1. Increase engagement and volunteer options for alumni through support of regional networks

Council Champions: Monica Rodriguez ‘12
Highlighted FY21 accomplishments:

✔ Built upon the pre-pandemic work of the subgroup by pivoting to focus on more virtual engagement and training opportunities

✔ Collaborated with staff on content for a detailed regional volunteer manual for alumni, defining uniformed volunteer roles and expectations for the global alumni network

✔ Developed a pilot alumni volunteer leadership committee and engagement group in the virtual environment for the Denver Alumni Community

✔ Planned an e-learning for those interested in becoming regional leaders that relays information in the volunteer manual

2. Support career development opportunities for both alums and students

Council Champions: Tracy Peacock ’94 and Leah Elsmore ‘12
Highlighted FY21 accomplishments:

✔ Encouraged networks (including other AC members) to nominate and recruit alumni who could be highlighted via virtual events

✔ Determined Council member moderators for Bates Bridge professional Groups and actively participated in that Group work

✔ Participated in virtual job shadows and virtual networking with current Bates students

✔ Supported the Alumni Engagement Office by promoting and attending numerous virtual events

3. Make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion a central component of the Council work

Council Champions:  Jen Crawford ‘01
Highlighted FY21 accomplishments:

✔ Created an ad hoc Diversity, Equity and Inclusion subgroup to allow Council members to begin this important work

✔ Members of the DEI subgroup participated in the “Disrupting Racism: A 21-Day Challenge for Bates Alumni Volunteers”

✔ Creating an Alumni Council Equity and Inclusion Statement to ensure these principles are a central component of the work of the Council

4. Recognition of Alumni Excellence

Council Champions:  Kevin Moore ’93 and Jen Crawford ‘01
Highlighted FY21 accomplishments:

✔ Alumni Community Service Award: Marshall Hatch ‘10

✔ Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Marsha Larned ‘07

✔ Sesquicentennial Prize: Charles Perou ‘87

✔ Bruce Stangle Award: Sara Cummings ‘89/Beth Tener ‘89

In 2021, the Council received 29 new nominations for the 2021 Alumni Awards, and 26 new nominations for the Alumni Council. 

5. Governance – FY21 Process Improvements:

✔ Pivoted to shorter yet more frequent virtual Council meetings to more efficiently and effectively continue our work through the COVID-19 pandemic

✔ Reevaluated our new member nomination and vetting processes to better ensure genuinely diverse alumni representation on the Alumni Council

✔ Continued to refine the alumni award description and selection process to ensure better utilization for engagement with alumni

6. FY21 Guiding Principles of Leadership

✔ Continued to increase Alumni Council profile among the Bates community by advertising award and new member nominations, alumni events and giving opportunities

✔ Ensured that the Alumni Council has 100% participation in the Bates Fund in order to support the operations of the college

✔ Led the effort to create a ‘Thank you’ video that will be shared with members of the college’s staff and administration for their efforts during this challenging year