by Andrea Jurado-Gutierrez
With the end of the spring semester right around the corner, it seems like there is no time to breathe and take a break. For seniors graduating this semester, this feeling is multiplied and mixed with excitement, anxiety, nostalgia, and ambition. This is most certainly the case for our LBC commencement speakers– students who try their hands at writing and delivering a graduation speech to a crowd of their peers.
Take a moment and get to know the 2026 Lyman Briggs College Student Commencement Speaker before he takes the stage.
Varun Varre is a senior graduating from Lyman Briggs College with a degree in Human Biology and a minor in Health Promotion; he is graduating with high honors and is receiving the MSU Board of Trustees’ Award for achieving a cumulative GPA of 4.0 throughout his college career. In anticipation of the Lyman Briggs commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 3, we’ve asked Varun to look back at his time at LBC and answer some questions about his experience.
Why did you decide to apply to LBC?
I was particularly drawn to Lyman Briggs College because it is a close-knit, science-based community within a large Michigan State campus. I liked how the classes Lyman Briggs offered weren’t just core science such as biology and chemistry; it incorporated discussions on bioethics and the connection between science and technology. The smaller class sizes and collaborative environment would also help me thrive in building strong relationships with both my colleagues and professors.
How did LBC support your life at MSU?
With the close community Lyman Briggs offers, I was able to get the support I needed from my colleagues and professors. The small group discussions with ULAs in some of my classes made it easier for me to ask questions and eventually ask for help from the professors, which helped me build confidence in challenging science courses. I liked being surrounded by peers with similar goals, especially those interested in healthcare, which made study sessions more meaningful. In my non-core science Lyman Briggs classes, it really encouraged me to think more critically about how science connects to real-world issues, which is very important as I prepare for a future in medicine.
You are graduating with high honors and receiving the MSU Board of Trustees’ Award – any study tips you’d like to share?
Honestly, the biggest thing I would say is that you should try to find what study strategy works best for you and stick with that. It varies from person to person, so you should try to find what your “mojo” is. In terms of strategizing things, I try to do homework assignments or study for material right when it’s given, rather than trying to cram things in at the last minute. I learned from Ebbhinghaus’ forgetting curve that as humans we tend to lose information rapidly unless we review it on a daily basis. Consistency is key. Before exams, I try to use active recall strategies or just keep practicing test questions from either classwork or online resources (ex. flashcards/Quizlet) to make sure that I’m retaining information. But like I said earlier, it depends a lot on what study strategy you feel you are most comfortable with.
What does being chosen as a commencement speaker mean to you?
It means a lot to me, to say the least. Lyman Briggs has certainly helped me grow as a person, and the supportive peers and faculty really played a huge role in shaping who I am today. It’s just a surreal feeling to be able to represent all my colleagues, the staff, and Lyman Briggs as a whole. Being chosen as a commencement speaker serves as a testament to how Lyman Briggs challenged me academically and helped me develop as a person, and it is an honor to share a message that reflects our collective journey and impact LBC has had on all of us.
What do you hope your classmates remember the most about your speech?
I hope my classmates remember that our journey at Lyman Briggs was not just about mastering scientific facts and concepts, but about becoming resilient thinkers who embrace curiosity and empathy. I want them to recall that moments of fear or failure are opportunities for growth, and that our true strength lies in thinking deeply, caring deeply, and using science to positively impact society. I want them to carry forward the spirit of being proud Briggsies who make a meaningful difference in the world.
What advice would you give to incoming Briggsies?
I would tell incoming Briggsies to utilize as many resources as they can and to try to build connections with Lyman Briggs faculty (whether through office hours or simply emailing them) and their fellow Briggsies (whether through clubs or leadership roles) as it could help them down the line if they’re ever struggling. Lyman Briggs coursework can be challenging and having people who are going through the same classes, exams, and experiences makes a huge difference. I would also tell them not to be afraid to struggle. Briggs is meant to challenge you for a reason, and you learn from these moments. Lastly, focus on improving yourself instead of comparing yourself to others. I remember a quote from the 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Thank you to Varun Varre for taking the time to tell the LBC community more about himself and congratulations to the Briggsies that are graduating this semester! You have all worked hard and have completed a tremendous accomplishment. Whether you’re continuing your education or moving on to different opportunities, Lyman Briggs commends your resilience and is looking forward to the impact you will make.
And remember: Once A Briggsie, Always A Briggsie.