  {"id":42539,"date":"2026-06-30T11:17:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T15:17:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/?p=42539"},"modified":"2026-07-27T11:35:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T15:35:29","slug":"bates-college-alumni-council-2026-impact-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/2026\/06\/30\/bates-college-alumni-council-2026-impact-work\/","title":{"rendered":"ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Alumni Council \u2014 2026 Impact Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-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<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2019\/11\/JohnHoward-web.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"599\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2019\/11\/JohnHoward-web-599x900.jpg\" alt=\"John Howard \u201986\" class=\"wp-image-15731\" style=\"width:190px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2019\/11\/JohnHoward-web-599x900.jpg 599w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2019\/11\/JohnHoward-web-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2019\/11\/JohnHoward-web-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2019\/11\/JohnHoward-web-133x200.jpg 133w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2019\/11\/JohnHoward-web.jpg 1020w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">John Howard \u201986<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2022\/07\/leah-elsemore-web-edited-e1657638469125.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2022\/07\/leah-elsemore-web-edited-600x900.webp\" alt=\"Leah Elsmore \u201912\" class=\"wp-image-25853\" style=\"width:190px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leah Elsmore \u201912<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below, you will find highlights from the Alumni Council\u2019s work during the 2025-2026 academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/recognition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Please consider nominating outstanding alumni in 2027 for awards<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/ac-nominations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>please consider submitting a nomination<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is truly a privilege to serve the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumni community. Thank you for making our work representing ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumni so rewarding. Please do not hesitate to reach out to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:alumni@bates.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>alumni@bates.edu<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;if you are looking for ways to be more connected or have feedback \u2014 we are here for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>It\u2019s a great day to be a Bobcat!<\/em><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leah Elsmore \u201912, Alumni Council President (FY25\u201326)<br>John Howard \u201986, Alumni Council Vice President (FY25\u201326)<\/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:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26.webp\" alt=\"\u201925-\u201926 Alumni Council\" class=\"wp-image-42540\" style=\"object-fit:contain;width:460px;height:258px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26-400x225.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26-900x506.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26-1116x628.jpg 1116w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/Alumni-Council-FY26-200x113.webp 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College Alumni Council<\/strong> is the governing body of the Alumni Association and serves as the primary liaison between the Association and the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ administration, faculty, and student body. The purposes of the Alumni Council&nbsp;are to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic directions of the college and the office of advancement and alumni engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be a positive, energetic ambassadors for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate the highest levels of commitment of personal capital to the college and alumni engagement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><a href=\"\" target=\"_blank\">alumni@bates.edu<\/a>&nbsp;and visit<\/span> our website at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/alumni-council\/\">www.bates.edu\/alumni\/alumni-council\/<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1145 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy-900x600.webp\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy-900x600.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy-400x267.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy-942x628.jpg 942w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy-200x133.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2017\/05\/151019_Campus_0041-copy.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-black-background-color has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Impact Work \u2013 &#8217;25-&#8217;26 Accomplishments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>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 \u201cThe Year of The Bobcat\u201d and informed the larger Alumni Council strategy for FY26: building ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ pride and further engaging the alumni community.&nbsp;The Alumni Council continued to prioritize 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 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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\u2019s impact on the larger ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni community.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\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 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-118d5b68b9869997742d2bf8811c185b wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><em><strong>Volunteer Engagement Committee<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0729198309a52dc562f93d313c4786c6 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Council Champion<\/strong>: Heather Beebe \u201985, P&#8217;20<\/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 Volunteer Engagement Committee was tasked with providing input to inform the redesign of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/volunteer\/\">Alumni Volunteer Center<\/a> on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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 \u201clife cycle of volunteerism\u201d \u2013 acknowledging that people have different capacities and interest levels for volunteering at different stages of life \u2013 and that any volunteer hours are welcome and appreciated. The committee members:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Conducted market research on 16 peer institutions\u2019 websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Provided summaries and recommendations on web user perspectives for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Provided recommendations on topics such as ease of access, breadth of volunteer opportunities, ease of signing up, ease of contacting ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, and volunteer recognition.<\/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-3b7276bda1b452252d2a3c338a981624 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>: Jen Crawford \u201801<\/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\/2026\/06\/AC-Impact-Report-visual-2-2026.