On Wednesday, July 22, the Boston �ֲ���ý community gathered high above the city at Savills in the Prudential Center for an evening of networking, mentorship, and summer celebration.

Co-hosted by the �ֲ���ý College Center for Purposeful Work and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the annual Boston Bobcats Student & Alumni Networking Reception brought together local alumni across diverse industries alongside current �ֲ���ý students spending their summer interning in the Greater Boston area.

Special thanks to our host, Nick Beati ’20, Director at Savills, for welcoming us to such an iconic venue. Although unexpected summer weather moved the reception indoors from the rooftop terrace, the rain couldn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. Guests enjoyed sweeping views of the Boston skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and—most importantly—energetic conversations bridging generations of Bobcats.

Browse the gallery below for photos from the reception!

Photography by Parker Benningfield ’26

A rainy New York evening couldn’t slow down the Bobcat community! On July 9, 2026, 85 guests gathered at Acadia in Midtown for an energetic evening co-hosted by the Center for Purposeful Work and the Office of Alumni Engagement.

The room brought together 20 current student interns, �ֲ���ý parents, and alumni spanning four decades—from the Class of 1986 through the Class of 2026. Despite the weather, the energy was high as Bobcats across generations and industries shared career advice, exchanged stories, and strengthened the �ֲ���ý network in NYC.

Browse the gallery below for photos from the reception!

What Attendees Said:

“At the New York Bobcats networking event, I was able to connect with an alum who not only had an eerily similar �ֲ���ý career to mine, but who has also gone on to accomplish most of my post-graduate goals. We exchanged numbers after she graciously offered to talk with me further about my professional interests, and to help in any way possible. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make such a surprising and meaningful connection if it weren’t for Purposeful Work (and their color-coded career stickers).”

—Ava B. Steinberger ’27

Below, you will find highlights from the Alumni Council’s work during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Through our annual awards, we recognized five alumni for their commitment to the college, service to their communities, and distinction in their careers. This year, we had the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at Reunion. Please consider nominating outstanding alumni in 2027 for awards.

This year we also welcome five new members to the Alumni Council. If you are interested in serving on the council in the future or know of any alumni who may be interested, please consider submitting a nomination.

It is truly a privilege to serve the �ֲ���ý alumni community. Thank you for making our work representing �ֲ���ý alumni so rewarding. Please do not hesitate to reach out to alumni@bates.edu if you are looking for ways to be more connected or have feedback — we are here for you.

It’s a great day to be a Bobcat!

Leah Elsmore ’12, Alumni Council President (FY25–26)
John Howard ’86, Alumni Council Vice President (FY25–26)

The �ֲ���ý College Alumni Council is the governing body of the Alumni Association and serves as the primary liaison between the Association and the �ֲ���ý administration, faculty, and student body. The purposes of the Alumni Council are to:

• Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic directions of the college and the office of advancement and alumni engagement
• Be a positive, energetic ambassadors for �ֲ���ý
• Demonstrate the highest levels of commitment of personal capital to the college and alumni engagement

If you have questions or suggestions about alumni engagement, the Alumni Council can be one of your most effective means of communicating your ideas and concerns. Please send your feedback to alumni@bates.edu and visit our website at . 

Impact Work – ’25-’26 Accomplishments

In FY26, the Alumni Council returned to campus eager to build upon the work of FY25. During the fall meeting, Alumni Council members participated in a facilitated activity in which the Office of Advancement asked them what it means to be a Bobcat and an actively engaged alum. These questions inspired a thoughtful discussion that crafted messaging for “The Year of The Bobcat” and informed the larger Alumni Council strategy for FY26: building �ֲ���ý pride and further engaging the alumni community. The Alumni Council continued to prioritize networking with current students to encourage them to leverage the power of the �ֲ���ý network and become engaged alumni upon graduation. In partnership with the Center for Purposeful Work, the Alumni Council has hosted several in-person networking sessions with current students to help them hone their skills and begin making the connections critical to success as they start their careers. The Alumni Council hosted a series of webinars that showcased the power of the �ֲ���ý experience in shaping the careers of artists, entrepreneurs, and psychology professionals as well as the value of a liberal arts education in the world of AI. The Alumni Council also restructured the Communications subcommittee to become the Impact and Awareness committee. This committee focused on laying the groundwork for an Alumni Council brand and strategy to increase the council’s impact on the larger �ֲ���ý Alumni community. 

