The Harvey Mudd community mourns the profound loss of Olivia Guerrero ’25, a bright, compassionate and fiercely dedicated student who formed meaningful connections with those around her. Olivia, a computer science major with a concentration in Chinese language, passed away on Nov. 4.

A dedicated student, Olivia pursued her academic interests with curiosity and a desire to share knowledge. Known for her wit, tolerance and extensive understanding of many subjects, she excelled in her studies while also demonstrating an unwavering commitment to social justice. She was deeply involved in her Clinic team at HMC, where her advisor, Computer Science Professor Zach Dodds, recalls Olivia as a thoughtful and generous team member whose “gracious enthusiasm” brought warmth to both her introductory CS class and her Clinic capstone project.

Olivia’s passion for languages led her to study advanced Chinese at Pomona College. Her Chinese language professor Feng Xiao described her as a standout student. “Olivia was a remarkable student. She had a deep interest in exploring cross-cultural differences between the U.S. and China, which enriched our class discussions,” says Xiao. He recalled her command of Chinese grammar and pronunciation as “extraordinary,” and added that she brought enthusiasm and valuable insight to the classroom.

Olivia’s academic journey was marked by dedication and a drive to excel. She was on track to complete her degree in computer science at Harvey Mudd—her dream school—and was looking forward to seeing where her skills would take her.

Olivia’s impact extended beyond her academic pursuits. She was a remarkable individual who reflected empathy and patience for others. Whether through tutoring, volunteering or advocating for civil and human rights, she brought a spirit of kindness and a commitment to social justice into everything she did. She was dedicated to raising awareness of global and social issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to economic and geopolitical equity.

Olivia was also a passionate and creative spirit with a love for gourmet cooking, gaming and music. She was deeply involved in the online gaming community, where she connected with friends from across the world. She explored diverse hobbies and interests, from perfecting new culinary techniques, music history, literature, anime, history and Chinese studies.

Olivia is survived by her parents, Jolene and Francisco Guerrero, her sister Marisa and her beloved dog, Luna. Her family, friends and the many communities she touched will cherish the memories she leaves behind.

Memories of Olivia

Jacoby Lockman ’25

Team Member

Olivia was one of my team members in our “pre clinic” project. In most cases when I interact with students as intelligent as Olivia, there is usually an imbalance of empathy and compassion that comes with such technical ability. But Olivia was always kind and easy to talk to even when discussing topics she knew better than anyone. It’s very rare to come across someone like that, even at Mudd. To this day, that’s been my favorite project that I’ve worked on and that’s in large part to her. I’ll never forget how “Piano Man” kept getting repeatedly played while we were first testing our music application and how that song became the running joke on our team whenever there was a song suggestion.

Gigi D.C.

Friend

Olivia was a very vibrant person whom I had the pleasure of being friends with, she was like an elder sister to me. We bonded over our shared interests in literature, video games, and music, and she was always there for me when I needed it. I only wish I had been there for her more when she needed it too. Before her passing, we were planning an outing together with another friend, and I was looking very much looking forward to it, but now I can only think of what could have been. I hope she is at peace now. When I look at her life and its secret colors, I feel like bursting into tears.

Dean Dauger ’94

Friend of the Family

Because my family regularly met with hers, I knew Olivia while she was growing up, and she was always a kind and understanding and bright person. I was so happy and excited to see her apply and enter Harvey Mudd then learn how she enjoyed the intellectual exercise and warm acceptance that is still there long after I was there. She would have been such a wonderful representative of the community and productive citizen of society, especially because the fields she pursued have great needs for talents like hers. My heart goes out to her family.

Xanda Schofield ’13

Professor

I had Olivia as a student in three different classes, ranging from Fall 2021 through to Fall 2024. I remember her consistent calm presence in each one – even though she almost always was first to figure out a challenging problem in class, she never made a big show about it, instead quietly explaining it with a smile when I’d come by to see what she was up to. Olivia, was a rising star in CS with a warm heart, a great sense of humor, and a wonderfully patient and humble approach to new ideas. Olivia, my heart breaks that you’re no longer with us, but I’m so honored to have gotten to know you.

Liesel ’27

Dorm Mate

I remember Olivia being so passionate. We played games together occasionally and I remember her focus and how fun she was to be around. Her love of cooking, and her descriptions of food, always made me want to try whatever she was talking about. I’ll miss seeing her around, and I never knew before how much I had counted on her before.

Norah ’25

Friend

I remember meeting up to check out chemistry pre-lab answers the night before school started our freshman year because HOW could they assign us homework before our first class? She turned a stressful night into one filled with laughter and joy.

Grant

Friend

Olivia was a wonderful person, someone who managed to bring light into any conversation she engaged with. Her mind was brilliant, sparkling with wit and humor. Her passing is a void, a dark spot that absorbs all warmth around it. Yet despite the numbing, aching, loss, I remember her as she was, a stellar joy in the lives of all who knew her. May she know a peace greater than any earthly rest. You will be missed; you will be cherished eternal.

Khalid S.

Acquaintance

I’ll admit, I never got to fully know Olivia before her death, but I did know her friends, and they could all ascertain that she was a good woman in life. If I had to pick from what little conversations I had with her, I’d say my absolute favorite was the time when we talked about Ross Perot and the Reform Party for a little while. She was a pillar of her community, and a giant in many ways. I believe she could’ve done great things in life if she got to live for a just a bit longer. May she wake in a kinder, gentler world.