Junior Miriam Asangong of Framingham one of two UMass students to receive $5,000 scholarship in honor of Boston Marathon victim
UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Divina Grossman joined UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley and UMass Trustee Richard Campbell to present UMass Dartmouth junior Miriam Asangong with a $5,000 Krystle Campbell Scholarship on Monday, April 6, 2015 at a UMass Boston event celebrating the Boston Marathon and honoring Krystle Campbell, a former UMass Boston student who was a victim of the 2013 marathon bombings. UMass Boston student Micki Hall also received a scholarship.
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.
The $5,000 scholarships were announced during a special Krystle Campbell Scholarship Presentation and Marathon Celebration event with Paralympian Dr. Cheri Blauwet.
"We are honored to award the first Krystle Campbell Scholarships to two students who—like Krystle—exhibit tremendous commitment to their education and their communities," said UMass President Robert L. Caret. "These students epitomize the very best of UMass students and are a fitting tribute to Krystle's legacy, spirit and passion."
Asangong, of Framingham, MA, is a junior in UMass Dartmouth's Charlton College of Business, majoring in accounting. She has a 3.957 GPA and has demonstrated a willingness to use her talents and intellect in service to others by assisting senior citizens with tax preparation and mentoring inner-city school children. She is a resident of Framingham, which is on the Boston Marathon route.
"Miriam is an outstanding student who is using her talents and skills in business to benefit the community," said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Dr. Divina Grossman. "She is a remarkable young woman, a wonderful addition to the UMass community and the type of person we are proud to call a recipient of the first Krystle Campbell Scholarship."
During the scholarship presentation event at UMass Boston, participants also celebrated the 2015 UMass Marathon team, "Running for a Reason: Krystle's Legacy." The team features 10 runners, including local business executives, and UMass students, graduates, and staff. UMass Dartmouth Nursing student Renee Laurencelle of Tyngsboro, and Business Professor Adam Sulkowski, who grew up in Sudbury, are among the runners. Funds raised at the Marathon will benefit the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund for students at all UMass campuses.
During the event, UMass also welcomed Dr. Blauwet, a seven-time Paralympic medalist and two-time Boston Marathon champion. Dr. Blauwet spoke about the importance of mentorship and the profound impact of sports on the lives of young people.
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 is incredibly inspiring and it is a pleasure to have her speak at this special event to celebrate the 2015 Boston Marathon and honor Krystle Campbell," said Richard Campbell, a graduate of UMass Boston who is not related to Krystle. "The event was a great opportunity to pay tribute to Krystle and to honor two students who exemplify the very best qualities we look for in Krystle Campbell Scholarship recipients."
For more information about the Running for a Reason team or to donate, please visit: 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.