University of South Florida doctoral students Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon, who authorities say were killed in April, were honored during the spring commencement ceremonies.
The students were separately awarded posthumous doctoral degrees.
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There was also a moment of silence at the beginning of each ceremony to remember them. And during the doctoral degree ceremony on Friday at 9 a.m., two empty chairs with regalia were placed on the arena floor to honor the late students.
"I want to personally acknowledge the loss of two of our amazing students, Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon," USF President Moez Limayem said following the moment of silence during Friday's doctoral commencement. "We honor them, their spirit, and their work ethics."
USF conferred more than 8,000 degrees during the ceremonies, and 353 were be doctoral degrees. Commencement began on Thursday and ended on Sunday. The spring 2026 class included 138 undergraduate students earning a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, 612 military veterans and graduates from 109 countries, 46 states and four U.S. territories, according to a news release.
Bristy and Limon were 27-year-old students from Bangladesh. Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, and Bristy was studying chemical engineering.
During an on-campus vigil, Limon was described as hardworking, humble and kind. Bristy was described as passionate about music and singing. She had a "quiet smile" and a "soft-spoken demeanor," according to USF professor Vinay Gupta.
A GoFundMe page was created in support of Limon's and Bristy's families. As of Tuesday morning, over $193,000 had been raised.
Investigators said Limon and Bristy were stabbed to death. Limon's off-campus roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
