Lake Forest College Athletic Department, in conjunction with the Forester Athletic Network (F.A.N. Club), will present the 2014 Forester Impact Award to Karen Hermann at the Athletic Recognition Ceremony during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, September 20, 2014. She will be honored for her loyal support, voluntary contributions, and deep commitment to sustaining the Foresters’ Tradition of Excellence.
“I can’t imagine a more deserving recipient of the first Forester Impact Award,” commented Lake Forest College Director of Athletics Jackie Slaats. “Karen’s contributions to Forester Athletics over the years are immeasurable and this award is a token of our deep appreciation for her continued loyalty and willingness to go above and beyond. It is also extremely fitting that the honor is bestowed upon Karen as we celebrate the 20th year of the F.A.N. Club – the organization she helped establish, successfully managed for many years, and continues to champion today.”
Karen Hermann, who enjoyed a successful 16-year career at Lake Forest College, has been instrumental in the success of Forester Athletics through both her active leadership as a staff member and her continual commitment and dedication as a volunteer thereafter. As Karen herself describes, the Forester Tradition of Excellence means “family, dedication, and commitment. It is being a part of something bigger than yourself.” She continues, “Forester Athletics is an incredible family to be part of and it’s always an honor to be asked about my connection to the College and to hear stories of those that share the Forester bond.”
Joining the Lake Forest College Athletic Department in 1992, Karen's responsibilities began with office administration but quickly grew from there. Throughout her tenure, she received numerous and well-deserved promotions – Assistant to the Athletic Director in 1995, Assistant Athletic Director in 2001, and finally Associate Athletic Director in 2005, the title she held during her final three years at the College. These accolades were the result of her hard work and dedication to Forester Athletics, as well as the respect she earned from colleagues within the department and across campus.
While she played an integral role in nearly every departmental initiative during her tenure at the College, Karen’s leadership in helping establish the F.A.N. Club in 1995 and her successful management of the organization stand out as perhaps her most tangible contribution. Through the F.A.N. Club, she helped strengthen the College's relationships with athletic alumni, parents, and friends and thanks in large part to her dedicated evening and weekend efforts in promoting the organization in its early stages, combined with her leadership in developing and coordinating an annual golf outing, Karen Hermann deserves much credit for the F.A.N. Club becoming the incredibly active and important part of Forester athletic success today.
Outside of her administrative responsibilities, Karen consistently supported Forester Athletics by volunteering her time to work at various scorer tables and serve as an action photographer for several years, even after her resignation. Additionally, Karen’s dedication across campus and in the community was felt through several philanthropic initiatives that thrived under her direction, including the Coaches vs. Cancer Program, which generated funds for the American Cancer Society, and annual events such as the Walter and Connie Payton Toy Drive, Libertyville Township Food Pantry drive, and Special Olympics Skills Day.
Still a fan of the Foresters, Karen continues to give generously of her time, energy, and resources. In addition to volunteering to work at athletic contests, serving as a resource to the Athletic Department staff, and supporting various fundraising initiatives, she is a faithful member of the F.A.N. Club, an annual participant in the golf outing, and a regular in the stands at home athletic and alumni contests and events.
The Forester Impact Award honors individuals who have made a significant impact on athletics at Lake Forest College through their loyal support and whose consistent and meritorious commitment has contributed to the success of Forester Athletics. More specifically, the Forester Impact Award is one of two Forester Athletic Network (F.A.N. Club) Appreciation Awards, the Golden Whistle Award being the other, that recognizes and honors members of the Forester community who, over a significant number of years, have actively supported athletics at Lake Forest College through their service, dedication, and commitment and, who by giving of themselves, have demonstrated the extraordinary spirit and pride associated with Forester Athletics and its Tradition of Excellence.