Jeff Larson will give the inaugural Graduate & Professional Studies address at Colby-Sawyer's 188th Commencement. 

He embodies Colby-Sawyer's values of exploring, connecting and making a difference. His speech expresses how he'll use his degree to be an agent of change in a meaningful and positive way. 

“Jeff and all of the dedicated scholars in our Graduate & Professional Studies programs are vital members of the college community," said President Dean McCurdy, who began his tenure in June 2025 and will be presiding over his first Colby-Sawyer Commencement.  

“Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and we're proud to provide opportunities for people to grow and advance their careers. We’re also excited to learn from Jeff’s perspective and lived experiences." 

Larson, who is earning a Master of Social Work, said he wants to conclude his Colby-Sawyer experience by sharing a positive message with his classmates and fellow graduates.  

“It’s a challenging time in the world, and we've got our work cut out for us, but there's hope,” he said. “There are so many people out there who care and want to do the right things.” 

In his courses and internships, Larson has met people doing just that. 

Making a positive difference in people’s lives is also why Larson — who holds an MBA from Concordia University Irvine and a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from California State University, Northridge — returned to school for his MSW. 

The native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, has had multiple careers that he’s enjoyed — including teaching English, history and geography in South Korea, working at a bank in California and managing aquatics for a YMCA in Massachusetts.  

But something was missing. 

“All along, the different things I did, there was never that real sense of fulfillment,” he said. “I want to come home at the end of the day knowing that I did something for others." 

He’s achieved that with internships at a counseling center and at a private practice, where he's worked with clients to process trauma and develop coping skills. 

“My perspective has really shifted,” said Larson, who has three children — Sawyer, 3, Rocky, 2, and Lincoln, 9 months, with his wife, Elaine.

“I think I have a broader understanding of some of the challenges that people face. And I understand how a lot of the systems that are in place to help are so challenging for so many people to navigate that they give up.” 

Larson chose to attend Colby-Sawyer after talking with Kate Turcotte, founding director of the MSW program. 

“Kate was always quick to respond and eager to explain what the program is all about,” he said. “I recognized this was going to be an opportunity to truly connect with both faculty and peers on a personal level.” 

After Commencement, Larson will begin a full-time career as a primary therapist at a substance use treatment facility in New Hampshire.