Bruce Varner to receive honorary degree

Bruce D. Varner will be receiving the honorary Doctor of law degree at the Business and Public Administration graduation on campus at Coussoulis Arena at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 18.

“Being presented the honorary Doctor of law degree is a total honor, and I like to do things for my community,” said Varner.

Varner is senior partner at Varner & Brandt LLP Law Firm, and he helps people start new business and security banks. The Law Firm represents a wide range of people and companies.

“We help people who need legal services, and we believe in starting relationships. Relationships are what really matters in the community, and it can be very rewarding,” said Varner.

Varner & Brandt LLP offers internships positions, summer jobs and receptionist or paralegal positions. The Law Firm wants students who are interested in a career in the legal system.

Internships are a great way to see if the legal system is a career choice students want to take.
According to Varner the important qualities that business looks for in hiring are people who have good communication skills.

Education is very important and a bachelor’s degree is needed, he said.  They want people who are up to date with the latest technology. Also having good writing skills and vocational skills are very important.

“The employment rate in the Inland Empire needs to be fixed. It’s terrible,” said Varner.

According to Varner the construction business stopped, and it caused a ripple effect.
People are not buying things, and that is why there are no new jobs.
The unemployment rate is down 14 percent, but our business leaders are trying to change things around, Varner explained.

Varner wants CSUSB students to be aggressive and pro-active when looking for a job. He believes students should have goals, great dreams and build relationships. Students need to become more reliable, and be good at what they do. Being a team player is very important, and getting along with other employees is always key.

“As kids we were very active in our community, and building relationships is key to be successful in looking for employment,” said Varner.

Varner was a football and baseball player at UC Santa Barbara. He wanted to major in physical education and wanted to pursue a career in football, however he changed his major to political science, and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

At Fort Benning he was an infantry officer where he trained recruiters.
After serving in the military he went to law school. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. His brothers followed in his footsteps and they all received their graduate degrees, Varner explained..
Varner’s children also attended college, and two of them are lawyers.

“Congratulations class of 2011 and be optimistic; there will be opportunities in your future. Education is so important, and your first step is done,” said Varner.