USF to honour slain Bangladeshi students Bristy and Limon with posthumous doctoral degrees

The University of South Florida (USF) on Tuesday announced that will award posthumous doctoral degrees to Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon, two Bangladeshi students who were murdered last month during its spring commencement ceremonies this week, according to media reports.

USF said more than 8,000 degrees will be conferred between May 7 and May 10, including 353 doctoral degrees, with Bristy and Limon to be awarded posthumous doctorates.

A moment of silence will be observed at the beginning of each ceremony, while two empty chairs with regalia will be placed on the arena floor during the doctoral ceremony at 9:00 am on May 8 in tribute to the slain students.

Bristy, 27, was pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering, while Limon, also 27, was studying geography, environmental science and policy.

Faculty members remembered them as dedicated and kind, with Limon described as passionate about using his academic work to support environmental conservation, and Bristy noted for her quiet demeanour and enthusiasm for learning.

Their names will also be added to an on-campus memorial honouring students who died during their studies.

According to investigators, the two were killed on April 16. Limon’s body was later recovered near the Howard Frankland Bridge, while Bristy’s remains were found days later in a nearby mangrove area.

Authorities have charged 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh, Limon’s roommate, with two counts of first-degree murder. He is currently being held without bond.