Speeches and Statements

  • October 27: A Word of Care and Thanks
    Dear Students and Colleagues, Today was supposed to be a glorious day of celebration for the college. Instead, as the shelter-in-place order following the Wednesday shootings in Lewiston continues, we’re saddened, disappointed, uncertain, and angry. And it’s especially hard to…
  • A Message to Our Community
    Dear Students and Colleagues, Our Lewiston community has suffered a terrible and senseless tragedy in the past 12 hours, one that touches many who live and work here. No matter how many times something like this happens, I find myself…
  • Welcome to the 2023–24 academic session
    Welcome to the 2023–24 academic session! I am thrilled to join you in kicking off what promises to be an exciting year of exploration, innovation, and engagement for Bates.
  • Welcome remarks at Opening Convocation: Sept. 5, 2023
    Greetings, everyone, and welcome. It is terrific to see you all gathered here, in this very special place, ready to launch a new academic year at Bates.
  • Bates responds to Supreme Court ruling in LGBTQ+ case
    Dear Members of the Bates Community, We write to express our serious concern about today’s Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative, LLC v. Elenis and to offer support to our LGBTQ+ community in light of this ruling. The Court invokes…
  • Bates responds to Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious college admissions
    Dear Members of the Bates Community: We are deeply disappointed by today’s decision by the Supreme Court, a ruling that turns back the clock on 45 years of established constitutional principle and significantly restricts the admissions practices used at many…
  • Remarks at Presidential Introduction: March 7, 2023
    Garry Jenkins delivered the following remarks to the campus community on March 7, 2023, in Alumni Gymnasium. The occasion marked his first official visit to campus as president-elect. Thank you, Andrea [Bueschel ’90] , thank you John [Gillespie ’80], for…