A Note from the Director: November 2025
Welcome to Fall at Bates!
Fall Highlights & Strategic Momentum
In September, six decades of alumni kicked off the Year of the Bobcat by celebrating 150 years of Bates football—and a win over Amherst—as the newly relocated Bobcat statue stood proudly overlooking the field.
At the same time, the halls of Pettengill, Bonney, Hedge, and beyond are alive with students and faculty—including 17 new tenure-track teacher-scholars—bringing fresh creativity and a deep commitment to mentorship.
Together, the community is collaborating on strategic planning that will chart a course for the future, grounded in Bates’ mission.
Gift Planning Events & Learning
We want you to be a part of this excitement. This year, the Office of Gift Planning has already begun offering more ways for you to connect with the college and each other. In September, our Phillips Society Webinar featured Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Anelise Shrout, who spoke with members about her innovative work using data and technology to explore historical trends and social issues.
Looking ahead, please save the date for the annual Phillips Society Luncheon, held just before the Mount David Summit on April 10, 2026. It’s an inspiring day of connection and learning—an opportunity to hear directly from students about their original research and see the impact of your support.
Introducing Forever Garnet
We are also thrilled to introduce Forever Garnet, a new volunteer group for alumni from the classes of 1950-1970, dedicated to strengthening the Bates community. We believe that Bates’ greatest strength lies in its people, and this group will be a key part of our efforts to inspire connection and continued generosity.
At Bates, we’re a community of lifelong learners. Let’s continue learning from one another—and strengthening the college we all care about so deeply.
To learn more, contact us at giftplanning@bates.edu | 800-762-3145. But, don’t just take it from us. We can put you in touch with alumni who can share more about the reasons they have updated their giving strategy for Bates.