(NECN: John Moroney, Boston) - College graduation is a time of mixed feelings. Just ask the class of 2013 at Boston University.
Sunday was a day of celebration at BU's Nickerson Field for about 6,000 graduates and their families - all of it coming after a difficult year for the Commonwealth Avenue school.
In the last 11 months alone, 13 BU students have died, including Lu Lingzi, a graduate student who was killed during last month's attack on the Boston Marathon.
At the graduation, Lu was awarded her degree posthumously, as was Bindland Lee, another graduate student who died in a house fire a couple of weeks ago.
The bad news started last April when a student was found dead outside his Boston apartment. Then, three students were killed in an accident in New Zealand.
It has been a tough year for these graduates. But it will only get tougher for them as they being to look for a job.
BU honored Boston Mayor Tom Menino for his years of service to the city. Actor Morgan Freeman was recognized for his work as well.
