The Bearcat B.E.S.T. program is a transition program for 18-21 year old students with intellectual developmental disabilities. The goal of the program is to provide transition services to prepare for independent living in an inclusive environment located at Saint Vincent College. As students of the college, we understand how important the inclusion of the Bearcat B.E.S.T. students has become. We have built strong friendships with these students by participating in classes, clubs, and collegiate events together. The B.E.S.T. students are truly a part of our college community and we would love to have them graduate with the college. As Saint Vincent College follows the Benedictine values including community living, respect for persons, dignity of work, and hospitality, we feel it is of moral integrity to include the students in our graduation ceremony. Although the students will not be receiving a college diploma, we feel the students' hard work should be awarded with a certification. From peers who have worked closely with the program to peers who have come to know the B.E.S.T. students in the natural environment, we know how much an inclusive graduation will mean to these students. Please sign this petition to help show how important it is for these students to walk as our brothers and sisters during the 2017 commencement ceremony. This petition has been created independently by an undergraduate student of the college. The graduating B.E.S.T. students will be invited to sign the petition as well.