In a heartwarming display of academic tribute and community resilience, Cal Poly's architectural engineering graduates honored their fallen comrade, Sean Hillman, with a poignant dedication during their commencement ceremony. The ceremony, a blend of celebration and remembrance, showcased the profound impact of Hillman's life and the enduring spirit of his peers.
The dedication of a student-built structure to Hillman, a first-year architectural engineering student who tragically lost his life in a bicycle accident, was a testament to the university's commitment to recognizing and cherishing its students' legacies. Makayley Washburn, a member of the senior group that worked on the structure, expressed the team's sentiment, stating, 'It's an amazing experience to have his name here forever.'
The ceremony, a bittersweet affair, brought together Hillman's family, including his parents, Carl and his wife, and extended family, who attended the ceremonies. Carl Hillman, overcome with emotion, shared his initial reluctance to attend, fearing the potential somber tone of the graduation. However, the students' dedication and the unveiling of the plaque left him deeply moved, stating, 'I totally lost it when it was covered with the blanket and the lei. To be able to lift the blanket off and actually see the plaque was really intense, but it was very uplifting, too.'
The phrase 'live like Sean' resonated throughout the ceremony, becoming a mantra for the students, embodying the values and spirit of Hillman. Washburn emphasized the rarity of such an honor, noting that not every deceased student receives this level of recognition. The dedication served as a powerful reminder of the impact Hillman had on his peers and the architectural engineering department.
The ceremony's emotional depth was further underscored by the presence of Hillman's family, who were invited to accept his posthumous degree and engineer's ring. Carl Hillman's participation in the graduation ceremonies, inspired by the students' dedication, highlighted the profound connection between the university and its students, even in the face of tragedy.
As the graduates moved forward, the dedication of the structure to Hillman became a symbol of their shared grief and determination to honor his memory. The 'live like Sean' mantra, embraced by the family and the students, promises to keep Hillman's legacy alive, inspiring future generations of Cal Poly students to embrace life with the same passion and dedication he embodied.
