When Penn State student Shellie Smarowsky lost her life as she was struck by a bus crossing a street Dec. 3, her parents lost the chance to see their only child complete her degree.

But with the backing of faculty in the College of Communications, Smarowsky was awarded a posthumous bachelor's degree during the fall commencement ceremonies, less than two weeks after her death.

When the degrees are printed, Smarowsky's will be sent to her family in West Chester.

"She worked very hard to get good grades, and she was determined to do well. As a parent, you can't be any more proud than that," Smarowsky's mother, Elfi Read, said. "She's getting what she worked for."

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said a posthumous degree is rare, and said it was awarded because Smarowsky, who at age 21 only needed a few more credits to graduate, would have completed her major if not for the accident.

"The faculty were very supportive of it, and we felt that it also would be an appropriate gesture for the family," Mahon said.

Smarowsky's stepfather, Jack Read, who helped Elfi raise her, said she had completed everything but her elective requirements.

"The reason why they gave her her degree was because she had completed all the course requirements," he said. "I feel that it's the proper thing for them to do."

Dean Douglas Anderson of the College of Communications and other faculty recommended that a bachelor of arts in advertising and public relations be conferred. Penn State President Graham Spanier gave his approval, making it possible for Smarowsky's family to receive the degree that she would have completed.

"I spoke with a number of faculty who had Shellie in class and found out that she was really a remarkable student," said Robert Richards, associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Communications. "We thought that would be a fitting tribute for her since she worked so well in school."

Nick Bartilomo, a friend of Smarowsky who visited her family during winter break, said he was pleased that his late friend was able to receive a posthumous degree and not just an honorary one.

"She was very motivated," he said. "She worked really hard in school, and she deserved it."

Bartilomo said his friend would have had straight A's last semester and she would have graduated in May. He said Smarowsky's friends and family are holding up and being as strong about the loss as they can.

"You have good days and you have bad days," he said. "It's still hard."

State College Police Department Sgt. John Gardner said the accident is under ongoing investigation.