{"id":3329,"date":"2023-02-06T16:52:32","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T20:52:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/?page_id=3329"},"modified":"2023-06-02T13:43:20","modified_gmt":"2023-06-02T17:43:20","slug":"share-your-well-wishes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/share-your-well-wishes\/","title":{"rendered":"Share Your Well Wishes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>We welcome Bates alumni, faculty, family, friends, staff, and students to share your message with Clayton and our community as we celebrate Bates eighth president. Your well wishes will be shared with Clayton and here publicly. <\/p>\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 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few years would present such challenges? Yet, with skill and grace, you guided the Bates community to find safe solutions in keeping with Bates&#8217; purpose and spirit.\r\nMy best wishes for a well-deserved, happy, healthy retirement.<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Sharon Geil &#8217;72<\/span><span class=\"_date\">December 18, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Wishing you the very best on your next Journey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Angela W. Williams<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 20, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>We have enjoyed knowing you over these Bates years. Thanks for your wonderful leadership &amp; your Purposeful Work. Soon we\u2019ll be almost neighbors!!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Jerry &amp; Gretchen Davis. \u201861<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 17, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton has served as a tremendous leader for Bates, eliciting the greatness that already existed in this wonderful place.  She has been a dedicated leader who faced all questions with clarity, generosity, and a real desire to uphold the values of the Bates community.  She leaves Bates better than she found it, and those who worked with her, grateful for the experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Michelle Rosenberg<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 16, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you President Clayton, for your dedication to making Bates one of the best institutions. The Purposeful Work program is definitely a highlight, and one I wish had been there when I was a student! You definitely made a positive difference and will be missed!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Sharon Williams<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 15, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Over the past eleven years your leadership has elevated Bates to a new level of liberal arts education for all of its students, increasing the level of scholarship, investment in the endowment, inclusivity, and many other aspects of the college&#8217;s life and future.  You are to be not only congratulated on a job exceedingly well done, but also truly thanked for your successful efforts.  I wish you the very best in whatever you may decide to do in the future and feel certain your dedication and foresightedness will be of great benefit to those who may be lucky enough to receive your wholehearted attention and effort.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Irwin Flashman<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 13, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you Clayton for your caring leadership and championing the liberal arts! Our daughter had a remarkable and enriching experience at Bates under your tenure. I wish you the very best with your future endeavors and go Bobcats even though I&#8217;m a Polar Bear from Bowdoin-home of your fellow retiring presidential Clayton! Long live the liberal arts!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Andrew Day<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 10, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton, I\u2019m personally grateful for your model of patient but intentional leadership, subtle mentorship, strategic thinking, and kind, human response to crisis or celebration. Your vision for higher education, and for Bates in particular, is imbued with respect for the process and ambition for the outcome. Bates was wise to select you and is right to celebrate you\u2014sorry for all the attention!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Meg Kimmel<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 9, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton, congratulations on your retirement! I wish you lots of time to rest &amp; relax, and to do all those adventures that perhaps you haven&#8217;t had time to do yet.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for all that you&#8217;ve done for Bates during your tenure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Mel Beaulieu<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 8, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Dr Spencer,<\/p>\n<p>You have followed admirably in the long tradition of great Bates presidents.  Congratulations, and thank you!  Wishing you well in your retirement,<\/p>\n<p>John Blake, Class of 1952<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">John Blake<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 5, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for believing in the Bates Film Festival, Clayton.  Before most people had heard about it, you jumped in with a co-sponsorship that gave us instant credibility.  Your belief in our project buoyed my confidence and that of my students.  You&#8217;ll always be an important member of the BFF family!