President Clayton S. Rose welcomed parents, families, and guests of the Class of 2020 to the Bowdoin community in an address delivered August 23, 2016, in Kanbar Auditorium, Studzinski Recital Hall.

Rose recalled when he and his wife, Julianne, dropped their two sons off at college not that long ago. “We realize what an extraordinary moment this is. What lies ahead for our daughters and sons is remarkable, and is something each of them earned through enormous effort, persistence, accomplishment, and a wonderful set of values.”

He also talked about the value of a strong liberal arts education. He said it “provides the range and depth of knowledge, capability for continuous learning, the critical thinking, the communication skills, and the ability to engage in deep analysis that are essential to adapt, evolve, and succeed in the workplace and in our society.”

Video of the entire Welcome to Parents event is available below. You may also read the full text of President Rose’s speech here.

Rose was joined by Interim Dean for Academic Affairs Jen Scanlon.

President’s Welcome to Families from Bowdoin College on Vimeo.