President Garry W. Jenkins used his inaugural address on May 4 to offer four cornerstones to guide the work of the college. Keeping the college strong and vibrant benefits not only Bates and Bates students, but U.S. democracy, he said. “They rise together.”

The news media reports on two Bates grads tapped for halls of fame, plus why it’s a bad idea to let college first-years choose their own roommates and how this year’s Bates Film Festival features visits by Academy Award winners likes Chris Cooper.

Enjoy this immersive picture story that captures the power of Bates community and the resolute optimism that marked the inauguration of President Jenkins.

President Jenkins’ address took his audience through a range of shared emotions. Of the many moving moments in the speech, here are 10.

We gathered brief quotes from 30-plus inauguration attendees, everyone from Bates student waiters and musicians to the new president’s mom.

President Jenkins’ installation featured historic firsts — he is Bates’ first Black and first openly gay president— and also whooping cheers, an eclectic slate of live music, and droves of Bates friends and supporters.