Celebrating Excellence: Alumni Association Honors Service and Career Achievements

The Alumni Association of Bates College recently gathered at the Bates Reunion in June to present the annual Alumni Council Awards, recognizing the outstanding career and service achievements of five distinguished alumni. This prestigious ceremony is a testament to the college's commitment to fostering a community of leaders who embody the values of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world.

This year's recipients reflect the ardor and devotion that define the Bates experience, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential within the entire alumni network. As Leah Elsmore '12, president of the Alumni Association, aptly put it, 'It is truly inspiring to witness the transformative power of our alumni as they engage in informed civic action and lead in diverse fields.' The awards ceremony is a celebration of the college's mission to combine intellectual rigor with public good, and the recipients are shining examples of this ethos.

Peter R. Basiliere '76 received the Alumni Community Service Award in recognition of his leadership and civic service in Milford, N.H. After retiring from a career as a leader in additive manufacturing, Basiliere began serving as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, joining disaster relief teams in California, Vermont, the Carolinas, and Guam. His commitment to service and strengthening communities around the country reflects Bates' ideals of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world.

Scientist Noah E. Petro '01 earned the Alumni Professional Recognition Award for his career and leadership at NASA, where he has worked since 2007. As the lab chief of NASA's Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry lab, Petro conducts research on Mercury, Venus, Earth, and their satellites. He is also the project scientist for Artemis III, the 2027 mission that will bring astronauts to the moon's surface for the first time since 1972. Petro's work at NASA exemplifies Bates' mission of combining intellectual rigor with public good.

Physician Christopher B. Lanoue '99, P'26 received the Bruce Stangle '70, P'96, GP'26 Award for Distinguished Service to the Bates Community for his commitment to supporting Bates students and alumni through their medical school journeys. Lanoue has worked closely with the Center for Purposeful Work, mentoring Batesies pursuing medical careers, and has done so with 'generosity, warmth, and openness.' His leadership and service have touched countless people as they themselves prepare for a career of serving others through medicine.

Rachel Ebersole '17 was presented with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award for her career as a museum educator and her leadership within the alumni community. Ebersole is the manager of teen programs at The New York Historical museum and library, where she also oversees a digital learning lab and makerspace. Her volunteer service to the college is an inspiring example of the transformative power of the young alumni network.

Erica Seifert Plunkett '86 earned the Helen A. Papaioanou '49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award, which recognizes alumni who have given exceptional service to the college. Plunkett served as class co-president while at Bates and, since graduating, as an Alumni Council member, a dedicated class agent, and a committee leader. Her accomplished career in research has spanned over 25 years, and she is currently a project manager at Brown University's Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, working on projects related to adolescent depression prevention.

The Alumni Council Awards are a testament to the college's commitment to fostering a community of leaders who embody the values of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world. The recipients of these awards are shining examples of the transformative power of the Bates experience, and their achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the potential within the entire alumni network.

The Bates College Alumni Association is a vital part of the college's community, providing a platform for alumni to connect, engage, and support one another. The association's mission is to foster a sense of community and connection among alumni, and to promote the values of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world. Through its various programs and initiatives, the association provides opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the college and with one another, and to make a positive impact in their communities.

The history of the Alumni Council Awards dates back to the early days of the college, when the Alumni Association was first established. Over the years, the awards have evolved to recognize the diverse achievements and contributions of Bates alumni. Today, the awards are a highly anticipated event, celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who have made a significant impact in their fields and communities.

In conclusion, the Alumni Council Awards are a celebration of excellence, recognizing the outstanding career and service achievements of Bates alumni. The recipients of these awards are a testament to the college's commitment to fostering a community of leaders who embody the values of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world. As the college continues to grow and evolve, the Alumni Council Awards will remain an important part of its tradition, honoring the achievements of alumni who are making a positive impact in the world.