Volunteer Engagement Committee

Council Champion: Heather Beebe ’85, P’20

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The Volunteer Engagement Committee was tasked with providing input to inform the redesign of the Alumni Volunteer Center on the �ֲ���ý website. Improvements included a new landing page with an updated look and feel, new photos and engaging copy, and most importantly, an easier-to-navigate webpage that requires fewer clicks to access information. The link to sign up to volunteer is now front and center. Additionally, a new digital volunteer guide was added to the site. This guide addresses the “life cycle of volunteerism” – acknowledging that people have different capacities and interest levels for volunteering at different stages of life – and that any volunteer hours are welcome and appreciated. The committee members: 

✔ Conducted market research on 16 peer institutions’ websites.

✔ Provided summaries and recommendations on web user perspectives for the �ֲ���ý site.

✔ Provided recommendations on topics such as ease of access, breadth of volunteer opportunities, ease of signing up, ease of contacting �ֲ���ý, and volunteer recognition.

Professional Development

Council Champion: Jen Crawford ‘01

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For FY26, the Professional Development subcommittee continued planning and hosting a webinar series that leveraged the remarkable breadth and depth of professional experience within the alumni community. The series continues to receive positive feedback: participants praised the panels for being insightful, inspiring, and highly relevant. Most sessions are recorded and posted on the �ֲ���ý YouTube channel for continued access. The Alumni Council hopes to continue this popular program in FY27.

✔ Jan 28, 2026 –

AC members Chuck James ’78 and Alex Hahn ’97 moderated the first panel of the series, which included 3 alumni: Steve Coupet ’09, Joselle Deocamp-Gautam ’01, and Kyle Flaherty ’97, as well as �ֲ���ý Professor and Chair of Digital and Computational Studies, Dr. Carrie Diaz Eaton. This session delved into how interdisciplinary thinking, communication skills, and the ethical grounding of a liberal arts degree are not just relevant but essential to solving the biggest AI challenges of our time. This event was incredibly popular with 237 registrations and 115 attendees tuning in for the conversation.

✔ Feb 25, 2026 – From �ֲ���ý to Beyond: Insights from Psychology Professionals Webinar
AC member Matt Bogyo ‘93, P’27 moderated a discussion with Amanda Nickerson, PhD. ’94, Chris Howells, Psy.D. ’03, and Irene Mapfunde, MSW, LICSW ’19, sharing how they successfully translated their liberal arts education into thriving careers across the mental health and scientific landscape. This event had 75 registrations and 35 attendees.

✔ April 16, 2026 –
AC member Jen Crawford ’01 and Susan Peillet Yule ’78 moderated a riveting discussion with David Akinyemi ’21, Asad Butt ’01, Allen Kendunga ’18, Michelle Pham ’15, and Carine Warsawski ’07 about the grit and reality of launching a business. This event had 40 registrations and drew 33 attendees.

✔ May 19, 2026 – �ֲ���ý in the Arts – Navigating Your Creative Path
AC member Priscila Guillen ’20 facilitated this conversation with panelists Singha Hon ’14, Samuel Mironko ’21, Brennen Malone ’17, who explored the winding path of a creative career. This session was focused on how to navigate the professional arts world. 

Impact and Awareness Committee

Council Champion: Terry Welch ‘83

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The Impact and Awareness Committee’s mission is to increase awareness of the Alumni Council among the �ֲ���ý Alumni community, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of the Council and the initiatives and programs it sponsors. Often, alumni first learn about the Alumni Council when they are invited to serve on it. This subcommittee hypothesizes that if the Council is better known amongst the larger alumni community, it could garner more candidates interested in serving and continue to improve the engagement and impact of Council-sponsored activities and programs. This year’s accomplishments included:

✔ Utilizing a Brand Ladder approach to poll members’ views on ways the AC enhances alumni’s connection to �ֲ���ý, feelings of community, and access to beneficial experiences and impressions. 

✔ Creating sub-groups to focus on ways to customize content and means of connecting with volunteers. Examples of sub-groups include Engaged Volunteers (thinking about how to maintain their engagement) and Young Alumni (how to engage them early on for lifelong connections to the college). 

✔ Identifying what messaging will resonate with different sub-groups to help build AC awareness, and better engage those groups with Alumni Council activities.

✔ Reached out to the other Alumni Council committees to identify ways to increase overall alumni awareness of activities such as award nominations, professional development webinars, and volunteer opportunities.

