Regional Networks

The Bates Regional Networks supports dynamic programming for Bates alumni and parents across the country. Networks offer a variety of events throughout the year to help participants meet, connect, and learn from one another on a personal and professional level.

Still have questions? Please contact us at alumni@bates.edu.

Upcoming Regional Events
Become a Regional Network Volunteer
Host an Event in Your Region

Find a Regional Network:

*Don’t see your region? Contact us about hosting an event in your region at alumni@bates.edu

City/ RegionContactConnect on Facebook
Bay AreaStephanie Dumont Bay Area Alumni Group
BostonCo-Chairs: Alexander Martin ’08 & Val Jarvis ’13Boston Bates Business Network
ChicagoTracy Peacock ’94, P’24, P’26
DCLiza Danello ’14DC Bates Alumni Group
DenverLeah Elsmore ’12Denver Area Bates Network
HartfordJames Dowling-Healey ’12
LAStephanie Dumont Bates Alumni of Los Angeles Group
NESCAC in Los Angeles Group
NYC AreaStephanie Dumont New York Area Business Network
Portland (Maine)Shelly Davgun ’06, Katie Hawkins ’05Portland Bates Network Group
SeattleJustin Fortier

Upcoming Regional Events:

Mar
28

Bobcat Ventures in Boston

Hear from this year’s pitch teams at our next Business Network event: Bobcat Ventures in Boston.

Apr
9

San Francisco Presidential Welcome Event

San Fransisco Bobcats join us in welcoming the ninth president of Bates College, Garry W. Jenkins, to our community of alumni, parents, and friends.

Apr
10

Los Angeles Presidential Welcome Event

LA Bobcats join us in welcoming the ninth president of Bates College, Garry W. Jenkins, to our community of alumni, parents, and friends.

Apr
16

Bobcat Roundup: An Evening in Houston, TX

Join us for an evening with Bates College alumni as we gather in Houston, Texas, for a memorable social event hosted right outside of the…

Apr
19

Exploring Art & History: Bates at the New York Historical Society

Experience art, history, and engaging discussions with Bates alumni experts at the New York Historical Society this spring!

Apr
20

BatesServes Westford: Trail Cleanup Day of Service

BatesServes, our annual days of service, is back for 2024! Join us this spring for one of six meaningful service opportunities that continue our traditions…

Apr
20

BatesServes Boston: Muddy River Day of Service

BatesServes, our annual days of service, is back for 2024! Join us this spring for one of six meaningful service opportunities that continue our traditions…

May
5

BatesServes Washington DC: Woods Cleanup Day of Service

BatesServes, our annual days of service, is back for 2024! Join us this spring for one of six meaningful service opportunities that continue our traditions…

May
11

BatesServes New York: Food Bank for NYC Jamaica Day of Service

BatesServes, our annual days of service, is back for 2024! Join us this spring for one of six meaningful service opportunities that continue our traditions…

May
11

BatesServes New York: Food Bank for NYC Bronx Day of Service

BatesServes, our annual days of service, is back for 2024! Join us this spring for one of six meaningful service opportunities that continue our traditions…


Past Regional Events

Mar
9

2024 Bates at the LA Clippers

Mark your calendars for our annual gathering for a reception and Clippers game!

Mar
7

Chicago Presidential Welcome Event

Chicago Bobcats join us in welcoming the ninth president of Bates College, Garry W. Jenkins, to our community of alumni, parents, and friends.

Mar
6

Leaders in Action: A Spotlight on Political Public Service

Attend a panel discussion at the Darcy Hotel featuring faculty and alumni centered on public service in politics.

Feb
29

2024 Bates at the Boston Bruins

This Event is sold out! Celebrate the Bruins Centennial year with fellow alumni and parents at a game vs. the Gold Knights.

Feb
10

Bates Birdwatching: Exploring Wissahickon Valley Park

Calling all Bobcat bird-watching enthusiasts! We invite you to join alumni, parents, and friends for a stroll through the moderate Wissahickon Valley Park trails with…

Feb
6

Maine Bobcats Connect: Networking Night at Hugo’s

Come join us at Hugo’s in Portland, ME for an exciting get-together with Bates alumni! It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect and network with your…

Jan
25

Young Alumni in the City: Philadelphia

Calling all Philly-based Bobcats of the Last Decade (BOLD)! We’re inviting the Classes of 2013 to 2023 to join us on Thursday, January 25, 2024,…

Sep
24
2023

2023 Bates at the Washington Nationals

Gather with Bates Friends at the last 2023 home game of the Washington Nationals.

Aug
18
2023

Bates at the New York Yankees

Annual Bates gathering at the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Game Contact Stephanie Dumont at 207-786-8370 with any questions.

