UND Awards Degree To Grad Student Killed By Punch

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) -- A former University of North Dakota student body president has been awarded a posthumous degree from the Grand Forks college.

Adam Baker died after another man punched him outside a bar in St. Michael, Minn., last May. Baker had completed requirements for his master's degree in aviation before his death.

Baker's mother, Rhonda Terhark, told the Grand Forks Herald in a story published Friday that Baker hoped to use his degree to move up at Delta Air Lines, where he worked as a station manager.

Terhark says the family plans to establish a scholarship in Baker's honor.

Alexander Tuomisto was sentenced to five years in prison for the assault. Baker went into a coma as a result of the fight and died seven months later.

Graduation ceremonies were held Saturday.