Dear Students,

As I assume you are all aware at this point, this will be my last semester at Bates. Before leaving I wanted to take a moment to let you all know how much I appreciate all that you have done for me, and for Bates, throughout my nearly 18 years at this great place.

I started working at Bates in 1997 as the Housing Coordinator. I moved to Maine with my wife and two-year-old son after spending several years at Wheaton College, in Massachusetts. During my first year at Bates, we welcomed our second child. In 1999, I moved into my current role as an Assistant Dean of Students, with direct responsibility for Student Activities. It was when this happened that I knew I was in the right position for my passions—working with students to provide a rich social environment on our campus. I won’t say that I have loved every moment, but I have had an overwhelmingly positive experience, and I consider myself very lucky to have had this opportunity.

Throughout my time in Student Activities, I have had the privilege of working with the most thoughtful, committed, and hard-working students that anyone in my role could ask for. Bates students are adventurous, fun-loving, and dedicated to their peers. Whether working with CHC, VCS, the Filmboard, WRBC, the Discordians, the Mirror, or any of the other student groups at Bates, I have always been fortunate to have willing partners in making Bates fun. I have tried to say thank you to as many of you as possible throughout the years, and if I have forgotten to do that—I apologize for the oversight. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you have done to make this job so rewarding.

Since the announcement of my departure was made in February, I have been overwhelmed by the kind words that so many of you have shared with me—past and present students included—and it is somewhat difficult for me to believe that I am worthy of this praise. I am humbled, truly, and appreciative beyond measure. I will shed many tears between now and the end of this year, and I hope to continue to serve you as you deserve until I leave. I hope that those of you who will still be here in the fall will continue to do the great work that you have always shared with this community, and I certainly hope that you will advocate for what you want.

Study hard, work hard, and have fun.

Thank you,

Keith