Welcome to Forever Garnet

Forever Garnet is a group of dedicated alumni volunteers from classes who have marked 55 or more years since graduation. Bates invites volunteers in these classes to connect with the college and each other in meaningful ways.

Volunteering through this new program deepens your connection to the college, builds relationships with fellow alumni, and strengthens Bates’ long-term resources for the future.

Forever Garnet volunteers have opportunities to participate in Bates events, share learning opportunities aligned with Bates’ commitment to the liberal arts, and explore creative ways to give back to Bates.

What do Forever Garnet volunteers do—what are my responsibilities?

Forever Garnet volunteers play a vital role in keeping alumni connected and involved with Bates—creating a sense of community among classmates and strengthening their relationships with the college. Responsibilities include:

  • Leading by example: Make your Bates Fund gift by December 31 and encourage others to do the same.
  • Speak with classmates about the importance of giving to the future of Bates through estate or planned gifts; refer them to Gift Planning staff as needed.
  • Share news from campus and encourage classmates to participate in virtual or in-person alumni programming.
  • Attend Forever Garnet Zoom calls to connect with other volunteers.
  • Thank fellow alumni for their engagement and generosity to Bates.

Forever Garnet is supported through the Bates Office of Gift Planning. Your staff liaison is Susan Dunning, Associate Director of Gift Planning. Please reach out to Susan to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Forever Garnet volunteers have the freedom to engage with classmates and other alumni in varied and meaningful ways. Outreach will be timed around particular campus or virtual events to encourage attendance. You will have the opportunity to collaborate on developing meaningful virtual programs each year and to join other Forever Garnet volunteers to attend twice-annual volunteer-focused Zoom calls.

Bates staff can help you learn to run your own class-specific Zoom calls and send your own newsletters. These kinds of gatherings and communications are most well-received when they come directly from a classmate.

You will still have the opportunity to reach out to classmates about their Bates support and the importance of giving. Rather than signing Bates Fund solicitation letters—which are now sent directly from Bates—you have opportunities to craft a personalized letter that highlights the many creative and impactful ways to support Bates, including through endowment contributions and planned giving opportunities.

We find that after the 55th Reunion, alumni are more interested in exploring planned gifts. For classes in their 50th year and beyond, volunteers are instrumental in helping educate and encourage their classmates to consider supporting the college through bequests, trusts, or other planned gifts. Becoming familiar with these creative giving opportunities helps classmates think about their best gifts for Bates, which may include future commitments.

Forever Garnet is supported through the Bates Office of Gift Planning. Your staff liaison is Susan Dunning, Associate Director of Gift Planning. Please reach out to Susan to learn more.

Volunteer Resources

You’re Invited!

Learn more at our upcoming Forever Garnet Volunteer events:

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Have questions about Forever Garnet? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Bates staff dedicated to making the most of your thoughtful volunteer commitment. Please contact Susan Dunning at 207-786-6246 or sdunning@bates.edu.