Toria Fex is the Lyman Briggs College banner carrier for commencement

December 15, 2023

Victoria (Toria) Fex, from Pleasant Lake, Michigan, is graduating this fall with a major in neuroscience and a minor in bioethics from Lyman Briggs College. She is also a member of the Honors College and a recipient of the Fall 2023 MSU Board of Trustees’ Award, which honors graduating seniors who have a cumulative 4.0 grade point average for their college careers. Fex will be the banner carrier for Lyman Briggs at commencement on Saturday, December 16 at 2 p.m. 

Fex was named a recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in 2023, a competitive scholarship awarded to college sophomores and juniors aspiring to pursue research in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. She has a passion for research on neuropathological illnesses with previous experience as a research assistant for Alexander Johnson, Ph.D., in the Department of Psychology. Fex has participated in five research projects, presented research at two conferences, and has submitted two manuscripts for publication. 

In addition to her scholarly work, Fex volunteers for the Jackson Learning Fair, Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care, and Sparrow Hospital. She is also a direct support professional at the Origami Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. She expresses a deep love for MSU, including the people, opportunities, and support that makes MSU feel like home.

Banner carriers are nominated by the Briggs senior class, as well as LBC faculty, staff, and advisors. A selection committee considers each nominee’s history in representing Lyman Briggs, including leadership, involvement, or challenges from their experience at the college. Banner carriers are responsible for representing Lyman Briggs at university-wide commencement ceremonies.

“Toria has been an outstanding student and undergraduate learning assistant (ULA) for Briggs physics the past two years. Her leadership, commitment to fellow students, and professionalism are incredibly strong,” says Katie Hinko, LBC physics faculty member and nominator. “I've seen her generously offer her time and expertise, leading extra review sessions, providing resources for both physics and pre-med students, and relaying her personal experiences so others can benefit."

After graduation, Fex plans to pursue a dual Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine-Ph.D. degree through the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Fex reflects on her Briggs experience: “The combination of the larger opportunities provided by being at a Big Ten university with the interpersonal support system within the tightly knit Lyman Briggs college provide the perfect pillar for success in STEM.”

Congratulations, Toria!