{"id":37742,"date":"2025-05-14T10:55:30","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T14:55:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/?p=37742"},"modified":"2025-05-31T10:41:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T14:41:00","slug":"alumni-council-news-spring-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/2025\/05\/14\/alumni-council-news-spring-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni Council News: Spring 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/alumni-council\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alumni Council<\/a>&nbsp;is pleased to share some updates from campus and highlight the ongoing activities of the Council. Our goal is to keep former council members informed and engaged. We hope these highlights will spark your curiosity, evoke fond memories, and inspire you to stay connected and contribute to the vibrant ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this issue, please enjoy the following topics: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#spring-meeting\">Spring Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Impact-report\">Alumni Council Impact Report<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#awards\">Alumni Council Awards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#governance-membership\">New Members Announcement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#outgoing-member\">Council Member Highlights<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#photo-gallery\">Alumni Council Photo &amp; Video Gallery<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We encourage you to stay engaged with us and participate in the events and offerings at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/all-events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">especially those within our alumni community<\/a>. We look forward to seeing you in your local areas and on campus. As always, we welcome your input! Feel free to reach out to <a href=\"mailto:alumni@bates.edu\">alumni@bates.edu<\/a>&nbsp;with any thoughts or questions you may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At your service,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2024-25 Alumni Council<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spring-meeting\">Spring Meeting Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>by Terry Welch \u201983 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Members of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni Council convened in Lewiston for our Spring Council meetings May 1-3, 2025. Short term was in full swing, and it was great to see students enjoying the campus amongst the background of blooming dogwoods and azaleas. The gathering opened with a Graduating Seniors Dinner with the Board of Trustees and Alumni Council in Memorial Commons.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We started Friday\u2019s program with breakfast in Commons. For many of us who graduated before the \u201cnew\u201d Commons opened, we couldn\u2019t help but reminisce about when Commons was in Chase Hall, and the memories many of us had working in Commons, either \u201con the line\u201d, in the dish room, or replenishing the salad bar. Everyone agreed that having the new building has been a great addition, serving as a critical social hub, and we appreciated getting to join with students in enjoying this aspect of campus life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please enjoy the summary of our time together below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Plenary I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eric Foush\u00e9e, vice president for college advancement, updated the Council on recent developments at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College, including key staff appointments, and the challenging landscape facing higher education. While ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is fortunately not at the forefront of controversy like some larger institutions, it still faces many relevant issues. Eric praised President Garry Jenkins for his strategic leadership and prudent stewardship of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½\u2019 approach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has been collaborating with other colleges in the NESCAC network and beyond, leveraging their collective influence and extensive alumni networks. He also noted the importance of effective media relations, highlighting the contributions of Kristen Lainsbury, the new vice president for communications and marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Council learned about other key hires, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/23\/joanne-roberts-to-join-bates-as-vice-president-for-academic-affairs-and-dean-of-the-faculty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joanne Roberts, Ph.D.<\/a>, who will join ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gobatesbobcats.com\/news\/2025\/4\/30\/general-bates-college-names-stacey-bunting-as-director-of-athletics.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stacey Bunting<\/a>, the new director of athletics.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eric discussed ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½\u2019 partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/2025\/01\/23\/bates-college-teams-with-questbridge-questbridge-to-enhance-access-and-opportunity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">QuestBridge<\/a>, a national nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education, and the launch of a new major in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/08\/bates-newest-major-digital-and-computational-studies-blends-computer-science-with-critique-community-engagement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital and Computational Studies<\/a>. On the fundraising front, he outlined ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½\u2019 current priorities, emphasizing the need to enhance the endowment and maintain educational quality. He also provided an update on efforts to raise funds for a new fitness facility between Alumni Gym and the Grey Cage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Plenary