On June 7 during Reunion Weekend, the Bates College Alumni Association honored six alumni for their outstanding contributions to the college and the wider world.
The awards were presented during the Annual Gathering of the Alumni Association, held in Merrill Gymnasium following the Alumni Parade, which was moved indoors due to rain.
Presenting the awards were John Howard ’86, vice president of the Alumni Association, joined by Bates President Garry W. Jenkins.
The Annual Gathering also featured Jenkins’ Presidential Address, in which he thanked the Reunion alumni for the many and powerful ways they have stepped up to support Bates. “Your dedication is nothing short of astonishing,” he said.
“We are so grateful for alumni support,” he added. “It makes an enormous difference. We stand on the shoulders of others. Giving back ensures future students enjoy the same transformative education that once changed your life.”
Alumni Professional Recognition Award: Dean Bragonier ’95
Bragonier was recognized for his work as founder of NoticeAbility, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students with dyslexia identify their unique strengths and build self-esteem. His work has had a significant positive impact on students with dyslexia around the world, exemplifying Bates values.
His award citation noted: “Dean’s mission is deeply personal. As a student with dyslexia, he has shared that his passion for learning wasn’t ignited until he came to Bates—where his differences were embraced and his potential recognized. Through his leadership at NoticeAbility, Dean is now bringing that same ethos of understanding, support, and empowerment to students, families, and educators around the world.”
Bruce Stangle ’70 Award for Distinguished Service to the Bates Community: Ann Clark Tucker ’78
Tucker was recognized for her extraordinary and long-standing volunteer leadership across the college, including with Advancement, Admission, and the Center for Purposeful Work, offering ongoing mentorship to Bates students and sharing advice from her career as a communications executive.
Her award citation noted: “During Short Term 2024, Ann returned to campus as a Practitioner-in-Residence with the Center for Purposeful Work, where she designed and taught a month-long course centered on the values of service and civic responsibility. She continues to mentor those students today, helping them prepare for lives of impact beyond Bates.”
Sesquicentennial Prize: Derek Anderson ’85
Anderson was recognized for his significant publishing achievement, Improbable Voices: A History of the World Since 1450 Seen From 26 Unusual Perspectives.
This book explores the history of the world through the voices of 26 people whose stories have long gone unheard, celebrating diverse perspectives and highlighting the value of liberal arts. Anderson has made his life and career as a high school history teacher, librarian, and world traveler.
His award citation noted: “The book’s creation connected dozens of librarians, historians, and archivists around the world, celebrating the essential roles these disciplines play in preserving and interpreting human history. It also pays homage to the influence of his Bates mentors, whose guidance inspired his passion for inquiry, storytelling, and thoughtful scholarship.”
Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Nick Beati ’20
Beati was recognized for his volunteer service to Bates and mentoring Bates students. As a director with Savills North America, based in Boston, Beati has welcomed and mentored Bates interns through the Center for Purposeful Work.
His award citation noted: “Not only has he created professional opportunities for Bates students, but he has also provided thoughtful mentorship and guidance to help them navigate life after college. Nick’s willingness to go above and beyond — whether by opening doors for students exploring professional options, hosting events, or simply being a reliable and thoughtful presence — has made him a standout among young alumni.”
Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award: Geraldine M. FitzGerald ’75
FitzGerald, a Bates trustee emerita, was honored for decades of distinguished and extensive service to Bates, including serving as co-chair of the $336 million Bates Campaign. She has served as president of the Alumni Association, remains an active Purposeful Work and Cheney Society volunteer, and co-chaired 1975’s Reunion Gift effort.
Her award citation noted: “Few alumni have served Bates with as much devotion, vision, and warmth. Geri’s thoughtfulness, grace, and preparation have left an indelible mark during this Reunion year. She has crafted individualized outreach, personally thanked every classmate, and successfully inspired major giving, always leading with kindness and conviction. Her leadership has brought her classmates closer to each other and to Bates “
Alumni Community Service Award: Robin Waterman ’85
Waterman, who was unable to attend the awards presentation at Reunion, was recognized for a career working with underserved communities worldwide.
For more than two decades, she developed community-based programs for low-income, culturally and linguistically diverse families in the greater Denver metro area, including 14 years as founding executive director of the Aurora Community Connection, fostering parent involvement, community leadership, and self-sufficiency.
Her award citation noted: “Her efforts continue to bridge systemic gaps in health and education access, embodying Bates’ core values of civic responsibility and ethical leadership. Whether supporting immigrant youth through the Village Exchange Center’s college access programs in Aurora or living in solidarity with homeless immigrants in Houston, Robin’s service is wholehearted and unwavering.”
