The fall semester began with a flurry of activity, and it hasn’t slowed down
Helene Cooper of the New York Times during a minute of humor at the 74th Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism. Colby honored Cooper, Tara Copp of the Washington Post, and Phil Stewart of Reuters for their commitment to covering the U.S. military despite being banned from the Pentagon. (Photo by Jasper Lowe)
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Photography by Ashley L. Conti, Dave Dostie, Jasper Lowe, and Gabe Souza
October 7, 2026
Welcome to Mayflower Moments, a monthly visual diary of Colby and campus life.
As it always does, the fall semester began with a flurry of activity, and it hasn’t slowed down. The largest incoming class in Colby history arrived, followed quickly by returning students. The College opened its new 217-bed residential community on Mayflower Hill Drive for juniors and seniors, the latest in a series of housing improvements for a growing student body. During convocation, Associate Professor of History Arnout van der Meer urged the 680-or-so members of the Class of 2030 to embrace their opportunities and explore the array of academic choices that await them. Meanwhile, the performing arts and sports seasons began with energy, and students and faculty settled into the rigors of academic life.
A new walkway connects the campus, spanning Miller Lawn. (Photo by Gabe Souza) The new residence halls on Mayflower Hill Drive at twilight. (Photo by Gabe Souza)Sophia Meade ’28 reads a book in her room after moving into the new residence halls. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti) The late-afternoon sun casts dramatic shadows and blinding light during convocation. (Photos by Ashley L. Conti)Members of the Class of 2030, the largest in College history, march onto Lorimer Chapel lawn for convocation. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti) The Colbyettes perform Hail, Colby, Hail! during the 209th Convocation. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti)Assistant Professor of Performance, Theater, and Dance Matthew Cumbie performs during a dress rehearsal of ReWritten in Studio 2 in the Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts. The production wove theater and dance with history to reflect on the intimate relationship between 19th-century American writing giants Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti)
On the athletic fields
At the “Maine Meet” at Bowdoin College, Millie Larrick ’30 shares a moment with a young Colby fan after finishing the women’s 6k in 23:16.7. At right, Curtis Leachman ’29 grimaces through the woods before finishing the men’s 8k in 26:40.4. (Photos by Jasper Lowe) (Click to enlarge)Trey Hanson ’30 looks skyward while competing in the Colby Sid Farr Invitational at the Waterville Country Club, while a teammate sets a tee at right. (Photos by Ashley L. Conti) (Click to enlarge)Alex Clapp ’29 reaches, but the football is just out of reach during a 19-7 Homecoming loss to Williams College. (Photo by Gabe Souza)Claire Walsh ’28 controls the ball and advances on Connecticut College goalkeeper Maia Kafer during a NESCAC matchup on the Mark R. Serdjenian Field. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti)Christina Sweeney ’28 moves the ball upfield during a field hockey game, while soccer goalkeeper Jackson Magee ’28 punches the ball away during Homecoming matchups vs. Trinity. (Photos by Gabe Souza and Ashley L. Conti) (Click to enlarge)Kendall Glover ’29 returns the ball over the net during a Homecoming matchup vs. the University of New England. At the time, the volleyball team was ranked No. 2 in the country.
On the Island Campus
The Milky Way over Allen Island. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti)The Block House on Allen Island at sunset, with a white-tailed deer jogging across a field. (Photos by Ashley L. Conti) (Click to enlarge)The jagged outlines of the narrow strait between Allen (top) and Benner islands, as seen from above. (Photo by Gabe Souza)
Around campus
Members of the Colby community soak up the late-September sun. (Photos by Ashley L. Conti)Chris Walker, assistant professor of English, teaches in the F.W. Olin Science Center. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti)A student works in the basement of the F.W. Olin Science Center. (Photo by Ashley L. Conti)Emily Jashinksy, a journalist based in Washington, D.C., speaks during an In The News event in the Page Commons Room. Hosted by the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, the popular weekly Q&A series focuses on politics, policy, and the press. (Photo by Dave Dostie)