II&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highlights from the Trustee meetings were shared, with AC President Leah and VP John noting the Trustees\u2019 satisfaction with AC\u2019s committee work and its alignment with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½&#8217; priorities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We discussed ongoing efforts and task force initiatives related to professional development, awards, governance, and communications. New initiatives being considered for the coming year include supporting ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½\u2019 volunteer experience and MOSAIC. An ongoing theme throughout the working group and plenary discussions was how the Alumni Council\u2019s profile and mission could be better shared with the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We then moved into a general discussion about what motivates us to return to campus for Alumni Council meetings. Several key incentives were identified:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lodging: Members appreciated having lodging provided, including the option for early arrivals, especially for those wishing to spend more time with students.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zoom Updates: Members found value in receiving periodic virtual updates on topics such as college finances, admissions, and insights from senior leadership.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timing of Meetings: The timing of in-person meetings is important. Many members expressed a preference to be on campus when other alumni are present, such as during Back to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Weekend or Reunion.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interaction with College Leadership: There was strong support for aligning Alumni Council meetings with those of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Fund Executive Committee and Trustee meetings to maximize and leverage opportunities for engagement with college leadership.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balancing Committee Work and Campus Engagement: We discussed strategies for striking a balance between conducting committee work and staying informed about campus and college updates.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Representing Alumni Voices: A key question was how we, as AC members, can serve as a voice for alumni and support efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and the perceived value of being a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Student Networking Lunch&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AC members enjoyed having lunch at the Benjamin Mays Center with a group of seniors to assist them with networking and discuss their plans for next steps and career moves after graduation. Many of them have already found their first jobs successfully. It was interesting to note how many of those opportunities originated from summer internships they secured through the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Center for Purposeful Work. Even AC members remarked that this was often the case, highlighting the importance of those internships in helping graduates enter the workforce.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Committee Meetings<\/strong> were held on each of this year\u2019s AC task force initiatives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Professional Development Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional Engagement Taskforce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governance Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awards Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communications Engaging Past Alumni Council Members<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A full report of committee activities can be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/2025\/05\/09\/bates-college-alumni-council-2025-impact-work\/\">FY25 Alumni Council Impact Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dinner at DaVinci\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gathering for an AC group dinner provided a great opportunity to socialize with one another and the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ staff, whose help in planning and hosting a productive and enjoyable weekend on campus is always sincerely appreciated.&nbsp; It also provided us the opportunity to celebrate and thank retiring AC members, including Dan Barsky and Monica Rodriguez.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The next Alumni Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25-27, 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-color has-text-color wp-group-with-background-image _text-color-light _with-overlay\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy.jpg);background-position:center center\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"Impact-report\"><strong>Impact Work \u2013 FY25 Accomplishments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Please find a sneak preview of the FY25 Alumni Council Impact Report. <strong><em>During the fall meeting, Alumni Council members served in an advisory role, providing ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni Office and Advancement staff with alumni perspectives on the value of a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ education and the role ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ can play at this moment of major national and global change. The Alumni Council has prioritized networking with current students to encourage them to leverage the power of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 to make the connections that are critical for success as they start their careers.