More than 150 members of the Class of 2026 gathered for an evening of music, refreshments, and conversation. During the two-hour event, the seniors enjoyed jazz music performed by Bowdoin students, a photo booth, a bingo activity that gave them the opportunity to win six VIP seats at Commencement, and drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided by Bowdoin Dining.
The nine senior class agents—Yahairy Colin, Paul Conti, Ava Desouza, Ruby Fyffe, Rickey Karunadhara, Neiman Mocombe, Asher Savel, Charlotte Tagupa, and Marianna Vidaurri—have been planning their class campaign and launch event since last spring with staff in the Office of Annual Giving.
(L. to r.) Senior class agents Rickey Karunadhara, Asher Savel, Paul Conti, Marianna Vidaurri, Ava Desouza,
Ruby Fyffe, Yahairy Colin, and Neiman Mocombe
The seniors were invited to support Bowdoin by making annual gifts—some of them for the first time—as part of a new effort called Bear to Bear, which highlights college priorities, including the Student Supplemental and Emergency Fund. They also learned about the ways alumni can give back through volunteering, keeping the Bowdoin network vibrant in locations around the world, and contributing critical support that impacts campus every day.
“This is the fourteenth year of the senior class gift and engagement campaign at Bowdoin, and I am so grateful to and proud of these students who are dedicated to carrying forward the tradition of giving back during their senior year,” said Executive Director of Annual Giving Christi Lumiere.
The program has evolved over the years and now employs twenty student class agents who are current sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
The students learn about the endowment and operating gifts made through annual giving and the many ways alumni stay connected and give back, and they have opportunities to meet with and learn from alumni and campus leaders.
When student class agents reach their senior year, they work with annual giving staff to plan special class-specific events, ensure their classmates know about the resources available to Bowdoin alumni, such as The Network and regional events, and encourage peers to support the College through giving.
