Charles Mitchell Establishes a Personal Trust to Help Tomorrow’s Students Bloom and Prosper

Charles Mitchell ’64 spent his career turning around struggling companies, helping them find newfound success. Now, thanks to a personal trust he has established, Lake Forest College will have a greater ability to help tomorrow’s students discover their own possibilities.

A self-proclaimed “late bloomer,” Charlie’s years at Lake Forest College were life-altering. "Had I not prospered at Lake Forest, I would not have made it to and through Dartmouth’s Tuck School." Studying economics and psychology, he served in many campus leadership positions—including senior class treasurer and as an economics tutor. His friendships also expanded his horizons, exposing him to interesting families, businesses, and careers.

“These types of connections helped show me what I could do in life,” Charlie says. “It opened my eyes to the opportunities available to me after I graduated.”

Now living in Minnesota, Charlie has remained closely connected to his alma mater—serving on the Board of Trustees, co-hosting his 50th class reunion, and hosting annual alumni events at the Minnesota Twins stadium. His planned gift will further support the College and its students.

“My interest is for the College to be sustained and to prosper,” Charlie says. “The endowment needs to grow to sustain that vision. Growing the endowment will let the College worry less about finances and focus more on content and what it can provide to students.”

Charlie urges his fellow alumni to join him in making a planned gift. “It is important to recognize the value Lake Forest College has had on our lives, and it is both responsible and easy to include the College in one’s estate plan.”