<\/em><\/strong><br><\/em><\/strong><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-22e683c6-7fff-b78d-3b00-811159a0bc42\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-diagonal-lightgray-bg has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-garnet-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9c73fcb9054314341d890ff07778dca4 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><em><strong>Regional Engagement Taskforce<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8fa80d7cde2e4477fc5d230ab78526fc wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Council Champion<\/strong>: Heather Beebe \u201985<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">The Regional Engagement Taskforce, a year-long ad hoc committee of the Alumni Council, focused on laying the groundwork for \u201cÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Beyond\u201d, an initiative to support alumni-initiated and alumni-directed events. The long-term goal is for alumni to be able to host regional programs with remote administrative support and oversight from Alumni Engagement staff.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Conducted a scan of peer institutions\u2019 practices to inform the approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Developed the strategy, processes, and tools to expand alumni-driven events in key secondary markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Testing alumni-interface webpage with detailed \u201chow to host a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ event\u201d guidelines and checklist. Anticipated soft launch in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-garnet-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8a4435d25cda9c9a84b231cd01493cab wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Professional Development<\/em><\/strong><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-e652f504-7fff-deea-431d-313373f547b7\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Council Champion<\/strong>: Natalie Adler \u201992<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-Impact-Report-visual-2.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-Impact-Report-visual-2.gif\" alt=\"AC impact graphic: Four-part webinar series with 425+ participants. Inspiring, Thoughtful and Relevant.\" class=\"wp-image-37716\" style=\"width:300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For FY25, the Professional Development subcommittee planned and hosted a four-part webinar series, bringing together over 425+ participants. The webinars leveraged the alumni community\u2019s remarkable breadth and depth of professional experience. With so many ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumni in attendance, the series received very positive feedback. Participants praised the panels for being insightful, inspiring, and highly relevant. The Alumni Council will continue this program in FY26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong>August 07: <em>\u201cPursuing a Career in International Affairs\u201d<\/em><\/strong><br>Hosted by Alumni Council member Patrick Quirk \u201903, this session featured panelists Paul Grove \u201988, Clerk on the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, Catherine Nzuki \u201921, Associate Fellow in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Eric Adamson \u201915, NATO Coordinator at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency based in Stockholm. The conversation centered on the career paths of these alumni and the advice they would give a current ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student or recent grad interested in pursuing a career in foreign affairs. They also shared what they wished they had known beginning their job searches and what they would have done differently. The event wrapped up with questions from the audience and the news of a new ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Foreign Affairs group on LinkedIn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong>January 13: \u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/VB6_fqPmGKQ\"><strong><em>Making the Jump: Young<\/em>&nbsp;<em>Professionals<\/em>&nbsp;<em>Making<\/em>&nbsp;<em>Their First Career Change<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong><br>Hosted by Alumni Council members Liza Pearce \u201914 and David Akinyemi \u201921, this session featured panelists Allie Freed \u201916, Non-Profit Coordinator for Higher Ed Gifts\/Development and an MBA Candidate; Sarah Sachs, Principal at Sarah Sachs \u201918 Consulting; and Walter Washington \u201919, Paralegal in Banking\/Investments and Associate Assistant Coach. The conversation centered on how these young alumni successfully transitioned from their first jobs to new opportunities, the role of mentorship, and how they leveraged the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ network to support their journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong>February 11:&nbsp; \u201c<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/events\/careers-in-scientific-research-and-biomedical-professions\/\"><strong><em>Careers in Scientific Research and<\/em>&nbsp;<em>Biomedical Professions<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong>\u201d<\/strong><br>Hosted by Alumni Council member Matt Bogyo \u201993, P\u201927, this panel explored the diverse pathways into scientific research and biomedical careers. Speakers included Karin Borrelli, \u201994, MD, Medical Director, Saratoga Hospital, David Ferrone, MD \u201996 at Tufts University, Bruce Koch, Ph.D, Senior Director, Discover and Technology Services at Stanford University, Jennifer Shumilla-O\u2019Mahoney, Ph.D \u201994,Dartmouth-Senior Project Manager at Genentech, and Cara Starbach, \u201919, Ph.D student in Chemistry at Stanford. Panelists shared their academic and professional trajectories, and offered valuable insights into advancing careers in science, engineering, and medicine degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong>April 1: \u201c<em>Careers in Finance: Bobcat Alumni Insights\u201d<\/em><\/strong><br>Hosted by Steve Brackett \u201985 P\u201922, Managing Member, and Co-Head of Alternative Investments at Shepherd, Kaplan and Krochuk, Graeme Welds \u201915, Vice President, Stewardship and Sustainable Investing at Neuberger Berman, Terry Welch \u201983, Managing Director at MFS Investment Management, and Fadia Felfe \u201915, Vice President of High Grade and Emerging Markets, Credit Syndicate Desk, JP Morgan Chase. The panel of Alumni Council members offered strategic advice on entering the financial sector, navigating transitions, and building a successful career in business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-garnet-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-545558d1963b4303a6186f004f6df5bc wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong>Communications and Engaging Past Alumni Council Members<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Council Champion:<\/strong> Karen Finocchio \u201992<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">The committee continued refining the Past Alumni Council Member newsletter. Learnings from the newsletter can be applied to a broader strategy for alumni affinity group engagement. Future work could include a possible pivot into more curated content such as personal Alumni Council stories and creating more dynamic and interactive content for multi-purpose use across social media. The group leveraged lessons learned from the pilot newsletter to refine future newsletter content.