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BACK TO BATES 2017

Homecoming and Family Weekend

By Bates College

September 29^th, 2017

here we are again

There’s no mistaking the colors, light, and feel of early autumn in Maine — even though this year's warm temperatures layered on something of a summery feel, too. No matter: Add more than a thousand alumni and family members, and everything fell into place.

Professor of Geology Dyk Eusden ’80 catches up with Jonathan Depew ’18 and his father, Mark Depew.

reunited and it feels so good

After a month’s separation, families and students met again with pleasure.

“She told me, ‘Mom, I'm happy to be here.’ What a comfort for Mom!” — Nerissa Boggan, with her daughter Imani Boggan ’21 of Lafayette, Calif., on campus for Back To Bates Weekend.

Patrick Commers ’20 of St. Paul, Minn., and his father, Tim Commers, pose after breakfast.

Deandra Hyman ’21 of Hartford, Conn., admits to missing her mother, Uvanne Hales.

teaching, learning, presenting

From poster presentations on Purposeful Work internships and summer research, to classroom observations, to discussions on pedagogy, educational opportunities abounded for all.

Emily Disler ’18 of Richmond, Va., explains her research on lentoid body formation to her parents, David and Robin Disler.

Airel Estrella ’18 of Beach Park. Ill., discusses his research with Meenal and Nitin Pai P’18.

Wilkommen, meine damen Und herren!

Assistant Professor of German Jakub Kazecki welcomed parents to his introductory German language and culture class.

'as if their lives depend on it'

A panel of Bates faculty presented to families on preparing their students for Bates and beyond. Moderated by Kathryn Low, professor of psychology and interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, the panelists included:

Lee Abrahamsen, associate professor of biology and chair of the Medical Studies Committee

Matthew Jadud, associate professor of digital and computational studies

Kirk Read, professor of French and francophone studies

Mara Tieken, associate professor of education

Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Matt Jadud points out that technology presents gifts and challenges.

Professor Jadud talks with Victoria Cremonini and Inga-Britta Mills, mother and grandmother of Carlo Cremonini ’21 of Cambridge, Mass.

Does your dog miss you?

Canine pets are members of the family, of course. And many arrived on campus to spend quality time with their beloved students, who doubtlessly missed their companions. Were such feelings reciprocated? Apparently so.

Tiffany Cervantes ’21 of New Haven, Conn., holds Charlie, a mix of Bichon Frise and poodle.

adventures through the arts

Arts events during Back to Bates had the kind of effect once described by the painter, poet, and essayist Marsden Hartley (1877–1943), a native of Lewiston whose works are in the Bates Museum of Art.

“What I have to express…must ‘come’ to the observer. It must carry its influence over the mind of the individual into that region of him which is more than the mind.”

best attended concert of the year

Bates a cappella, of course!

The Crosstones warm up before the annual a cappella concert in the Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building.

Breaking bread

Bates Dining Services is always in high gear. And when the campus population doubles in size for a weekend, the turbocharger kicks in, and Christine Schwartz, assistant vice president for dining, conferences, and campus events, makes sure everything goes in the right direction.

Students and family members attend a Shabbat evening service and dinner in the Benjamin Mays Center, sponsored by Bates Hillel.

game time

The football game included lots of tough moments, but loyal fans hung in for the duration as Trinity dealt Bates a blow. We’re looking to next weekend and cherrypicking our memories from these encouraging and joyous experiences.

Joe Kinan, a survivor of the Station Fire of 2003, flips the coin before the football game.

on and off the field

Halftime ceremonies included recognition of All-American athletes at Bates. A special moment included the women's rowing team presenting their NCAA Division III championship trophy to President Clayton Spencer and Athletic Director Jason Fein. Rugby played a 40th Anniversary Reunion game, while the Office of College Advancement recognized outstanding alumni and parent volunteers.

President Spencer accepts the 2017 NCAA rowing championship trophy from captains Abigail Bierman ’17 and Rosemary Kyne ’18.

Nathaniel Boone ’52 receives the Alumni Community Service Award from President Spencer, Lisa Romeo ’88, and Larry Handerhan ’05.

Molly Chisholm ’17 and Honor Moshay ’17 reunite with their rhetoric professor, Stephanie Kelley-Romano.

Bobcats First! gather

President Clayton Spencer held a reception for family members of Bobcats First! students at the Office of Intercultural Education in Chase Hall for light fare and conversation.

blues artist Corey Harris ’91 returns

The Olin Concert Series presented Harris in a Sunday afternoon performance. A Watson Fellowship recipient and acclaimed blues guitarist, Harris presented a treasure trove of music from the African Diaspora to celebrate the Watson’s 50th anniversary.