through Middle Campus with bagpipes. #LFhc2010 http://twitvid.com/KULUB
Mariob847: #LFhc2010 parade marshal and just-retired hockey coach Tony Fritz chats it up with a few of his boys b4 the parade http://yfrog.com/i3knuoj
Mariob847: #LFhc2010 Alpha Phi is almost too into their 101 Dalmations theme http://yfrog.com/bfayjoj
Mariob847: #LFhc2010 look! The mail room float! http://yfrog.com/6e46621783j
Jessica_Gardner: Look who's sporting some sexy red Chuck Taylor's! @timstate! #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w1vsa
LFCollege: Homecoming parade is well on its way during this beautiful morning. #lfhc2010
TheHallDirector: Folks getting ready for the Homecoming parade in Middle Campus #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/6h8wfj
Mariob847: #LFhc2010 el desfile! http://yfrog.com/53v0mj
TimState: You try to organize a parade route and who knows which way it's going to go. #LFhc2010 #lostparadeagain http://bestc.am/jHEPG
TheHallDirector: The parade emerges onto Middle Campus! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/6qs43hj
TimState: Incredibles Parade! #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/rnc2
Fiolopez10: pup-phis :D :D :D #lfhc2010
LFCollege: Picnic Lunch begins in Middle Campus at the student center. #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/5nzqovj
TheHallDirector: Family carnival on Middle Campus #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/n7l63vj
TimState: Reunion dinner and Dance is sold out. #lfhc2010
JaredMFox: Vegetarians beware. The homecoming potato salad has bacon snuck in. :-( #lfhc2010
CarolynGolz: Who knew kid wrangling at the Family Carnival would be so difficult?! ;) #LFhc2010
Jessica_Gardner: Ladies of Class of 1980 reminiscing over Save the Date pics! #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w2tfc
JaredMFox: Tragic. #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w2vm1
TimState: And we're out of Jim Forester's fried chicken. #LFhc2010
TimState: The cheddar cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped hot dogs went in a flash! #LFhc2010
Jessica_Gardner: 2005 knows how to tailgate! #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w33cn
TheHallDirector: The petting zoo is up! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/jqjycsj
LFCollege: Couldn't have asked for a better day for Forester Football! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/nd952tj
LFCollege: Photo opps with Boomer. #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/ndny9wj
Jessica_Gardner: Retired President Eugene Hotchkiss and his famous bike! #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w3j73
TimState: Score! Foresters get their first touchdown. #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/sF9U5
CarolynGolz: RT @Jessica_Gardner: Retired President Eugene Hotchkiss & his famous bike! #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w3j73 - a man after my own heart.
LFCollege: Show us your Boomer tattoo! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/jtchduj
KayKayCrook: Sun is shining in the sky, there ain't a cloud in sight. Beautiful day for #lfhc2010. Sad I'm missing out! Have fun, foresters!
TimState: #lfhc2010 will football go into overtime?
CarolynGolz: @ForesterScores So close! Sounds like it was a great game. #LFhc2010
CarolnGolz: RT “@ForesterScores: Forester football falls 33-27 to Beloit College in overtime.” -> So close! Great job, guys! #LFhc2010
JaredMFox: A real princess. #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w5lnz
Jessica_Gardner: Can you believe THIS is Szabo????? #lfhc2010 http://twitpic.com/2w698d
Jessica_Gardner: Best LFC Homecoming & Reunion Weekend EVER. Thanks @timstate, Suzanne Nyren, Dolores Lotysz, and ALL Reunion Volunteers! #lfhc2010
TimState: The lead singer for the band at the reunion dance has Sonny Bono hair and a porn-stache. HOT! #LFhc2010
TheHallDirector: Popped collar and black frame glasses all the way back to the future at the Homcoming Dance! #lfhc2010

Sunday, October 10th
TheHallDirector: Rick Cohen takes the drums! #lfhc2010 http://yfrog.com/0wigqxej
TimState: Homecoming Weekend comes to a rocking close! #LFhc2010 http://bestc.am/dsq
Mariob847: #lfhc2010 and my homecoming ends in proper fashion. http://yfrog.com/nd3bwej
Jessica_Gardner: The bags under my eyes today need their own zipcode, but they are so worth it given all the fun I had at Homecoming! #lfhc2010

So that was the weekend. I hope you enjoyed the recap!

