Maine Day Highlights Bowdoin’s Commitment to the Future of the State

This year, just under eighty students and their families gathered for Bowdoin's annual Maine Day, a program designed to introduce them to campus life, offer them admissions and financial aid information, and provide insights into why they would love studying here.

They traveled from Kittery, Caribou, the Western mountains of Maine, and the islands of Deer Isle, Mount Desert, and Vinalhaven. Historically, about three-quarters of Maine Day attendees end up applying to the College.

In her welcoming remarks, Kathryn Stegeman, senior associate dean of admissions, explained that enrolling Maine students is part of the College's mission.

"Bowdoin's job is to serve the common good, and we see keeping Maine students here for their education-and employed afterward in the state-as part of that work," she said.

Currently, 10 percent of Bowdoin's student body comes from Maine, representing sixty-five high schools statewide. "Mainers play an important role in community-building at this institution," Stegeman added.

After registering in Studzinski Hall, the high school students and their family members were treated to a short a cappella concert by the Meddiebempsters before listening to a presentation about Maine's job market for college graduates. They also heard from Bowdoin's director of student aid Mike Albanoand a panel of current Maine students.

Mid-morning, the attendees split into smaller groups for campus tours, and the program concluded with a free lunch in Thorne Dining Hall. Stegeman teased the meal first thing in the morning by reading aloud that day's list of main dishes and dessert, encouraging guests to "hold that menu in your thoughts!"