MATC to award posthumous degrees to Sade Robinson and victim of fatal reckless driving crash

Chris Ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·1 min read

The Milwaukee Area Technical College will award posthumous honorary degrees to Sade Carleena Robinson and Amari Smith during its spring commencement this weekend.

Robinson, 19, worked at a pizza restaurant on Milwaukee's east side while putting herself through school. She was just weeks away from graduating when police say she was killed during a first date, and her body was dismembered.

Maxwell Anderson, 33, has been charged in her death.

(Left) Sheena Scarbrough, mother of Sade Robinson, and (right) Carlos Robinson, father of Sade Robinson, hold doves to be release in memory Sade Robinson at her public memorial service on Friday May 10, 2024 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis.
(Left) Sheena Scarbrough, mother of Sade Robinson, and (right) Carlos Robinson, father of Sade Robinson, hold doves to be release in memory Sade Robinson at her public memorial service on Friday May 10, 2024 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis.

The college said Robinson had completed her coursework and will receive a posthumous honorary degree in criminal justice studies during Sunday's commencement ceremony.

Smith, 30, was studying to become a barber when he lost his life Feb. 25. Police say they were attempting to stop a speeder who fled and slammed into Smith's vehicle at 20th and Burleigh streets, killing him.

Amari Smith.
Amari Smith.

A 30-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged in the crash. Smith will be awarded a degree in cosmetology.

Robinson and Smith's families are expected to attend the ceremony, the college said.

A third MATC student, Kristin Veto, also will be honored posthumously with her Cosmetology Apprentice degree.

More than 1,500 students are set to receive their associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeship diplomas and adult high school diplomas during Sunday's commencement at Fiserv Forum.

In addition, 25 candidates for graduation who have served in the U.S. military will receive red, white and blue cords from the college.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MATC to award posthumous degrees to Sade Robinson and victim of fatal reckless driving crash