Students听gathered around the Meyer Amphitheater听as the sun rose听on听Saturday,听November 22, 2025, filled with excitement and enthusiasm as they warmed up for the听. Music pulsed from the听loud speakers,听each beat matching the energy of the students as they prepared to run in support of a cause greater than themselves.听听
Students from 海角在线鈥檚 (海角在线) Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy (GSOP) participated in the 5K run in honor of Dr. Barbara Kelly, a beloved professor and community leader who died August 2023. 听
Honoring the Life and Mission of Dr. Barbara Kelly 听
Kelly was a familiar face at these events, often running alongside students while promoting the mission behind them. As participants followed the same听path听Kelly once ran, they carried forward the legacy she built through faith, service, and mentorship.听听
Kelly was known for her devotion to the听听(UYI) organization, a faith-based organization dedicated to addressing real-world community needs through family support, career readiness, and youth enrichment programs. Her work with UYI reflected her lifelong commitment to using her God-given gifts to serve others, particularly children navigating difficult circumstances in their lives.听听
That same commitment continues today听through听海角在线 students who volunteer with the organization.听Through听involvement in UYI programs, students are able to听apply听their academic听training听while serving as mentors and role models.听They offer guidance and encouragement to children听to help make听decisions that may affect their future, such as听going to college.听Students are able to use their past experiences to bring clarity to these decisions.听听
A Student Perspective on Leadership听
Alexes Burgos,听vice president of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association and a pharmacy student at 海角在线, emphasized how meaningful the experience was for students involved in the 5K.听听
鈥淭his event built lasting connections between the students and the organization, creating opportunities for continued involvement in UYI programs and activities,鈥� Burgos said.听听
She explained that the event also allowed students and community members to come together in support of UYI鈥檚 broader mission of strengthening the community through faith-based service.听
Beyond the immediate impact of the run, Burgos noted that participation in events like the 5K helps shape students into strong leaders who are prepared to serve well.听听
The experience laid the foundation for the 鈥渄evelopment of confident, compassionate leaders,鈥� Burgos said, as students cultivated essential skills such as communication and interpersonal growth, while cultivating connections with their community.听
Carrying Her Legacy Forward听
Those values closely align with Kelly鈥檚 approach as an educator. She believed that fostering strong leadership skills was essential for students’ success, both professionally and personally. According to Burgos, Kelly emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that helps students develop the confidence they need to succeed.听听
鈥淐ontinuing to participate in this event reflects her commitment to service, mentorship, and community engagement, and it carries forward the values she instilled in her students,鈥� Burgos said.听听
To learn more about 海角在线鈥檚 Gregory School of Pharmacy, visit /academics/schools/pharmacy/.
