Testimonials
Our Recipients
Recipients of Scholarships for Illinois Residents have excelled in their academic pursuits and built careers of distinction. Some have started their own businesses, while others have become attorneys, judges, professors, scientists, and doctors. All credit their experience at Trinity College as the foundation of their success.
Illinois Scholar Alumni
Recipients of the Lincoln Award, a four-year full scholarship to Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, go on to be scientists, lawyers, doctors, and professors.
Class of 2023
Eleanor Chmielowicz
Chicago
Major: Environmental Science, Urban Studies
“I would not be the person I am today without Trinity College or the Illinois Scholarship. The lack of financial stress granted by the scholarship has not only given me untethered access to the institution, allowing me to fully engage in courses, perform research, grow close with peers, and join extracurriculars, but has also allowed me much more flexibility with my summers and free time. I am, and forever will be, grateful for this opportunity.”
Class of 2022
Alicia Camuy
Chicago
Major: Neuroscience
“I always tell anyone who asks about my scholarship that there is no other like it. I have yet to hear of such comprehensive financial assistance that comes with a caring support network who can start you on the path to your dreams. I’m not exaggerating when I say my life would be very different without SIRI!”
Olivia Louthen
Riverside
Major: Economics, Public Policy & Law
“The Lincoln Award opened doors both inside and outside the classroom—such as funding career-changing internships across the country. Freedom from financial pressure as an undergrad allowed me to pursue academics full-time and find my community at Trinity.”
Coleman McJessy
Chicago
Major: Political Science, Economics
“It is not exaggerating to say that the Lincoln Award has changed my life. With SIRI’s support, I have completed six internships and two majors in four years – all without having to worry about funding or finances. The generosity of my professors, friends, and mentors at Trinity College has been second to none, and along with the financial security of this scholarship, I have been well prepared to succeed at Trinity and beyond. I will always be grateful for the support of my fellow scholars and everyone at SIRI. If you are offered the Lincoln Award: Take it.”
Class of 2019
Jessica Duong
Lake Bluff
Major: Chemistry, History
“I cannot express in words how grateful I am to attend such an incredible institution without financial pressure. The Lincoln Award has given me one of the greatest gifts possible, the gift of education.”
Lucas Duros
Wilmette
Major: Engineering
“The Lincoln Award has paved the way for educational, social, and future opportunities that I will always be grateful for.”
CLASS OF 2018
Thomas Gitchell
Major: Neuroscience, Pre-Med
“Between the Illinois Scholarship and Trinity College’s resources, you have the ability to become whatever you want to become. With the scholarship behind you, all that’s left for you to do is work hard and apply yourself. What could be better?”
CLASS OF 2017
Matthew Lucas
Major: Biochemistry, Pre-Med
“Trinity challenged and surprised me in and out of the classroom every day. There wasn’t a day that didn’t go by without a smile, a question, a laugh, and a puzzle to solve. I’m honored to be a part of the history of such an esteemed college and scholarship program.”
CLASS OF 2015
Sierra Slade
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Philosophy
“Being an Illinois Scholar freed me from financial stress and allowed me to take full advantage of everything Trinity had to offer: excellent academics, enriching extracurriculars, and lasting friendships.”
CLASS OF 2013
Marta Zamroziewicz
Poplar Grove
Major: Neuroscience
Current Job Status: Graduate Research Assistant & Medical Student
“The opportunities inside and outside the classroom at Trinity are unmatched elsewhere – dedicated faculty, challenging and transformative courses, invaluable internship opportunities, and an endless array of extracurricular activities. Trinity was my happy place, and the place that made me who I am today.”