2026 Bailey Oratorical - February, 17, 2026

This year's prompt:

Celebrating the Past. Shaping the Future.

For 150 years, Juniata College has prepared students to lead lives of purpose and consequence. As we honor this milestone, we invite you to join a tradition of using words to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.

Like a river shaped by time yet ever moving forward, Juniata’s story reflects both change and continuity.
Drawing from this legacy, its people, values, traditions, and transformation consider what lessons from our past we should carry forward to meet the challenges of the next 150 years. What future should Juniata strive to create—for its students, for higher education, and for the world?

In your speech, consider what Juniata’s journey reveals about the enduring power of the liberal arts and the evolving role of colleges in a changing world. Craft a compelling argument that uses the lens of Juniata’s history to imagine a persuasive vision for the future. Support your case with concrete examples - drawn from campus life, alumni impact, historical moments, or global trends - and challenge your audience to consider their role in realizing that future. Whether you are inspired by a moment of transformation, a founding ideal, or a personal experience rooted in this place, make your case with passion, clarity, and conviction.

  • Preliminary Date: Saturday, February 7, 2025
  • Final Round: February, 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Alumni Hall

Registration is open through February 1, 2026

Register Here 

 

 

The Bailey Oratorical—One of Juniata's Longest Standing Traditions!

The Bailey Oratorical stands as the oldest ongoing tradition of academic excellence we have at Juniata. The original Bailey award was established in 1910 by Letitia Fisher Bailey (wife of John M.) and Thomas F. Bailey (son of John M.) Thomas F. Bailey served as president judge in Huntingdon County from 1916-1936. The contest was established in honor of the judge’s father, John M. Bailey, who had also served as president judge of Huntingdon County.

The competition is open to ALL students! Participants must prepare a 6-8 minute speech. Speeches should be persuasive, creative, and strive for originality (not be written by AI). Speeches will be judged on their technical merits: a well-reasoned argument, relevant content and support, clear structure, and effective delivery.

The first place winner will be awarded $1,000. The second place prize is $700 and third place prize is $500. In addition, the name of the winner is inscribed on an antique Loving Cup presented by Col. Thornbury’s son, Thomas Bailey Thornbury.

Previous Bailey Oratorical Contests can be viewed here.

For any questions, please contact Sarah Worley at worley@juniata.edu.