Seven Briggsies earn MSU Board of Trustees Awards for 4.0 GPA throughout college
January 19, 2021
In Fall 2020, 29 students from across Michigan State University graduated having earned a 4.0 grade point average throughout their college careers, earning them the MSU Board of Trustees Award. We are proud to report that seven of those award-winners were Briggsies.They are:
- Piper R. Brase, a microbiology major and member of the Honors College
- Christina C. Clinton, a human biology major and member of the Honors College
- Abigail M. Cortis, a human biology major and member of the Honors College
- Katerina Kitsios, a human biology major and member of the Honors College
- Vanessa E.Najjar, a human biology major as well as a women’s and gender studies major in the College of Arts and Letters and member of the Honors College
- Cameron D. Raedy, a microbiology major and member of the Honors College
- Rosalyn L. Schaefer, a neuroscience major
We asked these award winners for some insights on their college careers. Here are some of their responses.
Piper Brase
Major and Minor(s)
Microbiology; double minors in Global Public Health & Epidemiology and Science, Technology, Environment & Public Policy
Why did you choose to attend Lyman Briggs College?
I am originally from Alaska and I chose to attend Briggs with the hope of it making a huge university feel smaller - it worked! I would not have chosen to come to MSU as an out of state student without the residential college feel and Briggs community.
Do you have any practical advice for students who are interested in attending LBC?
My biggest advice for prospective students is to get outside of your comfort zone! I came to MSU without knowing a single person on campus and I have loved all the growth and opportunities that came with it.
What was your most valuable experience in college?
I was able to study abroad in Malawi (Summer '19) with a focus on infectious disease - I am so thankful for this opportunity to learn and travel before COVID-19 hit.
How did you maintain your GPA?
I was able to maintain my GPA by studying with friends (big shoutout to Holmes 3W!), drinking too much caf coffee and late nights in the library.
What are your plans for the next phase of your life?
I am working at the Alaska State Virology Lab as a COVID-19 lab technician for the spring and summer and then I am planning to start my Master in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology in the fall.
Abby Cortis
Major and Minor(s)
Microbiology; double minors in Global Public Health & Epidemiology and Science, Technology, Environment & Public Policy
Why did you choose to attend Lyman Briggs College?
The smaller class sizes, accelerated curriculum and collaborative community of Lyman Briggs were the three main factors that drew me in. I came from a small, rural high school where my graduating class was around 150 students. Scaling that up to about 8000 at MSU seemed a little intimidating. I was used to instructors knowing my name and the kind of student I was, and Lyman Briggs seemed like my best chance for continuing those types of relationships in college. At the same time, I was in advanced STEM classes throughout high school and wanted to keep challenging myself in college. The Lyman Briggs biology, chemistry, and HPS courses were more intriguing than their broader university counterparts. Finally, as a residential college, Lyman Briggs College breeds an atmosphere that allows common interests and mindsets to thrive.
Do you have any practical advice for students who are interested in attending LBC?
Attending LBC was one of the best decisions I made during undergrad. Through its rigor, Briggs truly sets the tone for the next four years. The tools and strategies learned in LBC courses are applicable in many other university courses as well. As a residential college, it provides so many opportunities to make friends and form bonds with faculty. Briggs also does a really nice job of incorporating professional development and practice with employability skills (leadership, communication, collaboration, etc.) into the curriculum, which are essential for any career.
What was your most valuable experience in college?
My most valuable undergraduate experience would be when I studied abroad in Nepal during the summer between sophomore and junior year. The program was an extension of Michigan State’s OneHealth program and led by Dr. Wilkins. While there, I completed research on the epidemiology of Campylobacteriosis endemic to Nepal and presented at the Agriculture and Forestry University in Bharatpur. Of course, our down time allowed for plenty of exploration. For instance, a few group members and I decided to take a 10 mile hike to a temple one afternoon. Previously, I hardly ventured beyond the U.S. borders so to be immersed in such a new, yet rich, culture was enlightening. By studying abroad, I met the incredible people and culture of Nepal, redefined my comfort zone, and gained a new lens for viewing the world.
How did you maintain your GPA?
This is a really tricky question because so many factors play into one’s GPA, some simply out of one’s control. But, above all else, I maintained my GPA by prioritizing my learning. I wanted to learn as much as I could from each exam/project/assignment/reading and doing well (earning a 4.0) seemed to accompany that. Homework and assignments were always at the top of my to-do list and I saw each item through to its finish. Keeping the same drive and discipline over time took practice, especially when trying to balance family, friends, multiple jobs, and extracurriculars. There also came a level of sacrifice in my social and personal life; studying took precedence over many get-togethers and events. Yet, I found the reward of a successful undergraduate career well worth the sacrifice.
What are your plans for the next phase of your life?
I was recently accepted to dental school with matriculation in Fall 2021, though the final destination is still to be determined. I am also applying for the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), with the hope of serving after dental school. Overall, the next phase of my life will include building on my passions and working toward my career goals. I hope to one day bring quality dental care and education to underserved populations, promoting both healthier smiles and lifestyles.
Rosalyn Schaefer
Major and Minor(s)
Neuroscience with minors in Women’s Studies and Pharmacology/Toxicology
Why did you choose to attend Lyman Briggs College?
I knew that I wanted to go to a big school, however I knew that being able to have relationships with my classmates and professors would allow me to succeed. I chose Lyman Briggs because I got the Big Ten school experience while still having the small classes that I desired.
Do you have any practical advice for students who are interested in attending LBC?
For any incoming student, LBC or not, I would tell them to take advantage of all the opportunities on campus and try to diversify your interests and the people you spend time with. It is easy as an LBC kid to get stuck with all the other science and pre-med students. However, some of the best experiences I have had have been outside of the science field. By diversifying your interests, you are creating opportunities for new connections to be made which will only make you a better scientist.
What was your most valuable experience in college?
I think my most valuable experience was working in the residence halls as an Intercultural Aide. It was a valuable experience because it challenged me to think beyond myself and on a global scale. This position challenged me intellectually, strengthen my leadership skills, trained me in conflict resolution and I got to do it all in the company of my amazing team.
How did you maintain your GPA?
I never had the goal going into college that I wanted t to keep a perfect GPA. In fact, my GPA is a byproduct of how I approached my classes: with curiosity. I think it is easy to get lost in all the information you are getting in classes or the stressed because it feels so overwhelming, but whenever I would feel this way, I would always remind myself that I am here to learn. I reminded myself that I am not supposed to know everything, I am in school to learn. I challenged myself to ask questions, to get to know my professors and to reach out to my peers. I was able to get good grades because I genuinely wanted to learn, and I created a strong support system that fostered that learning.
What are your plans for the next phase of your life?
I will continue working full time at the Michigan Public Health Institute until the summer and then I am planning to explore more career options and experiences in the public health field. I eventually would like to go back to school to get a master's in public health and/or a secondary bachelor's degree in nursing so I can become a public health nurse in women’s health.