Barz ’21 Named Trinity’s Lincoln Laureate

Trinity is pleased to announce that Ross Barz ‘21 has been named Trinity’s 2020  Lincoln Laureate. Barz will be honored in a virtual ceremony by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.  

The annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Ceremony recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois. 

Barz, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, said he was grateful and appreciative when Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D., told him he was this year’s recipient. “I knew it was a high honor,” he said. “It means even more that it was created in honor of Abraham Lincoln.”  

A native of Holland, Mich., Barz has taken on many roles at Trinity. He is serving his second year as President of the Trinity Student Government Association and is a two-time Thrive Student Intern. Barz also leads campus worship as a campus ministry leadership team member and is part of Trinity’s track and field team. 

Along with his activities, he works as a direct support professional with Bethshan Association in Palos Heights, where he provides care and follows the behavior program for residents with intellectual disabilities. Barz is also a student intern with Applied Occupational Care, Inc., in Chicago, where his duties include developing articles for users of a daily COVID-19 symptom screening application. 

Trinity’s nominating committee praised Barz’s integrity and leadership. “His warm, affable presence is known by everyone. However, while warm and affable, Ross is also convicted and compassionate. He has promoted voter registration throughout campus. He works as a direct support professional at a local home for residents with intellectual disabilities. He promotes involvement and raises up new leaders. Ross’ engagement in the classroom, his friendship toward his peers and his voice in the community demonstrate a commitment to the betterment of humanity that is simply outstanding.” 

Barz plans to attend medical school after graduating in May. As part of his interest in medicine, he took part in the Global Medical Fellowship in Athens, Greece, in 2019. 

Trinity Christian College Lincoln Laureates 

2019—Indira Escalante 

2018 – Mallory Boyce 

2017 – R. Josiah Rosario 

2016 – Courtney Kalous 

2015 – Hallie Wisse 

2014 – David (Woody) Lucas 

2013 – Megan Anderson 

2012 – Adam Perez 

2011 – Alberto LaRosa 

2010 – Joseph Wydra 

2009 – Jon Vander Woude 

2008 – Caitlin Fillmore 

2007 – Elizabeth VanderSpek 

2006 – Allison Backous 

2005 – Erin Marshalek 

2004 – Rachel Van Oort 

2003 – Yvana Hansen 

2002 – Evan VanderZee 

2001 – Nate Bosch 

2000 – Laurie Johnson 

1999 – Hanna Vancer Zee 

1998 – Kristen Devine 

1997 – Heidi Boeck 

1996 – Julie Tinklenberg 

1995 – Keri Dyksterhouse 

1994 – Mark Mulder 

1993 – Kristen Hart 

1992 – Sarah Ver Velde 

1991 – Aron Reppmann 

1990 – Nathan Van Der Male 

1989 – Drew Sweetman 

1988 – Erik Hoekstra 

1987 – Kimberly Dykema 

1986 – Edward Wiener, Jr.