Joseph Kesto named LBC Student Commencement Speaker for May 4 Ceremony

April 21, 2025 - Adrianna Orlando

LBC senior Joseph Kesto has been selected as the student commencement speaker for the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony on May 4, 2025. A dedicated and accomplished student, Joseph has made significant contributions to the LBC community while excelling academically. 

Joseph, a graduate of International Academy East Campus in Troy, MI, will be graduating with a degree in neuroscience with a concentration in cognitive science. His studies also include three minors, in public health & epidemiology, cognitive science, and bioethics.  

Reflecting on why he decided to attend Lyman Briggs, Joseph shared, “I chose Lyman Briggs College because of how the school sets its students up with success for graduate school. LBC really prepares students for the world outside of school, helps them secure jobs and graduate opportunities, and more. I also loved that it was a small school environment with small class sizes, located within a large, Big Ten college.” 

His involvement within LBC allowed him to grow both academically and personally, applying the skills he gained in class to his jobs and future career. Joseph plans to take what he's learned from undergraduate into medical school, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, which he developed through labs and History, Philosophy, and Sociology (HPS) courses. “I learned a lot about how to work with a team in LBC because many of the classes require you to develop your knowledge and skills within a team. Even all the main science courses require the same,” he shared. 

“College is a roller coaster, and there are so many bumps in the road that you will not expect. I have come to realize you just have to jump over these hoops as best as you can and keep trying to succeed and move forward, however that may be.” 

Joseph also credits much of his success to the mentorship and guidance he received from LBC faculty. He expressed gratitude for Dr. Bazil, Dr. Doherty, and Dr. Hachem, who played pivotal roles in his academic journey. “Dr. Hachem guided me through the entire medical school application process, helping me secure five interviews for medical schools all over the country. He genuinely cares about his students and the success of those around him.” Joseph also highlighted the support he received from Dr. Doherty during difficult times and the valuable research experience he gained with Dr. Bazil’s mentorship. 

As he prepares to address his fellow graduates at commencement, Joseph hopes to share his insights and experiences to inspire them as they embark on their next chapters. His message to students is clear: “The important thing is to not give up and to continue trying. The goal is just to keep pushing.” 

“Joseph is a wonderful representative of the Class of 2025, with his authentic story and sense of humor about the ups and downs of the past four years.” says Niki Rudolph, Assistant Dean of Student Success and Advising for LBC.  

Lyman Briggs College is honored to have Joseph Kesto as this year’s student commencement speaker and celebrate his many achievements. We look forward to hearing his inspiring words at the ceremony and wish him success in his career.