Kallkidan Horlock

Dear LMU Community:

I am heartbroken to share that Kallkidan Horlock, a senior psychology major in the LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, died unexpectedly on March 29, 2026. She was 21 years old. 

Kallkidan transferred to LMU in 2024 and held U.S. and Australian citizenships. She shared how much she valued her experience at LMU, particularly the university’s commitment to social justice and the vibrant Black community of students and faculty. Deeply engaged in her academic work, she was especially moved by her participation in Professor Cheryl Grills’ “African and Black Psychology” course, including a trip to Ghana in spring 2025. A talented poet, she shared her voice through poetry slams and recently earned first place in a campus competition.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Kallkidan’s memory to the Endometriosis Foundation of America.

Please know that members of our community do not need to navigate this difficult moment alone. We have resources available to support you during this time. 

For Students: 

For Faculty and Staff: 

For All Community Members: 

We will remember Kallkidan with a plaque bearing her name at our student memorial, Ad Astra per Aspera. 

Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Kallkidan’s parents, her brother, cousins, and friends in Australia, and keep all who are grieving her loss in our collective thoughts and prayers.

With care, 

Thomas Poon, Ph.D.
President and Professor