College Sponsored Events

COLLEGE-SPONSORED EVENTS

While much of the programming during the weekend is planned and provided by the classes, the college offers a framework of special events during Reunion.

• Annual Reunion Address:  Each year, there is a keynote speaker for Reunion featuring either President Hansen or a staff or faculty member. In recent years, faculty and staff members such as Steve Hochstadt, Liz Tobin, and James Reese have been honored with speaker panels or receptions for their years of service to Bates.
• Reunion Golf Outing:  The Friends of Bates Athletics (FBA) Reunion Golf Outing is a friendly competition on Friday of Reunion Weekend. Alumni can sign up for golf as well as request foursomes when they register for Reunion. Reunion attendees are encouraged to invite any alumni not celebrating a Reunion to join them for this day of golf.
• Reunion Lobster Bake and Fireworks:  On Friday evening, the college offers a lobster bake in the New Commons Building. The event will go from late afternoon into the evening to accommodate those with small children, those who wish to attend the President’s Address, and late arrivals. Fireworks will follow after sundown. The Keigwin Amphitheatre, by Olin Arts Center, is an excellent place to view the fireworks. There will be a reception on the Olin Arts Center Terrace during and after the fireworks so that you can enjoy a beer or soft drink with friends.
• The Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association:  Reunion 2012 will mark the 144th annual meeting of the Alumni Association, which follows the traditional Alumni Parade on Saturday. At this meeting, the new leadership of the association, the Alumni Council, is elected. Annual alumni awards are also presented at this time.
• Reunion Picnic and Dessert Fair:  Saturday’s luncheon is a special picnic on the Library Quad, followed by dessert and live entertainment on Alumni Walk.
• Reunion Concert:  This year Bates will host a concert for all classes on Saturday evening, following the individual class banquets.
• Alumni Memorial Service:  On Sunday morning, we gather to celebrate the lives of those men and women of Bates who have died during the past year. This lovely service is the emotional highlight of the weekend for many. The Alumni Choir will perform and several alumni will be invited to officiate and to participate as ushers and readers.