‘I saw Ricky in every face sitting there waiting’ – Posthumous degree awarded to Ricky Reel
Ricky had vanished in October 1997 after a night out with friends in what his mother believed was a racist attack in Kingston-upon-Thames in Southwest London.
A heartbroken mum said she saw her son’s face in every person sitting in the room waiting for their degree as she accepted an honorary degree for her son.
In 1997 Brunel University student Ricky Reel was found dead shortly after he was attacked. 26-years later, on Monday, July 17 Brunel awarded his parents an honorary degree for their son.
Ricky had vanished in October 1997 after a night out with friends in what his mother believed was a racist attack in Kingston-upon-Thames in Southwest London. His three friends were able to regroup but Ricky never did. His body was found in the water a week later.
Ricky’s family attended the graduation ceremony, held in the Indoor Athletics Centre on Brunel’s campus in Uxbridge. His mother Sukhdev and father Balwant accepted the award.
He was awarded a Bachelor of Science Aegrotat in Computing and Business. The word ‘Aegrotat’ means an award without classification (so not a first, 2:1, etc.) conferred upon a student who fulfilled requirements for graduation but was prevented from completing their studies.
Ricky’s mum Sukhdev spoke to Birmingham Live. She said:
She said: “We received Ricky’s degree with lots of different emotions. My eyes were looking for him. I saw Ricky in every face sitting there waiting for their degree. I was happy for them.
“I cried, Ricky should have been there to collect his own degree for which he worked so hard and I felt pride too, at last we were able to fulfil his desire.”
A Brunel University London spokesperson said: “Ricky sadly passed away while studying with us in the 1990s. It was an honour for us to welcome Ricky’s parents to accept his Bachelor of Science award on his behalf, and for us to all applaud Ricky’s achievements.”
Justice For Ricky Reel 