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Jon Cavallero<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 4, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton: <\/p>\n<p>Thank you for all that you did for the arts at Bates. Although I married a Batesie, I did not graduate with my class of 1962 because there was no art history or art museum and art was what I wanted to study.  I graduated elsewhere.  So receiving a Doctor of Fine Arts Honorary Degree from Bates under your leadership in 2017 signaled the increased presence of the arts on campus and gave me what I was missing: a Bates degree!  <\/p>\n<p>Warmly,  wanda<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Wanda M. Corn<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 4, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for your enormous impact on the college.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Ross Deacon<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 4, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton,<br \/>\nCongratulations on your many fruitful, dramatic, exciting years at Bates. It was a pleasure to share time with you there. Getting a parting gifts to support purposeful work internships is a nice final gesture. That support  really makes a difference. I wish you luck out there and that you enjoy some down time before whatever is next.<br \/>\nBest<br \/>\nCarol<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Carol Dilley<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 3, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank You so much Dr. Clayton. As a parent of First generation alumni. It was a chalenge, but for the help we received from Bates programs it was possible for my child to graduate.  My 2nd child was not able to attend Bates, but thank you so much. My best wishes Dr Clayton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Dina Bravo<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 3, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton,<br \/>\nThank you for all you have done for Bates these past 11 years and for joining my class at its 35th reunion dinner ten years ago, near the conclusion of your first year at Bates.  It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to get to know you a bit at that dinner.  I thought then just as I think now that Bates was so very fortunate to be in the hands of your thoughtful and visionary stewardship.<br \/>\nBy the way, having just completed my first year of retirement, I heartily recommend it and wish you all the best in yours!<br \/>\nRon Monroe, &#8217;78<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Ron Monroe<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 3, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton, I loved getting to know you when we would run hearth at your house during my time as a multifaith fellow. Since leaving Bates and talking to people from other schools, I have come to understand how unusual it was to get interactions like that with the college president. Thank you for taking the time to connect with and get to know students. Good luck with your next adventure!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Alexis Hudes<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 3, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you so much. I met you at the start of your presidency at a reception for then current parents who were fundraising for Bates. I thought Bates was lucky to have found you then, and I was right. <\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your vision and for all you have done for the students, their families, and the Bates community. <\/p>\n<p>Carol Ode<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Carol Ode<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 3, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>We wish you all the best for your next chapter and remain extremely grateful for our daughter, Ingrid Olivia Norrm\u00e9n-Smith\u2019s  opportunity to have had a Bate\u2019s education. This has shaped her career decisions and so much more, as well as giving her a solid group of lifelong friends.<\/p>\n<p>All the best,<br \/>\nEdward and Benita<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Edward Smith and Ingrid Benita Norrm\u00e9n-Smith<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 3, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>You were the right person at the right time for Bates!  Thank you for starting a way for students to help others and learn Purposeful Work for their lifetimes. We are so grateful to you, Clayton! Love, Kendall \u201855 and Linda \u201864<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Kendall &amp; Linda Gramatky Smith<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for your many contributions to Bates!  While we did not have a chance to meet in person, we did have a lengthy phone conversation on a number of topics.  I appreciated your candor and your demonstrated deep commitment to Bates.  I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!!        Best, Enzo Rebula (Class of 1975)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Enzo Rebula<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton! Congratulations on such an amazing Bates tenure and leaving behind a wonderful legacy. Your dedication to the college was unmatched. I truly admire your ability to inspire through public speaking, and wish you the best in your future endeavors. Thank you!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Owen L \u201820<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for your leadership in moving Bates to its highest level in so many areas. Your tireless energy, thoughtfulness, determination, deep intelligence, wonderful sense of humor and willingness  to test new ideas and run with the best of the ideas, defined your successful leadership and made Bates what it is today for which I am most grateful. Thank you Clayton! Carol Rattray P&#8217;11<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Carol Rattray<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton, Thank you for everything you have done for Bates! Your leadership has been exceptional, and we wish you all the best in your next chapter!