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They're finally here

The Bates Class of 2029 begins its journey

By Bates College

September 4^th, 2025

August 28: Opening Day

On Aug. 28, the 497 members of the Bates Class of 2029 finally arrived on campus. Current students, faculty, and staff welcomed them with open arms; it was hard to turn a corner without finding a Bates community member offering directions or helping a new student unload their luggage. Bates athletes, pictured below in front of Page Hall, carted the heavy items from cars to dorms.

Check-In and Meet the President

On Central Avenue, new students hopped out of their cars and headed to Commons to pick up their move-in day materials. They received a warm welcome from a crew of faculty and staff waving signs and handing out maps. Nearby, President Garry W. Jenkins was ready to greet the newest Bobcats with a friendly smile and curiosity.

“It’s a glorious day,” Jenkins said. “We’re so happy that you’re here.”

They Came in Waves

“Bates is a community with an unmistakable heart. We are committed to building connections, fostering growth, and we truly, truly care for one another.”

— Vice President for Student Affairs Rosanna Ferro addressing new students and families during an orientation welcome

On to Chu and Kalperis

At Chu and Kalperis Halls, Bates athletes — many of them first-year students themselves who arrived on campus days before — helped the new students move their boxes and suitcases into their dorm rooms.

A Peek Inside

Slowly but surely, dorm rooms came together in Chu Hall. In hallways and rooms crowded with students and their families, we found a dad unboxing a printer, a father-son duo building a three-tier cart, and an impressive snack collection, among other enthusiastic displays.

On to North Bardwell

Walking from Chu to Adams Hall across Alumni Walk, campus was full of faces both familiar and new. While Senior Associate Dean of Students Molly Newton rolled by on her signature hot pink, light-up scooter, families paused to orient themselves and take it all in.

Here's Adams!

The once-empty walls and halls of Adams came alive with Bates decor and personal embellishments. Roommates met each other for the first time as proud parents helped their students settle in.

At bottom, look closely for a familiar face in a new place: It’s Associate Dean for International Student Programs James Reese and his wife Sonali Arseculeratne Reese ’93 setting up a dorm room for their son Ishan Reese ’29 of Lewiston.

Between Lunch and Meetings

Between setting up dorm rooms, heading to orientation sessions, and grabbing food, families found time to stroll around the sunny Bates campus in all of its August glory. They snapped photos relishing their final moments before emotional departures.

President Jenkins' Greeting Foreshadows Goodbye

“Not only is Bates a special place, but it's special because of its students. They are smart. They are accomplished. They are kind and generous. They are curious and committed. We recognize all of those qualities in each of you, and we can't wait to see the many ways that those attributes will reveal themselves here on this beautiful campus over the next four years.”