ALMA — Toby Layson, of Washington Township, is the 2025 recipient of the Barlow Trophy, Alma College’s most prestigious award for a graduating senior.
Established in 1949 by Dr. Joel Barlow, 1929 honors graduate of Alma College, the award recognizes academic achievement for students in the top 10 percent of their class as well as contributions to campus and community. The winner of the Barlow Trophy was announced April 3 at the Wright Leppien Opera House, as the culmination of an event highlighting academic achievements from the 2024-25 academic year.
Layson has devoted his time at Alma College to serving the greater campus community while excelling academically and working to benefit people in developing countries. A double-major in political science and philosophy, upon his graduation from Alma College, he plans to attend law school at either the University of Michigan Law School or Michigan State University College of Law.
Among Layson’s extracurricular involvements on campus are Student Congress president, where he worked with school administrators to help students better understand the impact of institutional challenges on the student experience. Layson also served as student representative to the college Board of Trustees and as a member of the Presidential Search Committee. He is a member of the college Model UN team and was a part of groups that won “Outstanding Delegation” awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, as part of the Posey Global Leadership Fellows program, Layson completed an internship in Tanzania, pursuing the study of human rights law. While in Tanzania, he explored the intersection of ethics and law with attorneys and interviewed women’s groups about legal protections surrounding human rights issues. In 2024, Layson led the “Doing Democracy” summer seminar, in an effort to help students find common ground on controversial political issues.
A member of the Alma College faculty who recommended Layson for the award wrote, “Toby has become a transformative leader on Alma’s campus, utilizing his intellect, passion, and commitment to service to effect meaningful change, oftentimes in the face of significant institutional challenges. He embodies those attributes most valued by Joel Barlow, including … the leadership skills necessary to promote a more just, equitable and compassionate society.”
Two other students were recognized as finalists for the Barlow Trophy:
Megan Neeley, of West Bloomfield, has pursued a wide range of diverse interests while excelling in academics, shows leadership through her involvement in student organizations and actively participates in spiritual life and athletics activities on campus. A professional accounting major, she plans to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam upon her graduation and pursue a career in the field of public accounting.
Charlotte Howald, of Freeland, has dedicated her time and energy to bettering the Alma College community by volunteering at locations throughout Gratiot and Midland counties, involving herself in extracurricular activities, working at on-campus jobs and excelling in academics. A double-major in environmental studies and biology, upon graduation she plans to pursue a career as a naturalist, teaching members of the public about nature and the environment.