Cole Aloysius Welsh, a La Salle University student from the Class of 2026, is making a meaningful difference on and off campus. As a double major in criminal justice and political science, Welsh is not only excelling academically, but also building a future rooted in public service, leadership, and community safety.
A proud honors student and Christian Brother Scholar, Welsh has shown great dedication in everything he does—from internships and student government to tutoring and competitive mock trials.
A Family Legacy of Public Service
For Welsh, public service isn’t just a career path—it’s part of his family’s identity. His great-grandfather served as a detective, his grandfather was a firefighter who died in the line of duty, and his father is a Philadelphia police officer.
Even though Welsh isn’t sure whether he’ll follow the exact same route, one thing is clear—he wants to make a positive impact on public safety.
“I’ve lived in Philadelphia my whole life and have seen crime worsen over the last five years,” he said. “I want to be able to improve Philadelphia and the country by promoting public safety.”
Balancing Two Majors with Real-World Experience
Right from his first semester, Welsh declared both criminal justice and political science as majors. His decision came from his personal experiences growing up in Philadelphia and his strong interest in how laws and policies can improve society.
To gain practical knowledge, Welsh secured an internship with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Philadelphia. He started in August and will continue through the spring of 2025.
“My professor, Dr. Brian Wyant, introduced me to the ATF,” he said. “I applied, got in, and I’ve had nothing but a great experience.”
As part of his internship, Welsh has helped with real investigations, analyzed digital evidence, and shadowed agents during surveillance, arrests, and search operations. One of his most intense tasks involved reviewing digital messages linked to a murder case.
Making a Mark on Campus
Apart from academics and his internship, Welsh plays an active role in campus life. He works as a writing tutor, offering support to fellow students, especially international learners who need help with English writing and formatting.
He is also deeply involved in the mock trial team, where he serves as vice president of finance. Under his leadership, the team raised an extra $1,000 by reaching out to law firms and alumni. He even helped organise a new college-level tournament to raise more funds.
In student government, Welsh was elected senator during his freshman year and plans to run again as a senior senator. He hopes to continue contributing to student initiatives that make life better for everyone on campus.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
With graduation just a year away, Welsh is exploring his future options. While he is considering law school, he’s also keen on gaining some work experience first, preferably in a government or public safety role.
“I could see myself working for the government, whether in law enforcement or another role focused on public safety,” he said. “I just want to contribute to making communities safer.”
When asked about balancing two majors, Welsh encourages other students to take the leap if they are passionate.
“If you’re passionate about both subjects and willing to put in the work, go for it,” he advised. “Talk to your department chairs, plan ahead, and make sure it’s manageable. It’s a challenge, but it’s worth it.”
Welsh’s journey shows that with commitment, purpose, and planning, students can achieve much more than just academic success—they can begin shaping a better future for their communities.
