First two recipients of Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund to be announced during Marathon celebration event with Paralympian and two-time Boston Marathon Champion Dr. Blauwet
Boston, MA - April 1, 2015:The University of Massachusetts announced today it will welcome Paralympian and Boston Marathon champion Dr. Cheri Blauwet to campus for a special Krystle Campbell Scholarship Presentation and Marathon Celebration event.
The discussion and scholarship presentation with students, faculty, staff and runners of this year's "Running for a Reason: Krystle's Legacy" Boston Marathon team takes place on Monday, April 6th at 4 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge on the 2nd floor of the UMass Boston Campus Center.
In addition, the first two recipients of the Krystle Campbell Scholarship will be announced during the event. The Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund was founded in 2013 by University of Massachusetts Trustee Richard P. Campbell, J.D., and his wife Barbara Campbell in honor of Krystle Campbell - a UMass Boston alumna killed during the 2013 Boston Marathon.
"Dr. Blauwet's career and accomplishments are incredibly inspiring, and we're honored to welcome her to the University of Massachusetts for this special event to celebrate the 2015 Boston Marathon and honor Krystle Campbell," said UMass President Robert L. Caret. "We are also excited to announce the first two recipients of the Krystle Campbell Scholarship, which will be awarded to two students committed to furthering their academic education - a fitting tribute to Krystle's legacy."
Dr. Blauwet is currently an Instructor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and an attending physician at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital. She is also a member of the Boston 2024 Bid Committee, and serves as the Disability Access and Awareness Director for Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.
Dr. Blauwet's Paralympic career spans three games, from Sydney to Beijing, and she has brought home seven medals for the U.S. team. In addition, she has been nominated for the ESPY Award, the Laureus World Sports Award, and Women's Sports Foundation Athlete of the Year.
During the event Dr. Blauwet will discuss the importance of mentorship and the profound impact of sports on the lives of young people.
"Dr. Blauwet has inspired so many people and we are thrilled to welcome her to campus for this event that is in many ways a celebration of Krystle Campbell's passion for education and life," said UMass Boston Chancellor Keith Motley. "This scholarship means so much to the UMass community and providing other students the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams is a worthy tribute to Krystle, who was so dedicated to learning."
The event will also celebrate the 2015 UMass Marathon team, "Running for a Reason: Krystle's Legacy." The team features nine runners, including local business executives, and UMass students, graduates, and staff. Funds raised at the Marathon will benefit the Krystle Campbell endowed scholarship fund established at UMass Boston as well as scholarship funds at the other UMass campuses.
"Krystle has been a source of inspiration to me personally and to so many throughout the UMass community, and we are proud to announce the first two recipients of the scholarship named in her honor," said Richard Campbell, a graduate of UMass Boston who is not related to Krystle. "This event, the scholarship fund and the 2015 'Running for a Reason' Marathon team are worthy tributes to Krystle's dedication, passion and spirit."
In addition to the runners, the UMass community, including students, alumni, faculty and staff from all five campuses, will be cheering on the team the day of the Marathon.
For more information on the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Presentation and Marathon Celebration event with Dr. Blauwet, please visit https://www.umb.edu/news_events_media/events/krystle_campbell_scholarship_presentation_and_marathon_celebration, or contact Heather Brigham at heather.brigham@umb.edu or 617-287-5323.
For more information about the Running for a Reason team or to donate, please visitwww.RunforKrystle.com
About the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund
The Krystle Campbell scholarship fund is an endowed fund dedicated to the memory of Krystle Campbell, a UMass Boston graduate killed in the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombing. The fund was founded in 2013 by University of Massachusetts Trustee Richard P. Campbell, J.D., and Barbara Campbell and provides monetary scholarship support to UMass students. Like Krystle, Richard and Barbara Campbell are graduates of Medford High School. Mr. Campbell is also a graduate of UMass Boston. The fund currently stands at $440,000 in cash and commitments. The goal is to increase the fund to the $1 million level. Serving as the not-for-profit partner for the Krystle Campbell Scholarship endowment, the UMass Foundation is responsible for receiving and managing private gifts.
Contacts:
Laura Wareck | lwareck@oneillandassoc.com | 978-660-9587
University of Massachusetts
Jan Brogan | 617-287-4027