2024 Reunion Schedule
Thursday, June 6 (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 & 3–4pm
50th Reunion Campus Tours
Meet on the front steps of Hathorn Hall
4–5pm
50th Reunion Hike Up Mt. David
Led by Peter Hollis ’74
Outside Libbey Forum
5–6pm
50th Reunion Happy Hour
NEW LOCATION: Commons Tent
6pm–8pm
Welcome Reception and Dinner for the 50th Reunion Class
NEW LOCATION: Commons, Catherine C. Gorayeb Dining Mezzanine
6–8pm
Dinner for Early Arrivals
Commons
Friday, June 7
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 Jenkins
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.
Pettengill Hall, Perry Atrium
9:30am–3:30pm
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
9:45–10:45am
Yoga
Start your morning with a gentle yet invigorating flow led by Janne Jensen Roehm ’74, who has been teaching yoga for 25 years. Bring comfortable clothes, water, and a mat if you have one (mats will also be available). Open to all classes and abilities.
Merrill Gymnasium Studio, Room 216
11am–12pm
50th Reunion Read
Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova ’92 highlights ways in which memory operates in everyday life – how memories are made and retrieved, the difference between normal and problematic forgetting, and strategies that can enhance remembering. The discussion is facilitated by Olivia Kim, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Bates, Carole Martin ’74, Visiting Associate Professor of Psychology at Colorado College, and Gina Nordini, Associate Director of Parent Giving and Engagement. Book can be purchased here. Open to all classes.
Pettengill Hall, Keck Classroom (G52)
11:30am–1:15pm
Lunch
Commons
12pm
Reunion Golf Outing
Lunch and check-in 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
1:30–3:30pm
50th Reunion Riverwalk
Peter Hollis ’74 and Don McDade ’74 will lead a walking tour of Lewiston-Auburn. Stroll along the Androscoggin River and through downtown as you learn about the river and the community that has grown up along its banks. The tour will also stop at the John T. Jenkins Memorial Bridge. The tour is a flat 2.5 miles on paved sidewalk. Bates will provide a bus between campus and the start/end points of this tour. If driving yourself, meet at 35 Canal St. in Lewiston. The tour will finish at Maine MILL, where Executive Director Rachel Ferrante ’10 will provide a tour of the museum to anyone who is interested.
Meet at Merrill Gymnasium Parking Lot
2–3pm
Campus Tour
Meet on the front steps of Hathorn Hall
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
2–3pm
50th Program: Behind the Scenes of Commons
Learn how the Dining, Conferences, Campus Events (DCCE) team manages to feed so many with a behind the scenes tour! Maximum of 18 guests. Open to 1974 only.
Meet at the main entrance to Commons Dining Hall
2 & 3:30pm
Bonney Science Center Tours
Tour the Bonney Science Center, the 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. This tour is deisnged to flow into the Dana Hall tours. Maximum of 20 guests per group.
Meet at Bonney Science Center, Room 160
2:45 & 4:15pm
Dana Hall Tours
Tour Dana Hall, which recently underwent a comprehensive interior renovation. Dana is now the home of introductory education in biology and chemistry and also houses state-of-the-art general classrooms for use by all academic departments. Maximum of 20 guests per group.
Meet at Alumni Walk entrace of Dana Hall
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
Gratitude Postcards
Take a moment to fill out a postcard for a Bates friend, faculty member, or staff member—whether they’re on or off campus. Share your words of appreciation, and we’ll ensure they receive your heartfelt message! This initiative, in collaboration with Wellbeing at Bates, extends our student well-being gratitude postcard project to the alumni community.
Commons, Milts
4–5pm
Traquina Boathouse Open House and Reception
Passionate about rowing at Bates or curious to visit the Traquina Boathouse? Come visit the home of Bates’ rowing teams! Located in Greene along a serene 10-mile stretch of the Androscoggin, the boathouse was constructed in 2016 and houses the college’s fleet. Light refreshments and Birdman Sliders from the Curb Cats food truck will be available. Sponsored by the Class of 1989, open to all classes.
Carpools and shuttles depart at 3:45pm from Merrill Gymnasium parking lot
Boathouse located at 764 N River Road, Greene
4 & 4:45pm
Chase Hall Tours
Tour the newly renovated Chase Hall. The renovations allow Bates to unify core student services under one roof and create space for new programs and social gathering. Tour groups are limited to 25 people.
Meet at entrance facing Carnegie Science Hall
4–5pm
Maine: Three Generations of Wyeth Paintings
Victoria Wyeth ’01 offers an illustrated talk about her family’s many ties to the art world, including her great-grandfather N.C. Wyeth, grandfather Andrew Wyeth, and uncle Jamie Wyeth. Sponsored by the classes of 1959 and 1964, open to all.
Olin Concert Hall
4:30–5:30pm
Annual Meeting of the College Key
Open to members of the College Key.
