Parents of Seniors on the Importance of Getting Involved and “Having a Voice”

Chris and Lelei Coyle, of Boise, Idaho, parents of Jackson Coyle ’23, say they took on the roles of Senior Parents Gift Committee cochairs after four years of watching Bowdoin provide a nurturing, engaging, and positive experience in which their son could grow.

What drew you to become involved?

We wanted the opportunity to give something back. This is our way of saying thank you to a college that has given more to our son than we could have hoped for. His experience as a Polar Bear has been defining for him and will always be a part of who he is. We were excited to engage with other senior families who feel the same way we do about their seniors. 

Given your many other priorities, why do you make time to volunteer for Bowdoin? 

When it comes to the institutions, communities, and organizations that have positively and beautifully helped build the wings of our children, we get behind them and support them so that they can continue to do the same for others. We have watched firsthand the benefits of a Bowdoin experience, and it was easy to make this effort a priority. 

Part of this year’s senior parents gift (SPG) is a challenge to reach 50 percent participation from parents and families of the Class of 2023. Why is the 50 percent participation so important?  

Participation is a simple way of having a voice. The amount given is not always the most important factor, it is the message behind the gift. A 50 percent participation rate for the SPG shows that we collectively stand together in appreciation of the four years of remarkable growth and opportunity that Bowdoin has given our Class of 2023 students and simply say thank you. 

The SPG Committee will be running its participation challenge May 15–31. Fifty percent participation by senior families would unlock a donation of $20,023 from a few anonymous donors in honor of the class of 2023. Learn more about the participation challenge.