Family of Late Sacred Heart University Student Receives Posthumous Diploma

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The family of Kaitlyn Doorhy received a posthumous diploma in her honor during Fairfield-based Sacred Heart University’s commencement ceremonies at the Webster Bank Arena on Sunday.

Doorhy died at the age of 20 in 2014 after being struck by a car in Bridgeport while she was on her way to campus to help incoming freshmen move in. She was set to begin her junior year at Sacred Heart.

Before more than 1,900 students were called upon to receive their diplomas, Sacred Heart University President John J. Petillo handed out the posthumous diploma to Doorhy’s family.

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“Almost two years ago while on her way to campus to help freshmen move in, Kaitlyn Doorhy was tragically struck by a car,” Petillo said via a school news release. “In those few days following, I witnessed a community gathering in prayer and support. Even in her death she enabled four transplant recipients to live.”

Petillo told the crowd that he was overwhelmed to find out on Christmas Eve that Doorhy’s sister, Carly Doorhy, would be attending SHU in the fall of 2016.

Petillo said he called the family.

“I shared my gratitude for now trusting Sacred Heart with Carly,” he said.

“So today, with the class of 2016, we would like to honor Kaitlyn,” Petillo said.

Doorhy’s parents and her sister went up to the podium to accept the honorary degree for their loved one.

Victoria Sweet, former award-winning historian and associate professor of medicine at the University of California, delivered the keynote address at the undergraduate commencement and also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Read more about the commencement ceremonies at the university’s website here.

(File Photo credit: Rest in Peace Kait Doorhy Facebook page)

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