Benjamin Mays Center
4:30–5:30pm
Still Cookin’ with the Class of ’79
Come hone your grilling skills and learn the best techniques! Open to 1979 only.
Outside Benjamin E. Mays Center
5:30–8:30pm
Lobster Bake
Commons
6:30–7:30pm
Bobcat Adventures for Kids: Cookie Decorating
Bring your little one to decorate their own bobcat paw cookie and meet the Bobcat! Parent or guardian must be present.
Commons, First Floor Hallway
7–9pm
Museum Reception
Join us for a reception to celebrate the Museum’s latest exhibit and featured artist. 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 beverages and snacks from the Curb Cats Food Truck!
Bobcat Den
9:15pm
Fireworks
Florence J. Keigwin Amphitheater on Lake Andrews
Saturday, June 8
7–10:30am
Breakfast
Commons
7–10:30am
BIPOC Alumni Breakfast
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) alumni and their guests are invited to bring their breakfast and come together to connect with fellow alumni of color in a casual gathering.
Commons, Chu Dining Room
8am–7pm
Welcome Center
Your first stop—pick up your name tag, room key, and schedule.
Commons
8–9am
12-Step Recovery Meeting
Commons, Room 200
8–8:45am
5k Fun Run/Walk
Lace up your sneakers and start your day with a fun run/walk around campus and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Alumni Walk in front of Commons
8:30–9:30am
Yoga
Start your morning with a yoga flow led by Diane Georgeson ’79, who was a member of the Bates Modern Dance Company. Diane is a retired physician turned yoga instructor. Bring comfortable clothes, water, and a mat if you have one (mats will also be available). Open to all classes and abilities.
Merrill Gymnasium, Plavin Dance Studio
9–9:45am
Veterans and Public Service Gathering
Meet fellow alumni and share stories about serving your community through public service. Coffee and pastries will be available.
Veterans Plaza (near Benjamin Mays Center)
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.
NEW LOCATION: Commons Tent
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.
NEW LOCATION: In front of Commons
9:45–10:15am
50th Reunion Ivy Stone Ceremony
The Class of 1974 graduated from Bates without giving an ivy stone to the college, a senior class tradition that dates to 1879. Join classmates to celebrate 1974’s newly installed ivy stone!
Ivy stone is located on Dana Hall facing the Historic Quad
10:15–10:45am
Alumni Parade Lineup
Don’t forget your class parade attire to display your alumni class pride.
NEW LOCATION: Alumni Walk (intersection of Bardwell Street and Alumni Walk) to Merrill Gymnasium
*Note: If severe weather occurs, parade will take place in Merrill Gymnasium.
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 Garry Jenkins and the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards.
NEW LOCATION: Merrill Gymnasium
12–2:30pm
Barbecue Picnic Lunch
Reserved seating and dedicated buffet available for the Classes of 1964 and earlier under the Library Arcade.
NEW LOCATION: Commons
12:30–3:30pm
Tennis Tournament Viewing
Come watch tennis alumni reignite their competitive spirit during match play.
James G. Wallach ’64 Tennis Courts
1–2pm
Kickball/Softball Game
Join alumni and families for a casual game of kickball or softball on Leahey Field! All ages and skills are welcome – the more, the merrier. Sponsored by the Class of 1994.
CANCELED
1–2pm
Navigating Life and Work Transitions: Conversations with Classmates
We have all navigated transitions. Some we choose, such as changing jobs or moving, and others we don’t, such as losing a parent or contracting an illness. Join classmates to reflect on our experiences and discuss what supports us to navigate changes. Beth Tener ’89 and Sara Cummings ’89 will facilitate using a conversation approach called 1-2-4-All where we’ll tap the collective wisdom in the room. You’ll gain new insights and have opportunities to connect and find common interests with classmates. Open to members of the Class of 1989.
Muskie Archives
1–2:30pm
Class of 2004 Cornhole Tournament
An informal gathering for the Class of 2004 to catch up over some friendly competition. Come to play or to visit and spectate.
Outside of 2004’s Dorm
1–3pm
Bobcat Adventures for Kids: Field Games
Bring your little ones to Garcelon Field to release some energy! Parent or guardian must be present.
Garcelon Field
1:30–2:30pm
Alumni Volunteer Fair
Interested in volunteering for Bates but not sure where to start? Attend the volunteer fair to learn about opportunities with Alumni in Admission, Class Agents, Purposeful Work and Regional Network Volunteers. Purposeful Work will also be hosting an open house to showcase their new space!
NEW LOCATION: Chase Hall Lobby
1:30–2:30pm
Friends of Bates Athletics Gathering
Hear an athletics update while reconnecting with fellow Bates athletes and coaches at this gathering for all sports.
Chase Hall, The Bobcat Den
1:30–3:30pm
Live Music Jam Session
Play, sing or listen with friends across the years. Sponsored by the Class of 1974, open to all classes.
Commons, Fireplace Lounge
2–3:30pm
Field Hockey Reunion Game
Play, cheer, just be there! Come watch our field hockey alumni in a friendly scrimmage!
