A rainy New York evening couldn’t slow down the Bobcat community! On July 9, 2026, 85 guests gathered at Acadia in Midtown for an energetic evening co-hosted by the Center for Purposeful Work and the Office of Alumni Engagement.

The room brought together 20 current student interns, Bates parents, and alumni spanning four decades—from the Class of 1986 through the Class of 2026. Despite the weather, the energy was high as Bobcats across generations and industries shared career advice, exchanged stories, and strengthened the Bates network in NYC.

Browse the gallery below for photos from the reception!

What Attendees Said:

“At the New York Bobcats networking event, I was able to connect with an alum who not only had an eerily similar Bates career to mine, but who has also gone on to accomplish most of my post-graduate goals. We exchanged numbers after she graciously offered to talk with me further about my professional interests, and to help in any way possible. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make such a surprising and meaningful connection if it weren’t for Purposeful Work (and their color-coded career stickers).”

—Ava B. Steinberger ’27