Recognition of Alumni Excellence

Council Champion: Chuck James ’78

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2026 Alumni Award Winners:

✔ Alumni Community Service Award: Peter Basiliere ’76

✔ Alumni Professional Recognition Award: Noah Petro ’01

✔ Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service to the �ֲ���ý Community: Christopher Lanoue ’99, P’26

✔ Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Rachel Ebersole ’17

✔ Helen A. Papaioanou Distinguished Service Award: Erica Seifert Plunkett ’86

We received 39 new nominations for the 2026 Alumni Awards. Awards were presented at the Presidential Address and Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association during Reunion Weekend. 

Governance – FY26

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Membership:

• Leah Elsmore ’12 completed her term as President in June 2026, and John Howard ’86 began his term as President in July 2026. Natalie Adler ’92 was elected Vice President and also began her term in July 2026.

• We received a record 59 nominations for new members of the Alumni Council.

• New members who will be joining the Alumni Council this fall: Jeffrey D. Beaton ’12, George C. Carr ’07, Kush Sharma ’23, Gretchen Shorter Davis ’61, and Jay N. Gorayeb ’20.

• Leah Elsmore ’12 has completed her term on the Alumni Council and will be rolling off.

FY26 Guiding Principles of Leadership

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✔ Continued to increase Alumni Council profile among the �ֲ���ý community by advertising awards and new member nominations, alumni events, and giving opportunities on social media.

✔ Ensured that the Alumni Council has 100% participation in the �ֲ���ý Fund to support the operations of the college.

✔ Ensured that the Alumni Council has 100% participation in voting for Alumni Award recipients.

Alumni Council Membership FY26

24 alumni representing 7 decades, 16 classes and 13 states/provinces

FBA Giving Challenge | May 7

Mark your calendars for our on Thursday, May 7!

Our momentum as a program is palpable. Help us build on this momentum and climb up the FBA Challenge Leaderboard by  to the Men’s Soccer program on May 7!

Winter Semester at �ֲ���ý

The student-athletes wrapped up their final exams in late April and are home for break now before returning to campus on May 4 for Short Term. There were 13 student-athletes on campus (first-years and sophomores) for our spring season, which consisted of 10 team practices and 6 leadership sessions. 

The team showed strong levels of commitment during these practices, the early-morning speed-and-agility sessions, and in the weight room with �ֲ���ý Strength and Conditioning Coach Kayleigh Fournier. This commitment and the work ethic displayed over the last 3+ months are positive signs towards our continued on-field growth in the fall. 

We capped off the spring season by attending the Hearts of Pine home opener as a team on April 11. This was a fun team-bonding event and a chance to see a professional soccer match in our home state!

Bobcats in the Community

Outside of the academic workload and our spring season, the team has been strongly involved in the Lewiston community this spring. We hosted the Lewiston High School Boys Soccer team on campus, in partnership with �ֲ���ý Admission, in early April. This was a phenomenal day where we got to show the LHS soccer team around the �ֲ���ý campus, eat lunch together in Commons, and answer questions about the college recruitment process. Additionally, the team volunteered at the YWCA after-school program and the Gather to Grow food pantry in Lewiston during the winter semester. 

Bobcats Abroad!

Our 6 juniors are studying abroad this spring! Read more below about who is abroad and where they are studying around the world. 

(Captain): Andrew is studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Being immersed in new cultures and environments has been Andrew’s highlight of the semester. 

  (Captain): Noah is studying in Florence, Italy (with Antonio and Luc), as part of the Syracuse University in Florence program. Visiting Mauro Kalaora ’26 in Istanbul has been Noah’s highlight of the semester.

(Captain): Antonio is studying in Florence, Italy (with Noah and Luc), as part of the Syracuse University in Florence program. Toni has enjoyed the everyday stuff in Florence, walking around, meeting new people, and truly connecting with the city.

: Luc is studying economics in Florence, Italy (with Noah and Antonio), as part of the Syracuse University in Florence program. Luc’s top highlights have been traveling so much and meeting up with friends in new cities.

: Benny is studying in Madrid, Spain, at IES Madrid. Visiting Mauro Kalaora ’26 in Istanbul with his classmates has been a highlight.

: Craddock is in Lima, Peru, studying at IFSA Peru. His highlight this semester has been hiking in Huaraz.

Alumni Mentoring

Thanks to Aleks Marceau ’19, Owen Keleher ’22, and Hewitt Stevenson ’28 (Captain), we launched our second iteration of the Alumni Mentorship Program. We have grown our participating alumni base by over 30% from year to year and now have 111 Bobcats involved (91 alumni and 20 student-athletes). Thank you to all the alumni involved in the Mentorship Program, which will continue to be a staple for the �ֲ���ý Men’s Soccer program for years to come. I hope you use the  to connect with former teammates, old friends, and other �ֲ���ý Soccer alumni in similar industries! 

