b'GRE AT ER scholarsCelebrating Student SuccessS P O T L I G H T : From Incarceration To GraduationBefore receiving his degree from Virginia State University, Dennis Freeman found him-self on the wrong path and behind bars. After serving his sentence, a judge gave him two options: get a job or return to school. Freeman chose education and became a Trojan. At VSU, Freeman found his purpose and community. He joined the Residen-tial Royal Court, Omega Psi Phi, and Kultured Men Making A Change, an organization focused on mentoring young Black men. As a business major in the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, Freeman embraced his entrepreneurial spirit and launched a fashion brand. In Spring 2025, he graduated with a degree in Business Management and a 3.17 GPA. Because of Virginia State University, I was able to escape the situation I was in and elevate my life, Freeman said. I am the best version of myself thanks to VSU.S P O T L I G H T : Generations Of Trojans: Mother And Daughter Graduate TogetherIn Spring 2024, mother and daughter Arifah and Erickah Goodwin graduated from Virginia State University, continuing a family tradition spanning generations. Erickah earned her bachelors degree in sociology, just like her mother once did. At the same time, Goodwin earned her third VSU degree, a doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision. Though VSU had always been part of Erickahs life, she initially enrolled at another uni-versity. After struggling with virtual classes during the pandemic, she transferred to VSUa decision she calls one of the best I ever made. Her mothers journey began long before. Arifah grew up on the VSU campus, where both of her parents earned degrees. As a single mother, she later re-turned to VSU to complete her sociology degree, often with young Erickah by her side. There was only one school I ever considered attending, said Dr. Goodwin. Virginia State is such a great schoolthe community is amazing and ex-tremely supportive, and the opportunities are endless.7 1 E G A PI M P A C T R E P O R T - 2 0 2 32 5'