2023 Reunion Schedule




Please Note: Due to inclement weather, any recent changes in location or events will appear in red.
Thursday, June 8 (for 50th class only)
11:30am–8pm
Welcome Center
Your first stop—pick up your name tag, room key, and schedule.
Commons
11:45am–1:15pm
Lunch for the 50th Reunion Class
Commons
2–3pm
50th Reunion Program: Bates Sustainability Roadmap for 2030
As Bates moves beyond carbon neutral, our Board of Trustees has approved a new sustainability plan, which jumpstarts green initiatives across the campus—from solar, to electric vehicle chargers, to new building standards. With the Princeton Review recently ranking Bates among the top five greenest schools in the nation, come see what’s next for this sector of the college.
Pettengill Hall, Keck Classroom (G52)
3:30pm
50th Reunion Scavenger Hunt – Where’s Bob?
Get ready for an adventure across campus! Pickup directions in the ’73 class lounge. Complete it by 5pm on Friday to enter the raffle for a $25 bookstore gift card!
6pm
Welcome Reception and Dinner for the 50th Reunion Class
Commons, Catherine C. Gorayeb Dining Mezzanine
6–8pm
Dinner for Early Arrivals
Commons
Friday, June 9
7–9:30am
Breakfast
Commons
8am–10pm
Welcome Center
Your first stop—pick up your name tag, room key, and schedule.
Commons
8–9:15am
50th Reunion Class Breakfast with President Spencer
Sponsored by the Phillips Society, which honors alumni, parents, and friends who have provided legacy gifts to Bates through an estate plan or other financial arrangement.
Clifton Daggett Athletic Building (Gray Cage)
9:45–10:45am
50th Reunion Program (open to all classes): Footloose and Fancy Free – Senior Travel
Hear travel stories from fellow classmates and learn about adventures and day trips for your next excursion with Dube Travel Agency.
Pettengill Hall, Keck Classroom (G52)
10am–4pm
Hike at Bates–Morse Mountain
Enjoy an out-and-back walk to Seawall Beach. This walk is 4 miles round trip on paved and dirt roads with about 500 feet of elevation gain. The path goes through forests and saltwater marshes. Lunch and transportation are provided. Pre-registration required.
Meet at Merrill Gymnasium Parking Lot
11am–12pm
50th Reunion Program: Insider’s Tour Down Memory Lane
Join Tom Carey, the Director of Security and Campus Safety at Bates for 13 years, for a special Class of ’73 campus tour to revisit favorite spaces and also see what’s new!
Meet on the front steps of Hathorn Hall
11:30am–1:15pm
Lunch
Commons
12pm
Reunion Golf Outing
Lunch and registration from 12-1 p.m., tee times starting at 1:30 p.m. Hosted by the Friends of Bates Athletics.
Martindale Country Club, 527 Beech Hill Road, Auburn
1:30–2:45pm
50th Reunion Program (open to all classes): The Rich Legacy of Bates Athletics
Sports have influenced our lives at Bates and beyond as participants, observers, or friends. Join athletic alumni and coaches from the Class of 1973 and also other Reunion classes as we reflect on the legacy of Bates athletics, what it has meant in the lives of the athletes, as well as the successful and enduring implementation of Title IX (enacted in 1972 – a major boost to women’s sports) at Bates on its 50th (plus 1) anniversary.
Pettengill Hall, Keck Classroom (G52)
2–2:45pm
Campus Tour
Meet on the front steps of Hathorn Hall
3–5:30pm
Live Music Jam Session – Open to All Classes
The Class of 1973 will be hosting a live jam session. So bring your instrument, warm up your vocal cords, and gather at the Amphitheater to play, sing, or just enjoy the tunes.
**Location change: Commons, Fireplace Lounge
3–5pm
Lawn Games
Fancy yourself a backyard sports athlete? Or just looking to catch up while tossing a Frisbee? Come play lawn games while hanging out with friends. A casual cornhole tournament will also take place!
Outside Commons; Alumni Walk
3–5pm
Bonney Science Center Tours
Tour the Bonney Science Center, the newly completed and transformative home for science at Bates. The Bonney Science Center emphasizes transparency and approachability in science and features inspirational teaching and research spaces and advanced instrumentation rooms. Tours depart every thirty minutes with a maximum of 20 guests per group. The final tour departing at 4:30pm will be at a slower pace and use the elevator.
Meet at Bonney Science Center, Room 160
4 and 4:45pm
Hard Hat Tours of Chase Hall
Get a sneak peek at the renovations of Chase Hall. By renovating the building, Bates can unify core student services under one roof and create space for new programs and social gatherings. Chase Hall will reopen at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year. Tour groups are limited to 25 people. Hard hats (provided) and flat, closed-toe shoes are required.