On April 10, we hosted our 2^nd annual Alumni Mentoring Night and welcomed the following alumni back to campus: J.P. Fingado ‘90, David Shear ‘06, George Carr ‘07, and James Peter ‘22. The night consisted of networking, an alumni panel, a student-athlete Q&A, and dinner in small groups. The players (and coaches) were left impressed and inspired by the alumni, and their valuable insights into their time at �ֲ���ý and career trajectories upon graduation. If you would like to be involved in our Alumni Mentorship Program, please reach out to me: bbrewster@bates.edu.

Closing Thoughts

At home, my wife (Becky) and I just celebrated our son’s (Kai) 1^st birthday! He was not a huge fan of the birthday hat…Kai is already looking forward to being on the sidelines this fall at Russell St. Field!

We welcomed this winter. Filippo comes to �ֲ���ý after coaching at Kaiser University in Florida last year. Prior to coaching, Filippo played professionally in Sweden, Finland, Italy, and Greece, and played collegiate soccer at Merrimack and UMass. Welcome to Lewiston, Filippo! 

We return 9 of the 11 starters from our 2025 NESCAC QF game vs. Tufts and have made good strides this offseason, individually and collectively, to push forward again next fall. Furthermore, there are 9 incoming first-years joining the team in the fall of 2026 (announcements to come later in the summer), and the coaching staff has been busy on the recruiting trail this spring searching for the next class of Bobcats to join the Men’s Soccer family. 

Committing to our standards and core values and building on our strong culture, identity, and mentality remain the focal points for us. This will be the foundation of our success (on and off the field), and will lead us to compete for NESCAC and NCAA Championships as a team next fall and for years to come. 

Thank you for your commitment and support; it plays a substantial role in our successes.

Go ‘Cats!

Ben Brewster
Head Coach, �ֲ���ý Men’s Soccer

“It is truly inspiring to witness the transformative power of our alumni as they engage in informed civic action and lead in diverse fields,” said Leah Elsmore ’12, president of the Alumni Association. “This year’s recipients reflect the ardor and devotion—Amore ac Studio—that define the �ֲ���ý experience, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential within our entire alumni network.”

2026 Alumni Council Award Recipients

The following awards will be presented at the Annual Gathering of the Alumni Association during Reunion on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.

Alumni Community Service Award

The Alumni Community Service Award is presented to Peter R. Basiliere ’76 in recognition of his profound commitment to civic responsibility and his decades of leadership in Milford, N.H. A dedicated community member, Peter has served as town moderator, an active Rotarian, and a contributor to numerous school and town committees. His long-standing devotion to local organizations that support those in crisis reflects the �ֲ���ý ideal of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world.

Alumni Professional Recognition Award

The Alumni Professional Recognition Award is presented to Noah E. Petro ’01 in honor of his distinguished career and leadership at NASA. From advancing lunar science to shaping the Artemis program, Noah has reached the heights of professional achievement while blending rigorous scholarship with meaningful public service. His work exemplifies the �ֲ���ý spirit of intellectual discovery and underscores the global impact of an engaged liberal arts education.

Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service to the �ֲ���ý Community

The Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service to the �ֲ���ý Community is presented to Christopher B. Lanoue ’99, P’26, in recognition of his transformative mentorship of �ֲ���ý students. As an exceptional physician and guide, Dr. Lanoue has dedicated himself to supporting students in their medical school journeys, providing “generosity, warmth, and openness” through the Center for Purposeful Work. His deep commitment to helping others navigate their professional paths embodies the spirit of leadership and service that has touched countless members of the �ֲ���ý community.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award is presented to Rachel F. Ebersole ’17 in recognition of her exceptional career distinction and her dedicated volunteer service to the college. A vital leader within the New York �ֲ���ý Network, Rachel has made a substantial impact through her proactive work in event hosting and community building, bringing a genuine pride and “can-do” attitude to every endeavor. Her commitment to fostering connections among alumni reflects the very best of the �ֲ���ý spirit and serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of the young alumni network.

Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Finally, the Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award is presented to Erica Seifert Plunkett ’86 for her tireless leadership and decades of extraordinary devotion to the college. Described by her peers as the “glue” that has held her class together, Erica has served in nearly every capacity—from class co-president and Alumni Council member to dedicated class agent and committee leader. Her enduring enthusiasm and generosity remind us all of the transformative power of the �ֲ���ý community, reflecting the very best of the “ardor and devotion” that defines our alumni.