For the official Lake Forest College Homecoming pictures on Flickr, click here. The Class of 1980 also has pictures on Flickr.

Thanks to everyone who made the weekend spectacular - faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents! You each made it perfect!

And remember, Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2011 is right around the corner on September 30th & October 1st, 2011!

I'm A Little Anal Retentive

I've spent most of my weekend cleaning and purging and I can't begin to explain how good this feels. I've put a bunch of unneeded stuff up on Freecycle and most of it is already on its way to new good homes.

In the process of all this cleaning, I am reorganizing my dresser, which I do about once a season when I change my clothes over front spring/summer to fall/winter. As I finished reorganizing my underwear and socks drawer, I was reminded of a now funny college story (it wasn't funny then) and I see that as much as some things change over two decades, the more they truly stay the same.

During my sophomore year, I was a Resident Assistant in the freshman dorm with five other Resident Assistants. We were all very good friends and regularly hung out even when we weren't on duty. One of the perks of being a Resident Assistant was having a master key that would get us into any room in the entire dorm. Ideally, this key was for only emergency use or to let a student back into their room when they found themselves locked out. Sometimes, however, mischief ensued.

It was well-known that I was a little anal retentive about my room. It was always clean and I even normally made my bed, even though it was 6 feet off the ground and no one could see it. I simply did not like clutter or messiness.

My dresser was even hyper-organized. The first drawer contained nothing but underwear and socks. Both were organized by type and by color and everything was folded neatly. The socks were broken down into two piles - one for colors and the other for whites.

One afternoon, I returned to my room after a long day of classes to discover my closet door open and dresser drawers were hanging open (I kept my dresser in my closet). I certainly never left them in this state. When I pulled the top drawer completely open, I discovered that all my socks and underwear were no longer in their neat and organized piles, but were now all mismatched and strewn everywhere within the drawer (at least they were still in the correct drawer).

Immediately I knew the funny people behind this little prank - my good friends and fellow RAs. My friends thought this was pretty hilarious, although I didn't find it the least bit amusing.

As I organized my sock and underwear drawer into neat little color-coded, folded piles this afternoon, I had a good laugh remembering how upset I was over this prank and now find it pretty funny.

But I swear if anyone dares to rearrange my dresser today, I will not be responsible for the wrath you will endure.

Lake Forest College Commencement 2009

Earlier this month, I had the wonderful privilege of volunteering at the 2009 Commencement of my alma mater, Lake Forest College. Unlike when I was a student, Commencement is now held in the Pavilion at Ravinia Festival and no matter the weather, it is held outside. In 1993, when I graduated, I remember seeing the temporary stage being built on the quad on Middle Campus and we all prayed it was warm and sunny that day in early May so we didn't have to be squeezed into the Gymnasium.

Bill Kurtis was our Commencement speaker in 1993. I don't remember what he spoke about, although I'm certain it was motivating and appropriate. He was someone I'd grown up watching on the local CBS affiliate, so I can't say I was overly excited about his speech. This year, however, Lake Forest scored Scott Turow of One L and Presumed Innocent fame. Selfishly, I must admit that my reason for volunteering was simply to hear him speak. As a fan of the legal thriller and with my own background in law, I was practically foaming at the mouth with the prospect of being in the vicinity of Scott Turow. His speech was memorable and hearing him encourage this year's graduates to make a difference in the world as he's done with his work on the death penalty was inspiring. He reminded me why I wanted to be a lawyer for most of my life and almost (the key word here is "almost") made me want to go retake the LSAT and apply to law school.