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update.webp\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update-900x900.webp\" alt=\"Newsletter Performance Overview\" class=\"wp-image-37794\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update-900x900.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update-628x628.jpg 628w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/AC-IMPACT-REPORT-2025-visual-1-update.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Statistics from the Fall\/Winter Newsletter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opens: 40.1% (65)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clicks: 24.7% (40)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most popular topics:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stories about new and outgoing Alumni Council members<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subcommittee updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialty content (i.e. personal connections at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ events, Inauguration, Back to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½: Alumni and Family Weekend, and Puddlejump)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-garnet-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25dca1e0a04ee2cd1f27900d7cd411bf wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"awards\"><strong><em><strong>Recognition of Alumni Excellence<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-e652f504-7fff-deea-431d-313373f547b7\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Council Champion<\/strong>: Chuck James \u201978<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Alumni-Awards-Instagram-Post.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"432\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Alumni-Awards-Instagram-Post.gif\" alt=\"Alumni Awards crowd clapping and congratulation recipients!\" class=\"wp-image-37727\" style=\"width:300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">2025 Alumni Award Winners:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alumni Community Service Award:&nbsp;<strong>Robin Waterman \u201985<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alumni Professional Recognition Award:<strong>&nbsp;Dana Bragonier \u201995<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bruce Stangle \u201970, P\u201996, GP\u201926 Award for Distinguished Service to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Community:&nbsp;<strong>Ann Clark Tucker \u201978<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Distinguished Young Alumni Award:&nbsp;<strong>Nick Beati \u201920<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Helen A. Papaioanou Distinguished Service Award:<strong>\u00a0Geri FitzGerald \u201975<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sesquicentennial Prize:<strong>&nbsp;Derek Anderson \u201985<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Awards will be presented at the Presidential Address and Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association during Reunion Weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-garnet-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8e4861877bc20ecf5f550ede72b3029c wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong>FY25 Guiding Principles of Leadership<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-e652f504-7fff-deea-431d-313373f547b7\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Continued to increase Alumni Council profile among the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community by advertising award and new member nominations, alumni events, and giving opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Ensured that the Alumni Council has 100% participation in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Fund to support the operations of the college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-garnet-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-965c57ba476e27058f2b44de19ea4a58 wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"governance-membership\"><strong><em><strong><strong>Governance \u2013 FY25<\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-e652f504-7fff-deea-431d-313373f547b7\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Membership:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leah Elsmore \u201912<\/strong> began her term as President and <strong>John Howard \u201986 <\/strong>began his term as Vice President in July 2024.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We received 23 nominations for new members of the Alumni Council.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Six new members, representing the \u201970\u2019s, \u201990\u2019s, \u201900\u2019s, and \u201920\u2019s were elected to join the Alumni Council in FY26.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The following members have completed their second term on the Alumni Council and will be rolling off: <strong>Dan Barsky \u201903, Fadia Felfe \u201915, Kevin Moore \u201993 (Past President), Monica Rodriguez \u201912,&nbsp; <\/strong>and <strong>Steve Brackett \u201985, P\u201922. Hank Geng \u201913<\/strong>, President of the College Key, will also conclude his time on the Alumni Council as his term of President concludes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Alumni Council Membership FY25<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">25 alumni representing 7 decades, 17 classes, and 12 states\/provinces<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Leah Elsmore \u201912<br><\/strong>President<br>Denver, CO<br>Serving since 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>John Howard \u201986<br><\/strong>Vice President<br>Cos Cob, CT<br>Serving since 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kevin Moore \u201993<br><\/strong>Past President<br>West Bridgewater, MA<br>Serving since 2017<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Natalie Adler \u201992<br><\/strong>Washington, D.C.