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"864\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/06\/AC-Impact-Report-visual-2-2026.gif\" alt=\"Four-Part Webinar Series - 200+ Participants: word bubbles highlighting events\" class=\"wp-image-42773\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ YouTube channel for continued access. The Alumni Council hopes to continue this popular program in FY27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong><strong>Jan 28, 2026 &#8211; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OTx-tM-dtkk?si=z9m_IZmxpu_bGl0H\"><strong>Alumni Perspectives on AI Innovation<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AC members Chuck James \u201978 and Alex Hahn \u201997 moderated the first panel of the series, which included 3 alumni: Steve Coupet \u201909,  Joselle Deocamp-Gautam \u201901, and Kyle Flaherty \u201997, as well as ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong><strong>Feb 25, 2026 &#8211; From ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to Beyond: Insights from Psychology Professionals Webinar<\/strong><\/strong><br>AC member Matt Bogyo \u201893, P&#8217;27 moderated a discussion with Amanda Nickerson, PhD. \u201994, Chris Howells, Psy.D. \u201903, and Irene Mapfunde, MSW, LICSW \u201919, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong><strong>April 16, 2026 &#8211; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/cG3Ah0j0muI?si=j-7ndQ5tleLxIPcg\"><strong>From Idea to Impact: Meet ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><br>AC member Jen Crawford \u201901 and Susan Peillet Yule \u201978 moderated a riveting discussion with David Akinyemi \u201921, Asad Butt \u201901, Allen Kendunga \u201918, Michelle Pham \u201915, and Carine Warsawski \u201907 about the grit and reality of launching a business. This event had 40 registrations and drew 33 attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; <strong><strong>May 19, 2026 &#8211; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/events\/bates-in-the-arts-navigating-your-creative-path\/\"><strong>ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in the Arts &#8211; Navigating Your Creative Path<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><br>AC member Priscila Guillen \u201920 facilitated this conversation with panelists Singha Hon \u201914, Samuel Mironko \u201921, Brennen Malone \u201917, who explored the winding path of a creative career. This session was focused on how to navigate the professional arts world.&nbsp;<\/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-67b2ad251629b1ce16573cef50a0354f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong><strong>Impact and Awareness Committee<\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Council Champion:<\/strong> Terry Welch \u201883<\/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 Impact and Awareness Committee\u2019s mission is to increase awareness of the Alumni Council among the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni community, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of the Council and the initiatives and programs it sponsors.&nbsp;Often, alumni first learn about the Alumni Council when they are invited to serve on it.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;This year\u2019s accomplishments included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Utilizing a Brand Ladder approach to poll members&#8217; views on ways the AC enhances alumni\u2019s connection to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, feelings of community, and access to beneficial experiences and impressions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; 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).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Identifying what messaging will resonate with different sub-groups to help build AC awareness, and better engage those groups with Alumni Council activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; 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.<\/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-760d1a8340218e851e8ff1495dcc0545 wp-block-paragraph\"><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\/2026\/07\/2026-Alumni-Awards-Instagram-Post.gif\" rel=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/2025\/04\/21\/bates-alumni-council-honors-outstanding-recipients-with-2025-awards\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"432\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/alumni\/files\/2026\/07\/2026-Alumni-Awards-Instagram-Post.gif\" alt=\"2026 Alumni Awards\" class=\"wp-image-42552\" 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\">2026 Alumni Award Winners:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Alumni Community Service Award: <strong>Peter Basiliere \u201976<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Alumni Professional Recognition Award:<strong> Noah Petro \u201901<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Bruce Stangle \u201970, P\u201996, GP\u201926 Award for Distinguished Service to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Community: <strong>Christopher Lanoue \u201999, P\u201926<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Distinguished Young Alumni Award: <strong>Rachel Ebersole \u201917<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Helen A. Papaioanou Distinguished Service Award:<strong> Erica Seifert Plunkett \u201986<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.&nbsp;<\/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-8077edbfde17b0aa58492ebcbefcb115 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong><strong>Governance \u2013 FY2<\/strong><\/strong>6<\/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>Leah Elsmore \u201912 completed her term as President in June 2026, and John Howard \u201986  began his term as President in July 2026. Natalie Adler \u201992 was elected Vice President and also began her term in July 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We received a record 59 nominations for new members of the Alumni Council.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New members who will be joining the Alumni Council this fall: Jeffrey D. Beaton \u201912, George C. Carr \u201907, Kush Sharma \u201923, Gretchen Shorter Davis \u201961, and Jay N. Gorayeb \u201920.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leah Elsmore \u201912 has completed her term on the Alumni Council and will be rolling off.<\/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-e8d3691ac4b7e81a6704cc750b31db88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>FY26 Guiding Principles of Leadership<\/em><\/strong><br><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 awards and new member nominations, alumni events, and giving opportunities on social media. <\/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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2714; Ensured that the Alumni Council has 100% participation in voting for Alumni Award recipients.<\/p>\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 FY26<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">24 alumni representing 7 decades, 16 classes and 13 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 are-vertically-aligned-top 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>Natalie Adler \u201992<br><\/strong>Washington, D.C.<br>Serving since 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tom Armet \u201801<\/strong><br>Medford, MA<br>Serving since 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Heather Beebe \u201985, P&#8217;20<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, P&#8217;27<br><\/strong>Redwood City, CA<br>Serving since 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jen Crawford \u201801<br><\/strong>Boston, MA<br>Serving since 2025<\/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<\/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-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>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, P&#8217;24, P&#8217;26<br><\/strong>Wellesley Hills, MA<br>Serving since 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Priscila Guillen \u201820<br><\/strong>Kissimmee, FL<br>Serving since 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alex Hahn \u201897<br><\/strong>Falls Church, VA<br>Serving since 2025<\/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\n\n\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<\/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-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>Caroline Wood Richards \u201895, P&#8217;27<br><\/strong>Ho Ho Kus, NJ<br>Serving since 2025<\/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>Porsha Winters \u201912<br><\/strong>Chicago, IL<br>Serving since 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Susan Peillet Yule \u201878<br><\/strong>West Newton, MA<br>Serving since 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 is-style-lightgray-bg has-dark-color has-text-color\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"contact-information\">\n<h5>Contact Us<\/h5>\n\t<p class=\"address\">Alumni Engagement<br \/>\n2 Andrews Road<br \/>\n<span class=\"phone-num\"> Phone: 1-888-522-8371\n<\/span><span class=\"address-email\"><a href=\"mailto:alumni@bates.edu\">alumni@bates.edu<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the highlights from the work of the Alumni Council this past academic year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1045,"featured_media":42540,"comment_status":"closed","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 Office of Alumni 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