Meet on the front steps of Carnegie Science Hall
4–5pm
An Update from the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning at Bates
The Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning (CITL), launched in 2022, promotes student success by supporting faculty and staff educators through ongoing professional development, including work in developing reflective, innovative, and inclusive pedagogies. Come learn more about the new program and hear from Lindsey Hamilton ’05, Director of CITL.
Dana Hall, Room 219
4–5pm
Bobcat Adventures for Kids: Cookie Decorating
Bring your little one to decorate their own bobcat paw cookie and meet the Bobcat! A parent or guardian must be present.
Commons Tent
4:30–5:30pm
Annual Meeting of the College Key
Open to members of the College Key.
Benjamin Mays Center
5:30–8:30pm
Lobster Bake
Commons
7–9pm
Museum Reception
Join us for a reception to celebrate the Museum’s latest exhibit, “Who Are They? Who Am I?” Dessert and wine will be served.
Olin Arts Center, Museum of Art
7–11pm
Camp Bates
Camp Bates offers engaging programming for children ages 3 to 17. Children must be registered by May 1 to guarantee a spot, as we need to arrange adequate staffing. You are welcome to check your children in and out of the program to suit your family’s needs.
Merrill Gymnasium
8:30pm–1am
Bobcat Beer Garden
Come enjoy local favorites and live music by the alumni band The Remedy.
Library Arcade
9:30pm
Fireworks
Florence J. Keigwin Amphitheater on Lake Andrews
Saturday, June 10
7-10:30am
Breakfast
Commons
7-9:15am
10th Reunion BIPOC Community Breakfast
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) Class of 2013 alumni are invited to gather for a community breakfast.
Commons, Chu Dining Room
7am
25 Mile Bicycle Ride
Join ride leader Paul Oparowski ’78 and his comrades to bike an established 25 mile route, traveling between Lewiston and Auburn. Bring your own bike. Sponsored by the Class of 1978. Open to all classes.
Meet at 280 College Street
8am–7pm
Welcome Center
Your first stop—pick up your name tag, room key, and schedule.
Commons
8–9am
12-Step Recovery Meeting
Commons 200
9–10am
Bobcat Adventures for Kids: Face Painting & Crafts
Bring your little ones for face painting and crafts! Make your own pennant, flag, or sign for the parade. A parent or guardian must be present.
Historic Quad
9–9:45am
Yoga
Start your morning with a gentle yet invigorating flow led by Rachel Forcillo ’18, who has been teaching yoga for 10 years. Bring comfortable clothes, water, and a mat if you have one (mats will also be available). Open to all classes and abilities.
**Location change: Merrill Gym Studio, Room 216
9–10am
Muskie Archives Historic Campus Tour
Meet on the front steps of Hathorn Hall
9:30–10:15am
Mimosas on the Quad
Enjoy mimosas and pastries before the parade lineup.
Historic Quad
10:15–10:45am
Alumni Parade Lineup
Don’t forget your class parade attire to display your alumni class pride.
Historic Quad
10:45am
Alumni Parade
Show your class spirit in the Alumni Parade! Bring your families to march and dance through a crowd of cheering Bates alumni and friends.
Historic Quad to Alumni Walk
11:30am–12:30pm
Presidential Address and Annual Gathering of the Alumni Association
Featuring remarks from President Clayton Spencer and the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards to: Doug Evans ’78, Jeff Roy ’83, P’12, Lisa Romeo ’88, Nate Walton ’08, and Ainsely Jamieson ’18.
Bardwell Field Tent
12–2:30pm
Barbecue Picnic Lunch
A relaxed barbecue picnic. Reserved seating available for the Classes of 1963 and earlier in the upstairs of Commons.
Commons Tent; seating available in Library Quad Tent
1–3pm
Bobcat Adventures for Kids: Bounce House and Games
Bring your little ones to Garcelon Field to release some energy! Parent or guardian must be present.
Garcelon Field
1–3pm or 3–5pmPaddle on the Androscoggin Canceled
Enjoy a tranquil paddle from the Traquina Boathouse in Greene. Transportation provided from campus. Pre-registration required.
Departs from Merrill Gymnasium parking lot
1–2pm
Alumni in Admission (AIA) Meeting
Join us for a discussion about the Alumni in Admission program. Learn more about the importance of alumni conversations, representing Bates at college fairs, and updates in the larger world of admission work. We welcome both current and new volunteers to learn more about future opportunities.
Lindholm House
1–1:20pm
Class of 1978 Memorial Remembrance
Please join classmates at the Kurt Gelfand ’78 Plaque, located in Underhill, to remember and celebrate his life.