As wonderful as hearing Scott Turow was, the highlight of my day came at the beginning of the ceremony when the professors and other faculty members formed a gauntlet and the graduates walked through. I was standing immediately behind Ed Packel, Mike Dau, and Ron Miller and across from Carol Gayle, with Jill Van Newenhizen, Nancy Brekke, Sergio Guglielmi, and Jackie Slaats just a few feet away. The processional for 300 students must have taken almost 30 minutes because more often than not the students stopped to hug and thank their professors.

Watching members of the Class of 2009 share such intimate moments with their favorite professors and hearing their words of thanks and the genuine words of encouragement from the faculty reminded me part of why I chose Lake Forest in the first place and why I'm grateful everyday to be an alum. Never once in my four years at the College did I have a teaching assistant. They didn't exist and still don't. The professors and faculty knew me personally and 16 years later, they still do. Yes, I made myself known back then, but given that I never had a class with more than 30 students, it was easy and it was also impossible to hide.

I am confident that the nurturing (not smothering, to be sure) I received at Lake Forest helped shape the woman I've become. My beliefs were challenged and I was encouraged to explore where my beliefs came from and why I had them. I was given opportunities for wonderful internships and off-campus programs, which I smartly took advantage of. We were taught to think outside the box and to be solution-oriented. The faculty took an active interest in us both as students and as people. I'm proud of the relationships I still maintain with the faculty who were pivotal in my life.

Being at Commencement earlier this month sent me right back to that great day 16 years ago when I graduated and it inspired me to dig up some pictures. Enjoy!

I'm A Forester Forever!

My 15th Year College Reunion at Lake Forest College is next Friday and I'm so excited about it I can hardly focus on anything else.

Late last year, my good friend Tim State asked me to chair the reunion committee and, after a couple of martinis, I said yes. I honestly had no idea what I'd gotten myself into, whether I'd be able to put together a committee, if we'd be able to pull of a reunion, and whether anyone would even remotely remember me. Luckily, my concerns were ill-founded. I had the great privilege of a wonderful committee - Tripp Goltermann, Worth Hawes, Carrie Ann (Collopy) Hill, Amie (Sunseri) Marks, Amy (Rogers) Murphy, Janice Pytel, Tim State, and Steve Vignocchi - representing most of the diversity in our class. They've worked really hard, we've put together what I believe is going to be an awesome reunion, and I've had a great time reconnecting with not only each of them, but also many other classmates along the way.

I didn't go to my 5 year or 10 year reunions. I also didn't go to my 10 year high school reunion. My attitude when I graduated from both high school and college was that I was done and I didn't want to look back. Ever. My college years were a really difficult time in my life and I thought the only way to put the difficulties behind me was to throw out all of my college experience, including the great times, and there were many great times. As I've discussed before, I have gone to smaller alumni events in both DC and Chicago, but reunions just weren't my thing. I was wrong. And the more I've worked on this reunion, the more I realize that. I wish I'd gone to my 5 and 10 year reunions and I'll definitely be at my 20 year high school reunion next year.

One of the fun things we've planned for our reunion is a DVD of candid Class of '93 college pictures that will play in the background all night. Because the College's Archives were a little slim in Class of '93 pictures, many of the pictures have come from our committee members and others gathered from classmates. I pulled together my own pictures last week and can't believe how much I enjoyed rummaging through old boxes of pictures, yearbooks, and other college mementos. I discovered that it was possible to hold onto the good parts of college and let go of the difficult times. I also realized that my closest friends today were friends I made at Lake Forest and that the friendships I hold dearest, even if we've lost touch, were friendships I made at LFC.

As an alum of LFC, we all hear and see the slogan "You're a Forester Forever" regularly and being part of my reunion committee and having to take some crazy trips down memory lane these last 9 months have given true meaning to that phrase for me.

I'm a Forester Forever and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The pictures below represent the best of my college pics. Enjoy my trip down memory lane and the bad hair. :)