Charlie Kirk Posthumously Honored With Degree From Hillsdale College
on May 11, 2026
Conservative Influencer Charlie Kirk Killed While Speaking On College Campus
On September 10, 2025, conservative commentator and Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking on a college campus in Orem, Utah.
He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, seeking to inspire the younger generation to embrace free speech. According to its website, Turning Point’s mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.”
Following his death, millions of people around the world honored his legacy.
Remembering Charlie Kirk
The United States Senate passed a resolution shortly after his death, declaring a “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk” to take place on his birthday, October 14. The vote was 310-58, with 95 Democrats joining all 215 Republicans in voting yes on the resolution honoring Charlie.
“Mr. Kirk consistently promoted the values of individual liberty, open debate, the importance of civic engagement, and the defense of constitutional principles,” the resolution states.
On Tuesday (October 14), on what would have been Charlie’s 32nd birthday, President Donald Trump signed the proclamation officially declaring the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.”
Trump signed the proclamation with Charlie’s widow, Erika, standing by his side. As the President was marking his signature, he recalled a fond memory with Charlie from when he visited the White House.
RELATED: In One Of His Final Interviews, Charlie Kirk Shared How He Wanted To Be Remembered
Charlie Posthumously Receives Honorary Degree From Hillsdale College
On Saturday (May 9), Erika headlined the graduation ceremony at Hillsdale College, the university Charlie once took a number of online classes.
“Charlie loved Hillsdale deeply and was often a grateful student of its online courses, learning from Dr. Larry Arnn and the remarkable faculty, who are so committed to truth and the pursuit of wisdom,” Erika Kirk said in a prior press release. “Hillsdale represents something rare in our time — a steadfast devotion to faith, learning, and the principles that sustain a free nation. I am sincerely grateful for the invitation and look forward to being there with all of you. God bless you.”
During her speech over the weekend, Erika reiterated how devoted Charlie was to the college.
“He was like, ‘I know, I’m almost done, I have to finish just a few more lectures from Dr. Arnn. I have a few more certificates I have to get for my online courses at Hillsdale, we’re almost there; I can’t skip them,’ I said baby, you do what you got to do, I’m here for it,” Erika said.
Following her speech, Hillsdale’s president Dr. Larry Arnn presented an honorary doctorate degree of public service for both Charlie and Erika.
You can watch Erika Kirk’s commencement speech at Hillsdale College below.
