Summer commencement highlighted by emotional moment

Saturday was Summer Commencement — probably the least publicized of Baylor’s three graduation weekends, but no less important to the students who received their Baylor diplomas and are now entering the “real world.” Congratulations, grads! (See photos from the event here.)

Among the many stories from Saturday’s ceremony was the awarding of a posthumous degree to Brendon Mooney, a 22-year-old who was a year away from earning his diploma when he died in a car accident in May. Mooney’s parents, Richard and Joan (BS ’76), accepted the degree on his behalf during the graduation ceremony.

“Baylor is truly a family; just the gesture of them doing this has left us with nothing but praise,” Richard told the Waco Tribune-Herald. “I couldn’t see my school doing what Baylor has done. I’m extremely impressed with how they treat their families and students.”

As one who has lost a close family member, I know firsthand how much it means to have a school walk with you and work with you through the grieving process. I’m happy, but not surprised, to see Baylor being so helpful to these parents.

Sic ’em, Mooney family, in Brendon’s honor, and sic ’em, class of 2009!