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A certified good boy got his own diploma after “graduating” with his owner from Seton Hall University, New Jersey on Monday, May 22.
The 6-year-old service dog, Justin, received his very own diploma after attending all of his owner’s classes with her.
Justin’s owner, Grace Mariani, reportedly graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Integrated Elementary and Special Education degree.
During the Seton Hall University commencement, Mariani went up the stage, with Justin by her side (as usual), to receive their diplomas from the university president, Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D.
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
Seton Hall University’s president leaned down to personally hand Justin his diploma. And Justin took his time – wagging his tail and sniffing out the diploma before eventually taking it.
According to NJ.com, the university president “triumphantly raised his arms over his head” after the service dog took the diploma from his hand.
1,300 graduates and their families at the Prudential Center in Newark cheered and clapped for Justin as he took his diploma.
And of course, Mariani looked at Justin with a big, proud smile. Talking to NJ.com, Mariani said she is looking for a job as an elementary school teacher. “Hopefully with her Seton Hall-educated service dog by her side, if the school district allows it,” NJ.com wrote.
