Happy leap year! Predictably, it fell on Feb. 29, 2024.

As this special day only happens once every four years, we thought we’d leap back in time to previous Bates moments on Feb. 29.

Check out a few leap day memories, including a new one from 2024, below.

February 29, 2024: Leaping Olivia

Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College

Olivia Reynolds ’25 of Cumberland Center, Maine, leaps on the path to Merrill Gym and Underhill Arena on Feb. 29, 2024.

Her springtime attire (and the bare ground) notwithstanding, it was a chilly 28 degrees.


February 29, 2020: Festive Foods

Layla Dozier '20 for Bates College
Layla Dozier ’20 for Bates College

Bates students enjoy festive foods at the International Dinner on on Feb. 29, 2020.

Offering dozens of dishes from as many countries, the annual Bates tradition takes place in the Gray Athletic Building, where a display of flags from around the world hang from the rafters and students wear brightly patterned traditional garb.

Sponsored by the International Club, this year’s event is March 2.


February 29, 2016: First Aid Training

Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College

Joining a program called “How Everything Works” on Feb. 29, 2016, Bates EMS chief Bill Curley ’16 shows children at Hillview Housing Community Resource Center in Lewiston how some first-aid techniques are done.


February 29, 2012: A Marvelous Menu

- A patron reviews the specials menu board at Lewiston's Lisbon Street restaurant Marché.
Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College

A patron reviews the specials menu board on Feb. 29, 2012, at the bygone Lewiston restaurant Marché on Lisbon Street.


February 29, 2008: A Blues Moment

- A patron reviews the specials menu board at Lewiston's Lisbon Street restaurant Marché.
Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College

Corey Harris ’91 performs to a sold-out Olin Arts Center Concert Hall on Feb. 29, 2008, as part of a seven-day residency at Bates.

Harris, who worked with classes and individual students, recieved a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” in 2007.


February 29, 2004: T’was Bittersweet

Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College

Lauren DuBois ’04 embraces a teammate after a tough loss to rival Bowdoin in the NESCAC Championship title game held on Feb. 29, 2004, at Bowdoin.

“I’ve grown tremendously at Bates,” said DuBois shortly before her graduation as basketball standout and an honors history major. “College tests you, and to succeed is a great achievement.”



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