Being a member of the Lake Forest College handball team and experiencing family that has been established been established through both the team and alumni, it is not easy losing someone who meant so much to everyone and who has had the privilege of being a part of any facet of the handball team.
On November 11th, the Lake Forest community lost a very special person whom everyone adored. Paula Dau, who is the wife of handball head Coach Mike Dau and one of Lake Forest College’s biggest supporters since 1958, passed away peacefully in her home.
Captain Anthony Collado ‘17 said, “Homesickness is one of the biggest struggles for teenagers making the adjustment into college. Paula was everyone’s mother figure. She made each student feel welcome into the lake forest college family.”
The team refers to Paula as the queen, or Lake Forest College’s First Lady, because of all of the love and support she has shared with everyone who she has impacted over the years. Her smile never failed to brighten up even the worst days.
Paula traveled with the handball team for every tournament and provided them with their favorite snacks, clean jerseys, and her warm-hearted personality. She was our cheerleader.
This year, Paula joined the handball team and football team in their homecoming pep rally skit, where she danced at center court with both teams, guided by her loving companion, Mike Dau. She was also awarded the F.A.N. Club ImpactAward.
Paula Dau won the Forester Impact Award this fall.
She led the parade the morning of the football game and had one of the best days being able to spend it with students, alums, friends, and family–the people she loved the most.
I wrote “For Paula” on my handball shoes, which I have worn to every tournament thus far and will for the rest of my handball career.
The team will cherish the memories they shared with Paula and forever miss her dearly.
A memorial service for Paula will be held on December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel on middle campus. A reception, located in the Glen Rowan House across from the chapel, will follow the service.
