UMass Boston Unveils Bombing Victim's Portrait

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. She had gone to the marathon finish line with a friend to watch that friend's boyfriend complete the race.

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.

The unveiling ceremony last week was attended by Krystle's parents and chancellor Keith Motley.

Her father, who called the portrait "beautiful," was moved to tears.

"There really are good people in the world," he said, referring to the support the family has received from the UMass community.

It is appropriate she has a bright smile in the painting, Motley said. "Krystle Campbell's cheerful spirit will continue to brighten life at UMass Boston," he said.

The painting, unveiled in the Campus Center atrium, will eventually hang in another permanent location to be chosen by the school's art committee.

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.