“Send Offs” are a longtime Bowdoin tradition that take place around the country shortly before the incoming class heads to Brunswick to begin “the best four years” of their lives. These events happen around the country; this summer they took place in Chicago, Richmond, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Maine, Minneapolis, and New Jersey. In all, more than 500 people attended the eight events.

Send offs are a chance for incoming first-year students, and their families, to gather with other new Bowdoin students and families. In addition, other current Bowdoin parents, students, and alumni attend. The receptions take the form of lobster bakes, picnics, catered events, or casual gatherings at the home of a Polar Bear.

In Seattle, the Locke family (Steve ’77, P ’09 & ’14, Elaine P ’09 & ’14, and Tim ’14 ) opened their home once again to send off the class of 2021 to Bowdoin. Steve currently serves as a member of the Alumni Council and was joined by former Council members Dick Michelson ’58 and Sean Bell ’92, along with 50 other local Polar Bears. The group was treated to a gourmet spread, created by hand by the Lockes, and enjoyed a beautiful day to meet, mingle, and share stories about Bowdoin. This year, 15 first years are coming to Bowdoin from Washington State, and they were introduced to the warmth and vitality of the Bowdoin family, thanks to the Locke family and everyone who came out to meet them and send them off to Brunswick in style.

New Jersey alumni, parents, and students gave a warm welcome to the incoming Class of 2021 at the 3rd annual Bowdoin Summer Send Off hosted by Harold “E.B.” Brakewood ’87, P’19, Kelly McKinney-Brakewood ’87, P’19, and Eleanor Brakewood ’19. This event is a fun way for the first-years to meet one another and learn the ropes from current students. The parents appreciated hearing about campus life, great places to eat in Brunswick, and the ins and outs of arrival day.

Polar Bears gathered at the home of Lisa Carter Moerner ’91 for the first ever Bowdoin Send-Off held in Richmond, Virginia.  Welcoming the first-years into the Bowdoin community were a group of alumni, parents, current students and their families.  The theme “From Virginia to Maine” was displayed in the food, where Lisa curated the table of goodies. For a Taste of Virginia, she served ham biscuits, jalapeno pimento cheese on crackers, and bourbon balls.  The Taste of Maine side of the table had lobster rolls, blueberry goat cheese on crackers, and blueberry tartlets.

Read more about the Send Off events in Maine, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco. The Class of 2021 students arrived on campus on August 22^nd and quickly headed out for their Orientation trips before kicking off the academic year.