Nigist Legesse, a 2025 graduate of La Salle University, has shown the world what happens when talent meets determination. As an international student from Ethiopia, she didn’t just adapt to college life in a new country—she thrived in it. With a major in computer science and information technology and a minor in mathematics, Nigist has made a name for herself in academic circles, AI research, and competitive programming.
Her story is one of resilience, vision, and hard work. From winning international competitions to leading student clubs, Nigist has built an inspiring college career that reflects her unstoppable drive and commitment to excellence.
Academic Excellence and Hard Work
Nigist didn’t come to La Salle to take it slow. She enrolled in back-to-back 18-credit semesters, determined to graduate early and save money. At the same time, she took on work-study jobs and leadership roles. Her efforts were rewarded when she made the Dean’s List every semester from Fall 2022 through Fall 2024.
She also received the Eleanor Waldron Memorial Scholarship for 2023–2024, a recognition of her academic excellence and contributions to the university.
Breaking Ground in Artificial Intelligence Research
One of Nigist’s biggest accomplishments came in the field of computational social choice, a sub-area of artificial intelligence. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Timothy Highley, she focused on AI-powered voting systems and their real-world applications. In 2024, she entered her team’s project into the Computational Social Choice Competition (COMPSOC), held at the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) in Jeju Island, South Korea.
Nigist and her team won first place, putting La Salle on the map in the AI research community and proving that students from smaller universities can compete on a global level.
Champion in Competitive Programming
In November 2024, Nigist led La Salle’s team to its first-ever victory in the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Mid-Atlantic Division 2. Known for being one of the most difficult computer science competitions for undergraduates, this win was a major milestone for the university.
“Winning was an incredible moment for our team,” Nigist said. “It showed what we’re capable of. Now, we’re setting our sights even higher.”
Building a Coding Culture on Campus
As president of the Computer Science Club, Nigist helped transform the club into a space for innovation, growth, and preparation. She started weekly coding practice sessions, where students could improve their problem-solving skills and get ready for national and international contests. Her leadership encouraged more students to get involved in computer science and build confidence in their technical skills.
She also served as a student instructor in Fall 2023 and Fall 2024, where she mentored classmates in complex computer science topics, making learning more accessible and engaging.
Balancing Roles and Inspiring Others
Along with her leadership and academic success, Nigist held multiple jobs at La Salle. She worked as a math and computer science tutor, helped with campus tech issues at the IT Helpdesk, and served as a student researcher during the summers of 2023 and 2024.
Despite her busy schedule, Nigist stayed focused on helping others. Her mentorship, tutoring, and community-building efforts left a lasting impact on La Salle’s tech ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
Nigist Legesse’s journey is far from over. With a passion for AI and computational problem-solving, she plans to continue exploring cutting-edge technology and contributing to real-world solutions. Her message to other students is clear:
“Start early, take advantage of every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to push yourself. The experience and skills you gain are invaluable.”
From Ethiopia to La Salle University, Nigist Legesse’s journey is one of bold dreams and hard-earned success. She didn’t wait for opportunities—she created them. Through research, leadership, and a tireless work ethic, she has become a role model for students in tech and beyond.
Her story reminds us that excellence isn’t just about being the smartest in the room—it’s about dedication, consistency, and the courage to aim high. As Nigist steps into the future, the world of technology is better for having her in it.
