10%

WELCOME 2021!

'Every student arrives at Bates with a suitcase and a story'

By Bates College

September 2^nd, 2017

'hello, my name is clayton'

Everyone pitches in, including President Clayton Spencer.

Carrie Murphey '06, assistant dean of students for first-year programs, likes to say that "everyone arrives on Opening Day with a suitcase and story." So, take a look at the former, and imagine the latter!

President Clayton Spencer greets Erin Bucki '21 of Saint Paul, Minn., outside Commons on Opening Day.

President Spencer speaks with Solaine Carter '21 of Tuscon, Ariz., outside of Kalperis Hall.

President Spencer helps Layla Dozier's family — mother Doris and brother Andre Jr. — move into Kalperis.

All in this together

No matter the combination of letters — AESOP, OWL, JA, or RC — student leaders are eager to make move-in as smooth as possible.

Orientation Week Leaders (OWLS), Annual Entering Student Outdoor Program (AESOP) leaders, and Residence Life leaders are ready. to help.

AESOP leader Michael Hogue ’20 of Chicago helps move a refrigerator into Kalperis Hall.

Boxes and banners

After whisking belongings to bedrooms, new students can make their rooms their own — or take a breather.

Abra Kaplan ’21 of Oak Park, Ill., and her father, Gary, pin a Bates College banner on the wall of her Rand Hall room.

At 280 College, college safety specialist Jim Guzelian helps Hannah Lucas ’21 with bed risers as her mother Elizabeth watches.

it's a great day to become a bobcat

Assistant Dean of Residence Life and Health Education Molly Newton rolls a jacket sleeve of Director of Student Life Blake Reilly.

Picking up the essentials

Whether it's important information from the Resource Fair or a bandana for the dog, students and families find what they need.

In the afternoon sun

The Family and New Student Barbecue provides sustenance before the afternoon's various presentations.

Appetites whetted by move-in work, a hungry queue forms for the Family and New Student Barbecue.

Director of Athletics Jason Fein snaps a selfie with the Cote family of Wilton, Conn., after his welcoming remarks to student athletes.

education and relaxation

Oliver Russell '21 of Mattapoisett, Mass., strolls to the next event with parents, Greg and Jen.

After a busy morning of moving his daughter in, Ken Abbott takes a few minutes to chill in inflatable chair at the OWL Hub.

who we are...

The late-afternoon President's Welcome begins with remarks from Director of Admission Darryl Uy, who lets new students know that their classmates might be a mindfulness coach, flag expert, or Guinness World Record holder.

Families arrive on the Historic Quad for a welcome from President Spencer and a farewell reception before saying their goodbyes.

...and who we will become

President Clayton Spencer in her Welcome Address emphasizes letting go (and how difficult it is).

some time together

During the Golden Hour, the day's final event for new families, the Farewell Reception, is also a time for family photos.

Casey Kelley '21 of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and her mother, Susan Grisanti, speak with President Spencer after the Welcome Address.

Hug before you go

For parents, it's goodbye time. For students, it's go time: their Bates experience is about to begin.

Dylan Simon ’21 of San Francisco receives a heartfelt hug from her father Beau Simon as the day concludes on the Historic Quad.

Jason Seeger '21 of Belmont, Mass., embraces his mother, Kim Seeger, during the Farewell Reception on the Library Terrace.

on the mountaintop

First-years hike up Mount David to watch the setting sun. It's a tradition that mirrors the sunrise hike they'll make as graduating seniors in four years.