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Juniata Student Champions Human-Centered Leadership in Bailey Oratorical Victory

(Posted February 19, 2026)

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Jahnavi Patel ’26

Jahnavi Patel ’26

HUNTINGDON, Pa.— Jahnavi Patel ’26 of Ahmedabad, India, issued a call to draw from Juniata College’s liberal arts tradition while envisioning a future shaped by artificial intelligence to win the 116th Bailey Oratorical. Patel’s compelling speech earned her the $1,000 grand prize and the honor of having her name inscribed on the historic Bailey Oratorical loving cup.   

“The Bailey is Juniata’s oldest academic tradition, celebrating and lifting up the importance of civil discourse, critical thinking, and a commitment to being a citizen of the world — values that have been a part of this institution since its founding in 1876,” said President James A. Troha as he welcomed the crowd in Alumni Hall. “I always leave this event feeling encouraged for our future and inspired to be a better Juniatian, a better colleague, a better citizen, and a better human being.” 

Reflecting on Juniata’s legacy, people, traditions, and transformation, speakers were prompted to consider the lessons from the past that should be carried forward to meet the challenges of the next 150 years and asked, “What future should Juniata strive to create – for its students, for higher education, and for the world?” 

“For the past 150 years, Juniata has cultivated three fundamental human capacities — the art of emotional intelligence, agency through critical thinking, and the power of self-reflection. For the next 150, these should be the pillars of the future,” said Patel, who is studying data science. “In the age of AI-generated content and algorithmic echo chambers, we need people trained to think critically and ethically.” 

Patel argued that while AI can optimize and predict, it cannot define identity, feel empathy, or reflect on failure. Juniata’s strength in the liberal arts, grounded in emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and reflection, positions students to lead with humanity in an AI-shaped future. 

“Thinking emotionally, critically, and reflectively is exactly what AI is trying to replicate, but will never truly possess,” she said. Referring to Juniata’s frequent admonishment, Patel continued, “‘Think About Who You Are’ in the age of AI is not a tagline — it’s rebellion.” 

Drew Perhamus ’26 of Easton Pa., who is studying engineering physics, won second place and a $700 award. His speech addressed generosity as a discipline — not a one-time act, but a practiced way of living that must shape Juniata’s next 150 years. Adithya Kommi ’27 of Bangalore, India, who is studying mathematics, took third place and a $500 award with his speech about finding meaning and purpose in friction across identities and disciplines.  

The People’s Choice Award, a text-to-vote poll where the in-person audience members choose their favorite speech, went to Nicole Montes Pérez ’26 of South Gate, Ca., who is studying environmental science, for her speech countering future-focused rhetoric with the need for present accountability. 

The event also featured powerful speeches by finalists Ethan Achmoody ’28 of Clearfield, Pa.; Daniel McCauley ’26 of Reading, Pa.; and Chase Swain ’28 of Stamford, Ct. 

“The Bailey Oratorical represents the best of Juniata. It’s fundamentally experiential and grounded in our academic mission,” said Provost Lauren Bowen. “As we draw on 150 years of tradition and think about how to propel ourselves forward, it's an opportunity for us to imagine and to appeal to our best selves, a belief in positive progress, a sense of hope, and an underscoring of our own agency and our own ability to affect change in this world.” 

Judges for the final competition were Dustin Gee ’10, a global talent acquisition leader with more than a decade of experience building and scaling recruiting operations across technology startups, higher education, and global biopharma organizations; Joy Hadley ’84, a senior executive service leader who oversaw federal housing lender compliance and risk management; and Bob McDowell ’67, executive coach, leadership advisor, and former senior partner with expertise in HR, organizational development, and civic leadership. 

“We are honored that the Bailey Oratorical is recognized as one of the signature events in our yearlong celebration of 150 years,” said Sarah Worley, professor of communication and chair of the Communication Department. “This event is a platform for the exchange of ideas, a celebration of articulate minds, and a testament to the importance of free speech, which shapes our shared future.”    

Letitia Fisher Bailey and the Honorable Thomas F. Bailey, who served as president judge of Huntingdon County from 1916 to 1936, established the original Bailey Oratorical Award in 1910 in honor of John M. Bailey, the father of Thomas Bailey and a former Huntingdon County president judge.    

The oratorical contest has a long tradition at Juniata College. The original prizes for the contest were $15 and $25. An endowment created by Judge Bailey’s son-in-law, Colonel Sedgley Thornbury, provides the contest’s prize money. The winners’ names are permanently inscribed on an antique cup presented to the college by Colonel Thornbury’s son, Thomas Bailey Thornbury. 

About Juniata College Sesquicentennial  Juniata College, celebrating its 150th anniversary during the 2025–2026 academic year, has a long tradition of education, integrity, and service. Founded in 1876 as Huntingdon Normal School by Andrew B. Brumbaugh and his cousins, the College has grown from a single classroom above a print shop to a vibrant campus preparing students for lives of leadership, purpose, and meaningful impact. The sesquicentennial year features a range of commemorative events, including lectures, performances, exhibits, and special programs, highlighting Juniata’s history and vision for the future. Learn more at www.juniata.edu. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.