Erika Louise Langhart 
May. 4, 1987 - Nov. 24, 2011 

Born and raised in Durango, Colorado, Erika was always larger than life. Throughout her years in school in Durango, as an exchange student in Melbourne, Australia, and then as a Magna Cum Laude graduate of American University, she was always the tallest, the best dressed and the hardest working. 

With great enthusiasm and dedication (and of course laughter), Erika could be found immersed in her passions, never one to be a girl without a cause. The summer prior to her senior year in High School, Erika was given the opportunity to intern for Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell in Washington, DC. This experience, and a heart for change, inspired Erika to attend American University, also in Washington, DC, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Political Science. 

While at American University, Erika was elected to the American University Senate; was the Student Director of Academic Affairs; was Board Chairwoman for the Judicial Affairs Council; and was selected to attend The International Leadership Conference in China. She was honored by The National Society of Collegiate Scholars and awarded by The National Political Science Honor Society. In addition, while attending American University, she interned for Congressman Jeff Flake of Arizona, worked for The Constitution Project, interned with The US Justice Department and served as the Liaison between the RNC and Campaign Headquarters for the McCain Campaign. And all that in high heels – a girl of determination AND style!

Most of this information is readily available, and it certainly speaks of Erika's extraordinary accomplishments; but if you knew Erika, it was her spirit that made the biggest impression. Beyond her various titles, awards, and honors, Erika put her heart into her relationships with her friends and family. Always the one to lend a dollar, a hand or an ear when it was needed most; she was admired for the way she deeply cared about others. She never forgot a birthday and she was the first person to stand up for those around her, and most of all, there wasn’t a person who knew Erika that could keep a straight face when she started in with that contagious laugh. Erika knew that laughter was the shortest distance between two people. 

No matter where she was, or what she was doing, she was always trying to make a difference, to inspire change. Erika had planned to attend George Washington University in the fall to seek her Law Degree, the next step in positively influencing Washington politics, in effecting change. And friends and family expected nothing less from the young woman whose senior yearbook quote was, “Never underestimate a girl with a French manicure and a Harvard Law degree.” 
(Written by one of Erika's close childhood friends)
Hibiscus Flower in Erika's Memorial Garden  
  
The Hibiscus was Erika's favorite flower.
Much like her they bloom bright and bold...
but for too short of a time...

Click here to read
"A friend writes about Erika"

Please scroll down on the page to see
a small photo album of Erika's life

Picture
“We hope that we have given you both roots and wings.
Care more than others think wise; 
Risk more than others think safe;
Dream more than others think practical; and
Expect more than others think possible” - Graduation Wishes for Erika by her parents