The first-year class had a busy Labor Day. The day began with the annual fall academic fair where students chatted with professors and perused course offerings. Later, in the evening, after having their class picture taken, first years attended a semi-formal dinner in Thorne Hall where they listened to an address by U.S. Sen. Angus King, Maine’s independent senator, on the leadership of Joshua Chamberlain. Bowdoin Student Government President Sarah Nelson ’14 led the toast.

Following dinner, they were treated to a play, Perspectives, written by James Jelin ’16. Jelin combined the words of the students, culled from application essays and other self-descriptive statements, into a portrait of the audience — the Class of 2017. The performance showcased the class’s diversity of interests, hobbies, ethnicities, gender, sexuality and geographic locations.

The following short video is an excerpt from King’s talk, during which he vividly described the Battle of Gettysburg and Chamberlain’s role in the Union victory there.

Photos of the Convening Dinner by Michele Stapleton