In a departure from Bates tradition — and the beginning of a new one — each honorary-degree recipient spoke at the 2004 Commencement ceremonies: Rita R. Colwell, the former head of the National Science Foundation; David Levering Lewis, an eminent historian of race and class in America; Milton L. Lindholm '35, the College's beloved dean emeritus of admissions; and John C. Whitehead, philanthropist and chair of the agency directing the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan after September 11.

Above, from left: Milton Lindholm '35 and his Trustee host, Peter Gomes '65, D.D. '96; Burton Harris '59, chair of the Board of Trustees; Thomas Renyi P'97, P'04, Trustee host to John Whitehead; President Elaine Tuttle Hansen; David Levering Lewis and his Trustee host, Victoria Wicks '74, P'04; Rita R. Colwell and her Trustee host, David Parmelee '64, P'94, P'04.