In Memory of Brian Falzon

Fund Donors: Denise and Christopher Falzon

Brian Falzon: LBC attendee

Brian Falzon Book Scholarship

 

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Fund Description

• Brian Falzon Book Scholarship

  About the Scholarship

  The Brian Falzon Book Scholarship is created as a tribute to a son and brother who was a very special young man. Brian Falzon was a bright, creative and energetic student as well as a generous friend. Brian always had a smile for everyone, hence his nickname, "Cloud." Brian loved life at Michigan State and considered Lyman Briggs School his second home and the students in Holmes Hall his extended family. Brian's parents and sister have created this book award in Brian's memory so that he may never be forgotten. The Brian Falzon Book Scholarship is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated a capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their individual progress.

A Conversation in Memory of Brian Falzon

Tell us about Brian. Include his major, years at Lyman Briggs, personal interests, and any other information to celebrate his life.

Brian was in his second year at Lyman Briggs residing at Holmes Hall. His major was mechanical engineering. He interned for DJB&A Inc. where he was credited for designing and creating solid model parts for the locking systems on Ford trucks. He was an avid sports lover enjoying football, baseball, wind surfing, skate boarding, snowboarding, skiing and snowmobiling. He collected sports memorabilia. He loved music, had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his practical jokes.

What about his time in Lyman Briggs sticks out the most to you? Do you have a favorite memory of his time on campus?

Brian loved campus life at MSU. He considered Lyman Briggs School his second home and the students in Holmes Hall his extended family. He was known for giving free haircuts and sharing pizza with other students on his dorm floor. He had the most beautiful blue eyes and was known by the nickname,"Cloud". He always had a smile for everyone. He enjoyed bringing his younger sister, Nikki to Sib's Weekend. He met two of his best friends there.

What inspired you to create a scholarship in Brian's name?

Brian was considered to be a healthy 19 year old. He collapsed and died at Holmes Hall. There were no warning signs. He died from Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome, an undiagnosed electrophysiology cardiac arrhythmic disorder. We created the scholarship to keep the memory of Brian alive and to help other students achieve their goals at Lyman Briggs/MSU. The worst fear of a parent whose child has died is their child will be forgotten. I would rather speak of the joys of Brian's life than the sorrows of his death.

What advice do you have for the students following in Brian's footsteps at Lyman Briggs College?

Brian loved MSU/Lyman Briggs. He enjoyed the small student ratio to professors. He had admiration for the professors on how they made themselves available to their students for academic help. COVID has changed the parameters of learning this year. We pray the MSU experience that Brian had will return to campus soon. We hope the future holds the same amazing experiences for the students following.

What do you want the students who receive the scholarship you started to know about Brian? What do you hope they take away from the opportunity provided to them?
We hope they will think of Brian, if only briefly, that this supposedly healthy 19 year old young man, approximately their own age, died suddenly. Do not take each day for granted. Live life to its fullest taking advantage of all that is offered to you, but proving yourself worthy by studying and becoming all you can be.

I would like to add our family's feelings abut MSU.

When Brian died, the outpouring of compassion and support from his fellow students, professors and faculty was amazing. We felt MSU, for being such a large university, showed such empathy by reaching out to us like family. Coach George Perles, upon hearing of Brian's death, signed and presented the game ball to us after MSU beat UM on October 9, 1993. MSU also gave us permission to have the Spartan logo engraved on Brian's headstone. The college allowed me to do a presentation to the medical students about the SADS Foundation and the sudden death of young adults caused through misdiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia. Brian's love for MSU is remembered on a memorial brick/stone in the MSU gardens. We have truly appreciated the continued communication over the years from the college.