Honoring Those Who Have Given Generously of Themselves During Trying Times
By Rebecca GoldfineA professor, a staff member, several community members, and ten students were honored for the different ways they have lifted up those around them in a year that has been difficult for many.
In his welcoming remarks, President Clayton Rose evoked Joseph McKeen, Bowdoin's first president, who uttered the words that have come to define the College: "It ought always to be remembered, that literary institutions are founded and endowed for the common good, and not for the private advantage of those who resort to them for education.”
Despite the challenges of the past year, or perhaps in response to them, Rose said Bowdoin has seen the best of its community members. "This year has been a remarkable challenge to live up to McKeen's aspiration, given all the hardships and tragedies that have befallen so many. But it has also been unbelievable to see how so many people, from so many walks of life, have lived up to that idea and stepped up and delivered well beyond the self to help so many others, in so many ways."
