Bowdoin’s annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon — an event President Barry Mills calls “the most emotional gathering of the year” — was held Thursday, May 9, in Thorne Hall.

Hundreds of students shared a meal with the donors — alumni, parents and friends of the College — who have provided the financial support that makes a Bowdoin education possible for them.

Following a performance by jazz trio Samuel Eley ’15, Simon Moushabeck ’16 and Benjamin Pallant ’16, President Mills spoke of the importance of ensuring that an education of the caliber of Bowdoin’s be available for every student, no matter their financial circumstances.

Donors Dennis Sgroi ’83 and Susan Sgroi ’86 shared the podium, explaining the origins of their love for Bowdoin and why it is a priority for them to help students.

Student speaker Adrian Rodriguez ’14 shared his family’s story of leaving the Dominican Republic for a better life, and his promise to his mother when he was a young boy that he would help her financially one day. He decided the best way he could do this was by becoming educated.

Read President Mills’ introductions about the speakers and musicians.

Photos by Dennis Griggs