2026 �ֲ���ý’ Best Award Recipients

The �ֲ���ý’ Best Awards are presented annually by the Office of College Advancement to dedicated volunteers who express a passion and commitment for advancing the mission of the college. These awards will be presented during Reunion Class Dinners on the evening of Saturday, June 13.

This year’s recipients include:

• Kathryn (Kali) M. Brown ’21
• Craig E. Comins ’81
• Meg W. Curran ’11

For more information about �ֲ���ý College and the Alumni Awards, please visit: /alumni/recognition/

The NCAA Highlights

14 All American Performances

8 Top Eight Finishes 

Sarah Palmer ’27 6th Place 200 Breast (2:15. 9) amongst many others!

3 NCAA Records 

(400 Medley Relay (47.8/50.4/47.4/40.1), 200 Medley Relay (22.4/22.9/21.4/18.7), 50 Breast (23.9)

2 NCAA Champions

(400 Medley Relay (3:08.6), 100 Breaststroke Marrich Somridhivej (51.8)

1 NCAA Coach of the Year

 Peter Casares

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FBA Challenge

As we wrap up one of the best seasons in �ֲ���ý Athletics history, we cannot simply revel in the past and reflect on all the greatness forever!  As a staff, we are turning our attention to both recruiting and the FBA Challenge, May 7, to make sure our future remains strong.  

We have the goal of surpassing the $60K we raised last year to not only help cover the cost of rising expenses, but primarily help our coaching staff and salaries.  You simply can’t replace the staff we had this year, and we would love to keep it together another year!

If you are interested in helping as an FBA captain, please reach out to Peter Casares via email.  We typically look for someone who is well-connected with the classmates they swam with over their four years and would be interested in helping us drum up excitement about giving back to the program! 

We are at a tipping point for sure.  The team experienced the best improvement in the NESCAC among men and women combined, and our first-ever top-10 finish for the program. We would love to take advantage of this movement and ensure that generations of �ֲ���ý swimmers and divers have a chance to continue rewriting history! 

Follow us & Learn more

Didn’t make it to these winter sessions? Browse the gallery to see what you missed, find a familiar face, and make sure you’re on the guest list for our spring lineup—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next! View the full schedule of Spring 2026 Alumni Events.

This past season was one for the record books! It included another Elite 8 appearance and a day we will never forget, when the program won its first NESCAC Championship! The outpouring of support from alumni and families, coupled with a championship-experienced team from our 2024 run, gave the team the confidence to finish the job and punch their ticket to the NCAA National Tournament for a third straight season. Coming back to campus and being welcomed by so many students, coaches, supporters, and President Garry Jenkins was unforgettable. Here are some pretty remarkable statistics from the season:

• Best start to a season in program history, 9-0
• Most wins in season at 16
• First team to go through NESCAC playoffs without conceding a goal in the conference’s 25-year history!
• Highest National Ranking at 4th in the country

A number of Bobcats were also honored with postseason accolades, including:

• Brooke Moloney-Kolenberg ‘26: NFHCA DIII Senior Team, Third Team All-American, First Team All-Region, First Team All-NESCAC
• Lucy Norris ‘26: NESCAC All-Sportsmanship Team
• Haley Dwight ‘27: First Team All-American, First Team All-Region, First Team All-NESCAC, and NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year. 
• Elsa Copeland ‘28: Second Team All-Region, Second Team All-NESCAC
• Ava Donohue ‘28: Second Team All-Region

In addition to these season statistics, our student-athletes held an impressive cumulative 3.69 GPA in the classroom, 10 were awarded NESCAC All-Academic honors, and 19 were awarded NFHCA All-Academic honors. 

The team concluded the season with a special team gathering at President Jenkins’ house and was honored with a mayoral proclamation by the mayor of Lewiston.

We are so proud of all of these accomplishments on and off the field, and want to thank you for supporting our team! We are so grateful to the Bobcat family for paving the way and allowing us to strive for greatness!

Beyond the NESCAC: How Our Juniors are Growing as Leaders Around the Globe

As we begin the 2026 Winter Semester, the team looks forward to working hard in the classroom, preparing for the upcoming season, and seeing our Seniors walk across the graduation stage. Between now and then, we have a lot of amazing things going on! Including all five of our juniors studying abroad! We want to take a moment to highlight one of our Juniors and Captain, Haley Dwight ’27, who is studying abroad this semester in Lisbon, Portugal. Here is what she has to say:

Hi Alumni, Junior Captain Haley Dwight here. This spring, I will be studying abroad in Lisbon, Portugal, where I am incredibly excited to step into a new language, a new culture, and a whole new way of living day-to-day.

