LBC Alumni eNewsletter
July 2021
Summer Message from the Interim Dean
Kendra Cheruvelil
Last month's summer solstice is a reminder that we have entered another season. In Michigan, we have entered a phase of warm temperatures, green plants, tree frogs, fireflies, and even some gatherings with family and friends. We are also in a different phase of the pandemic. With many adults vaccinated and even 12 year-olds eligible to be vaccinated, we are feeling the return of optimism. I hope that you are soaking in some of the warmth and feeling some lightness, wherever you may be located...

Volunteer as an Alumni Tour Host
We are bringing back Briggs Alumni Tours! Do you work in a space that would allow 10 students to come shadow you for an hour or two? These tours are meant to get students out of the classroom and into the real world, experiencing a day in the life of our accomplished alumni.

An LBC alum hosts a group of students in his medical practice
Volunteer as a Career Coach
Are you interested in connecting 1:1 with Briggs students virtually? This upcoming fall, we are hosting Briggs Career Chats where students chat with several alumni for 15-minute sessions each, discussing career aspirations and goals. We are looking for alumni from many different industries and there is limited capacity for each session, so sign up below as soon as possible.

Briggs Career Chats, 7-8 p.m. Dates: September 23 for Grad/Professional School; October 7 for Math/Physical Sciences; October 21 for Biological Sciences (Medical careers) and November 4 Biological/Environmental Sciences (non-medical careers)
Volunteer as a Mock Interviewer
Multiple mini interviews (MMI) are an important part of the medical school application process that help the committee to evaluate a candidate's ability to communicate in and respond to high stress situations. If you are in or have graduated from medical school, would you consider volunteering as a mock interviewer, offering feedback and advice? Help us to prepare the next generation of Briggs physicians!

Four students sit in a row working on materials. Multiple Mini Interviews. September 14 and October 14, from 7–8 p.m. EDT
Volunteer as a Virtual Mentor
Lyman Briggs is proud to provide a platform for students, alumni, faculty, and staff to connect through mentorship and career discussions. This platform, similar to LinkedIn, offers the opportunity for Briggs alumni to meet and mentor students organically at their own pace. Students and alumni are matched based on interest areas designated.

Join Briggs Connect! https://msuconnect.msu.edu/hub/BriggsConnect/
Welcome Students With a Postcard
Help make the move-in experience special for new and returning students this semester by sending a postcard. It’s free and simple, just fill out the form below and we will print and mail your postcard. 

Submission Deadline:
August 1, 2021.

postcard collage of images of campus, paper airplane graphic. Title "Spartans Uplift" Welcome students with a postcard
LBC Alumni Congratulate the Class of 2021
Congratulatory message from M. Donald Kowitz
Congratulations message from Kenneth Partridge
Briggsies Share Stories From the Front Line
On March 23, 2021, we were proud to host two Briggs alumni and emergency medical professionals, Dr. Zafar Shamoon and Dr. Michael VanRooyen, who took us behind the scenes of the battle against COVID-19. Our esteemed speakers shared their perspectives on the pandemic, both domestically and globally; from day-to-day emergency care, to widespread systemic inadequacies. They discussed how they have cared for vulnerable populations, served the community, and taken care of their families over the past 12 months.

Alumni Spotlight Stories
Farhan Bhatti
Farhan Bhatti
Farhan Bhatti, M.D. wrote an op-ed highlighting the potential life-threatening effect of mail delays on Americans who rely on postal delivery of their medications.
Shannon Wilson
Shannon Wilson
Shannon Wilson, Director of Medicaid Outreach and Quality at Priority Health helped support families dealing with the economic difficulties from COVID-19 through a very practical company donation: diapers.
Douglas Crosby
Douglas Crosby
Douglas Crosby, M.D. created a product that uses the power of UV-C light to destroy viruses and other pathogens quickly and effectively without the use of alcohol.
Dr. Jennie Orr Thomas and Daniel Thomas establish a new scholarship for diversity, equity and inclusion in Lyman Briggs College
Dr. Jennie Orr Thomas writes, “This scholarship is part of my response to this challenge of making a difference and giving back, and I hope as a result of their Briggs experience, the recipients can enter the exciting and rewarding field of science and technology with the confidence that they belong and have important contributions to make and that they, too, will find ways to pay it forward.”
Dr. Jennie Orr Thomas and Daniel Thomas
Briggsies Present Research on Capitol Hill
Screenshot of Grace Bonnema and Tushya Mehta with brain scan virtual backgrounds behind them
Two MSU LBC students—Grace Bonnema and Tushya Mehta—were selected to present their research at the Council on Undergraduate Research’s 2021 Posters on the Hill event in April. This annual event celebrates student researchers, providing them the opportunity to showcase their exemplary research and advocate for undergraduate research on Capitol Hill. 
Two Briggs Students On Homecoming Court
Madeline Niblock
Human Biology, Bioethics
Howell, MI

Eliot Haddad
Human Biology, Environment and Health, Bioethics
Cornet Chehwan, Lebanon
LBC remembers Mary Sheridan
Mary Sheridan assists someone in the LBC dean's office
LBC is saddened by the passing of one of our longest-serving and beloved foundational staff members. Mary Sheridan. Mary worked for decades in Lyman Briggs as the dean’s secretary and later administrative liaison to LB alumni. She was known for her connection to people and for helping to create a very supportive environment for faculty and students. 
Interested in giving, volunteering, or connecting with students?
Contact the LBC Engagement Office
Lyman Briggs College | Michigan State University | [email protected]