Crystal Gallagher is the recipient of this year's Agnes and Cornelious Barrett Endowed Scholarship, presented annually to an exemplary graduating senior based on academic excellence and community service, either within campus or for a town or organization in Greater Hartford.Gallagher has proven to be a true leader through her dynamic involvement in many vital groups and initiatives related to physical fitness, functional activities, and social assistance. One of the most notable of these has been the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program of The Women’s Advancement Initiative. With LEAD, she has participated in environmental cleanups, assembling care packages for applicable nonprofits, and many other worthwhile endeavors.
“Crystal exhibits a combination of intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and natural emotional intelligence that make her a significant contributor to LEAD and to every other activity in which she’s involved,” says Amy Jaffe Barzach, executive director of The Women’s Advancement Initiative.
Gallagher has served as on on-campus emergency responder and a physical therapy aide. She has shared her organizational energy with a range of campus groups, including the Campus Activities Team and the Exercise in Medicine club. She has also helped patients learn the game of pickleball at a local hospital—and even founded the Pickleball Club at UHart.
This spring, Gallagher is receiving a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. She anticipates receiving a doctoral degree in physical therapy in 2027.
“Her desire to make a difference is a core foundation for everything she does,” adds Barzach. “It is always a joy to meet such a smart, hard-working, and dedicated student.”
Among her many extra-academic achievements, there is one that Gallagher counts as her proudest: her third-place win in the college bowl events sponsored by the New England chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Among her many extra-academic achievements, there is one that Gallagher counts as her proudest: her third-place win in the college bowl events sponsored by the New England chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.