Lewiston-Auburn resident and World War II veteran Ralph Sylvester uses champagne to christen a new rowing shell at Perry Atrium in Bates College’s Pettengill Hall April 29. Members of the Bates men’s varsity crew team chose to honor the 98-year-old Omaha Beach veteran and Bates College class of 1950 graduate by naming the new eight-person racing shell after him. Sylvester was never on the college’s rowing team, but over the years he has frequently come to the college for breakfast, getting to know students, staff and faculty. One of those faculty members, Peter Steenstra, the rowing team’s head coach, suggested naming the team’s new boat after Sylvester to recognize his dedication and commitment to the college and his service to the country. Geoff Swift, Bates vice president for finance and administration, stands behind him in the picture. Submitted photo