Trayvon Martin About to Receive College Degree

If Trayvon Martin were alive today, he would be 22 and perhaps preparing this month for his college commencement. One Florida school is giving his parents the honor of accepting a degree for him. CNN reports that Florida Memorial University will bestow a posthumous bachelor's degree in aeronautical science as a nod to Trayvon's "obvious love of flying," per a university spokeswoman. His parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton—an FMU grad herself, the Atlantic reports—will be in attendance at the school's May 13 graduation ceremony to accept their son's degree.

The degree will feature a concentration in flight education, "in honor of the steps [Travyon] took during his young life toward becoming a pilot," per a Wednesday Facebook post by the school. CNN notes Trayvon had taken a few aviation classes while in high school. FMU also praised Martin and Fulton, noting Trayvon's dad has "committed his life to transforming tragedy into change" since his son was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in 2012, while Fulton "epitomizes strength and dignity as she uplifts other victims of violence while effecting change for a more equal and just society." Fulton returned the kind message, offering her thanks to her alma mater on Twitter. (Rapper Jay Z is honoring Trayvon in his own way.)