Family of slain USC student accepts posthumous degree

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WISH) — Thousands of students at the University of South Carolina on Saturday turned their tassels in memory of one who never got the chance. 

Samantha Josephson was awarded a posthumous degree, accepted by her parents. 

“1…2…3.. Whats my name? My name is Samantha Josephson,” University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides said to students during a commencement ceremony. 

Less than two months ago Josephson mistakenly got into a car she thought was her Uber. She was later killed.

The tragedy shook the University of South Carolina campus. 

“Now, Id like to take a moment to recognize and honor the life and the legacy of Samantha Josephson,” said Pastides. “Our cherished 21-year-old political science major whose life was taken tragically from us.”

Josephson was supposed to graduate alongside her peers. Instead, her family sat in the audience and posthumously accepted her degree following the graduation ceremony. 

 “Fellow Gamecocks class of 2019 we must ensure what happened to Samantha never happens again,” said Pastides. “Asking what’s my name before getting in a ride share vehicle will save lives.”

Plaques were made in Josephson’s honor to help others remember to ask “What’s my name?” when requesting rideshares. Those plaques are hanging in about a dozen bars in the Columbia area. 

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CNN Newsource contributed to this report.