The late Karen Buckley’s father has accepted her master’s degree, which was posthumously awarded yesterday, in Glasgow.
Caledonian University, where 24-year-old nurse Karen was studying before her murder, confirmed the news in a statement this week.
A representative from the university told the Irish Examiner: “On Tuesday, November 22, during GCU’s winter graduation ceremonies, Karen Buckley was awarded a posthumous Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.”
“Her family have asked that her achievements can be celebrated privately,” the statement further read.
The family’s bravery did not go unacknowledged by others attending the ceremony, with some taking to Twitter to describe the emotional scene.
Emma Thorpe, supporting her mother at her graduation, described the moment John Buckley accepted the degree as ‘absolutely heartbreaking’.
Elsewhere, tweeter Beth McIardie admitted it was ‘so hard not to cry’ during that poignant moment of the ceremony.
Karen went missing on 11th April, during a night out with friends. Days later, after an extensive search, police confirmed that they had found the Cork nurse’s body, miles away.
Karen Buckleys dad collected her award and it was so hard not to cry
— Beth Mclardie (@BethMclardie) November 22, 2016
At my mums graduation and Karen Buckleys dad just accepted her certificate, absolutely heartbreaking, RIP
— ET (@_emmathorpe_) November 22, 2016
Alexander Pacteau was charged with Karen’s murder shortly after, and sentenced to life in prison.
We’re thinking of the Buckley family at this particularly difficult time.