Underhill Arena
1:30–2:30pm
Friends of Bates Athletics Gathering
Hear an athletics update from Athletics while reconnecting with fellow Bates athletes and coaches at this gathering for all sports.
**Location change: Dana Hall, Living Room
1:30–3:30pm
Ice Cream Truck!
Bring back childhood memories and enjoy a sweet treat after lunch. Sponsored by the Class of 1978. Open to all classes.
Outside 280 College Street
1:30–3:30pm
Bonney Science Center Tours
Tour the Bonney Science Center, the newly completed and transformative home for science at Bates. The Bonney Science Center emphasizes transparency and approachability in science, and features inspirational teaching and research spaces and advanced instrumentation rooms. Tours depart every thirty minutes with a maximum of 20 guests per group.
Meet at Bonney Science Center, Room 160
2–3pm
Admission Information Session
Join our admission staff for an information session that provides greater insight to our campus, community, and holistic admission process.
Lindholm House
2–2:45pm
The Bates Center for Purposeful Work: An Update on the First Five Years
Learn about the Center for Purposeful Work, which helps students emerge from Bates equipped to make intentional decisions about their work, selves, and how the two relate. After the talk, you’re invited to join the Hard Hat Tour of Chase Hall for a sneak peek of the center’s new space.
Bonney Science Center, Room 180
2–3:30pm
Alumni Choir Rehearsal
All alumni and guests are welcome to join the choir, which will provide music for the Memorial Service on Sunday. Choir director Joëlle Morris will lead the group.
Peter J. Gomes Chapel
2–3pmKennedy Park Clean-Up Canceled
Join a community service project to make the park more welcoming and eco-friendly for the community. Materials provided. Afterwards, walk to Baxter Brewing (optional) to join other alumni for a drink. Shuttle to the park departs from Merrill Gymnasium. Return shuttle available from Baxter Brewing only. If carpooling/driving yourself, park in front of St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, 208 Bates Street, Lewiston. Sponsored by the Class of 1998. Open to all!
Kennedy Park, downtown Lewiston
2–3pm
Where Did Morality Come From?
Participate in an interactive discussion facilitated by philosophy professor David Concepción ’88.
Pettengill Hall, Keck Classroom (G52)
2–4pm
Mary Morton Cowan ’61 Book Signing
“Trouble in Nathan’s Woods”
Mary Morton Cowan (class of 1961), will be signing her latest book, Trouble in Nathan’s Woods. It is a middle-grade mystery that takes place during the First World War.
Bates College Bookstore
2:30–4:30pm
Baxter Brewing Tour and Tasting
Tour a Maine-based craft brewery right here in Lewiston. After a tour of the brewery, enjoy complimentary beers in The Pub at Baxter. Non-alcoholic beverages also available. Open to all classes, with the mezzanine reserved for the Class of 1998.
Departs from Merrill Gymnasium parking lot
2:30–3pm
Class of 1983 Memorial Remembrance
Please join classmates at the Susan MacNeil Varney bench, located behind Smith Hall, for a toast to remember and celebrate our 1983 classmates who are no longer with us.
Susan MacNeil Varney Bench
3–4pm
MOSAIC Reception
Bates Alumni MOSAIC (BAM) seeks to build community among underrepresented racial, ethnic, LGBTQIA+, first-generation college, and international alumni.
Bonney Science Center Living Room
3 and 3:45pm
Hard Hat Tours of Chase Hall
Get a sneak peek at the renovations of Chase Hall. By renovating the building, Bates can unify core student services under one roof and create space for new programs and social gathering. Chase Hall will reopen at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year. Tour groups are limited to 25 people. Hard hats (provided) and flat, closed-toe shoes are required.
Meet in front of Carnegie Science Hall
3–3:45pm
Campus Tour
Meet on the front steps of Hathorn Hall
3–11:30pm
Camp Bates
Camp Bates offers engaging programming for children ages 3 to 17. Children must be registered by May 1 to guarantee a spot, as we need to arrange adequate staffing. You are welcome to check your children in and out of the program to suit your family’s needs.
Merrill Gymnasium
4–5pm
President’s Reception
A special gathering with President Spencer to recognize Reunion volunteers’ dedication to Bates and alumni who have made Mount David Society-level gifts to the college.
By Invite Only.
**Location change: Olin Arts Center, Museum of Art
4–5pm
One Breath: Open Hearts, Open Minds
A secular meditation session to pause in the midst of activities, memories, and emotions. Led by ordained Buddhist monastic Venerable Tenzin Dasel ’88. Open to all classes.
Peter J. Gomes Chapel
5:30–8:30pm
Class Receptions & Dinners
Details about starting times and class-specific locations can be found here.