What makes this experience even more meaningful is that I am not the only one doing it. All five of us Juniors are spread across the world this semester (and one teammate is even all the way in Australia!). Even though we are thousands of miles apart, we are still in this together. We will be making memories in our own cities, and hopefully linking up in different corners of Europe along the way.

One of the things I am most excited about is playing for Casuals Hockey, based in Cascais, this Spring. I cannot wait to compete alongside women from all over the world, and honestly, the team has already made me feel so welcomed. The coach has been incredibly supportive and is excited for me to join. It has already made the transition feel much less intimidating.

Leaving campus is definitely bittersweet, especially since it is the Seniors’ final semester and they have been the standard and heartbeat of our team for as long as we have known �ֲ���ý. But I also know the returners back home will be grinding every day to keep pushing this program forward. And for those of us abroad, the expectation remains the same. We represent �ֲ���ý and our conference wherever we are. That means staying disciplined, finding ways to train without the same on-campus routine, and holding ourselves accountable even when it seems impossible.

I am excited to settle into a training routine here by trying out different gyms and finding one that allows me to get all of our lifts in. It will not be the same as having our teammates right next to us in the weight room, but I think learning how to create that structure for yourself is part of growing as a student-athlete (and just as a person). I will be honest, I am a little nervous about losing the structure I am used to. But I am also excited for the challenge. I know this experience is going to give me a ton of perspective and make me even more grateful for everything this program has given me. And don’t worry, studying abroad is not taking my mind off our goals. If anything, it is fueling me! Another NESCAC title is always on my mind, and so is the bigger dream of competing for that NCAA title!

I already have trips booked to Interlaken, Switzerland and Seville, Spain, and I am hoping to add Paris, Madrid, Prague, Amsterdam, Budapest, and more as the semester goes on.

That is all I have for now! Thank you all for continuing to support our program, it means more than you know. Believe it or not your support and investment in the program is a big factor as to why we can even take these opportunities in the first place!

Shaping the Future: Senior Summer Gordon ’26 Prepares for Graduate School Success

Along with our Juniors, our Seniors are busy preparing for graduation as they dive deep into their senior thesis projects! Their paths forward from �ֲ���ý are starting to take shape. Here’s what Senior, Summer Gordon ‘26 has to say about her next adventures at Tufts:

My name is Summer Gordon, and I am a senior on the team! This summer, I will be starting Tufts University’s Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Although I am sad to be graduating from �ֲ���ý, I am so excited to begin in June and hope to become a pediatric occupational therapist in the future. Being a part of the �ֲ���ý field hockey team for the past four years has been the best part of my college experience and has taught me so many lessons that have helped shape who I am today. �ֲ���ý field hockey has taught me many skills that will be valuable in graduate school and beyond, such as perseverance, adaptability, and how to be a dependable teammate, but most importantly, it has shown me the power of working with a team that feels like a family and what we can achieve when we believe in and push one another. 

We will be sending another newsletter this May, highlighting our senior class, and look forward to sharing those updates. 

Alumni in the Field: Carolyn King-Robitaille ’07 on Leading, Coaching, and Giving Back

Finally, we hope to highlight some of our amazing alumni in each newsletter. This Winter, we are highlighting a very special Alum and current collegiate field hockey coach, Carolyn King-Robitaille ‘07. Here is what she has to say about her experience as a Bobcat:

What do you currently do? (i.e., job, for fun, volunteer work, etc.)

I am currently the Head Field Hockey Coach and an Assistant Athletic Director at Saint Anselm College. I have the most fun when I am coaching, and I feel so grateful to be able to do that nearly every day. Outside of field hockey, I have two young kids (5 & 3) who keep me very busy. We love to spend time outdoors camping, hiking, taking day trips to the lake or ocean, visiting new places, and exploring all of the beautiful parts of New England. We are a huge sports family and enjoy attending live sporting events and watching our favorite teams (half our household loves the Patriots, and the other half loves the Denver Broncos).

How do you think �ֲ���ý has shaped where you are right now? 

