MOSAIC Newsletter: Winter 2026
Welcome to 2026! While we’re in the middle of an academic year, the new calendar year is always a great time to look back at what we’ve been up to and look ahead to what’s next. As MOSAIC continues to build momentum, we want to showcase some new offerings from the fall. We’re also highlighting a few ways to get involved with MOSAIC this winter and spring, with a full slate of events in our major cities and online.
Paths with Purpose – A Panel with Raíces Unidas
Spurred by a decades-long friendship and a new connection, alumni members of Raíces Unidas Ismael Carreras ’90, P’19, Priscila Guillen ’20, and Ambrosio Rodriguez ’92, P’26 joined together for the first “Paths with Purpose” panel. First, they shared how their time at Bates shaped who they are today. Diving deeper into their experiences, each panelist offered advice on navigating a winding career path, responding to challenges, and developing “real-world” skills.
Reflecting on her role in the panel, panelist Priscila ’20 shared, “I am originally from Santa Fe, NM – so when I came to Bates College, it was a complete shock in many aspects. I felt like I needed to “show off” my identity more than ever and to truly represent my Latinidad. I found myself missing my community from home and like magic, I found my home away from home at the SCBC (the OIE during my time). Here, I connected with other Batesies who shared my culture and experiences, and who helped shape my journey.
Participating in the “Paths with Purpose” panel through Raíces Unidas felt like a full-circle moment. It was an honor to share my experience with current Latinx/Hispanic Batesies who I could relate with in many ways. I enjoyed conversing about how my non-linear path shifted me from a Biology to GSS and Spanish double major at Bates – where I would later learn my true passions lie; how I learned and am learning about the importance of financial literacy; how failure is a catalyst for growth, and how it’s okay to lean on supportive communities such as the ones at Bates. I am extremely grateful to MOSAIC and Raíces Unidas for cultivating spaces like this panel for Batesies, and for allowing me to reconnect with the community that was home for so long.”
Want to serve on a similar “Paths with Purpose” panel? Reach out to Danny (dchin@bates.edu).
Cozy up this Winter with the MOSAIC Book Club
We are excited to launch the MOSAIC Book Club, a space for alumni to connect, read, and engage around diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused texts. Our first book is “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo, a compelling look at life, resilience, and inequality in an under-resourced neighborhood in Mumbai. Through shared reading and conversation, the book club creates affirming spaces for alumni of color, LGBTQIA+ alumni, first-generation alumni, and international alumni to explore diverse perspectives and build lasting connections. Learn more and register today to join the first discussion on February 4.
MOSAIC Book Club: Behind the Beautiful Forevers
7:00 pm
MOSAIC Book Club will be discussing Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo starting February 4, 2026. The first MOSAIC Bookclub selection is Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo! In this…Updates from the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society
Concluding the 2025 awards cycle, representatives of the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society (BMBAS) visited campus this fall to present the Henry Chandler Award to the family of David Scharn ’78, who received the award posthumously. Dave was a cherished member of the Bates community amongst his alumni peers, and as the parent of a current Bates student, this sentiment was on full display as many in the audience offered heartfelt tributes to Dave. Members of his class, along with other alumni, friends, and family, also made a generous gift in his memory to the college.
In addition to the fall awards, the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society recently elected its new president of the organization, and you might recognize him! Roland Davis ’92 P’27 has worn many hats in the Bates community–alum, parent, and former member of the Dean of Students Office.
As he looks forward to this new role with BMBAS serving alumni, Roland shared with us, “I’m excited to lead the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society because BMBAS is where Bates’ history of Black excellence turns into living community, connecting alums, students, faculty, and staff in ways that matter. Seeing the Society honor David Scharn ’78 with the Henry Chandler Award this fall, and the love and generosity that surrounded his family, was a powerful reminder of what BMBAS does best: celebrate service and build belonging. I’m especially excited to connect with current Bates students to strengthen a bridge so they know generations of Black alums are proud of them and ready to support them.”
Staff Spotlight: A New Face in the SCBC
This fall, the Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC) has welcomed a new staff member focusing on supporting and empowering our First-Gen students through events and programming. We asked Bianca to share about herself and what motivates her to do her important work:
Hi Everyone! My name is Bianca Vega, and I work with the First-Generation Programs Team as the Kessler Scholars Program Coordinator. This past May, I became the first in my family to graduate from college, and I am honored to be starting my career with the team at the SCBC. Thanks to the Questbridge Scholarship, which Bates just joined as a partner school, I was able to attend Colby College, where I studied Environmental Science and Music. But I got a lot more out of school than my degree! I discovered my passion for community-centered work by coordinating events for the school radio (WMHB 89.7!), I affirmed my commitment to being an informed member of my community through my work with the Title IX Office, and I demonstrated my commitment to equity through the jobs I held within the First-Generation/Limited Income (FLI) Program. It was in these roles that I found my passion for community-centered equity and empowerment work.
