For the first time in its history, the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) has presented honorary degrees to two of its students who did not survive to graduation.
On Thursday, posthumous degrees were awarded to Zackariah Rathwell, one of five young people murdered at a house party in 2014, and Gillian O’Blenes, who attended classes throughout her battle with terminal cancer.
ACAD president, Dr. Daniel Doz, said the decision to pay tribute to the former students resulted from questions that resonated throughout the campus halls.
“How do we ensure that we will remember?,” said Dr. Daniel Doz, ACAD president. “What could we do to really make sure that the family and the friends understand that they’re still in our hearts and they’re dear to us?”
Ronda-Lee, Zackariah’s mother, accepted the degree on her son’s behalf stating the award was an amazing gesture that will help keep his memory alive.
“I want people to remember Zack as a talented and artistic and musical,” said Ronda-Lee. “He was such an amazing man. He was a great friend.”
Zackariah’s love of music was well known and his mother cherishes the music he released as a member of ‘Zackariah and the prophets’.
“It’s just an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude,” said Ronda-Lee. “I get to hear his voice, and I get to hear him doing what he loves.”
“It’s a real gift because a lot of parents who have lost kids don't have that.”
Prior to the beginning of her classes at ACAD, Gillian O’Blenes received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite her failing health, Gillian continued to attend ACAD until her death, three days after the writing of a final exam at the end of her freshman year.
