In 2012, Bruce Stangle became the inaugural recipient of what would eventually become his namesake award. The Bates College Class of 1970 alum was recognized for his dedication to providing paths of career development and professional experience to current Bates students through his consulting firm, Analysis Group Inc.
Since then, 11 others have followed in Stangle’s footsteps. Marblehead resident Nate Walton is the newest addition to the exclusive group.
Walton graduated from Bates in 2008 with a degree in political science. Similar to Stangle, he went on to establish his own consulting firm.
Sachem Strategies specializes in government relations with defense-technology companies. Walton began using his company as a platform for students of his alma mater to gain experience in 2016.
He has had a total of 11 student interns, as well as several recent graduates who he has given job advice and “shadow” opportunities to. Two Bates graduates have been hired for full-time positions, including one who was a student intern.
By putting himself back in the shoes of a college student, he got the idea to provide avenues that weren’t yet fully realized during his collegiate career.
“When I was in college I had some mentors who were really helpful to me who were Bates graduates, but there wasn’t a formal program like this,” Walton explained. “So when I had the opportunity to start my own company, I saw it as a way to kind of give back in a way that I think I would have enjoyed when I was in college.”
Walton also noted that Bates students reaching out to him was an equally large factor in the creation of his internship program. Walton’s interns are involved in day-to-day work, but he also tries to give them a chance to find projects that they have a special interest in, and are applicable to their studies.
Walton emphasized how honored he was to receive the Stangle Award, and that the values the award stands for are more important to him than any personal fanfare.
“I appreciate the attention on it, but I don’t want it to seem like I’m touting myself,” Walton said. “I like that it’s gotten some publicity because that’s good for elevating the profile of the program.”
Finally, Walton expressed humility for being mentioned in the same category as Stangle and his other 10 predecessors.
“It’s a really esteemed group that I’m really honored to be a part of,” Walton said. “He kind of set the bar for mentoring Bates students interested in working finance. He’s always been great about hiring Bates graduates and offering internships over the years. He’s someone that is pretty legendary when it comes to helping Bates students… so just to receive an award that’s named after him was a big honor.”