Campus Avenue Field
2–3:30pm
Historic Frye Street Walking Tour
Join Muskie Archives staff for a historic walking tour of Frye and College Street houses.The tour covers the people, architecture, and history behind the houses, and includes historic images!
Meet in front of Cheney House, 262 College Street
2–4pm
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. Shuttle transportation available on a first come, first served basis. Open to all classes, with the mezzanine reserved for the Class of 1999.
Shuttles depart every 30 minutes from Merrill Gymnasium parking lot. Last shuttle departs Merrill at 3pm.
2–4pm
Block Party on Frye Street
Join 2019’s 5th Reunion for music, popcorn, cotton candy, chalk art, and lawn games as they ring in their first Bates reunion.
Outside Frye Street Union
3 & 3:45pm
Chase Hall Tours
Tour the newly renovated Chase Hall. The renovations allow Bates to unify core student services under one roof and create space for new programs and social gathering. Tour groups are limited to 25 people.
Meet at entrance facing Carnegie Science Hall
3–4pm
MOSAIC Reception
Bates Alumni MOSAIC seeks to build community among underrepresented racial, ethnic, LGBTQIA+, first-generation college, and international alumni.
Bonney Science Center Living Room
3–5pm
Afternoon on Alumni Walk
Play lawn games with friends and grab a treat from the ice cream truck. Bubbles available for kids!
Alumni Walk in front of Commons
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 Jenkins to recognize Reunion volunteers and alumni who have made Mount David Society-level gifts to the college.
(By invitation only)
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
5–8:30pm
Class Receptions & Dinners
Details about starting times and class-specific locations: 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 9
7:30am–12pm
Check out of Campus Housing
Commons
7:30am–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
Reunion Bike Ride
Join a fun morning ride led by Jerry Quinlan ’74 and Chris Lanoue ’99. Bring your own bike and helmet. Open to all classes and biking abilities.
Meet on Alumni Walk side of Hathorn Hall
10–11am
Alumni Memorial Service
Celebrate the lives of Bates community members who passed away during the past year.
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 8, 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 | HOUSING | CLASS LOUNGE | CLASS PHOTO | TIME | RECEPTION & DINNER | TIME |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1949 | Kalperis Hall | 2nd Floor Center Lounge | Room 211, Commons | 5:30pm | Room 211, Commons | 5:30pm |
1954 | Kalperis Hall | 2nd Floor Center Lounge | Room 211, Commons | 5:30pm | Room 211, Commons | 5:30pm |
1959 | Kalperis Hall | 2nd Floor Corner Lounge | Room 211, Commons | 5:45pm | Room 211, Commons | 5:30pm |
1964 | Gillespie Hall | 1st Floor Northwest Lounge | Room 226, Commons | 5:30pm | Room 226, Commons | 5:30pm |
1969 | Gillespie Hall | 2nd Floor Northwest Lounge | Merrill Gymnasium, Lobby | 5:00pm | Nezinscot Farms* | 5:15pm** |
1974 | Chu Hall | 1st Floor Lounge | Perry Atrium, Pettengill Hall | 5:30pm | Perry Atrium, Pettengill Hall | 5:30pm |
1979 | The Village | 1st Floor Lounge, Moody | Olin Arts Center, Concert Hall | 5:45pm | Fishbones* | 6:00pm*** |
1984 | Smith Hall | 1st Floor Lounge | Olin Arts Center, Concert Hall | 5:00pm | Willows Awake* | 5:15pm*** |
1989 | Gillespie Hall | Frank’s Lounge | Merrill Gymnasium, Lobby | 5:45pm | Royal Oak Room* | 6:00pm** |
1994 | The Village | 1st Floor Lounge, Hopkins | Rooms 221/222, Commons | 6:00pm | Rooms 221/222, Commons | 6:00pm |
1999 | Kalperis Hall | 4th Floor Lounge | Benjamin E. Mays Center | 6:30pm | Benjamin E. Mays Center | 6:00pm |
2004 | Rand Hall | 1st Floor Lounge | Merrill Gymnasium, Track | 5:00pm | Vista of Maine* | 5:15pm** |
2009 | John Bertram Hall | 1st Floor Lounge | Memorial Commons, Chase | 6:30pm | Memorial Commons, Chase | 6:30pm |
2014 | Page Hall | 2nd Floor Lounge | Mezzanine, Commons | 6:30pm | Mezzanine, Commons | 6:30pm |
2019 | Frye Street Houses | Frye Street Union Lounge | Library Quad Tent | 7:00pm | Library Quad Tent | 7:00pm |
*Off-campus location | **Bus departure time; Merrill Gymnasium Parking Lot | ***Bus departure time; Olin Arts Center | New Location
Weekend Hours for Campus Facilities
Reunion Welcome Center
Commons
Thursday 11:30am–8pm
Friday 8am–10pm
Saturday 8am–7pm
Sunday 7:30am–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: TBD
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