Barry Greenfield '56 (left) with President Hansen (center) and Barbara M. Raths ’96, president of the Alumni Association. Photo by Lincoln Benedict '09.

Citation delivered by Barbara Raths '96, president of the Alumni Association.

Barry A.G. Greenfield was born in Chicago, and graduated from Newton (Mass.) High School. He graduated from Bates in 1956 with a major in government, and went on to receive his M.B.A. in finance from Columbia University in 1958.

After a brief tour of duty in the Army, he began his stellar business career, eventually rising to become one of Fidelity's top investment portfolio managers, all the while dedicated to raising a family with his wife, Nancy Goldberg Greenfield '57.

When Barry returned to Bates in 1981 for his 25th Reunion, he decided to become more involved with the College and to use his professional expertise to help Bates. This decision has provided great benefits for Bates through the years. He was appointed to the Bates College Board of Overseers in 1987, and elevated to the Board of Fellows in 1996, and served as a board member with three presidents.

A member and then chair of the Investment Committee for 10 years,  Barry committed a great amount of time and expert judgment to overseeing the transformation of a small and modestly managed endowment into a larger and more professionally and strategically managed endowment. His efforts in ensuring an appropriate investment strategy, in developing a sub-committee structure and in hiring the finest fund managers have provided a more stable financial future for Bates and have helped to bring the College to the front ranks of higher education in America.

 In addition, Barry served on the College Advancement Committee for 15 years, and was also a member of six major committees that dealt with the College's finances, investments, and physical plant—a strong testament to his deep experience, his quick mind, and reliable judgment that has earned him the admiration of his colleagues.  He has served as chair of his 30th and 40th Reunion gift committees, as a class president, and in many other volunteer capacities. Although retired from the Board, Barry continues to serve Bates with same sense of deep commitment to our remarkable College that he has shown throughout the years. He still participates in Investment Committee meetings, is a member of the Campaign Committee for The Campaign for Bates: Endowing Our Values, the Bates Boston Council, the College Key, and is serving on his 50th Reunion Gift Committee.

Barry, in a 2003 interview you said: "I was a spoiled brat from Newton who wasn't the least bit serious about my life or my future…. Bates straightened me out and pointed me in the right direction. Milt Lindholm took a chance on me, Ernie Muller taught me how to write, Brooks Quimby taught me how to think, and Bates helped me to grow up." Well Barry, you have come a long way in the 50 years since you left Bates, and you have served your College with loyalty and dedication, repaying all you gained from your beloved mentors many times over. This College is in your debt, and we are honored to make this award.   For your decades of profound and passionate service to Bates and your tireless efforts to forge a sound financial future for the College, it is my honor to present you with the Helen A. Papaioanou Distinguished Alumni Service Award.