8–11pm
Reunion Gala
Dance the night away with the Larry Williams Band, a rock ‘n’ roll cover band playing hits from across the generations
Bardwell Field Tent
Sunday, June 11
7am–12pm
Check out of Campus Housing
Commons
7am–12pm
Brunch
Commons
8–9:30am
Nature Walk at Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy a morning hike through this 357-acre bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve. The highest point in the city, Thorncrag offers great views, spring wildflowers, and excellent birding. Carpools depart from campus.
Departs from Merrill Gymnasium parking lot
8–9:30am
Young Family Meet-up
This is an informal opportunity for Bates families with young children to meet one another while enjoying the beloved cereal bar in Commons!
Commons, Chu Dining Room
8:30–9:15am
Memorial 5k Run/Walk
Lace-up your sneakers and complete a 5k in remembrance of beloved Bates community members.
Outside Commons; Alumni Walk
10–11am
Alumni Memorial Service
Celebrate the lives of Bates community members who passed away during the past year. The Alumni Choir will perform.
Peter J. Gomes Chapel
12pm
Residence Halls Close
Please leave your room key and electronic access card at checkout. A $25 fee will be added for lost or misplaced keys and electronic access cards. Safe travels!
Commons
Class Dinner & Class Photo Schedule
Saturday evening, June 10, we’ll be hosting dinners on and off-campus where you can celebrate and connect with your class. Plus, we’ve scheduled a photographer to grab a photo of your class — so don’t be late!
Class | Dinner Locations | Start Time | Class Photo Time |
---|---|---|---|
1953 | Commons, Chu Dining Room | 5:30 PM | 5:35 PM |
1958 | Commons, Chu Dining Room | 5:30 PM | 5:45 PM |
1963 | Commons, Renyi Meeting Room (211) | 5:30 PM | 5:45 PM |
1968 | Nezinscot Farm* | Bus departs at 5 PM** 5:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
1973 | Clifton Daggett Athletic Building (Gray Cage) | 5:30 PM | 5:15 PM |
1978 | Benjamin Mays Center | 6 PM | 6:15 PM |
1983 | Pettengill Hall, Perry Atrium | 6 PM | 6:15 PM |
1988 | The Pub at Baxter* | Bus departs at 5:30 PM** 5:45 PM | 7 PM |
1993 | Muskie Archives *updated/location change | 6 PM | 6:30 PM |
1998 | Commons, Main Dining Room *updated/location change | 6:30 PM | 6:45 PM |
2003 | Vista of Maine* | Bus departs at 5:15pm** 5:45pm | 6:15 PM |
2008 | Commons, Catherine C. Gorayeb Dining Mezzanine | 6:30 PM | 6:45 PM |
2013 | Commons, Bonney/Jarnryd Meeting Rooms (221/ 222) | 7 PM | 6:45 PM |
2018 | Library Quad Tent | 7 PM | 7:15 PM |
*Off-campus location **Bus departure time; from Merrill Gymnasium Parking Lot
Weekend Hours for Campus Facilities
Reunion Welcome Center
Commons
Thursday 11:30am–8pm
Friday 8am–10pm
Saturday 8am–7pm
Sunday 7am–12pm
Bates College Store
Kalperis Hall (65 Campus Avenue)
Thursday – Saturday 8am–4pm
Sunday 8am–12pm
Ladd Library
Thursday – Saturday 8am–4:30pm
Sunday Closed
Peter J. Gomes Chapel
Thursday – Sunday 7am–7pm
Edmund S. Muskie Archives
70 Campus Avenue
Thursday – Friday 9am–4:30pm
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Donations of photographs, correspondence, scrapbooks, artifacts, or other items that speak to your personal time at Bates are accepted.
Museum of Art
Exhibit: “Who Are They? Who Am I?”
Thursday 10am–5pm
Friday 10am–9pm
Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday Closed
Davis Fitness Center
Thursday 7am–5pm
Friday 7am–5pm
Saturday 9am–2pm
Sunday Closed
Merrill Gymnasium
Bert Andrews ’74 Cardio Room Only (indoor track closed)
Thursday 7am–5pm
Friday 7am–5pm
Saturday 9am–2pm
Sunday Closed
Tarbell Pool
Thursday 12–2pm
Friday 12–2pm
Saturday 10am–2pm
Sunday Closed
Alumni Gymnasium
Thursday 7am–5pm
Friday 7am–5pm
Saturday 9am–2pm
Sunday Closed
James G. Wallach ’64 Tennis Center
Thursday 7am–5pm
Friday 7am–5pm
Saturday 9am–2pm
Sunday Closed