BMBAS AWARDS
BMBAS HONORS DAVE SCHARN '78 WITH THE HENRY CHANDLER '59 AWARD SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
On September 25, 2025, the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society (BMBAS) posthumously honored David G. Scharn ’78 with the Henry Chandler Award at the Benjamin E Mays Building, Bates College. Lewiston, ME. Family, Friends, faculty and students turned out for this event!
Named for the college’s first Black graduate, Henry Chandler class of 1874, the award recognizes alumni whose lives embody service, leadership, and community commitment.
David G. Scharn, encompasses all of these values. His legacy is not only reflected in his professional and community impact but also in the countless lives he touched through friendship, mentorship, and faith.
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BMBAS members Chuck James ’78 and Tim Jones ’84 presented Danny Chin, Bates College Director of Alumni & Parent Equity and Inclusion Programs, with the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding service and meaningful contributions. The award was given during the Alumni Council meeting on September 26, 2025, at Bates College.
​Danny’s dedication has strengthened our BMBAS community by fostering deeper connections among alumni, current students, and one another—helping to build invaluable personal and professional networks. His consistent support and willingness to go above and beyond have been evident in his leadership throughout the year, from his help planning the Constance Berry Newman ’56 Public Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., to organizing the Boston Alumni Event in May 2025, coordinating the Fred Drayton ’59 Outstanding Senior Award, and managing the event honoring Dave Scharn ’78 with the Henry Chandler Award, presented posthumously in the Benjamin E. Mays Center on September 25, 2025.
Through his tireless commitment, Danny has helped elevate the achievements of our minority alumni and inspire the next generation of Bates leaders.
Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society Awards Ceremony 2025
BMBAS Awards the Frederick Drayton ’59
Outstanding Senior Award to Alexandra Rose Long ‘25
Bates College proudly announces Alexandra Rose Long ’25 (AKA. A-Rose), as the recipient of the 2025 Frederick Drayton ’59 Outstanding Senior Award. Presented by the Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Society (BMBAS), this prestigious award honors an African American graduating senior who exemplifies academic excellence, servant leadership, and a commitment to strengthening connections between students and alumni.
A native of Newtown, Pennsylvania and Milton, Massachusetts, A-Rose has distinguished herself through her outstanding scholarship, leadership, and dedication to social justice. Her selection is a testament to the high esteem in which she is held by the Bates community and reflects the enduring legacy of Frederick Drayton ’59, whose life continues to inspire future generations.
April 11, 2025
Washington, DC
Chantal Berry Dalton, Class of 1969
Awarded the
Constance Berry Newman Public Service Award
CHANTAL BERRY DALTON
Based in Washington, D.C., Dalton served as the country officer for several southern African nations and worked in the State Department’s Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. She represented U.S. foreign policy overseas from 1981, with postings in Pakistan, Costa Rica, and Brazil.
Benjamin Mays Black Alumni Association Awards
April 24, 2024
Washington DC
The Carol Huntington Boone and David Boone Outstanding Alumni of Color Award
Awarded to Constance Berry Newman
Class of 1956
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Constance Berry Newman has had a distinguished career in public service, spanning over four decades. She began her federal career in the 1960s with roles at the Department of the Interior and the Office of Economic Development, later serving as Special Assistant to the Secretary of what is now the Department of Health and Human Services. Appointed by President Nixon, she led AmeriCorps VISTA and subsequently served as Vice Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Newman also held senior roles at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and co-founded a regulatory consulting firm. As Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (1989–1992), she led strategic reforms in federal HR systems. She later served as Under Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, earning the Joseph Henry Medal, and was Vice Chair of the D.C. Financial Control Board. Under President George W. Bush, she became Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, playing a key role in U.S. policy on Darfur. Newman’s leadership earned her numerous honors, including the Secretary of Defense Medal and induction into the Government Hall of Fame in 2019.
Meet up and Catch up!
BMBAS meetup with Bates at Park 54
Hyde Park, Boston