Through my experience being a first-gen student and working for student success-centered programs, I know what a difference it makes to have institutional systems of support to help you navigate situations that family members can’t help you with, from the financial aid process, applying to and interviewing for jobs or graduate school, even down to navigating well-being! Doing my job well depends on how well I know my students and their needs. This makes them my greatest motivators! I get so much energy by talking them through problems, supporting them with programming, and overall just seeing them succeed. Bates is a very special place, and the students here are doing amazing things! My job is to nourish and support them so they can be and feel successful. What I appreciate the most about working at Bates is the innate culture of care, which we see manifest from Purposeful Work to the Harward Center back to the SCBC! It is easier to make ideas become reality because there is already this shared goal of equitably supporting students.
Gather ‘Round for Dim sum
A shared meal around a table is often one of the best building blocks for community. During this fall’s MOSAIC dim sum event, a small crowd of alumni spanning multiple class years sampled many dim sum dishes. Experienced diners shared insights on the different offerings, family food memories, and a few chopstick techniques with first-timers.
Interested in making more meals like this happen? Contact Danny (dchin@bates.edu) or fill out a Bates and Beyond request to get your gathering off the ground!
ICYMI: International alumni letters
Bates celebrated International Education Week with a variety of on campus events. From global snacks in the Student Center for Belonging and Community to stories from study abroad to a cultural student showcase, offerings reflected the richness and variety of global perspectives. Although IEW has wrapped, you can still get a window into these experiences through the Letters from International Alumni. Read a few right now!
New Out and Proudly NESCAC offerings!
What does the blue color in the pride flag represent? Can you name one of the two non-binary Tony award winners?
This past November we gathered virtually with NESCAC alumni all over the country for an evening of LGBTQ+ themed trivia. While we didn’t get any Bobcats on the podium, the crowd had a great time and learned some interesting new facts! Want to test your knowledge? Study up for next time using our past trivia questions.
Out and Proudly NESCAC gathers each June for Pride celebrations in multiple cities, but we also know we need pride year-round! We’re excited to offer additional Out and Proudly Programming this winter to build excitement for summer.
Upcoming MOSAIC Events:
MOSAIC Book Club: Behind the Beautiful Forevers
7:00 pm
MOSAIC Book Club will be discussing Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo starting February 4, 2026. The first MOSAIC Bookclub selection is Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo! In this…
MOSAIC in NYC: A Culinary Journey
4:30 pm
We’re thrilled to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience crafted by our own Bates alum, Steve ‘Toúchef’ Coupet ’09. We’ll sample small-plates that draw inspiration from throughout the Black diaspora, interwoven with…
MOSAIC Bites in Boston
6:30 pm
MOSAIC returns to Boston for an evening of connection and community. Come meet other Bates alumni and give current students a preview of life after Bates. We’ll enjoy hearty appetizers…
Out and Proudly NESCAC: Winter Series — New York City
12:45 pm
Out & Proudly NESCAC is launching a series of experiential gatherings this winter, designed to keep our community-building and connections strong for LGBTQ+ alumni and allies. We’ll take a special guided…
Out and Proudly NESCAC: Winter Series — D.C.
4:00 pm
Out & Proudly NESCAC is launching a series of experiential gatherings this winter, designed to keep our community-building and connections strong for LGBTQ+ alumni and allies. Join fellow NESCAC alumni at…
Out and Proudly NESCAC: Winter Series — Boston
2:00 pm
Out & Proudly NESCAC is launching a series of experiential gatherings this winter, designed to keep our community-building and connections strong for LGBTQ+ alumni and allies. The qt library, a community-based…
Out and Proudly NESCAC: Winter Series — San Francisco
2:00 pm
Out & Proudly NESCAC is launching a series of experiential gatherings this winter, designed to keep our community-building and connections strong for LGBTQ+ alumni and allies. We’ll take a self-guided tour…
The Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society Awards Luncheon
12:00 pm
Please confirm your attendance at the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society’s Awards Luncheon at the Sulgrave Club in Washington, D.C. on April 23rd at noon. More information coming soon. Please confirm your…