Loyola presents posthumous master's degree to family of fallen CPD Officer Aréanah Preston
Visitation and funeral services will be held for Officer Preston May 16 and 17
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Graduation day at Loyola University's School of Law was a day family members said Aréanah Preston looked forward to. Preston's mother accepted a posthumous master's degree on her daughter's behalf Saturday.
Preston's former peers said it was her education that fueled her want to serve as a police officer.
"We remember with gratitude our Loyola law student, Aréanah Preston," said Loyola University Chicago Senior Chaplain, T. Jerome Overbeck.
Preston was an officer with the Chicago Police Department's Fifth District for three years.
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The 24-year-old was shot and killed outside her Avalon Park home exactly one week before she was set to receive her Master of Jurisprudence degree from Loyola University's School of Law.
Preston's mother, Dionne Mhoon, accepted her daughter's degree on her behalf to a standing audience of her former peers.
"Aréanah's family, you honor us by your presence here today, and we pledge our love, prayers and support as you mourn, remember and honor Aréanah," said Loyola University Chicago President Mark Reed. "She will always be a member of this Loyola Class of 2023."
A standing ovation as Mhoon received her daughter's diploma on her behalf. Her family, taking that bittersweet walk across the stage, holding her picture. Steps that Preston worked hard to one day take herself.
"She was someone who her classmates looked to as a leader," said Sara Block, Academic Director, Child & Family Law Programs at Loyola Univ. School of Law
Block remembered Officer Preston as a dynamic student, passionate about learning.
"She would be in her uniform, in her patrol car, participating in class, really making it all work, balancing what she had to do to meet her goals."
Preston's family also attended a mass celebration for graduates at the university, this morning.
The Fraternal Order of Police have announced details of Preston's funeral services. Visitation will be held May 16 at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn. Preston's funeral will be May 17 at Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side.
Police have arrested four people in connection to her murder.