<br>Serving since 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>David Akinyemi \u201921<br><\/strong>San Francisco, CA<br>Serving since 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dan Barsky \u201903<br><\/strong>Miami Beach, FL<br>Serving since 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Heather Beebe \u201985<br><\/strong>St-Ignace-de-Stanbridge, QC<br>Serving since 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Matthew Bogyo \u201993<br><\/strong>Redwood City, CA<br>Serving since 2022<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Steve Brackett \u201985, P\u201922<br><\/strong>Boston, MA<br>Serving since 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>J.J. Cummings \u201989<br><\/strong>Virginia Beach, VA<br>Serving since 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Liza Danello Pearce \u201914<br><\/strong>Falls Church, VA<br>Serving since 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fadia Felfle \u201915<br><\/strong>New York, NY<br>Serving since 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Karen L. Finocchio \u201992<br><\/strong>Marblehead, MA<br>Serving since 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Wendy Harris Garber \u201989<br><\/strong>Wellesley Hills, MA<br>Serving since 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Henry T. \u201cHank\u201d Geng \u201913<br><\/strong>Carlsbad, CA<br>Serving since 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chuck James \u201978<br><\/strong>Pompano Beach, FL<br>Serving since 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tim Jones \u201984<br><\/strong>Delray Beach, FL<br>Serving since 2024<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-container-content-70fa0643 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Michelle Pham \u201915<br><\/strong>New York, NY<br>Serving since 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Patrick Quirk \u201903<br><\/strong>Bethesda, MD<br>Serving since 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Flora Rice-Chan \u201911<br><\/strong>Cambridge, MA<br>Serving since 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Monica Rodriguez \u201912<br><\/strong>New York, NY<br>Serving since 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Louis Weinstein \u201968<br><\/strong>Charleston, SC<br>Serving since 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Terry Welch \u201983<br><\/strong>Quincy, MA<br>Serving since 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Graeme Welds \u201915<br><\/strong>New York, NY<br>Serving since 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Portia Winters \u201912<br><\/strong>Chicago, IL<br>Serving since 2024<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"outgoing-member\">Get to Know New Council Members<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>by Monica Rodriguez \u201912<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we wrap up another incredible year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to several members who are rolling off the Alumni Council. Their time, energy, and insights have made a lasting impact, and we\u2019re so grateful for all they contributed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A special shoutout to&nbsp;<strong>Steve Brackett \u201985 P\u201922, Fadia Felfle \u201915, Hank Geng \u201913, Kevin Moore, Monica Rodriguez \u201912, and Dan Barsky<\/strong> <strong>\u201903<\/strong>\u2014 thank you for your leadership and dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As part of the farewell, two of our outgoing members \u2013 Monica and Dan \u2013 have shared a short video message. Take a moment to hear their reflections and well-wishes as they close out their time on the council.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video wp-embed-aspect-4-3 aligncenter\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<lite-youtube videoid=\"ci5-C1FPjmM\" params=\"modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0\" playlabel=\"Reflections from outgoing AC members\" title=\"Reflections from outgoing AC members\" >\n\t\t\t<\/lite-youtube>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"photo-gallery\">Council \u2019Cats in the Wild!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Check out these<\/em> <em>Bobcats in Action. Plus,<\/em><em> members dug through their personal archives to share their Puddle Jump moments with you! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3872-2-1.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" data-id=\"37766\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3872-2-1-900x675.webp\" alt=\"ALUMNI COUNCIL MAY 2025 MEETING\" class=\"wp-image-37766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3872-2-1-900x675.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3872-2-1-400x300.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3872-2-1-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3872-2-1-837x628.jpg 837w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3872-2-1.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"37767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882-675x900.webp\" alt=\"ALUMNI COUNCIL MAY 2025 MEETING\" class=\"wp-image-37767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882-675x900.webp 675w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882-471x628.jpg 471w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/IMG_3882.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/JJCummings.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"843\" height=\"634\" data-id=\"37770\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/JJCummings.webp\" alt=\"PHOTO CREDIT: J.J. Cummings \u201989\nPuddle Jump\" class=\"wp-image-37770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/JJCummings.webp 843w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/JJCummings-400x300.