Aug
4
2023

Bates at the Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue JaysPre-game reception- 21 years and over only 5-7 pm House of Blues15 Lansdowne StBoston First pitch: 7:15 pmRight Field…

Aug
2
2023

2023 Bates Summer Intern and Alumni in NYC Gathering

Bates Alumni and NYC Bates Network Steering Committee members Michelle Pham ’15, Graeme Welds ’15, and Chialin Yu ’18 invite you to a gathering for…

Jul
26
2023

Bates at the San Francisco Giants

Gather with local Bay area alumni, parents, and friends for an evening at Oracle Park.

May
9
2023

Boston Bates Network : A Discussion About Climate, Sustainability and Social Impact

Gather in the Seaport with outher Boston area alumni, parents, and friends for a talk about Sustainability in the MA area.

Apr
25
2023

Author Talk — John Jenkins: Mayor of Maine

Author Dr. Chuck Radis ’75 will discuss and sign his newly released biography John Jenkins: Mayor of Maine, at Print: A Bookstore in Portland, Maine,…

Apr
25
2023

DC Bates Network | Sustainable Systems: “How does Environmental Sustainability Interact With Social Sustainability?”

In 2019, the Bates Sustainability Roadmap was introduced to guide Bates’ sustainability efforts from the present moment through 2030, with the goal of achieving a net positive…

Mar
26
2023

2023 Bates at the Golden State Warriors

Attend a Golden State Warriors game with Bay Area Bobcats!

Mar
25
2023

2023 Bates at the LA Clippers

Annual Pregame dinner at El Cholo Downtown, followed by the Clippers game.

Mar
22
2023

Beer, Bread, & BBQ: NYC Bates Alumni on Entrepreneurship and the Food and Beverage Industry

NYC Bates Alumni and Parents! Join us at the New York Athletic Club for a panel discussion about entrepreneurship and food and beverage industry in the city!

Mar
9
2023

2023 Bates at the Boston Bruins

Join Bates at our annual Boston Bruins game in Boston! Cheer the team on in their chase for the Stanley Cup!

Feb
28
2023

Bates in Chicago

Connect with familiar and new Bates friends at Chicago’s Big Mini Putt Club. Enjoy a night out on the town with some pizza, drinks, and…

Feb
23
2023

Bates in Bend

Connect with familiar and new Bates friends at Bend’s Worthy Brewing.  Take a private tour of the Hopservatory, reserved just for our group, weather permitting.…

Feb
21
2023

Bates in Portland, OR

Oregonian Bobcats! We are excited to be together at The Nines Hotel. Join us and connect with familiar and new Bates friends and families. Registration…

Feb
17
2023

Bates at the Maine Mariners

Join fellow Bobcats to watch the Mariners take the ice against the Trois-Rivieres Lions. The Ice Level Lounge will open ahead of the game to pre-registered…

Feb
16
2023

Bates in Denver

Connect with familiar and new Bates friends at Denver’s Punch Bowl Social. Enjoy some drinks, snacks, bowling, giant jenga, and bonzini in the Holiday Lodge,…

Regional Alumni Networks and Regional Volunteer Guide

* View the Guide in a downloadable PDF

PURPOSE

Bates Alumni should feel connected to Bates and to one another wherever they are. Regional Networks are planning committees of alumni volunteers who work together with the Bates Office of Alumni Engagement to foster the local Bates community in regions throughout the U.S. 

Bates Alumni Regional Networks support dynamic programming for Bates alumni, parents, students, and friends across the country. Networks offer a variety of events throughout the year to help participants meet, connect, and learn from one another on a personal and professional level.

In providing enhanced personal and professional connections, as well as opportunities for lifelong learning, regional networks allow for increased alumni volunteerism and support of the college.

EXPECTATIONS OF REGIONAL NETWORKS & REGIONAL VOLUNTEERS

Membership

All members of the Bates community are welcome to join. Regional Network Committee members are self-selecting and take on different organizational roles. Members are expected to take on the responsibilities as outlined in the Regional Volunteer Responsibilities section of this guide.

Committee Leadership

Each Bates Regional Network will have a Committee Chair for a recommended term of 3 years. The Chair should be prepared to organize and schedule network meetings, prepare meeting agendas, and act as the main liaison with Bates Office of Alumni Engagement staff. It is highly recommended to appoint a co-chair to share responsibility.

Regional Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Attend Regional Network meetings
  • Volunteer as “Event Lead” for regional events, as your personal schedule allows
    • Event Leads shape programming, liaise with the Bates staff to assist with logistical decisions such as venue selection, and act as a point of contact with speakers, venues, etc.
  • Volunteer as “Event Promoter”: share events on social media, and via personal email and outreach
  • Volunteer for “Day-of” event roles (e.g., greeting speakers/guests, handing out name tags, etc)
  • Attend Regional Events throughout the year
  • Encourage members of your personal and professional networks, particularly those who are fellow Bates alumni, to attend events
  • Promote events on social media, and via personal email and outreach
  • Recruit Bates contacts to join the Regional Network

MEETING LOGISTICS & SCHEDULE

Pre-planning and idea generation are important responsibilities for the Regional Networks. Groups should aim to meet frequently in order to share ideas and to stay abreast of college-sponsored activities within the region.

