Ettrick, Va. (Dec. 16, 2023)- The golf teams Juan Ruiz-Patino was the Valedictorian of the fall commencement with a GPA of 4.0.  Ruiz-Patino not only put in great work on the golf course but also in the classroom, getting his degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Ruiz-Patino was not the only VSU Student-Athlete that excelled in the classroom. Gabrielle Bradley was an outside hitter for the volleyball team where she totaled 33 total points, 23 digs including a season high 10 in a game at Bowie State. Bradley is graduating with a degree in psychology. She is continuing her schooling with a master's program at Florida A&M University. 

TJ Tucker also is getting his degree in psychology. On the field he totaled 10 tackles and two interceptions, with one quarterback hit and one pass breakup.  Another football player that made a big impact in the classroom is Greg Cuffey as he graduated with a master's degree in educational admin and supervision.  Cuffey played in six games and collected five tackles and one fumble recovery. 

Last is Alandina Hyppolite who will be graduating with a degree in Biology. She is a member of both VSU's cross country and track team. During the cross-country season, she ran a new personal best of 25:03.8 in a 6k race at the Roanoke XC Invitational. She had a season best eighth place during the VUU Panther XC Invitational. 

Pedro Mendez of the Trojan baseball team will be graduating with a Health Physical education degree. He pitched in three games last spring for 4.1 innings.   

Virginia State University is proud of all student-athletes and students that will graduate in the fall commencement.