Danny Halle '25
Danny Halle '25
Major: Studio Art
Involvements: Asian Pacific Student Services
After planning to take a break, Danny Halle ’25, from Matautu Lefaga, Samoa, chose to return to college at Loyola Marymount University. This was about proving to himself and his family that you can accomplish anything, no matter your age or circumstances. “Driving past LMU every day made me realize I wanted to finish what I had started,” he shares, reflecting on what first drew him to the bluff.
That sense of belonging quickly deepened through his involvement with Asian Pacific Student Services (APSS), where he found not only a space of cultural affirmation but also a platform to lead, advocate, and build. “It was a way for me to step into the unknown, to push myself into unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable environments,” Halle says. “APSS reconnected me with community, culture, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. That space grounded me in who I am and reminded me of where I come from.”
As an adult undergraduate student, balancing academics with outside responsibilities required determination. “My kids and family look up to me. I wanted to reaffirm their belief in me, even when I didn’t always see it myself,” he says. “If you lead with love, compassion, respect, and an open heart, you will touch lives, build lasting friendships, and everything else will fall into place.”
Outside of APSS, Halle was actively involved with the Art and Art History Department through the work-study program. “Even if I hadn’t been in work-study, I would still have volunteered to participate in cultural events and help with art exhibitions — hanging paintings, installing sculptures, and assisting wherever needed,” Halle adds. “The act of service fulfilled my desire to contribute and give back with looking for nothing in return but seeing the joy of uplifting others in their success.”
As he looks to the future, Halle feels grounded by the education he’s received and the values it instilled. “LMU has given me the best opportunity to succeed by connecting me to a beautiful, caring, and diverse community,” he says. His journey reflects the pillar of Living a Life of Purpose, where he’s focusing on learning to fill your own cup while helping to fill others too.
When asked to describe his LMU experience in one word, he says, “Family,” explaining, “I was never alone here. There was always someone to say hello, always someone asking how I was doing. That kind of support is rare, and it meant everything.”
One of his favorite events on campus is the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Graduation ceremony, which he was involved in for the graduating classes of ’24 and ’25. Halle had the honor of being a student speaker and performing. “It wasn’t just for me; it was for the culture, making sure that we all understood how important we are as a whole,” he shared.
In his post-graduate life, Halle is looking to find a job in a creative field, continue to make art, and love people. "We’re all in this journey called life together, so respect yourself, respect the world around you, and always lead with love,” he said. If there’s one thing Halle has proven, it’s that it’s never too late to grow, lead, and belong.