Lake Forest College celebrated a significant occasion on Friday, June 13, with the naming of a campus building in recognition of a substantial gift from alumni Gardiner “Gary” Van Ness III ’64 and Jessie (Steiner) Van Ness ’69.
In a ceremony held outside the newly named Van Ness House, the College community gathered to honor the Van Ness family’s $5 million contribution to the College’s endowment.
The event featured remarks by Interim President Rob Krebs, Francis B. “Spike” Gummere Vice President for Enrollment and Vice President of Campus Life Chris Ellertson, and Gary Van Ness. An unveiling of the new signage followed. Gary was joined by his son, Gardiner Van Ness IV ’93.
“Being able to honor their generosity by naming this facility, home of our Office of Campus Life, as the Van Ness House is a fitting tribute,” Krebs said. “Their connection to the College goes back more than 60 years, and now their impact on this institution will continue and will be seen for decades to come. ”
