The University of Guelph community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Kaiya D’Souza, an Honours Bachelor of Science student specializing in Biological Science.
Kaiya’s untimely death over the past weekend has left a profound void among her peers, faculty, and the broader university community. In her memory, campus flags will be lowered to half-mast on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
A memorial service to honor Kaiya’s life is scheduled for the same day:
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the celebration begins at 7:00 p.m.
Location: St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre, 1280 Dundas St. W, Oakville, L6M 4H9
Kaiya was known for her vibrant presence and dedication to her studies. Her passion for biological sciences was evident in her academic pursuits and interactions with classmates and professors.
Beyond academics, Kaiya was an active participant in various campus activities, contributing positively to the university’s community spirit.
In light of this tragic event, the University of Guelph is offering support services to help students, faculty, and staff cope with the loss:
Counselling Services: Drop-in sessions are available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Residence Life Office, located beside the laundry rooms in Glengarry. Students can also book appointments or attend daily drop-in hours. More details are available on the university’s Counselling Services page.
-Multi-Faith Resource Team: Providing spiritual support, they can be reached at 519-824-4120 Ext. 58909.
Crisis Text Line: Students can text “UofG” to 686868 to connect with a trained crisis responder.
Employee Assistance Program: Faculty and staff can access support by calling 1-800-265-8310.
The university emphasizes the importance of seeking support during this challenging time and encourages the community to come together to remember Kaiya and support one another.
As of now, specific details surrounding Kaiya’s passing have not been publicly disclosed. The university respects the family’s privacy and will share additional information as it becomes available.
