Celebrating outstanding achievement and a commitment to responsible stewardship, Bates College is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards. These exceptional individuals embody the very best of our collaborative community, having translated their Bates education into remarkable success and purposeful work across the globe.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the transformative power of our alumni as they engage in informed civic action and lead in diverse fields,” said Leah Elsmore ’12, president of the Alumni Association. “This year’s recipients reflect the ardor and devotion—Amore ac Studio—that define the Bates experience, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential within our entire alumni network.”

2026 Alumni Council Award Recipients

The following awards will be presented at the Annual Gathering of the Alumni Association during Reunion on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.

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Alumni Community Service Award

The Alumni Community Service Award is presented to Peter R. Basiliere ’76 in recognition of his profound commitment to civic responsibility and his decades of leadership in Milford, N.H. A dedicated community member, Peter has served as town moderator, an active Rotarian, and a contributor to numerous school and town committees. His long-standing devotion to local organizations that support those in crisis reflects the Bates ideal of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world.

Alumni Professional Recognition Award

The Alumni Professional Recognition Award is presented to Noah E. Petro ’01 in honor of his distinguished career and leadership at NASA. From advancing lunar science to shaping the Artemis program, Noah has reached the heights of professional achievement while blending rigorous scholarship with meaningful public service. His work exemplifies the Bates spirit of intellectual discovery and underscores the global impact of an engaged liberal arts education.

Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service to the Bates Community

The Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service to the Bates Community is presented to Christopher B. Lanoue ’99, P’26, in recognition of his transformative mentorship of Bates students. As an exceptional physician and guide, Dr. Lanoue has dedicated himself to supporting students in their medical school journeys, providing “generosity, warmth, and openness” through the Center for Purposeful Work. His deep commitment to helping others navigate their professional paths embodies the spirit of leadership and service that has touched countless members of the Bates community.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award is presented to Rachel F. Ebersole ’17 in recognition of her exceptional career distinction and her dedicated volunteer service to the college. A vital leader within the New York Bates Network, Rachel has made a substantial impact through her proactive work in event hosting and community building, bringing a genuine pride and “can-do” attitude to every endeavor. Her commitment to fostering connections among alumni reflects the very best of the Bates spirit and serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of the young alumni network.

Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Finally, the Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award is presented to Erica Seifert Plunkett ’86 for her tireless leadership and decades of extraordinary devotion to the college. Described by her peers as the “glue” that has held her class together, Erica has served in nearly every capacity—from class co-president and Alumni Council member to dedicated class agent and committee leader. Her enduring enthusiasm and generosity remind us all of the transformative power of the Bates community, reflecting the very best of the “ardor and devotion” that defines our alumni.

2026 Bates’ Best Award Recipients

The Bates’ Best Awards are presented annually by the Office of College Advancement to dedicated volunteers who express a passion and commitment for advancing the mission of the college. These awards will be presented during Reunion Class Dinners on the evening of Saturday, June 13.

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This year’s recipients include:

• Kathryn (Kali) M. Brown ’21
• Craig E. Comins ’81
• Meg W. Curran ’11

For more information about Bates College and the Alumni Awards, please visit: https://www.bates.edu/alumni/recognition/