TAMPA, Fla. \u2014\u00a0The University of South Florida community is preparing for an emotional commencement weekend.<\/p>\n
Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, who were both part of USF\u2019s doctoral program, will be honored during graduation ceremonies<\/a>. They were found dead and Limon’s roommate is facing murder charges.\u00a0<\/p>\n University officials say the students will receive posthumous degrees during Friday\u2019s doctoral commencement ceremony at the Yuengling Center. As part of the tribute, two empty chairs will be placed among the graduating class to symbolize their absence. A moment of silence will also be held at each commencement ceremony this weekend.<\/p>\n Both Limon and Bristy were from Bangladesh. Friends say they came to the United States hoping to achieve the highest level of education possible before eventually returning home to help their communities.<\/p>\n Zamil Limon and Nadhia Bristy, who were both part of USF\u2019s doctoral program, will receive posthumous degrees during Friday\u2019s doctoral commencement ceremony.<\/p>\n Limon’s roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, remains held without bond on first-degree murder charges.<\/p>\n The latest: @BN9<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/yZYI5QiD89<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Angie Angers (@angie_angers) May 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Part of their families wishes were that funeral arrangements follow Islamic traditions and burial customs. On Tuesday, The Islamic Society of Tampa Bay held a prayer ceremony for Bristy. A similar ceremony for Limon was held the previous week.<\/p>\n Mohammed Uddin, a friend of Bristy\u2019s, took part in the prayer and said they came to USF with the belief that this was the land of opportunity.<\/p>\n \u201cShe came here with the hopes and the dream that she will be a doctoral student and go back to her county and do a lot of things for the country,\u201d he said \u201cI talked to her brother and it\u2019s hard to talk to them. I\u2019m also hoping with the justice system here that the murderer with be prosecuted to the highest level, soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Limon\u2019s roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, is facing two counts of first-degree murder among other charges<\/a>.\u00a0Limon\u2019s body was discovered near the Howard Frankland Bridge nearly two weeks ago and two days later, investigators say Bristy\u2019s remains were found near 4th Street in Pinellas County.<\/p>\n Abugharbieh is being held without bond.<\/p>\n