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Mimi and Tom Drake<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Brava on an amazing tenure at Bates College.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Christopher van der Lugt<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for a spectacular job in overseeing Bates College<br \/>\nYours truly, Dr. Richard A. Guarino<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Richard A. Guarino, MD<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear President Spencer: It has been an absolute pleasure to be even a small part of the Bobcat team these past few years.  As I wrapped up my second term on the Alumni Council in May, it occurred to me how much I wish I could be a student again!  The transformation and advancement in the college has been wonderful to witness.  I&#8217;m just so impressed with how Bates continues to be the exemplar of a liberal arts education.  You will be missed.  I wish you all the best in your next adventure and remember, once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!  Kindest regards and with deep appreciation for your dedication and commitment to the students, faculty, staff, and extended family of Bates College.  Erica Plunkett &#8217;86<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Erica Seifert Plunkett<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton Spencer\u2013\u2013Thank you for your leadership and the vision you brought to Bates College.  My daughter Nina finished her sophomore year at Bates and she has gained so much in the last two years.  Your vision and work to create the Center for Purposeful Work is so appreciated.  The Center has been a central aspect to Nina&#8217;s positive experience at Bates.  As a biology student, this past term she worked in Lewiston at a Neuro-rehab clinic and this summer she is doing research working with sustaining the native bee population in Wisconsin!  Both jobs she got through the Center of Purposeful Work.  These connections and opportunities really make a difference in students&#8217; pursuit for meaningful connections in their communities.  Cheers to you!  And again, thank you for your service to higher education.<br \/>\nAll the best,<br \/>\nTamara<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Tamara Bryant<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>God Bless you over and over President for all the wonderful changes and improvements you brought to Blessed Bates College!!!! Prayers, Mrs. &#8220;G&#8221; xoxoxox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Virginia Forbush Goddard &#8217;53<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Our daughter, Abigail Decter, was accepted to Bates for the class of 2016. We visited the campus in the spring of that year to enable her to make the decision to accept or decline; the mood of the school was nothing short of ebullient, and every student we spoke with said Bates was exceptional and that they were happy and fulfilled. Abby accepted Bates&#8217; offer and her 4 years there were nothing short of spectacular: she made lifelong friends, received the best education, and most importantly, made joyful and hilarious memories that will last her whole life! Clayton, your indefatigable spirit, benevolence, and vision have guided the mighty Bates family, and we are forever grateful to you. We wish you continued happiness, personal fulfillment, and health in your next adventure! Fondly, Cheryl Doherty, Ed Decter, and Abigail Decter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Cheryl N. Doherty<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>From one antediluvian member of the Bates alumni, I wish to congratulate and add my praise and gratitude for Mrs.   Spencer&#8217;s contributions and leadership years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Robert G. Wilson<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Congratulations on an impressive tenure as President including navigating a pandemic that disrupted the entire world.<br \/>\nI thoroughly enjoyed telling all my Bates friends from your first day that the college was in good hands with your leadership. You will be a tough act to follow!<br \/>\nBest wishes on the next chapter of your journey going forward.<br \/>\nThank you for taking such good care of my alma mater and moving her forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Bill Cuthbertson<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Bates and its students benefited from your administrative talents, leader ship, and work. With my meaningful experience and involvement with the four prior presidents of  Bates, my educated and genuine opinion is you are the one who was overall most positively  impactful and effective for Bates..<br \/>\nThank you.<br \/>\nColin Fuller M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P. \u201869<br \/>\nP\u201900, P\u201918, GP\u201926<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Colin Fuller<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for the tremendous efforts to enhance so many aspects of Bates College, and ensuring its financial future! Your energy, creativity, and all-around positive attitude have been a joy to witness!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Ruth Mary Hall<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton &#8211; Thank you for your inspiring leadership at Bates. Your work resulted in dramatic new buildings and critical improvements at Bates college, and has us moving in all the right directions.  Your vision for Bates to be a top echelon leader in the engaged liberal arts, and your dedication as President  has positioned us well for continued excellence.  