Frequency: Recommend meeting 3-4 times per year, with additional conference calls and meetings as needed in order to plan events and programs.

Location: For in-person meetings, members will take turns hosting at member offices, or, a public location as determined by the committee. Conference calls will be conducted via Zoom meeting.

Agenda: An agenda will be circulated prior to the meeting. Meeting minutes will be taken by a member of the volunteer committee and circulated within one week of the meeting.

REGIONAL EVENT GUIDELINES 

Bates Networks should take into consideration the following guiding principles when planning regional programming.

Event “Levels”

There are three “levels” of regional alumni events: 

  1. Level 1 – Bates sponsors and organizes the event, provides staff, and Alumni Engagement staff will promote the event via email and social media channels.
  2. Level  2 – Bates provides some of the event budgets but may not be able to provide event staffing. Alumni Engagement staff will promote the event via email and social media channels.
  3. Level 3 – Bates does not provide a budget or staff attendance but will provide other resources such as contact lists for invitees, RSVP pages, and promotion of the event via email and social media channels.

Following Level 2 & Level 3 events, regional volunteers should send attendee lists and photos to their staff liaison. Bates staff will share photos on Bates alumni social media channels.

Event Planning 

  • 1-2 volunteers will act as “Event Leads” for each event. Event Leads will liaise with the Bates staff to shape programming, coordinate logistical decisions such as venue selection, and act as a point of contact with speakers, venues, etc.
  • Larger events will have a “Host Committee” of selected alumni from a broad range of constituencies to help with outreach to potential attendees. The primary responsibility of Host Committee members is to contact Bates alumni and encourage them to attend the event.

Best Practices

  1. Start publicizing the event at least six weeks before; this will give you time to finalize logistics and enough time to promote the event.
    1. Charging For Events — It is no longer fiscally possible or responsible for the college to completely underwrite the costs for alumni events. As we consider charging alumni for events, here are some things to think about: Is there an alum or parent who is willing to underwrite some of the event costs as a donation to the college, allowing for reduced fees for guests?
    2. Data indicates that guests take their responsibility to follow through on attending an event more seriously if they have paid to attend. It is a good strategy to use to avoid attrition. 
    3. The more value an activity offers for money, the less likely will the cost be seen as a deterrent.
  2. Do not pay out of pocket for anything or sign contracts on behalf of the college. Request an invoice and contract in writing and put Bates Alumni Staff in contact with service providers for payments
  3. Things to consider when choosing a date:
    1. Day of the week
    2. National, Regional, and Religious Holidays
    3. Bates College Calendar of Events
    4. Local school calendar (vacations and holidays)
  4. Things to consider when choosing a location:
    1. Is it easy to travel to (especially by public transportation)? Is there parking?
    2. Are the entrance & bathrooms wheelchair accessible?
    3. Is the location an inclusive space?
    4. Is there a dress code? Include this information via invitation and promotions.
    5. Does the menu accommodate vegetarian/vegan/ gluten-free, etc. diets?
  5. Once an event/program is completed, work with Bates College staff on options for post-event surveys so that you can get feedback from attendees.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO REGIONAL NETWORKS

The Office of Alumni Engagement is committed to serving regional groups and the volunteers who make regional activities possible. Staff liaisons are available to provide information, assistance, and guidance including:

  • Coordinating Regional Network meetings.
  • Providing confidential lists of Bates community members and contact information.
  • Creating and managing online registrations for events.
  • Designing digital content to promote events.
  • Producing nametags and attendee lists for events.
  • Designing, editing, and coordinating regional event emails and post-event surveys.

Regional Events: https://www.bates.edu/alumni/all-events/

GETTING STARTED

  1. Have an idea of what type of event/program you would like to host.
  2. Reach out to the Bates Staff contact assigned to your region (see below).
  3. Learn from the success of other regions! 

Sample of Annual Regional Programming — D.C. Network

The D.C. Network is an established regional network and a great example of building community. There are typically 3-4 events in D.C. each year – the target audience knows what to expect.

  • Fall: Welcome to the City (focus on young alums)
  • Late Fall/early Spring: Panel discussion (with visitors from campus or local alumni)
  • Spring: Trivia Night
  • Summer: National Game
  • Summer/Fall: Outdoor Hike

REGIONAL BATES STAFF CONTACTS 

Stephanie Dumont, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, sdumont@bates.edu
Bay Area Bates Network
Boston Business Network
D.C. Bates Network
Los Angeles Bates Network 
NYC Bates Network

Justin Fortier, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, jfortier@bates.edu
Chicago Bates Network
Denver Bates Network
Hartford Bates Network
Portland (Maine) Bates Network
Seattle Bates Network

If you would like to start an Alumni Network in your region, contact Stephanie Dumont at sdumont@bates.edu.

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