�ֲ���ý has had an incredible impact on who I am and where I am now. The college itself challenged me to be a true critical thinker and to broaden my perspective and understanding of things I either thought I already knew or knew nothing about. It opened my eyes to different ways of seeing and considering the world and its people, as well as how to show up in the world as myself. Playing both field hockey and softball had a profound impact on me as well, thanks to my relationships with my teammates and coaches. My coaches and teammates truly walked alongside me during my journey at �ֲ���ý as I both faltered and flourished. They were an incredible support system during such a formidable time in my life. These are the same people I text in a daily group chat who continue to support, challenge, and show up for me two decades later. I am who I am because of the people I met at �ֲ���ý and the experiences and opportunities �ֲ���ý afforded me.

What was your path to where you are now?

I graduated a semester late from �ֲ���ý, and during that fifth Fall, I helped out with the field hockey team. Prior to this, I never considered coaching as a possible profession. Upon graduating in December, I had an incredible opportunity to work at Reebok’s Global Headquarters, which aligned well with my undergraduate major (Creative Writing) and my interests and aspirations at the time regarding sports. However, after a couple of months, I felt drawn back to �ֲ���ý and the possibility of coaching. It did help that my future wife was still living in Lewiston at the time. We met during my junior year at the Blue Goose. I moved back to Lewiston and took on roles as assistant field hockey and softball coach and assistant sports information director. This is where that tiny spark and interest in coaching exploded. I knew coaching was my path, and my two years coaching at �ֲ���ý were the catalyst for where I am now. After �ֲ���ý, I was a graduate assistant field hockey coach at Cortland State University, where I got my master’s in English Literature. Upon completing that degree, I was lucky enough to get the head coach position at Saint Anselm College, where I have been ever since (14 years).

What is your favorite memory from your time at �ֲ���ý?

There are so many memories from my time at �ֲ���ý. Most of my fondest memories involve my teammates and traveling with them, from long field hockey bus rides to VT to softball spring break trips in Florida. We spent so much quality time together and had so much fun together on and off the fields. The opportunity to travel while at �ֲ���ý holds significant memories for me because I had not traveled much before going to school. My study abroad experience in Cape Town, South Africa, was life-changing, as well as our team trip to the Netherlands (as a player) and our team trip to Argentina (as an assistant coach – Coach Kelly was on that team!). These are once and a lifetime opportunities that I cherish to this day.

What was your favorite Commons food?

I have a few of course. Chicken patty day (usually Saturday) was always a fan favorite for all of us. The chicken taquitos were incredibly underrated and one of my personal favorites. I also was a frequent flyer at the soft serve ice cream machine, and the vegan desserts were always fire. You could not go wrong with any option from Commons.

Save the Date:

Alumni gathering Reunion Weekend: Saturday, June 13. More details coming soon!

Paths with Purpose – A Panel with Raíces Unidas

Spurred by a decades-long friendship and a new connection, alumni members of Raíces Unidas Ismael Carreras ’90, P’19, Priscila Guillen ’20, and Ambrosio Rodriguez ’92, P’26 joined together for the first “Paths with Purpose” panel. First, they shared how their time at �ֲ���ý shaped who they are today. Diving deeper into their experiences, each panelist offered advice on navigating a winding career path, responding to challenges, and developing “real-world” skills.

Reflecting on her role in the panel, panelist Priscila ’20 shared, “I am originally from Santa Fe, NM – so when I came to �ֲ���ý College, it was a complete shock in many aspects. I felt like I needed to “show off” my identity more than ever and to truly represent my Latinidad. I found myself missing my community from home and like magic, I found my home away from home at the SCBC (the OIE during my time). Here, I connected with other �ֲ���ýies who shared my culture and experiences, and who helped shape my journey.

Participating in the “Paths with Purpose” panel through Raíces Unidas felt like a full-circle moment. It was an honor to share my experience with current Latinx/Hispanic �ֲ���ýies who I could relate with in many ways. I enjoyed conversing about how my non-linear path shifted me from a Biology to GSS and Spanish double major at �ֲ���ý – where I would later learn my true passions lie; how I learned and am learning about the importance of financial literacy; how failure is a catalyst for growth, and how it’s okay to lean on supportive communities such as the ones at �ֲ���ý. I am extremely grateful to MOSAIC and Raíces Unidas for cultivating spaces like this panel for �ֲ���ýies, and for allowing me to reconnect with the community that was home for so long.”

Want to serve on a similar “Paths with Purpose” panel? Reach out to Danny (dchin@bates.edu).

Updates from the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society

Concluding the 2025 awards cycle, representatives of the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society (BMBAS) visited campus this fall to present the Henry Chandler Award to the family of David Scharn ’78, who received the award posthumously. Dave was a cherished member of the �ֲ���ý community amongst his alumni peers, and as the parent of a current �ֲ���ý student, this sentiment was on full display as many in the audience offered heartfelt tributes to Dave. Members of his class, along with other alumni, friends, and family, also made a generous gift in his memory to the college. 

