Florida International University awarded a posthumous degree to the security guard who was killed by a gunman at CityPlace Doral in early April.
George Castellanos was weeks shy of graduating from Florida International University when he was shot and killed at Martini Bar Doral.
“I’m very sad because I would’ve wanted him to be walking down the aisle receiving his diploma instead of me,” George’s mother Jeannine Castellanos said.
Watch NBC6 free wherever you are
On Sunday morning, Castellanos was honored with a posthumous degree. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
“We’re very heartbroken with his degree and him not being here, but it’s a legacy he’ll leave on other students that they could achieve anything they want,” Jeannine added.
Get local news you need to know to start your day with NBC 6's News Headlines newsletter.
Castellanos’ parents and several family members attended the graduation ceremony where he was also honored publicly before the degrees were conferred to all graduates.
“We hope that the awarding of the degree will give you some comfort and allow you to remember what dreams he had,” said FIU President Dr. Kenneth Jessel.
Castellanos’ loved ones say the 23-year-old aspired to work in law enforcement.
Local
He was the head of security at the Doral bar and stepped into action on April 6th after a dispute between people at the venue.
