A unique graduate took to the stage at a recent Seton Hall University graduation ceremony – Justin, a 6-year-old service dog.
On May 22, he joined his human companion, Grace Mariani, a graduating student who navigated her university journey with the aid of this loyal service dog, reports media.
Together, they celebrated Mariani's achievement of a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
The ceremony, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, saw Justin proudly donned in a blue mortar board and a Class of 2023 bandana.
The labrador-golden retriever mix stole the limelight as he collected his own diploma from Seton Hall President Joseph E Nyre, a video from the university's Twitter page showed.
Seton Hall President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D. presents Justin, the service dog for Grace Mariani, of Mahwah, NJ, with a diploma for attending all of Grace's classes at Seton Hall. pic.twitter.com/sZgHD5Fs3X
— Seton Hall (@SetonHall) May 23, 2023
The crowd burst into cheers when Justin, accompanying Mariani who crossed the stage in a motorized wheelchair, sniffed and took the diploma in his mouth.
Justin is no ordinary dog. Trained by the non-profit organization Canine Companions for Independence, Justin learned over 45 tasks to help Mariani become more independent.
The university recognized Justin's attendance at all of Mariani's classes by bestowing him with a diploma.
According to Jeanine Konopelski, the non-profit's vice president of marketing and advocacy, Justin is Mariani's second service dog from Canine Companions.
He has played an integral part in helping Mariani achieve her dream of attending university and becoming a teacher.
Mariani now plans to teach elementary and special education.
In a statement, Konopelski shared that Mariani felt she had the best chance for a successful, independent life with Justin by her side.
Judging by Justin's graduation honour, it seems the university agreed.