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It should have been Sophie Elliott's day. For the past four years, the 22-year-old had worked tirelessly to graduate with first-class honours in economics, with the aim of fulfilling her dream of a career in the Treasury.
But Sophie was cheated out of the chance to walk on stage to collect her degree at yesterday's Otago University's graduation ceremony after she was brutally stabbed to death at her parents' Dunedin home in January, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend and lecturer Clayton Weatherston.
Sophie, a beautiful and vibrant high-achiever who was dedicated to her academic study, received her degree, posthumously, when her brother Chris collected it on her behalf.
Also there to celebrate their daughter's success were her parents - Lesley, a neonatal nurse at Dunedin Hospital, and scientist husband Gil. Their lives have been shattered by her death.
"Today is tinged with sadness," Lesley told the Herald on Sunday after yesterday's ceremony.
"I was crying, of course, but there was a standing ovation ... it was lovely."
Leslie said she felt cheated that Sophie wasn't there with her peers, to celebrate their graduation at the Dunedin Town Hall, because she knew how much Sophie would have enjoyed being there and being a part of it.
The Elliott family yesterday reminisced how Sophie - who was known for her stylish dress sense - would have "loved it all. She loved dressing up, there would be the hair, the dress, the makeup. She'd be right up for it," said Lesley.
As Sophie's name was called out, her brother Chris walked across the stage to collect her degree.
"It was very emotional and very moving. I mean we stood up as we were acknowledging her as her parents. Then the academic staff and the rest of the students [followed]."
Lesley was at home with her daughter when the alleged attack occurred in her bedroom, and she heard her daughter's screams.
Weatherston, 32, was arrested at the scene. A depositions hearing for the murder charge against him is set down for next month.
Lesley said she had not been in touch with Weatherston or his family since Sophie's death.
Last night, Lesley, Gil and Chris Elliott gathered for a private celebration at home with extended family and friends.
The gathering was bittersweet, but Chris and her family were determined to honour Sophie's work.
"I felt really proud of Chris because he looked lovely and carried it off with aplomb," Lesley said. "I know Sophie would have been proud of him ... as a mother, it's hard, just wishing she could be there because I know she would have loved it."
