A service dog has received a diploma from Seton Hall University for attending all of his owner's classes. Last week, Grace Mariani, a student at the university, crossed the stage to receive her diploma for her bachelor of science degree in education. With her was her six year old service dog, Justin. However, as the pair crossed the stage, Justin, wearing a blue mortar board and ‘Class of 2023’ bandana, was handed his own diploma.
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
A video posted online shows Seton Hall President Joseph E. Nyre presenting the dog with a diploma, which he carried with his mouth.
The university released a statement on Twitter, saying that Justin received the diploma for “attending all of Grace’s classes at Seton Hall.”
Grace received Justin through Canine Companions, a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs.
Jeanine Konopelski, the company’s vice president of marketing and advocacy, told CNN, “When Grace was matched with Canine Companions service dog Justin, she said her dream was to go away to college and become a teacher. She shared that with Justin by her side, she has the best chance for a successful, independent life.”
She also shared that Justin has learned over 45 different tasks to help Mariani become more independent.
The university shared that Mariani plans to use her degree to work in elementary and special education.
&uuid=(email))