Duane Lisowski '90 and William Libit Support LFC Students by Blending Current and Planned Gifts

As one of three boys raised by a single mother, Duane Lisowski '90 understood the value of education and the opportunities it could create. After discovering Lake Forest College in the Barron's Guide and meeting Spike Gummere at a reception at the Harvard Club in Boston, Massachusetts, the College quickly became his top choice. A generous financial aid package from Lake Forest College turned that aspiration into reality, allowing him to focus on the full college experience rather than the financial burden of earning his degree.

Attending LFC opened his eyes to a world far broader than the one he grew up in. Beyond introducing him to the Lake Forest community, the vibrancy of Chicago, and lifelong friendships, it helped him understand his own potential.

To extend that same helping hand to the next generation, Duane and his partner of 24 years and husband of 16, William Libit, have made a generous blended gift to the Our Forester Future campaign. They have named LFC as a beneficiary of their charitable remainder trust and have arranged a bequest to the College. They also make generous annual contributions to endow the Duane A. Lisowski and William Libit Study Abroad Fund and support the Forester Fund to help meet the College’s most immediate needs.

Though William is not a Lake Forest College alumnus, his own journey was shaped by financial aid and scholarship support. Having experienced firsthand how donor generosity can transform a life, William shares Duane's passion for paying that support forward to help today’s students succeed.

“It comes down to the opportunity to give back,” they say. “Knowing firsthand what financial aid and scholarships meant for us—and the doors those opportunities opened—we recognize that our success was built in part on the generosity of others.” Their gifts are designed to introduce students to new possibilities, expose them to transformative experiences, and create tangible pathways to reach them.

A planned gift is appealing because it allows them to increase their impact while ensuring they have enough for retirement. Making current use gifts allows them to see the impact of their giving now. They often use highly appreciated stock to make their gifts to the annual fund and their endowed fund because of the tax benefits.

As a student, Duane was a resident assistant, a peer counselor, and a peer ambassador. He was also named a “Senior 25”—an annual honor recognizing 25 graduating seniors who demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic success, and overall contribution to campus life. Following graduation, he stayed deeply connected to LFC by serving on the Alumni Council and hosting events for incoming Chicago students. He now serves on the Board of Trustees.

Duane and William encourage others to consider making a planned gift to support future students, and they are committed to removing financial barriers so future students can explore new horizons without having to compromise on their dreams. “Giving isn’t about the size of the gift—it’s about participation,” they conclude. “Every gift can strengthen the College and help students.”

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