{"id":41806,"date":"2026-04-01T11:23:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T15:23:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/?page_id=41806"},"modified":"2026-04-03T14:57:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:57:35","slug":"college-key-newsletter-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/college-key-newsletter-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"College Key Spring Newsletter: 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Bates<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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President’s Report<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Jen<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dear Members of the College Key,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we are finally pulling ourselves out of the winter months, I am delighted to share a brief update on the meaningful work that the College Key continues to do in support of our students and the wider community. We have resurrected the Spring Newsletter to ensure our members are up to date on the latest news from the organization and aware of ways to be involved.  We thank you all for the continued, generous support that our members have provided, which makes the impact the Key has on the Bates community possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of the College Key is to recognize Bates students; to encourage and to recognize student academic and extracurricular achievement; to support academics, athletics, and student life; to provide student aid, including scholarships and other kinds of financial assistance; to be a resource for student internships; to support campus improvements; and to contribute to the general welfare of the college.  The generous support of our members enables Bates alums to make lasting, positive impacts on the Bates community, particularly current students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, through its members’ dues, the College Key provides financial assistance to students, helping them remain engaged and supported throughout their Bates journey. We are especially pleased to highlight the impact our members have in supporting travel expenses for the Job Shadow Program offered by the Center for Purposeful Work. Through this program, students connect with Bates alumni and parents to learn about professional options, personal perspectives, and how others have navigated pathways toward purposeful work. This fund enables students to pursue opportunities that align with their academic and professional goals but may not be financially feasible otherwise. These programs open doors for students to learn, explore, and thrive\u2014reflecting our shared belief in the power of a Bates education to transform lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to direct support for students, the College Key fosters connections across generations of the Bates Community.  We are so thrilled that this year, the Distinguished Alumni in Residence (DAIR) honoree is John Carrafa from the Class of 1976.  An award-winning theater and film director and choreographer, he will be on campus to reflect on his journey and share his insights with the Bates community.  You can read more about this event further in the newsletter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, we look forward to the Annual Meeting of the College Key, which will take place during Reunion Weekend on June 12th at 4:30pm.<\/strong>  If you are unable to join us on campus, you can catch the live stream to learn more about the impact work of the Key from this year.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We thank you all for our continued support of the College Key and the Bates community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jen Crawford \u201801
President, The College Key<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Executive Committee 2025-2026 Officers<\/h3>
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