Dear Members of the Bates Community,

I write to thank you for your part in making possible an important achievement for Bates — the successful completion of the Bates Campaign, which concluded officially on June 30, 2022.

I am pleased to report that we surpassed our ambitious $300 million goal, raising $345,745,081 to support key priorities for the college. This story in Bates News reports the specific areas of progress as a result of the campaign.

Launched publicly in 2017, the Bates Campaign was designed to enhance our academic programs, expand need-based financial aid, invest in student success, and strengthen the college’s financial sustainability. The achievements of the campaign are remarkable — all made possible through the generosity of students, alumni, parents, and friends like you. Today, we are better resourced and equipped to broaden access to a Bates education and to offer a transformational experience for our students. This support has also established a model for engagement and philanthropy at Bates that will sustain the college for years and decades to come.

We said at the outset of the campaign that great institutions are built by choice, not chance. I thank each and every donor to Bates for making the choice to support this college that has shaped so many lives. In doing so, you bring your hopes, dreams, and aspirations to bear on the future of Bates and the students it serves.  

I am deeply grateful for your generosity and enthusiastic support, and proud of all that we have accomplished together.

Warmly,

Clayton