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Alumni Parade 2025

A Bates tradition since 1914, the Alumni Parade at Reunion displays joy and celebration on a rainy day

By Bates College

June 13^th, 2025

A ‘very Bates’ tradition

Whether winding around Garcelon Field, as it did a century ago, or down Alumni Walk, as it has in recent years, or circling most of the 200-meter Slovenski Track in Merrill Gym, as it did this year on a rainy Saturday, the Alumni Parade is a “very Bates” tradition, in the words of John Howard ’86, vice president of the Alumni Association.

Enjoy this presentation of photography from this year’s parade and a selection of alumni quotes from members of the Class of 1975, drawn from their Reunion Yearbook, recalling Bates memories and affirming Bates friendships and values.

‘Impact Everything’

“I don’t have to reflect very long to determine that the opportunity to go to Bates would impact everything in my life going forward. The academics, the forever friendships that came about, and the time for personal growth made my years at Bates very happy and transforming.”

— Nancy Elaine Ellis Cornacchio ’75

‘women I love and admire’

“Fifty years ago, we were brought together during a time of war and unrest. But at Bates, there were no cell phones, no computers, no internet. We rarely watched television. We talked to each other, face-to-face, for hours on end. Those connections, forged over four short years, endure. I am grateful to grow old with women I love and admire.”

— Carmella Mainolfi Tsetsi ’75

‘Lifelong friendships’

“It continues to amaze us that our Bates experiences have afforded us lifelong friendships over the last 50-plus years! It is rare that time passes without a golf outing, skiing adventure, hiking trip, toboggan championships run, or other gathering with Bates friends.”

— Jim Dachos ’75

‘a legendary coach’

“It was an extraordinary cast of unique characters, a close-knit bunch from diverse backgrounds who shared a common love: baseball. The camaraderie was great, and we were blessed to play for a legendary coach, Chick Leahey.”

— John Wilhoite, captain of the 1975 ECAC-winning baseball team

‘I thrived’

“Bates’ lasting impact on me: I thrived on the relatively small campus, and the freedom to explore my academic interests. I had the benefit of supportive, creative professors who helped me find my path to many years of fun in science — despite my inability to follow all the rules.”

— Cynthia Robbins-Roth ’75

‘Pioneers in female mentorship’

“Bates’ strongest impact on me was showing the value of connections and relationships. The impact of my professors and other administrators, who encouraged a female student to pursue a degree in a then-nontraditional field for females, made a world of difference in my life. They were pioneers in female mentorship.”

— Michele Marie LeComte-Chambers ’75, who earned a dentistry degree after Bates

‘to challenge myself’

“Professor [Garold] Thumm patiently and adeptly led me successfully through my thesis. In the end, Professor Thumm taught me it was important to face my fears and challenge myself to receive the maximum benefit in life. This lesson has served me well during my life and career.”

— Mike Bolden ’75

‘The ability to think beyond’

“What I value most from my professors at Bates came from Professor [Charles H.] Stauffer. He stressed that whatever you get out of Bates, please get the ability to think beyond what is presented to you.”

— Henry Skoog ’75

‘The arcs of my life’

“Bates carved the curved arcs of my life. I am deeply grateful for the beautiful, bountiful roles as written in this playbill."

— D. Erika Bennett ’75, comparing her life to acts in a play

‘The snowy nights I remember fondly’

“When I am out on snowy nights, I remember the very early morning walks across the Quad, arms full of books and a satchel full of notebooks and notecards, finally walking back to the dorm, exhausted. The snowy nights I remember fondly; not so much the cold and rainy ones.”

— Janet Haines ’75

‘What a gift’

“Strong friendships were made which continue to be part of my life. The kindness shown me then helped frame the way I have navigated life. What a gift.”

— Scott Balcomb ’75 describing the kindness when he stayed with Bates friends and families during college vacations, since he could go home to Texas only once a year.

‘anything was possible’

“Marty Andrucki was completely invested in our work in the classroom and onstage. Marty made me believe that anything was possible and his confidence in me — in all of us — was invaluable and gave me the boost I needed to face the next stage of life.”