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/JJCummings-768x578.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/JJCummings-835x628.jpg 835w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 843px) 100vw, 843px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Monica-Rodriguez.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"606\" data-id=\"37777\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Monica-Rodriguez-900x606.webp\" alt=\"PHOTO CREDIT: Monica Rodriguez \u201912 Puddle Jump\" class=\"wp-image-37777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Monica-Rodriguez-900x606.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Monica-Rodriguez-400x269.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Monica-Rodriguez-768x517.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Monica-Rodriguez-932x628.jpg 932w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Monica-Rodriguez.webp 1317w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Graeme-Welds.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"773\" height=\"514\" data-id=\"37774\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Graeme-Welds.webp\" alt=\"PHOTO CREDIT:  Graeme Welds \u201915 Puddle Jump\" class=\"wp-image-37774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Graeme-Welds.webp 773w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Graeme-Welds-400x266.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Graeme-Welds-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 773px) 100vw, 773px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-2.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-id=\"37762\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-2.webp\" alt=\"50 years after the first Puddle Jump, three of the event\u2019s founders \u2014 Chris Callahan \u201978, Scott Copeland \u201978, and Lars Llorente \u201978 \u2014 returned to campus to kick off this year\u2019s edition.\" class=\"wp-image-37762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-2.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-2-400x300.webp 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1738993122061-Chris-Lars-Scott.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"720\" data-id=\"37772\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1738993122061-Chris-Lars-Scott-900x720.webp\" alt=\"50 years after the first Puddle Jump, three of the event\u2019s founders \u2014 Chris Callahan \u201978, Scott Copeland \u201978, and Lars Llorente \u201978 \u2014 returned to campus to kick off this year\u2019s edition.\" class=\"wp-image-37772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1738993122061-Chris-Lars-Scott-900x720.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1738993122061-Chris-Lars-Scott-375x300.webp 375w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1738993122061-Chris-Lars-Scott-768x614.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1738993122061-Chris-Lars-Scott-785x628.jpg 785w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1738993122061-Chris-Lars-Scott.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187335176-Puddle-Jump.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"720\" data-id=\"37773\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187335176-Puddle-Jump-900x720.webp\" alt=\"50 years after the first Puddle Jump, three of the event\u2019s founders \u2014 Chris Callahan \u201978, Scott Copeland \u201978, and Lars Llorente \u201978 \u2014 returned to campus to kick off this year\u2019s edition.\" class=\"wp-image-37773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187335176-Puddle-Jump-900x720.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187335176-Puddle-Jump-375x300.webp 375w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187335176-Puddle-Jump-768x614.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187335176-Puddle-Jump-785x628.jpg 785w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187335176-Puddle-Jump.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187356859-Puddle-Jump.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"720\" data-id=\"37775\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187356859-Puddle-Jump-900x720.webp\" alt=\"50 years after the first Puddle Jump, three of the event\u2019s founders \u2014 Chris Callahan \u201978, Scott Copeland \u201978, and Lars Llorente \u201978 \u2014 returned to campus to kick off this year\u2019s edition.\" class=\"wp-image-37775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187356859-Puddle-Jump-900x720.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187356859-Puddle-Jump-375x300.webp 375w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187356859-Puddle-Jump-768x614.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187356859-Puddle-Jump-785x628.jpg 785w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/FB_IMG_1739187356859-Puddle-Jump.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Lars-and-Dana-Forman.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-id=\"37776\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Lars-and-Dana-Forman.webp\" alt=\"Lars and Dana post Puddle Jump\" class=\"wp-image-37776\" style=\"width:271px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Lars-and-Dana-Forman.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/Lars-and-Dana-Forman-400x300.webp 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-Students.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-id=\"37768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-Students.webp\" alt=\"Lars, Dana and current students post Puddle Jump\" class=\"wp-image-37768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-Students.webp 640w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2025\/05\/2025-Puddle-Jump-Students-400x300.webp 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The&nbsp;Alumni Council&nbsp;is pleased to share some updates from campus and highlight the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1045,"featured_media":37765,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_hide_ai_chatbot":false,"_ai_chatbot_style":"","associated_faculty":[],"_Page_Specific_Css":"","_bates_restrict_mod":false,"bates_author_byline_override":"The Alumni 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