Karin Travis Uses Highly Appreciated Stock to Help Tomorrow’s Scholars

Karin Travis and Mark Steiner

Karin Travis ’81 knows how much Lake Forest College enhanced her life, which is why she is putting highly appreciated stock to work to give future students the same outstanding opportunities she enjoyed.

Karin’s mother was in an investment club for 30 years, and when she passed away, her appreciated stock was a lovely windfall for Karin. Already an annual contributor and a member of the 1857 Society, Karin is using this new gift to build on her previous support.

“Because of the inheritance, I was able to endow my scholarship, and I plan to add to it annually to help more students and eventually leave a significant sum through my estate,” Karin says.

Karin understands firsthand how life-changing much-needed financial aid can be. When she and her father visited Lake Forest College before she applied, then-admissions director Spike Gummere gave them an impromptu tour and, when it was over, told Karin not to worry about the financial aid. “We will work it out,” he told her. And they did.

After graduating with majors in music and politics, Karin earned her law degree and currently serves as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State's Attorney Office. Married for 28 years to Mark Steiner, Karin has never forgotten how her Lake Forest College education enhanced her life while introducing her to lifelong friends, who became her chosen family.

“If I can help one person by easing their load a little, I would like to do that because Lake Forest is a special place,” Karin says. “I know that for most students, even half of today’s sticker price is a lot; I wouldn’t want that to stop someone from being able to go to Lake Forest College.”

Karin urges her fellow alumni to join her in making a planned gift.

“All of you know when we were there, we had the time of our lives,” Karin says. “Give someone else that opportunity.”