| Associate Dean of Students James Reese came to Bates in 1977. After 36 years with the college, he is best known as a mentor and friend to the hundreds of international students, now alumni, who first came to know the Bates community through his friendship and support. Originally from Selma, Alabama, James happened to attend middle school in Charlotte, North Carolina with Bates President Clayton Spencer. He went from Cherry Hill East High School in New Jersey to Middlebury College, where he was a walk-on to the basketball team yet rose to be team captain in his senior year. His teams played in the ECAC tournament and had notable wins over Division I Vermont and Maryland-Eastern Shore. His Middlebury team also suffered a home loss to Bates in his James' first year, in which he only played the final second, after a starter fouled out. The next year, James made his first visit to Bates' Alumni Gym, a facility which the Middlebury team defined as their favorite place to play. As the pre-game music started surprisingly with the hit song "Kung Fu Fighting," karate master John Jenkins '75 led the whole crowd in a dance that actually motivated James' team to play their best game of the season and defeat the Bobcats. An avid supporter of college athletics, and especially the NESCAC principles and practices, James has enjoyed the entire panorama of interaction with and support for Bates teams and players. In the early 80's, he was asked to join the scoring table for home basketball games. Along with Leigh Campbell and Dick Wagner, James is delighted to be a part of what referees have called the "best table in the state." While continuing to serve in that function, Reese has cultivated two new avid Bates fans, son Ishan and daughter Ayanthi, who love to go on the road supporting the teams with their Bates shirts on. His wife, Sonali, also is a Bobcat as a Bates grad. She has heard countless stories of how great James was here in Alumni Gym as well as around the world. Once asked how it felt to be the leading scorer in Division 3 history, James, after a few minutes of soaking in the thought, shared that the rumor, a false one, must be contingent on having played intramural basketball for three decades in Alumni Gym and someone adding up all those points. Officially an adviser to international students, as well as a Dean’s office liaison for academic and student affairs issues, James is a touchstone for any student or groups of students seeking adult advice and encouragement. His thousands of acts of kindness are rarely publicized but are deeply felt and long cherished by scores of alumni. When he goes out on the road for Bates events, James is a magnet for alumni attendees, and a lightning rod for feelings of gratitude toward Bates and the desire to give back. For his dedication and support to Bates College and Bates Athletics, we proudly welcome James Reese into the membership of the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society. |
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