In addition to the fall awards, the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society recently elected its new president of the organization, and you might recognize him! Roland Davis ’92 P’27 has worn many hats in the �ֲ���ý community–alum, parent, and former member of the Dean of Students Office.

As he looks forward to this new role with BMBAS serving alumni, Roland shared with us, “I’m excited to lead the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society because BMBAS is where �ֲ���ý’ history of Black excellence turns into living community, connecting alums, students, faculty, and staff in ways that matter. Seeing the Society honor David Scharn ’78 with the Henry Chandler Award this fall, and the love and generosity that surrounded his family, was a powerful reminder of what BMBAS does best: celebrate service and build belonging. I’m especially excited to connect with current �ֲ���ý students to strengthen a bridge so they know generations of Black alums are proud of them and ready to support them.”

Staff Spotlight: A New Face in the SCBC

This fall, the Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC) has welcomed a new staff member focusing on supporting and empowering our First-Gen students through events and programming. We asked Bianca to share about herself and what motivates her to do her important work:

Hi Everyone! My name is Bianca Vega, and I work with the First-Generation Programs Team as the Kessler Scholars Program Coordinator. This past May, I became the first in my family to graduate from college, and I am honored to be starting my career with the team at the SCBC. Thanks to the Questbridge Scholarship, which �ֲ���ý just joined as a partner school, I was able to attend Colby College, where I studied Environmental Science and Music. But I got a lot more out of school than my degree! I discovered my passion for community-centered work by coordinating events for the school radio (WMHB 89.7!), I affirmed my commitment to being an informed member of my community through my work with the Title IX Office, and I demonstrated my commitment to equity through the jobs I held within the First-Generation/Limited Income (FLI) Program. It was in these roles that I found my passion for community-centered equity and empowerment work.

Through my experience being a first-gen student and working for student success-centered programs, I know what a difference it makes to have institutional systems of support to help you navigate situations that family members can’t help you with, from the financial aid process, applying to and interviewing for jobs or graduate school, even down to navigating well-being! Doing my job well depends on how well I know my students and their needs. This makes them my greatest motivators! I get so much energy by talking them through problems, supporting them with programming, and overall just seeing them succeed. �ֲ���ý is a very special place, and the students here are doing amazing things! My job is to nourish and support them so they can be and feel successful. What I appreciate the most about working at �ֲ���ý is the innate culture of care, which we see manifest from Purposeful Work to the Harward Center back to the SCBC! It is easier to make ideas become reality because there is already this shared goal of equitably supporting students.

Gather ‘Round for Dim sum

A shared meal around a table is often one of the best building blocks for community. During this fall’s MOSAIC dim sum event, a small crowd of alumni spanning multiple class years sampled many dim sum dishes. Experienced diners shared insights on the different offerings, family food memories, and a few chopstick techniques with first-timers. 

Interested in making more meals like this happen? Contact Danny (dchin@bates.edu) or fill out a �ֲ���ý and Beyond request to get your gathering off the ground!

ICYMI: International alumni letters

�ֲ���ý celebrated International Education Week with a variety of on campus events. From global snacks in the Student Center for Belonging and Community to stories from study abroad to a cultural student showcase, offerings reflected the richness and variety of global perspectives. Although IEW has wrapped, you can still get a window into these experiences through the Letters from International Alumni. Read a few right now!

New Out and Proudly NESCAC offerings!

What does the blue color in the pride flag represent? Can you name one of the two non-binary Tony award winners? 

This past November we gathered virtually with NESCAC alumni all over the country for an evening of LGBTQ+ themed trivia. While we didn’t get any Bobcats on the podium, the crowd had a great time and learned some interesting new facts! Want to test your knowledge? Study up for next time using our . 

Out and Proudly NESCAC gathers each June for Pride celebrations in multiple cities, but we also know we need pride year-round! We’re excited to offer additional Out and Proudly Programming this winter to build excitement for summer.

Learn more about the Out & Proudly NESCAC Winter Series!

Upcoming MOSAIC Events:

Wednesday Sep 9

Mosaic Book Club: KIN

7:30 pm

Mosaic Book Club��will be discussing KIN by Tayari Jones starting September 9, 2026. In the second Mosaic Book Club selection, KIN by Tayari Jones, we follow childhood best friends Vernice and…

Don’t miss out! Join the �ֲ���ý Alumni MOSAIC email list to stay up to date with all the latest information.