​By: John Bartels, Class of 1985
 
Lisle High School Friends,
 
Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as president of the Carlin Nalley Foundation Board. Over the years, I’ve connected with and reconnected with graduates spanning every decade since our first class in 1959. What I’ve discovered is that there is something truly unique about us—something I call our “Lisleness.”
 
It’s hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it. Lisleness is the instant recognition when you bump into a classmate you haven’t seen in 30, 40, or even 50 years, and it feels like no time has passed. It’s the shared experiences— Walking the same hallways, cheering on the Lions, growing up in a town that shaped who we are.
 
That’s why our All-Years Reunions are so special. They’re not just gatherings; they’re living reminders of where we came from and who we became because of it. They’re rare opportunities—only once every 3 to 5 years—to immerse yourself in that sense of belonging, to laugh about old stories, and to create brand-new memories with people who “get it.”
 
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Lisle alumni from across the country will come together at Benedictine University for “Blue & White: Reunite”—our sixth All Years Reunion. It will be an evening to celebrate our community, our friendships, and our shared bond of Lisleness.
 
We only get so many trips around the sun. Don’t miss this chance to feel the joy, pride, and connection that only a Lisle reunion can bring.
 
I look forward to seeing you there. Register today by clicking the banner below and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
 
— John Bartels, Class of 1985

By Don Krause (LCHS ’72)
Carlin Nalley Foundation Board
Over the past year—between serving on the Carlin Nalley Foundation board and working with the “Blue& White: Reunite!" committee—I’ve talked with probably 200 alumni about the Lisle High All-Years Reunion coming up on Saturday, October 18. The reactions are basically bipolar:

• “Yes—wouldn’t miss it. They’re a blast.”
• “Why would I want to go? I already hang out with my high-school friends.”

I get it. If you still see your crew, a big reunion can sound… optional. But let me offer an outside perspective from my wife of 42 years, Kathy—who didn’t grow up in Lisle:
“There’s something about the Lisle bond. You run into someone you haven’t seen in 50 years from Lisle, and it’s like you pick up where you left off.”
That’s it. The Lisle bond. It’s hard to explain and easy to feel. And it’s why I think you’ll be glad you came.
Click the banner to learn more.

​“CALL ME JO” will kick off the all-years reunion weekend with a three-hour set from 8 pm until 11 pm on Friday, October 17, 2025, at BaseCamp Pub in Four Lakes Village.
From Lady Gaga to Rascal Flats, Prince and Fleetwood Mac, to Elton John, the popular and versatile trio has been covering hits at venues throughout Chicagoland for years.
The band features Ken Modaff (’72) on keyboards and award-winning vocalist, Stephanie Brinegar on lead vocals. Larry Modaff (’79) will be joining the group for a special set.
Hundreds of local alums and a large number of out-of-towners are converging on the Arboretum Village to reconnect with friends and family from their LSHS days. The Lisle Alumni Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to sponsor Call Me Jo to get the weekend rocking.
The normal cover charge has been waived, so grab your classmates, teammates, castmates, bandmates, friends, family, former neighbors, significant others, and join in the fun.
For more details and to purchase your tickets for “Blue and White Reunite,” click the banner.

​A proud member of Lisle High School's class of 1990, Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Benedictine University and a master's degree in Teacher Leadership from North Central College.
 
For three decades, Mark has been a dedicated high school science teacher and coach. In 2006, he returned to his alma mater, Lisle High School, where he serves as a biology teacher and coaches basketball and track.
 
Mark is honored to join the CNF board and shared this statement: "I am very proud to be selected to the Board of the Carlin Nalley Foundation. It is something unique to our school community, and I have seen firsthand the impact it has made on our students and families."