Student’s service dog named Justin receives his very own university diploma

A New Jersey student’s service dog has received his very own university diploma after attending all his owner’s classes. 

Grace Mariani from Mahwah, New Jersey, was accompanied by Justin throughout her college life at Seton Hall – and her Labrador-golden retriever was also rewarded for his dedication and time. 

Mariani, who is a wheelchair user, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education and now she is planning to teach elementary school kids.

In the adorable clip, four-legged Justin was seen walking alongside his owner as he received a diploma from college president Joseph E. Nyre.

He sniffed it, before gleefully taking it in his mouth.  

Grace Mariani from Mahwah, New Jersey, was accompanied by Justin throughout her time at Seton Hall – and the Labrador-golden retriever was rewarded for his time

The good boy took the diploma in his mouth as his owner wore her cap and gown

The pair made their way off stage while the crowd roared following their achievements. 

Grace Mariani with her service dog

Seton Hall wrote on social media: ‘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.’ 

One person wrote online: ‘This is awesome!’ while another added: ‘Your both great. Congratulations.’ 

A third well wisher said: ‘OMG! I love it! Justin certainly deserved a diploma too.’  

Justin is a service dog provided by Canine Companions.

They 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.’ 

First he sniffed the roll, before taking it in his mouth and walking across the stage

This is not the first time this graduation season that crowds of family and friends bought the house down because of the determination and courage of students collecting their diplomas.

In Virginia, a paralyzed shooting victim received an emotional standing ovation from cheering crowds as he walked across the stage to collect his community college diploma with the help of a robotic exoskeleton.

Khalil Watson, 25, from Henrico, Virginia, was paralyzed from the neck down after being shot just weeks before he graduated high school seven years ago. 

Now, he has earned an associate’s degree in pre-social work at Reynolds Community College in Richmond and was able to walk across the stage to collect his own diploma thanks to an robotic exoskeleton attached to his body. 

There was a full-house standing ovation when his name was called – as his fellow graduates and spectators in the crowd cheered and clapped for his sensational achievement. 

He rose up from his wheelchair, steadied himself, and then used the breakthrough technology to walk across the platform and receive his certificate.