Slain University of Idaho students remembered for their ‘strength and inspiration' as they are awarded posthumous degrees
MOSCOW, IDAHO: The four University of Idaho students, Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, who were fatally stabbed in their off-campus home in the early hours of November 13, 2022, were remembered for their "strength and inspiration" on graduation day that took place on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Posthumous bachelor's degrees were awarded to the families of Mogen and Goncalves, who were both seniors at the time of their killings, while certificates were awarded to Kernodle and Chapin.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Madison's parents accepted their daughter’s posthumous bachelor's degree in marketing, while Kaylee's parents received a posthumous bachelor's degree in general studies on behalf of their daughter. On the other hand, on May 8, Xana's family received their daughter's posthumous certificate in marketing, while a certificate in recreation, sport and tourism, and management will be delivered to Ethan’s family in the coming weeks.
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Commenting on it, University President Scott Green said, "Madison's family will always be members of the Vandal family. So, thank you for joining us today to celebrate her academic achievements and contributions to the University of Idaho."
Commencement speaker Louis Freeh, the former FBI director, addressed the university president and said, “I want to commend you and your colleagues for your extraordinary service to everyone in this room and beyond during an unprecedented period of time. You’ve gone through a fiscal crisis, a pandemic, and a horrific tragedy that could shatter any community but did not here, because of the strength and the work and the love that were shown to you by everybody, and helping one another,” states CNN.
He also spoke about FBI colleagues “for the significant support that they’ve provided to this community over the past few months, along with our state and local police partners.”
'Loss of Ethan, Xana, Kaylee and Maddie will remain in your hearts'
Louis then addressed the graduates and expressed, “Sadly, your path here at the University of Idaho has been rough. And you have together experienced the great family and community tragedy. The loss of Ethan, Xana, Kaylee and Maddie will remain in your hearts and minds for the rest of your journey. The strength and inspiration of their life accomplishments and their families’ devotion and courage is now an inseparable part of you as you go forward.”
'It’s important for somebody to walk for her'
During an interview with 'Good Morning America' that aired on Friday, May 12, Kaylee's mother Kristi Goncalves, said, as per Independent, "It’s still an out-of-body [experience]. I never would have thought a year ago, or even six months ago, that there was going to be a reason that Kaylee wouldn’t be able to accept her own degree. That she wouldn’t be here." She added, "I think it shows respect for Kaylee and her hard work ... It’s important for somebody to walk for her.”
While her father Steve Goncalves spoke about Bryan Kohberger's next appearance in court on June 26, 2023, for a preliminary hearing, telling ABC News, "I can't wait to see the evidence. And then I'm gonna bring it. And he's gonna realize that this ... is the family that's gonna make sure he doesn't get away with it."
'We want justice'
Prior to the distribution of degrees, one social media user stressed, "Colleges and universities should take away Byrans degrees," while another wrote, "This is good but should have been done at the December graduation and call their names and the parents get the diploma with every one applauding a missed opportunity." While one more commented, "Those young people should still be here. We want justice."
This is good but should have been done at the December graduation and call their names and the parents get the diploma with every one applauding a missed opportunity
— Justice for all (@stuarwebb2) May 9, 2023
Those young people should still be here. We want justice.
— DinoMom🇺🇦💙💛🌻🕷🦖🦕🐉🦇 (@DinoMom8) May 9, 2023
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