I wish you all the best in your retirement, and applaud your lasting legacy at Bates.  Congratulations!  Wishing you &#8220;Fair Winds and Following Seas&#8221; on your retirement journey!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Jay Phillips<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thanks for all you have done to make Bates a better liberal arts college.  You are the best!!!   Wes &amp; Elaine Bonney<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Weston Bonney<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>It has been an education watching you build a team and navigate difficult waters. Thank you for your help and leadership over the last 11 years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Dervilla<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Congratulations! and well done. We will miss seeing you at the print studio. Loved printing your personal jobs and seeing your family grow. Thank you for supporting the College and its students.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Laurie Hiscock<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 2, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton,<br \/>\nYou have a way of making us feel valued as employees, and cared about as people. Thank you for everything you have done for Bates and its community. You will surely be missed!<br \/>\nShanna<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Shanna Green<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton,<br \/>\nThank you for leading the Bates community over the past 11 years.  I am a parent of two recent graduates, we are a Maine family.<br \/>\nI have such deep gratitude toward the Bates community for providing my kids with the gift of a quality education.  I watched them become young men who valued learning.  I watched them make life long friendships.<br \/>\nClayton, I spoke with you a few times while watching my son&#8217;s soccer games.  You were approachable and eager to talk and interested in my kids experiences at school.  Thank you for that.<br \/>\nI am beyond grateful to you and to the community as a whole. I miss visiting Bates.<br \/>\nAs you reflect on your time at Bates, please know that you were so appreciated.<br \/>\nThank you<br \/>\nMaura Heffernan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Maura Heffernan<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for your tremendous  tenures for 11 years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Tetsuya Hashiramoto<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for being a great President!  You were the ideal person for the job.. No one could have been more upbeat, innovative, and just so friendly and down to earth.  Thank you for making me proud to be a Batesie.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Faith Minard<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>As a parent of two Bates students (Anna Landgren \u201822 and Anders Landgren \u201825) my husband and I will be forever grateful for your steadfast leadership.  My husband\u2019s grandfather was a trustee for many years (Carroll K. Pierce) and two great aunts attended Bates in the 1920s.  As the college\u2019s eight president,  you helped to ensure the exemplary education afforded generations ago is still available today for my children and, thanks to your leadership, will very likely be open to generations to come.<br \/>\nCongratulations on your retirement.  <\/p>\n<p>Warmly.<br \/>\nTrish &amp; Mark Landgren P\u201922 P\u201925<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Trish Landgren<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton- thank you for your leadership and stewardship. One of my favorite memories was sitting next to you in the bleachers when the men\u2019s lacrosse team beat Tufts for the first time in the programs history in 2015. We cheered for the team and celebrated their victory with joy. My two children Jack and Katie credit their Bates education with being the single most transformative experience of their lives. We are eternally grateful.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Genny Alllard<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.  Your presence at Bates during our daughter Alexa Harrison&#8217;s time there contributed to an absolutely outstanding educational experience.  Your policies fostered a campus atmosphere that opened doors to so many valuable growth experiences both inside and outside the classroom&#8230;experiences that launched her confidently and successfully into her adult life.  We are truly grateful to all that you did during your tenure at Bates, and we are certain you will be missed by many.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Loredana and Jose Harrison<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear President Spencer &#8212; Congratulations on retirement.  I witnessed first-hand the positive impact you had on so many students, and I am so encouraged by all the amazing things you accomplished during your time at Bates.  May you have a restful and enjoyable retirement.  Thank you for all that you&#8217;ve done!  Best wishes, Frank<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Frank Fusco<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Congratulations, and best wishes for your next chapter of life. <\/p>\n<p>Maisie\u2019s youngest brother, Gus, will begin Bates this fall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Lee Silverman<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton, I can&#8217;t thank you enough for leading Bates so beautifully. I am so grateful that Jesse&#8217;s time there was spent while you were at the helm, and I enjoyed immensely the brief but fun and meaningful time we spent together during the four years. I wish you well as you move into a new chapter!  Congratulations!  