Trayvon Martin To Graduate Posthumously From Miami-Area University

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Trayvon Martin, the Florida teen whose 2012 shooting death sparked national outrage, will receive a posthumous degree later this month. Martin will receive a bachelor of science degree in aviation from Florida Memorial University. The unarmed teenager was gunned down by neighborhood watch member George Zimmerman, who was later acquitted.

"The University will confer upon Trayvon Martin a posthumous degree in aeronautical science with a concentration in flight education, in honor of the steps he took during his young life toward becoming a pilot," school officials posted on Facebook. "This particular Bachelor’s degree is designated for those studying to be pilots." (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Aventura Patch.)

Martin’s parents are now both social justice activists and co-founders of The Trayvon Martin Foundation. Sabrina Fulton and Tracy Martin will accept the degree on behalf of their son. Florida Memorial University will hold its university-wide commencement ceremony at noon on May 13. The event will be held at the school's Wellness Center Arena.

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"This academic year is symbolic of the transformative changes that we continue to make to our academic programs that extend to benefit the community, such as our cybersecurity degree program and Cyber Warrior Diversity Center that offers certificates to local residents and professionals,” said Roslyn Clark Artis, president of Florida Memorial University.

“Of special significance is awarding posthumously the Bachelor of Science degree in aviation to Trayvon Martin," she added.

The university will also host a post-commencement fundraiser and reception in support of FMU’s department of Aviation and Safety. Florida Memorial University is one of four universities in the U.S. that is a designated CESSNA pilot center.

The post-commencement fundraiser and reception will also support The Trayvon Martin Foundation, headquartered at FMU. The private reception will take place on campus.

AP Photo/David Goldman, File