Liberty mourns passing of recent graduate, beloved ODAS worker
June 2, 2026 : By Abigail Degnan - Office of Communications & Public Engagement
Liberty University mourns the loss of Class of 2026 graduate Kendall Garzini, who passed away from injuries sustained in a car crash in Prince George County, Va., on May 28. Garzini was 22 years old.
Garzini graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology last month. She was an active member of the Liberty community during her four years on campus. In addition to being a student worker for the Office of Disability Accommodation Support, she was also president of Liberty’s Club Psych and a peer mentor for the ODAS Beyond Barriers Summer Transition Program, which is a college transition program for students with disabilities. She was accepted into a Psy.D. program at Regent University and was scheduled to start there this fall.
“Kendall was so much more than a student worker in our office; she was part of our ODAS family,” said Dr. Ester Warren, senior executive director of ODAS. “Each of us experienced her in unique ways, but I think we can all agree that she brought something special to our team. Her warmth, her kindness, her sincerity, and the joy she carried with her each day left a deep impression on all of us. She had such a sweet spirit.”
Warren said Garzini was excited to begin her doctorate program, feeling a strong call and desire to help others.
“That calling was evident in how she showed up for us and our students,” Warren added. “She exuded compassion, humility, joy, and a genuine love for people. I will always remember how she embraced her Beyond Barriers Peer Mentor role last summer, and the incredible way she ministered to the students in her care.”
In her obituary, the Garzini family asked that those who knew and loved Kendall “remember her by sharing kindness with others, pursuing their dreams with determination, and embracing the people and passions that bring joy to life.”
A memorial service was planned for June 2 at Powers Memorial Baptist Church in Hopewell, Va.
“As we mourn, I am reminded of Kendall’s deep faith,” Warren said. “She loved the Lord wholeheartedly, and that was evident in both her words and her life. While our hearts are heavy, we must hold onto the hope we have in Christ.”
