Among the 504 seniors at Sunday’s Bates Commencement will be these 13, each of whom recently shared what they’ll miss most about Bates, from professors attending their theater shows to unexpected joy found in Commons, while offering advice to the incoming Class of 2029.
In this collection of candid reflections (“Try everything — and then pick what makes you smile”), paired with striking and heartfelt photography by Phyllis Graber Jensen, the spirit of the Bates Class of 2025 comes alive.
How to Watch Commencement
Livestreamed on the Bates website and the Bates Facebook page, the Bates Commencement ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 25, with live coverage beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Alexandra Long
A mathematics major from Newtown, Pa., Long played varsity basketball and was an internship peer advisor with Purposeful Work, with academic interests in the intersections of data science and storytelling.
On the heart of the Bates experience:
“The thing I’m going to miss most about Bates is the community. In the spaces I’ve worked, played sports, and learned supportive people were everywhere.”
On values lived out:
“Community has always been my number one value, and that’s a huge reason I came to Bates. I’ve been able to live that out in the choices I’ve made and the relationships I’ve built.”
On advice to new students:
“Extend yourself to make meaningful and authentic relationships — they will last. People are the most important.”
Izzy Beck
A politics major from Montclair, N.J., Beck was a Purposeful Work peer advisor, coxswain on the men’s varsity rowing team, summer Admission intern, and completed her honors thesis investigating the development of the unitary executive theory in contemporary American politics.
On what she’ll miss most:
“What I’ll miss the most about Bates is the proximity I have to professors who are at the tops of their fields and excited to share wisdom with their students.”
On the Bates vibe:
“Bates students are interested in and enthusiastic about the many things they do.”
On academic advice:
“Take one random class each semester that just sounds interesting. You might uncover a passion you didn’t know you had.”
Emma Gay
A double major in anthropology and classical and medieval studies from Herndon, Va., Gay was president of the ski club, a member of the Bates orchestra, and was an Admission senior fellow.
On what she’ll miss most about Bates:
“In short, the people. I have been lucky enough to meet some of the most amazing people across campus that have helped me become the person I am today, and I’m going to miss all the smiling faces and joy that people spread around campus.”
On unequivocal support:
“From the faculty to staff to students, I have been able to succeed in all aspects of my life because of the support I had, and will continue to have after Bates. These people, who have been with me through so many ups and downs, have taught me so much, and I will forever be grateful.”
On advice for incoming students:
“Take advantage of the offerings to get to know your fellow classmates — but don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ and take time for yourself during a really crazy transition period when it can become very overwhelming.”
Caroline Bibbens
A politics major from Claremont, Calif., Bibbens was an Admission senior fellow and a volunteer at Lewiston public schools.
On building lasting friendships:
“From day one, Bates helped me feel socially comfortable. My first-year roommate is still my best friend, and I met five more on my AESOP trip who are still my closest friends today.”
On what she’ll miss most:
“It really feels like a second home. I’ll miss walking around campus and seeing the faces of all the people I’ve built such close friendships with.”
On finding community far from home:
“Coming from so far away, I was nervous at first, but Bates is such a supportive and welcoming place. The friendships I’ve made here have meant everything.”
Kendall Jones
A double major in biochemistry and theater from Plymouth, N.H., Jones worked as a stage manager (including carpentry work) for many Bates plays, also handling social media for the theater and dance department, and was an organic chemistry teaching assistant and summer Admission intern.
On professors who show up — literally:
“Almost all of my professors have come to my theater shows. My biochemistry professors know I’m in theater, and all my theater professors know I’m in biochemistry. They’re like, ‘Are you surviving biochemistry?’ You get hands-on learning — and a friend for life.”
On what she’ll miss most:
“I’m going to miss walking across the Quad and waving to everyone — even the people you just skateboard past every day. And I’ll miss my professors. They were such a big part of my time here.”
On how to make the most of Bates:
“Try everything — and then pick a few things that really make you happy and smile. It makes the whole experience feel so much more full.”
Max Good
A double major in economics and Hispanic studies from Shaker Heights, Ohio, Good was a men’s squash captain, a member of the entrepreneurship club Bobcat Ventures, and a member of the Jewish Student Union.
On time well spent:
“I’ll miss walking into Commons intending to grab a quick bite but instead staying for hours chatting with friends until the next meal.”
On what Commons represents:
“It’s a space that brings together all kinds of Batesies who pursue a plethora of passions.”
On everyday joy:
“At Bates I get to hang out with friends every day for no purpose other than enjoying each other’s company.”
Maddie Kemp
A double major in politics and in art and visual culture from Bethesda, Md., Kemp is one of the Bates rowing captains, regularly contributed to Bates theater with her poster designs, and was a collections intern for the Bates College Museum of Art.
On what she’ll miss most:
“The most important thing that’s prepared me to leave Bates — and that I’ll miss the most — is the community of people I have. It’s a really wonderful group that I know I can go to for anything.”
On being ready for the world:
“I feel really well prepared to interact in a larger global community because I’ve spent so much time working in these smaller families, essentially.”
