The Article below was published in Vol. 136, Issue 5 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on February 19, 2021.
By Evie Detrich ’23
Staff Writer
A double major in economics and sustainable urban development, Allie Caskey ’21 is an excellent example of campus involvement at Lake Forest College. From serving as Vice President of the League for Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP) to competing on the sailing team and being an active member of the Alpha Phi sorority, Caskey has found her community in many different spheres. Her advice to students looking to do the same? “If you have even an inkling of interest, go to that first meeting. Just do it.”
At first, becoming involved on campus was daunting for Caskey. During her first year, the idea of joining a new club or organization felt intimidating, especially when she considered the large number of possible extracurricular activities on campus. However, Caskey took a leap of faith and joined LEAP. Her involvement in the organization evolved, and she was elected as Treasurer in fall 2020 and Vice-President in spring 2021. By being involved in LEAP, Caskey has had the opportunity to build on her communication skills, flex her leadership muscle, and effect change on campus and the surrounding area. LEAP places a great emphasis on being hands-on and implementing physical improvements nearby. As Caskey explains, “it [is] important to talk about these ideas [environmentalism, sustainability], but it [is] equally, if not more important, to actually do something with them.” Caskey and LEAP have not only been able to host several beach and campus cleanups, fundraising events, and Earth Week programs but have also been able to work as a liaison between the organization and the Campus Sustainability Committee (CSC) on larger campus projects. Caskey shared that in 2020, the CSC used the Campus Green Fund to swap the Mohr Student Center and hockey rink lights to LEDs, saving energy and money.
Caskey’s additional extracurricular involvement demonstrates her wide range of interests. She joined the sailing team, a club sport that does not require previous experience, as a beginner eager to try a new sport and make new friends. Caskey is glad she joined the team, sharing, “I [am] not doing sprints, there [is] no weight lifting, no running involved…it was two days a week, after classes…and you were learning how to sail on a boat at Lake Michigan during sunset with your best friends.” Further, Caskey’s involvement in Greek Life at the College was something she admits she would not have pursued if she was at a larger institution. Explaining Greek Life at larger colleges, Caskey said, “it [is] just so intense.” However, at Lake Forest College, Caskey encountered a different experience and was able to find a group she connected with and formed some of her dearest friendships. Serving as Director of Academics for her chapter, Caskey has organized study sessions for her sisters, managed grades, and offered academic advice to those who needed it. “I formed a lot of meaningful relationships out of needing people to trust me,” she said.
As Caskey plans to graduate a year early and pursue her master’s degree in city planning, she reflects on how her campus involvement has driven her to accelerate her studies here at Lake Forest College and pursue further education.
Caskey recognizes that her on-campus leadership opportunities have greatly prepared her for the next step, but even more so, she is thankful for the love of learning instilled in her here at the College. From the opportunity to work with faculty on important environmental issues while serving on LEAP and CSC to picking up the sport of sailing despite having no prior experience, Caskey has truly learned to relish in the journey of learning. She notes, “I have a complete love for learning walking out of Lake Forest College, and that has just absolutely led me to a master’s degree next.”
As Caskey prepares to finish her time in college and use what she has learned here, she reminds students of the importance of getting involved, especially at a small school with so many incredible opportunities. “It’s so worth it. Just do it, try anything!” she encourages.
