Four years ago, a week before she was scheduled to leave her West Chester home for orientation at Jacksonville University, 18-year-old Bianca Roberson was tragically shot and killed in a road-rage incident, writes Shawnette Wilson for FOX29.

The university recently honored Roberson, a Rustin High School graduate, along with the rest of its Class of 2021, presenting her family with an honorary bachelor’s degree in her name. The university positioned the posthumous distinction as accreditation in psychology and criminal justice.

Her mother, Michelle Roberson, was in tears, recording the commencement exercises without her daughter.

“My baby should have been here,” she said. “I didn’t know one person’s heart could hold so much sadness, grief, pain, and joy all at the same time.”

The graduation ceremony took place on Mother’s Day, making the moment that much more poignant.

“It was bittersweet to have her graduate on Mother’s Day, but for her not to be here and to actually see her walk across that stage was very difficult because I didn’t have the chance to have the should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve if someone had not taken her from me,” said Roberson.

Sadly, Bianca’s father was not at the event as he passed away earlier this year.

Read more about Bianca Roberson at FOX29.