Wright State gives murder suicide victim Andrea Heiser an honorary degree
Wright State University’s fall commencement Saturday came with a very special award for the family of a murder suicide victim, shot and killed in May. Andrea Heiser, who majored in statistics, was given an honorary Bachelor of Science degree, presented to her father Randy Heiser.
Andrea Heiser and Jennifer Siron
“The graduates walked in and of course as they’re walking by I’m thinking… where’s Andrea,” said Randy. “I always knew Andrea would graduate, I just never thought it would be like this.”
Andrea was shot and killed in May during an attack on her mom Jennifer Sirons in their home by Andrea’s step-dad Eric Sirons. He murdered them both and then shot himself.
Wright State recognized Andrea’s hard work, sending Randy a letter about the announcement that invited her family to receive the Bachelor of Science degree she was working towards.
“Read the first paragraph, tears started flowing,” he said. “She worked hard at everything she did, it didn’t matter what it was.”
At the ceremony 1,000 bachelor’s degrees were issued to students from 54 Ohio counties and 28 states, and 221 international students from 24 countries.
During the speech to honor Andrea, there was praise for many of her attributes:
A speech given at the graduation ceremony stated, “Known by her peers and faculty as a bright light. Andrea Heiser’s smile, maturity, and eagerness to learn and succeed were admired by many. Andrea was a planner and she was on the cusp of completing her undergraduate degree and more than ready to begin her master’s program. Her light and her love will stay with all who knew her.”
Randy could not thank Wright State enough for honoring his daughter with the degree.
“I just think it’s a very class act for Wright State to do something like this,” he said. “I just want her to know that we love her, just very proud of her.”
Jennifer’s other three teen daughters were locked in a bathroom when Eric Sirons, 56, attacked Jennifer and Andrea with a handgun. Andrea was only 21. The other girls were unharmed in the incident.
