Freddy Lisitsa was a self-described “spoiled brat” when he moved out of his parents’ Beverly Hills home at 15. A decade later, he came to the office of the Veterans Education Program at Fresno State as an anxious and depressed — to quote him — “mess.”
In between, he sold skateboards on the Venice Beach boardwalk, made lattes as a barista and cleaned sewers. He also served four years in the U.S. Navy to gain a discipline he knew he lacked and to earn G.I Bill benefits so he could attend college without his parents’ help.
Lisitsa found support and connection with others in the Veterans Education Program. “We were all trying to figure out how to become civilians again,” he said.
Officials and instructors in the program provided listening ears and much-needed encouragement as Lisitsa worked his way back to a healthier place in his outlook and emotions. After finishing the Veterans Education Program, he began pursuit of a bachelor’s degree as a double psychology and philosophy major. He graduated in May 2025 and was selected as the President’s Undergraduate Medalist, the university’s top honor for an undergraduate student.
Now, he is the operations manager for Associated Students, Inc. and has plans to earn dual doctoral and law degrees in the future.
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