On advice to incoming students:
“You’re more prepared than you think. There are challenges beyond your wildest imagination — and you’re totally ready to take them on.”
Luke Dai
A double major in economics and psychology from West Hartford, Conn., Dai was a member of the varsity cross country and track teams, an Admission senior fellow, and a Purposeful Work peer advisor, and he interned with the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition.
On the meaning of place and memory:
“I’ll miss the Russell Street track. When I think about my time at Bates, I think about my experiences with my teammates. We’ve put a significant amount of work on this track, and it means a lot to me.”
On belonging and shared purpose:
“It gave me a sense of community and belonging. My coach always told us, ‘Run for each other, not just for yourself,’ and I really embodied that. My fondest memories were just competing with my friends and just going to practice with them every day. That’s why this track means a lot to me.”
On how athletics shaped him:
“Being a student-athlete at Bates taught me discipline, time management, and motivation. It allowed me to be part of a greater purpose than just myself.”
David Nimura
A psychology major from New York City, Nimura was an Admission tour guide, a member of the men’s Ultimate team, and an Outing Club member who led the front country trip program while also officiating and coaching youth sports in Lewiston.
On what he’ll carry forward:
“I’ve really grown as a person, a student, and a caring individual. Bates has prepared me to step into something new and has given me friendships and mentors I’ll cherish forever.”
On the little things that matter:
“You always feel seen at Bates — a high five, a hug, a wave. Even if you don’t know someone well, they still acknowledge you. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
On the magic of the everyday:
“You’re never going to have the same day twice at Bates. There’s always something unplanned, something surprising, and that’s where new connections are made. Currently standing by the Puddle in my hammock on a sunny day — it’s moments like that when you really understand how special Bates is.”
Amanda Zerbib
A psychology major from Larchmont, N.Y., Zerbib was a varsity field hockey player, a Purposeful Work peer advisor, an Admission senior fellow, and a volunteer in Lewiston schools.
On community:
“I think what I’m going to miss most about Bates is the genuine small-scale community. It’s hard to replicate once you graduate. Bates has done a really great job at creating a genuine community: very safe, warm, and tight-knit.”
On learning and faculty:
“It’s such a unique opportunity to be surrounded by so many intellectual and generous people. I’m going to miss getting to choose from incredible classes and professors who truly care.”
On transformation and discovery:
“There’s so much I didn’t even realize Bates was doing around me until senior year. Once you start paying attention, it can lead you onto a whole path of amazing things.”
Nora Fox
A philosophy major from Minneapolis, Minn., Fox was a Purposeful Work peer advisor, an editor for The Bates Student, and a philosophy teaching assistant who completed an honors thesis on protecting human dignity and meaningful work from the ethical risks of AI in the workplace.
On faculty connection:
“I’m going to miss my advisor, Professor David Comiskey, a lot. He’s been really instrumental in shaping my Bates career. We met every week for my thesis — he always made sure I was understanding the material and learning well.”
On exploring the liberal arts:
“I was on the rowing team for a little. I joined Ultimate. I took classes from a bunch of different departments — and then I finally kind of homed in. You never know what connections you’ll make or what path you’ll find. Bates is great at that.”
On work, purpose, and friendship:
“I’m going to miss my coworkers at Purposeful Work, helping other students, and of course, my friends. I just love coming home and having them as support.”
Aneeza Ahmad
A double major in environmental studies and philosophy from Sharon, Mass., Ahmad was a Purposeful Work peer advisor, a leader of the Muslim Student Association, and a violinist in the Small Ensembles Club, and she completed an honors thesis on the concept of a ‘good farmer’ in Maine by centering Wabanaki, white, and Somali Bantu farming perspectives.
On a caring campus:
“At Bates, you are surrounded by people who care deeply about you and your success, and you are gifted with the beauty and surprises of Maine’s stunning landscape. You feel, with unwavering certainty, that you are home. That is what I will miss the most.”
On taking a chance:
“Try out that new sport or club, take that fun class outside of your major, have lunch with your professor, even if all of these things make you nervous.”
On the freedom of college life:
“You are awarded the freedom and support to explore your intellectual and personal curiosities as far as you are willing to chase them.”
Danny Zuniga Zarat
A double major in art and visual culture and in Latin American and Latinx studies from Houston, Texas, Zuniga Zarat exhibited his artwork at this year’s Senior Thesis Exhibition, presenting work in charcoal, performance, and video.
On friendships that became family:
“Some friends became family along the way, and now that we’re stepping into adulthood, that’s going to be the hardest part: from seeing each other every day, to suddenly living our own lives.”
On following the heart through the liberal arts:
“Make use of the liberal arts. Take dance or theater or whatever calls to you. When you’re a senior, you’ll look back and say, ‘I did it because it’s what my heart desired.’”
On what he’ll miss most:
“I’ll miss the community I’ve created. Now that we’re stepping into adulthood, leaving that behind will be tough — but I know we’ll all manage somehow.”
