Youngest San Bernardino shooting victim gets posthumous degree at Los Angeles Harbor College
WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The youngest victim who was killed in the San Bernardino terror attack was awarded a posthumous degree Wednesday from Los Angeles Harbor College.
Aurora Godoy is now officially a member of the class of 2016. The 26-year-old was just two courses short of completing her degree when she was killed in the San Bernardino massacre. This is an honor that means a lot to her family.
"If she was here, I'm sure I would have been excited for her to be able to complete that step," said James Godoy, Aurora's husband.
James, the couple's 2-year-old son Alexander and Aurora's parents were all on hand at the ceremony, honoring a life cut short.
"I think of my wife pretty much a lot of the time, but it's kind of like OK, I have a lot of family around to kind of help support, and that's been a transition, but it will always be that way," James said.
MORE: Funeral held for San Bernardino attack victim Aurora Godoy
The wife and mother was the youngest victim of the San Bernardino terrorist attack in December of last year.
While working at the Inland Regional Center, she was also taking classes at LAHC, demonstrating a work ethic that moved college officials.
"We felt that it was fitting, because she was an inspiration to many of our students - a mother, a loving wife, working full time, and still able to continue her college studies," said Otto Lee, LAHC president.
At the ceremony, an Los Angeles Community College District board member proposed offering free community college tuition for little Alexander when he becomes eligible. The motion was seconded and followed by applause.
It's a dream James has always had for his child. He says he hopes Auroa's degree will also inspire Alexander to take after his mom.
"I think it's good more for my son than anything to know that she was that close that they were able to finish that off," James said. "Because obviously I want him to go to college, too."
LAHC officials said they're proud and honored to be able to fulfill this dream.
