The tragic death of Sean Hillman, a first-year architectural engineering student at Cal Poly, has left a profound impact on the university community. The 2026 architectural engineering graduates celebrated their achievement with a bittersweet ceremony, dedicating a student-built structure to Hillman, who was on track to graduate this year. The dedication was a testament to the university's commitment to honoring its students and their legacies.
Makayley Washburn, a member of the senior group that worked on the structure, expressed her pride in dedicating it to Hillman. She emphasized the significance of having his name forever associated with the project, a gesture that was a no-brainer for the team. The dedication served as a powerful reminder of the impact Hillman had on his peers and the department.
Hillman's life was abruptly cut short in 2023 when he was hit by a pickup truck in San Luis Obispo. His family, including his parents Carl and his mother, attended the ceremony, which included accepting his posthumous degree and the engineer's ring he would have received. Carl Hillman, his father, initially hesitated to attend, fearing it might dampen the celebration. However, he was inspired by the students' dedication and the structure's impressive design.
The ceremony included a plaque unveiling, a moment that Carl described as intense and uplifting. The phrase 'live like Sean' became a mantra among students, reflecting Hillman's spirit and values. Carl Hillman's family has embraced this mantra, finding motivation in the legacy of their son. The dedication ceremony not only honored Hillman's memory but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the impact one student can have on an entire university.
This poignant tribute highlights the emotional and personal connection between students and their academic journey. It also underscores the university's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the lives of its students, even in the face of tragedy. The dedication of the structure to Hillman is a testament to the enduring impact of a student's life and the power of community support in times of grief.
