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7 out of 75 party guests turned out to be Bates alumni 

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Bates continues to be an important part of my life in too many ways to count. Whether it's finding myself in conversation with Batesies from multiple decades (this past weekend), coordinating playdates for my kids with classmates who live 2 doors down, texting with friends about obscure memories, or sharing with coworkers how I got my job ... Bates is everywhere! I feel so fortunate to be part of this kind, smart, and interesting community!!

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Christina Kilgallen '88, Catherine Schmitz Bise '87, Julie Sutherland-Platt '88, Win Brown '89 - just a few of the lifelong friends I made at Bates.

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One of the things that makes Bates College so meaningful to me is its long tradition of egalitarianism. From the beginning, the College welcomed students from different backgrounds and believed that talent and drive matter more than privilege. When I received my acceptance letter, then-Dean of Admissions Bill Hiss '66 wrote that “Bates College is a place where lifelong bonds of friendship are made.” That has certainly proven true for me, and it’s a big part of what makes the Bates community so special.

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I had the best college experience I could ever have asked for. Every summer the highlight of my trip back to Maine is visiting campus with my daughter (future Bobcat). THANK YOU BATES!

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This is my dad, David Olney '56, celebrating being a Bobcat way back in the fall of 1952! He and my mom, Margaret '57 were loyal supporters of Bates for their entire lives. I am pleased to honor their legacy by making my own gift to Bates every year.

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I give to Bates because I want to make the formative educational experience that I received possible for current and future students. I give in honor of the constellation of opportunities I was afforded both as a student and as a Bates alum. Most especially today, I give in honor of the community of people who have so deeply impacted my life for the past 20 years.

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Bates played an important role in shaping who I am today. The people, the education and the community challenged me to grow in ways I'm still grateful for. Giving is a small way to say thank you and help ensure future students (like my grandkids) have the same opportunity.

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The Bates Deansmen and Merimanders around 2002 or 2003

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Bates helped me cultivate the critical thinking skills, empathy, and broad knowledge that I use to understand and interact with the complex world we live in. Bates gave me the space to explore and have fun while I learned and grew.

I give to help Bates extend and expand those opportunities to the next generation of Bobcats!

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The Bates Deansmen and Merimanders around 2002 or 2003

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Bates provided me with wonderful memories, lifelong friendships, and valuable skills and job opportunities. I donate to ensure current students benefit from those same advantages and can continue to experience every day as a Great Day to be a Bobcat! #Bobcats4eva97 #BatesGreatDay

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We give so that current and future students can have just as great of an experience as our son is having at Bates. He is fulfilled academically and deeply engaged in campus life—through sports, music, and other activities—while building the kind of lifelong friendships that make the Bates experience so special.

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I give so current students can have great experiences in and out of the classroom, and meet their own lifelong friends. Looking forward to Reunion in June!

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My classes, extracurricular activities, and the staff at Bates nurtured my curiosity and passions. In doing so, they helped me discover deeper purpose and joy in life, while giving me the tools to engage thoughtfully with a complex, interconnected world.

I give so other students can have their own transformational Bates experience—one they will carry forward into their lives and communities. The world needs more Bobcats.

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I'm forever grateful for the skills I gained as a Bates student‑athlete—from balancing academics and athletics to learning teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Most of all, I'm thankful for the Bobcat family I found in my XC/TF teammates, a community that will last a lifetime.

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I give to Bates in honor of my growth as a student, as an athlete, and as a person over four years. My time in Lewiston equipped me with skills that I use every day, and I would not be who I am without my Bates experience. Roll Cats!

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Bates provided me with a framework to view the world with clarity and curiosity. Equally important, it gifted me a community of lifelong friends. My support is a thank you for the four years that helped shape the last thirty-two.

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My time at Bates was transformational. I met such great people and grew as a person more than I could have ever imagined! I can't wait to be back at reunion with my Bates besties!!

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My Bates education has made me a better thinker, writer and learner. I’m proud to be a Bates grad!

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I give to honor my children, classes of '13 & '16, who had a superlative time at Bates!