Fondly, Wendy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Wendy Lipp<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you so much for the love, devotion, and wisdom you gave to Bates. It was clear to us from the moment our daughter started in 2016 that you truly care about the students. You are the real McCoy! Best of luck to you in your next endeavor!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Linda Simpson<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear President Spencer,<br \/>\nThank you for 11 years of outstanding service to the College and the Bates community. Your leadership has made a Bates a stronger institution and community and it has expanded the positive impact of Bates more broadly. And your wonderful sense of humor set a great example for all of us to follow in working with others.<br \/>\nCheers to your wonderful tenure and to your next chapter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Robert Mirabile<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>My daughter graduated in 2022 and I just want to tell you that I thought you did an excellent job handling the COVID pandemic. Thank you for everything.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Karen Glenn<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for being such a wonderful president for my alma mater.<br \/>\nI\u2019m glad to have met you many times throughout your tenure.  Best of luck with your next endeavors!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Ilse Abusamra<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Best wishes President Spencer.<\/p>\n<p>We appreciate your work for all alumni<\/p>\n<p>Chuck James &#8217;78<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Chuck James<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton, <\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your visionary ideas that will continue to provide dividends to Bates, our students, and alums for generations to come. Our first in person meeting was in San Francisco for Purposeful Work and tech industry discussions. I recall feeling excited as an alum to contribute to discussions on how a holistic liberal arts education is a differentiator in the tech world. I also felt excited for current and future students. The Purposeful work initiative &amp; connecting into alumni networks creates faster paths to hiring, opportunities, and career progression. Thank you for taking these ideas, putting them in practice, and securing the investments required for successful implementation in the working world. <\/p>\n<p>All the best on your next  adventures. Thank you for lending your talents to Bates.<\/p>\n<p>Best wishes, <\/p>\n<p>Joselle Deocampo-Gautam<br \/>\nClass of 2001<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Joselle Deocampo-Gautam<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for the work that you have done to elevate Bates over your time as President. As an alum and former staff member during your leadership, you have made me so proud to be Bobcat!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Carrie Murphey<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>So many things accomplished and lives affected for the better&#8230;your marks are indelible throughout the Bates Community. I&#8217;m so happy to have met you in person, both during a Chicago trip and a Class of &#8217;81 campus reunion. Best wishes for an equally full life in retirement from the Presidency. Sincerely, an Admiring Alum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Anne Loewenthal Shain<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton&#8217;s first year as President aligned with my first year at Bates. Throughout my time at Bates, and now as an alumna, I&#8217;ve been thankful for Clayton&#8217;s leadership, mentorship, and friendship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Sarah Stanley<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank for your leadership for more than a decade.  Your steady hand has guided us in ways we never imagined.  Congratulations and much success to you and your family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">James A. Murphy, III<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>You&#8217;ve had an immeasurable impact on each and every one of us and we are all better for your leadership and compassion, thank you!  You&#8217;ve set the bar high on integrity, social contract, and responsibility for access to education &#8211; words do not adequately express my admiration and appreciation for you! You&#8217;re a Titan! Thanks for everything!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Natalie Williamson<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Dear Clayton!<\/p>\n<p>Thank you so much for accepting this position. You were the perfect leader for Bates at the exact right time. I have appreciated how well you fit into Maine as you are wicked smaht and down to Earth! So pleased you are staying in Maine too. I look forward to giving you a hug at reunion next weekend and hope we can keep in touch neighbor!<\/p>\n<p>Laura<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Laura Young<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for all your outstanding work at Bates College. As parents of a 2025 Bates&#8217; student, we have admired all that you have done at Bates and have appreciated being in on several Zooms with you to hear about your vision, priorities and to answer questions. Also, deeply grateful for all your enthusiasm for the Bates&#8217; Womens Basketball Team!  We will miss you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Moira Walsh<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton,<\/p>\n<p>I remember, late in 2011, going to Gray Cage for the event at which we as a community would learn who our new president would be, and that we would meet them. I recall being a bit skeptical of the glitzy nature of that &#8220;rock &#8216;n&#8217; roll&#8221; introduction, with the new mystery president striding out from behind a curtain. (I now know enough of you that I think I&#8217;m correct in assuming you were probably a little embarrassed by all that drama too.) I wasn&#8217;t sure you&#8217;d live up to all that hype.