Shaw University officials traveled to Greenville, North Carolina, recently to “officially” and personally present a diploma to Edgar Huff, a baseball student-athlete who was seriously injured in a car accident days before his scheduled  graduation.

Huff was involved in a two-car accident May 6 with a drunken driver that left the other motorist dead at the scene. 

Since Huff was unable to attend the May 9 commencement exercises, Shaw administrators arranged to take the ceremony to Huff, a magna cum laude graduate, who is recovering at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

Before family, friends, administrators and medical officials, Huff – robed in his cap and gown and red honor cords – was awarded his degree.

Herman Thomas, Shaw’s vice president of academic affairs, told Huff, “You have earned this diploma with all of the rights and privileges of the Class of 2009. Today you graduate magna cum laude and your tireless academic and athletic excellence have been a tremendous asset to the university.”

Shaw baseball coach Bobby Sanders also was on hand to present Huff with a baseball jacket.

“I will never forget this ever in my life,” said Huff. “Shaw University is the oldest historically black college of the South and today I am a part of her history. I love Shaw University.”

Huff hopes to make a full recovery from his injuries. “I’m doing all right,” he said. “I’m happy to be alive and celebrate this moment in my life.”