For senior Nikhil Bahal, Colgate University has been more than a place to earn a degree; it has been a place to build community. He has been involved in all areas of Colgate life including leadership, community building and career exploration.
Bahal’s most meaningful involvement at Colgate has been with the Office of Admission. Hired at the end of his first year, he quickly became an active tour guide and has served as a senior intern this academic year. This promotion offered him a larger role within the office — he now manages student tour guides, aiming to use his experience and interests to contribute to campus life.
“I oversee the entire student cohort of all our tour guides,” Bahal said. “Giving back to the community has always been a big thing for me, and if I can do that through something I’m passionate about, it’s even better.”
His work in admissions has allowed him to connect with prospective students, which has been an unexpected and interesting part of his role. Bahal enjoys the chance to share the reasons that he loves Colgate and to help them navigate the college decision process in the same way that he once did.
“I really enjoyed reading applications, as well, and gaining insight into how we make evaluative decisions,” Bahal said.
Bahal emphasized that this process allowed him to gain a new understanding of how college admissions functions behind the scenes.
Beyond the admission office, Bahal has made a lasting mark through his work in Colgate Student Government Association (SGA). Serving for four years, he has been particularly passionate about enhancing the social life on campus.
“I liked having my ear to the ground on what’s happening on campus,” Bahal said. “I really wanted to create more social opportunities for students.”
One highlight of his involvement in SGA was successfully advocating for musical artist Disco Lines to perform at Colgate’s Springfest concert in 2024 after initially facing administrative hesitation. His support for the artist in combination with his influence on campus led to a popular event.
Bahal was also one of 13 seniors selected to serve as a presidential ambassador during his senior year. Seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership and involvement are nominated during their junior year and are chosen by the Office of the President to assist Colgate President Brian W. Casey in running events and supporting behind-the-scenes efforts.
“It’s just been a really cool opportunity,” Bahal said. “It feels like a reward for all the hard work of doing so many things on campus.”
However, like many, Bahal faced initial challenges in his academics. When he first arrived at Colgate, Bahal struggled with uncertainty about his academic path.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to study,” he said. “That’s the beauty of a liberal arts school — you’re almost forced to take a lot of different classes, and you figure out what you like and what you don’t.”
After changing his major four times, he ultimately will be graduating with a degree in computer science.
Looking ahead to the following year, Bahal will join Mastercard’s Global Digital Partnerships team as an analyst in New York City.
“I’m excited to assess a lot of their relationships with big tech companies,” Bahal said.
As graduation approaches, Bahal shared that one of the things he will miss most about Colgate is the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
“I feel like I say hi to 100 people a day,” Bahal shared. “It just feels very open and welcoming, and that’s something I don’t think I’ll experience the same way in New York.”
