Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Eliza Dakota Leight, a beloved member of our LMU family. Dakota was more than a student—she was a bright light, a compassionate friend, and a future educator whose passion for teaching was evident in everything she did.
Dakota had a rare gift—the ability to make others feel seen, valued, and understood. She was the kind of person who listened with intent, learned with curiosity, and led with kindness. Her unwavering dedication to education wasn’t just about mastering content; it was about making a difference in the lives of those around her. She dreamed of shaping young minds, igniting a love of learning in her future students, and leaving the world better than she found it. Though her time with us was far too short, the impact she made will never fade.
Her warmth, her laughter, and her gentle encouragement lifted up so many. Whether in the classroom, among friends, or in passing conversations, Dakota exuded a kindness that made LMU a better place. Her legacy will not be measured in years but in the countless lives she touched with her generosity, patience, and unwavering spirit.
As we come together in grief, we also come together in love and remembrance. To support those mourning this profound loss, counseling services will be available on campus, along with a dedicated space where students, faculty, and staff can share pictures, messages, and reflections in her honor.
We have reached out to Dakota’s family to offer our full support, and as they navigate this difficult time, we will remain ready to assist in any way we can. In the coming days, we will share ways in which our LMU community can come together to honor her memory and celebrate the life of a remarkable young woman whose dream of teaching will live on in the hearts of those she inspired.
Dakota, we will always remember you. Your laughter, your kindness, and your passion for learning will remain with us, woven into the fabric of this university and the lives you touched along the way.