UMass Boston Unveils Portrait To Honor Boston Bombing Victim
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — A portrait of Boston Marathon bombing victim and former University of Massachusetts-Boston student Krystle Campbell has been unveiled on campus.
The portrait by artist Cameron Bennett shows the 29-year-old Campbell smiling and wearing a UMass-Boston T-shirt.
Campbell was one of three people killed in the April 15 bombings at the marathon finish line.
The painting, unveiled in the Campus Center atrium, will eventually hang in a permanent location to be chosen by the school's art committee.
The unveiling ceremony last week was attended by Krystle's mother and father and chancellor Keith Motley. Her father, William Campbell, tearfully called the portrait "beautiful."
"There really are good people in the world," he said, referring to the support the family has received from the UMass community.
The portrait was commissioned by UMass trustee Dick Campbell, who is not related to Krystle, but like her, grew up in Medford and attended UMass.
Campbell, a restaurant manager, attended UMass-Boston from 2005 to 2007. The school also has established a scholarship in her name and awarded her a degree posthumously.
MassBay Community College also has established a scholarship in her name. She earned a degree in business administration from the Wellesley school in 2005.
A gazebo on Spectacle Island Park in Boston Harbor also has been dedicated to Campbell because it was one of her favorite places to relax.
UMass Boston released a statement explaining in part that the portrait will hopefully serve as inspiration to future students.
"Those who knew Krystle remember her as a hard worker, an enthusiastic learner who worked to overcome obstacles, a loving daughter and sister, and a kind and generous friend who was always there to support others. They remember her beautiful smile — the kind that makes you smile back — and her cheerful personality. Now, her smile greets all students, faculty, staff, and friends at Umass Boston. It will lift a student's spirit who might be stressed about an upcoming exam. It will remind a professor of an enthusiastic learner who is thriving in his or her classroom. In this special way, Krystle Campbell's spirit will continue to brighten campus life at UMass Boston."
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