Psychologists call it “emotional contagion,” when powerful emotions — uplifting and happy ones at Reunion 2024 — go viral, getting shared from one person to the next.
As one psychology research paper said, it’s the “tendency to automatically mimic and synchronize expressions, vocalizations, postures, and movements with those of another person’s and, consequently, to converge emotionally.”
Which aptly describes the shared enthusiasm and joy at the annual Alumni Parade, held June 8. In a nod to rain showers that came and went during the day, the parade gathered outside Commons, and from there headed to Merrill Gymnasium.
It was the first for President Garry W. Jenkins, who enthusiastically took on his role as head parade cheerleader and reviewer, later addressing the Reunion alumni at the Annual Gathering of the Alumni Association.
Interspersed with excerpts from newspaper stories about historical Bates Alumni Parades, here is our visually immersive presentation of the 2024 Reunion Alumni Parade.