By JEFFREY WEINTRAUB
Staff Writer
 

"It's funny how people think of Back to Bates Weekend as a time to get drunk, to get blasted, and not as a time to network and branch out. I think it's great, but I think it says something about Bates as an institution," said Tyler Barnes '00 when asked about his thoughts on alumni weekend.

"If the food improves, I'll be happy," said first-year student Paul Mignone.

Lisa Hernandez '01 echoed Mignone's sentiment of not quite knowing what to expect of the weekend. "I don't know if I would like strange people walking through the dorm and looking at me," she said.

Students who have previously experienced Back to Bates Weekend have a slightly different perspective. Christine Unger '98 explained, "It's great seeing everyone come back....[people] come back to have a good time and there are fireworks and good parties." The weekend's sponsors intend for it to be an effective way of bringing together Bates alumni and present students to celebrate the school. And maybe, with any luck, to celebrate a victory over Trinity College's football team.

Sophomore Rebecca Leggero, a member of the women's rugby team, said, "Last year was really fun, all the players from years before came and I'm psyched to see last year's seniors again."

Whether for the hope of better food, to enjoy fireworks, or just to see old friends, students look forward to Back to Bates Weekend as a chance to meet Bates grads and catch up with old friends.

Whether students flock back to Bates to network, to reminisce, for the food, or just to "get blasted," Back to Bates Weekend is its own institution.

Melissa Vining '99 captured the spirit of the weekend: "Bates is a place I will always be interested in....when I read the Bates Alumni magazine, I am always interested in what Bates alums are doing."

"I'll always wonder what people I know now will be doing in the future. I won't come back religiously, but I will definitely come back every couple of years," she said.