<\/p>\n<p>Oh my, you did live up to the hype, and then some.<\/p>\n<p>From its start to its finish, your presidency has been characterized by excellence. You are an excellent leader&#8211;thoughtful, clear-thinking, confident, consultative, and engaged, and always with a vision for where Bates is and needs to go, and where higher education is and needs to go. You&#8217;ve seen challenges and opportunities as they arose, often seeing them around corners. And because good people want to work with good people, you succeeded in building and maintaining an excellent senior staff team around you. Even more so than was the case before your arrival, Bates has established itself as a leader in higher education, particularly around Purposeful Work. Any colleague with good sense should look on with admiration at all the good that&#8217;s happened under your leadership. I certainly do.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond that admiration of your leadership, I also feel privileged to have frequently had a chance to work up close with you, whether on the Purposeful Work working group, or Institutional Planning, or CFG, or any other committee I&#8217;m forgetting. And of course, it&#8217;s been a delight working with you as parliamentarian. I hope that as I continue as a Bates faculty member, I can remember all the lessons to be learned from you, such as the importance of attending to important details but without getting lost in the minutiae (as is my wont, unfortunately). For years, I&#8217;ve been an atheist, so I no longer ask &#8220;WWJD?&#8221; (what would Jesus do?); but I might now occasionally ask &#8220;WWCD?&#8221; My decisions will likely benefit from my doing so.<\/p>\n<p>In any case, thanks for your leadership, and for the leaders whom you recruited to the college. Thanks for the love for Bates that clearly animated you. And thanks for the laughter you always helped us find in the work.<\/p>\n<p>Cheers,<\/p>\n<p>Michael<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Michael Sargent<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton, thanks for leading Bates to new heights and creating a sustainable foundation to continue that trajectory &#8212; a job very well done!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Paul Marks<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Clayton\u2026<br \/>\nThere are not enough words to express how grateful so many of us are for your absolutely brilliant leadership and care at Bates during your 11 year tenure. You will leave an indelible mark on our beloved college.<br \/>\nSimply\u2026 Thank you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Mary Henderson Pressman<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you for all you&#8217;ve done for Bates &#8211; you have made such a positive contribution to my beloved college!  Wishing you the best in all your future endeavors!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Ingrid Earn Shea &#8217;67<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>Thank you, President Spencer, for your service to Bates and especially for establishing the purposeful work program.  I&#8217;ve been so impressed with the work that&#8217;s been shown in the frequent emailed newsletters.  I&#8217;ve always been proud to be a Bates alum but now I&#8217;m even prouder!  Best wishes in your retirement!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Marcia Weston Haas &#8217;70<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"bates-well-wish\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_content\"><p>President Spencer, I want to thank you for all you&#8217;ve done for me and so many others during your time at Bates. Your willingness to meet with me and help me connect with other Alum in my industry upon graduation is an act of kindness that has stuck with me since leaving campus in 2016 (Not to mention, being one of the Bates Men&#8217;s Basketball program&#8217;s biggest supporters!) You are truly one of a kind, and your legacy will forever live on Bates. Thank you, and wishing you all the best in your next chapter.<\/p>\n<p>With love,<br \/>\nMike Boornazian<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_attribution\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"_name\">Mike Boornazian<\/span><span class=\"_date\">June 1, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:200px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We welcome Bates alumni, faculty, family, friends, staff, and students to share&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_hide_ai_chatbot":false,"_ai_chatbot_style":"","associated_faculty":[],"_Page_Specific_Css":"","_bates_restrict_mod":false,"_dimp_site_id":"","_dimp_override_contact":false,"_table_of_contents_display":false,"_table_of_contents_location":"","_table_of_contents_disableSticky":false,"_is_featured":false,"footnotes":"","_bates_seo_meta_description":"","_bates_seo_block_robots":false,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_id":0,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_twitter_id":0,"_bates_seo_share_title":"","_bates_seo_canonical_overwrite":"","_bates_seo_twitter_template":""},"class_list":["post-3329","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3329","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3329"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3329\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4535,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3329\/revisions\/4535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}