Two UMass Boston Students Earn $5K Krystle Campbell Scholarships

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Chancellor J. Keith Motley presented two UMass Boston students with Krystle Campbell Scholarships at an event Saturday in Medford celebrating Campbell’s legacy and the Boston Marathon team that runs in her name.Eden Blakeley ‘18, of Dorchester, and Leona Smith ‘17, of Revere, each received $5,000 scholarships to pursue their management degrees.

"These are two shining examples of what the impact of Krystle’s life continues to be," Motley said.

Medford Mayor Stephanie Burke, Krystle’s father Bill Campbell, and members of this year’s Run for Krystle Marathon Team were on hand for the celebration, which was held steps away from the Krystle Campbell Peace Garden. Campbell, a victim of the 2013 marathon bombings, attended UMass Boston from 2005 to 2007 and received a degree posthumously.

“This scholarship has brought me one step closer to following my dreams,” Smith said.



Before the event, the marathon team ran through Medford, stopping for a moment outside the Campbell house in tribute. Team members were greeted with hugs by Bill Campbell as they arrived at the event.

“I’m really so proud,” Bill Campbell said. “I miss her so much.”

The marathon team runs the Boston Marathon every year to raise money for the scholarship fund established in Krystle’s memory. Since 2014, UMass Boston has awarded two Krystle Campbell Scholarships every year to female students pursuing business degrees. The scholarship was started by former UMass Trustee Richard Campbell and his wife Barbara. Campbell is not related to Krystle, but like her, grew up in Medford and attended UMass Boston.

"Eighty people competed for those scholarships this year," Richard Campbell said. "And the people who get the awards are incredibly fabulous people.  We’re looking at the business leaders of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the nation."

The 2017 Run for Krystle Marathon Team includes UMass Boston graduates, staff and faculty members, and friends of the university. Through the ...

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