At Virginia State University, the tradition of academic pursuit across generations is a tangible reality. The Spring 2024 Commencement witnessed a significant milestone as two families celebrated graduating together.

Having stood for 142 years, it is not uncommon for a son or daughter to attend classes on the same 231-acre campus as their mom or dad once did.

However, it is rare for them to do it simultaneously. And yet, that was the case for Tanya McCoy and Arifah Goodwin, who graduated last week. It was a special moment for both, but perhaps more special when Mrs. McCoy shared the stage with her son and Ms. Goodwin with her daughter.

The road to a college degree isn’t always straightforward. There are twists, turns and bumps along the way, sometimes time away from the classroom. For the 54-year-old

Mrs. McCoy, there was a musical career that spanned 25 years across Europe before returning to the U.S. to finish her schooling.

Mrs. McCoy was scheduled to graduate from VSU in 1995 but needed to complete her senior recital, a requirement for all music majors with a concentration in vocal performance before getting their degree.

Instead of knocking out the one-credit course, Mrs. McCoy ventured to Europe with her soon-to-be husband, another VSU music major, Kevin McCoy. She began performing abroad as a full-time singer, touring with The Black Gospel Pearls before going solo. During her career, Mrs. McCoy has performed in Germany, Spain, Romania, France, Austria and China.

While living out her dream, Mrs. McCoy pondered returning to VSU after her son, Kevin McCoy Jr., was born in 1999. However, it wasn’t until last semester that she actually enrolled.

“I came back because I really wanted to finish, and I promised my mom I would because I was the first person from my family to go to college,” Mrs. McCoy said. “It was also extremely important to me to create a legacy at VSU, especially after my son, Kevin Jr., enrolled here.”

Kevin Jr., who received a bachelor’s in business management, had no issues appeasing his mother’s wish. He was even later joined by his sister, Taylor, a junior at VSU. Right away, Kevin Jr. settled in and joined the university’s ROTC program, where he eventually became the battalion commander. Kevin Jr. says he plans to be commissioned into the Army as an officer, but only after a one-of-a-kind graduation.

“Not many sons can say they graduated from college at the same time as their mom,” he said. “It’s hard to describe how it feels, but I can definitely say I made the best decision.”

It was the emotional end of a long journey that started and where it finished.

“I found family and I found love at Virginia State University,” Mrs. McCoy said. “My life is forever changed from being on this campus and I will never forget my time here.”

Meanwhile, Arifah Goodwin’s ties to VSU also are deeply rooted. Growing up, she attended classes at the university where both her parents earned undergraduate and graduate degrees.

They say history has a way of repeating itself, and that is undoubtedly true for Ms. Goodwin, who, as a single mom, continued the family tradition by bringing her 14-year-old daughter, Erickah Rogers, to class with her while she worked on her bachelor’s in sociology.

There’s no denying Ms. Rogers’s first experiences at VSU left a strong impression on her. Still, she was reluctant to return after graduating high school.

“Virginia State has always been present in my life, and I think that’s part of the reason why I didn’t want to come here initially. It felt like something I already knew,” she said.

Ms. Goodwin decided to attend a different four-year institution, but virtual learning was a struggle when the pandemic restrictions forced her to take her courses online. Because Erickah, her daughter, was back home and already close by, she decided to transfer to VSU.

“It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she said. “I ran from it when I was 18 but quickly realized I could have my own experience here.”

Just like her mom did in 2017, Ms. Rogers will receive her degree in sociology. She says her mom is one of her biggest academic inspirations, both personally and academically. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s in education.

While her daughter plans to continue her academic journey, Ms. Goodwin’s is coming to an end. She received her third degree from VSU, a doctor of education in educational administration and supervision. Currently, she works at VSU as the assistant director for employee relations for the career services department.

As far as what is next for Ms. Goodwin, she has authored two journals catered to black women and plans to pursue a marriage and family therapist license.