The visitors’ area at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC) is characterized by harsh surfaces. Featuring tiled flooring, cinder block walls, glass partitions, and robust steel doors, the space is stark. However, on May 14, the room resonated with the joyful sounds of celebration.

Around 100 attendees traveled to Pacific, Mo., to celebrate the new graduates of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies’ (CAPS) Prison Education Project (PEP). Eleven individuals received associate degrees in arts, while a twelfth achieved a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies.

“There’s a profound amount of emotion in the air today,” remarked Nathan Barry, who was gearing up to give the student address. As relatives and friends navigated security, Barry observed the room being filled with embraces and handshakes, beaming faces and joyful laughter, bright eyes and nervous smiles. “I’m overwhelmed.”

Barry’s uncle, Calvin Barry, radiated pride. “I’ve watched him develop so much — mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I always believed he had it in him. I told him, ‘If you can graduate from here with a degree, you can achieve anything.’”

The journey was fraught with challenges. Upon joining PEP in 2022, Barry’s initial task was to compose a brief narrative about his personal experience — and subsequently present it aloud. “My knees trembled,” he shared during his speech. “My hands quivered. My voice faltered.”

In his youth, Barry faced mockery from classmates and skepticism from adults. Remembering that period was “traumatic for me. I had never disclosed it to anyone.” In 2023, following a family loss and a health scare, he felt devastated. During the fall of 2024, just months shy of graduation, Barry seriously contemplated withdrawing.

“Obtaining a degree here is incredibly challenging,” said Allison Reed, a counselor with the Missouri Department of Corrections, who collaborates with Barry and fellow PEP students. Outsiders might presume that those incarcerated possess limitless time. In truth, “there are numerous distractions.”

“Occasionally, negative voices discourage them from trying,” Reed elaborated. “It’s remarkably inspiring when individuals can ignore that negativity, refocus their thoughts, and prove doubters wrong. They should take immense pride in their accomplishments.”

‘The core of this initiative’

PEP was established at MECC in 2014. Since 2022, it has also provided classes at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, Mo. So far, PEP has conferred over 60 degrees, with more than 30 alumni returning to the St. Louis area.

The commencement on May 14 marked the program’s fourth event at MECC and fifth overall. Just two days prior, a gathering of 13,000 convened on WashU’s Francis Olympic Field, where Chancellor Andrew D. Martin conferred approximately 3,600 degrees. This event, while smaller, was equally poignant.

As a brass quartet played “Pomp and Circumstance,” Martin, Provost Beverly Wendland, and CAPS Dean Sean Armstrong led PEP educators, students, and guest speakers in a dignified procession across the room. From a modest stage, interim program administrator Savannah Sowell, flanked by ferns, welcomed the audience.

“The men you see before you today have all exerted tremendous effort to be here,” Sowell stated. “They have managed rigorous course loads while juggling institutional jobs, leading roles in other programs, and challenging personal situations.

“They embody the spirit of this program and exemplify what it means to be a WashU student every day.”

‘Miracles can occur’

Alumnus Solomon Evans awarded the Maggie Garb Community Leadership Award, named in honor of the late PEP co-founder and professor of history in Arts & Sciences, to graduate Brantz Heisler. Scott Weiss, a senior advancement writer who has taught PEP classes on ancient history and Roman enslavement, presented the Danny Kohl Award for Best Essay to graduate Steven Schnell.

“Steve authored a capstone paper concerning ancient Stoicism and its relevance today,” Weiss mentioned. “His argument compellingly illustrates that Stoic philosophy provides valuable insights into emotional processing … while highlighting the enriching nature of reading ancient literature.”

Rebecca O’Laughlin, CAPS student pathways manager, inducted nine graduates into the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society. Armstrong introduced the graduation speaker, the Rev. George Chochos, executive director of Bethesda Mission, a Harrisburg, Pa., nonprofit addressing homelessness.

“I entered the notorious Sing Sing prison in 2001,” Chochos began. “Encountering reality behind bars compelled me to critically analyze my life, and I recognized that I desired change.” In 2004, Chochos enrolled in the Bard Prison Initiative, securing both associate and bachelor’s degrees. He later attained a master’s degree from the New York Theological Seminary and, in 2013, became the first formerly incarcerated individual accepted by Yale Divinity School.

“I share these narratives to motivate you,” Chochos remarked. “Graduates! The education you have gained, yes, it benefits you, but its effects reach far broader than you could ever envision. Individuals within this system, as well as those beyond, require your insights and brilliance.

“When ambition meets opportunity, miracles can happen.”

Resilience and determination

Interim PEP director Kilinyaa Cothran introduced Barry. Taking a deep breath, he recounted the challenges he faced and how close he came to being broken. However, he also detailed how conversations with friends, family, and staff eventually encouraged him to persist in his studies.

“The pursuit of a college degree can be a taxing journey for anyone, but especially for those with added life challenges,” Barry stated. “The route you’ve had to traverse to reach this moment, to this stage, might not resemble that of students on the main campus. It may not mirror the same as the

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the journey of the individual beside you. It may not appear identical to my own.

“Nevertheless, each of us has had to tap into our fortitude,” Barry remarked. “We have had to endure.”

As the graduates were handed their degrees, the tight environment created a unique closeness to the audience’s applause.

“That’s my child!”

“Way to go, Ryan!”

“That’s my son!”

“Go Marcus!”

Wendland pondered the recent speech delivered by Olympic gold medalist and WashU Commencement speaker Simone Biles (whose name elicited additional cheers). Biles “never aimed to be the G.O.A.T., the greatest of all time,” Wendland stated. “She strived to be the best version of herself.”

“I know that you, Barry, are embodying that,” Wendland expressed. Turning to the larger audience, she continued: “Continue being the finest you that you can be.”

“Class of 2025, I’m honored to be here today to acknowledge your remarkable accomplishments,” Chancellor Martin stated. “Against all challenges and barriers, you have looped through the trials of seeking higher education while incarcerated. You should feel immensely proud of attaining this significant milestone.”

After awarding the degrees, Martin pointed attendees to the commencement agenda and the lyrics of the WashU Alma Mater.

“We’re now going to stand, take off our caps, and we will sing,” Martin announced.

“With enthusiasm.”

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