Members of the Class of 2030 arrived on the Hill for the first time as students this week — kicking off with Arrival Day, Orientation Program, First Sunset, and Founders’ Day Convocation. Among this distinguished class is a computer science student from Chicago, a nationally ranked debater from Pound Ridge, N.Y., a neuroscience scholar from Buffalo, and a filmmaker from Shelter Island who ferried to high school every day.
Landon Solorzano-Gonzalez ’30 hails from Mansueto High School in Chicago, where he pursued his passions for coding and volleyball while taking on a leadership role as an advocate for the LGBTQ community through the Gage Park Latinx Council. A QuestBridge Match Scholar and first-generation student, he also sharpened his entrepreneurial instincts through Be Your Own Boss, pitching ideas to local entrepreneurs.
During his time at Colgate, Landon plans to study computer science and learn more about Thought Into Action, as he looks to build on his entrepreneurial drive while continuing to engage with community advocacy.
I wanted to experience the community of a close-knit campus that allowed me to continue exploring newer avenues for myself, and Colgate offered me that.
Landon Solorzano-Gonzalez ’30 Chicago, Ill.
Maeve Welch ’30 attended St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, Conn., where she established herself as a standout on the debate circuit, earning the top individual debater ranking in the state and a recent win at the Extemporaneous Debate event at the National Speech and Debate Championship. Beyond the podium, she stayed active through club sports and photography.
At Colgate, Maeve plans to study political science and looks forward to continuing to build her debate skills while getting involved in student government and campus sports.
I was drawn to Colgate’s welcoming atmosphere and rigorous coursework. I'm excited to be a part of a community defined by intellectual curiosity, challenging conversations, and compassion.
Maeve Welch ’30 Pound Ridge, N.Y.
Amadeo Bhattacharjee ’30 represents City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park in Buffalo, N.Y. There he combined a commitment to environmental advocacy — serving on the Western New York Youth Climate Council — with a gift for languages, becoming multilingual in pursuit of connecting with others across cultures.
Amadeo plans to study neuroscience and biology at Colgate as an Alumni Memorial Scholar, while continuing to compete on the men’s track team.
Colgate University first attracted me with its extensive and diverse liberal arts curriculum and neuroscience major offering numerous intriguing course electives.
Amadeo Bhattacharjee ’30 Buffalo, N.Y.
Delaney Gorman ’30 graduated from Cincinnati Country Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio. She made her mark as a top-ranked swimmer with the Cincinnati Marlins, served as vice president of the club’s athlete leadership committee, and was active across the arts.
Delaney plans to study psychology and education, continue pursuing her passions for swimming and leadership, and is interested in participating in the American Sign Language club and community theater.
What drew me to Colgate was the mixture of rigorous academics and a competitive athletic nature while fostering an environment full of joy, friendship, and positivity.
Delaney Gorman ’30 Loveland, Ohio
Mercy Nsiah Akuoko ’30 attended Uncommon Collegiate Charter High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. She pursued her passion for the sciences through robotics, coding, and lab work, and interned with programs exploring astrophysics and engineering including the Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics. Mercy stayed active outside the classroom in soccer, theater, and music as a cellist.
At Colgate, Mercy plans to study physics and astronomy through the 3-2 engineering program as an Alumni Memorial Scholar.
I can’t wait for how Colgate will transform my life in the next four years.
Mercy Nsiah Akuoko ’30 Brooklyn, N.Y.
George McDonald ’30 represents Ross School in East Hampton, N.Y., an alma mater made all the more memorable by his daily ferry commute from Shelter Island. A passionate artist with an entrepreneurial streak, he ran his own car washing business in high school while also working with young people as a camp counselor and mentor.
At Colgate, George plans to study film and media studies and economics, pursuing his creative interests in photography and film while staying active through club basketball and soccer.
Everyone who has a connection to Colgate is ecstatic when they talk to me about their stories there, and they all are still a part of the school today. Not one other college I had on my list had this sense of community and ability to connect people.
George McDonald ’30 Shelter Island, N.Y.
View the Class of 2030 profile for additional details.