Edwardsville Rotary Selects Kayla Link of SIUE as Student Leader of the Month
Hospice work is not glamorous. However, it is vital to those in need. The Edwardsville Rotary Club recognized Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy student Kayla Link, of Springfield, for her dedicated service as president of the University’s Hospice Volunteer Initiative and other community work.
Link, a third-year pharmacy student, was chosen as the Edwardsville Rotary Club Student for November.
“Kayla is a natural leader,” said Chris Herndon, PharmD, professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. “She is selfless in her volunteer efforts and has a contagious energy that motivates those around her.”
Herndon, faculty advisor for the SIUE Hospice Volunteer Initiative, nominated Link for the award.
Link consistently models the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” added Herndon.
“I am fortunate to provide service to others,” said Link. “I enjoy working with SIUE’s Hospice Volunteer Initiative, because it is extremely important and needed.”
The organization educates the University community and others on the basic meaning of hospice, according to Link.
“We also participate in many volunteer activities that aide in hospice patient care and comfort,” she continued. “Hospice Volunteer Initiative commonly works side-by-side with other hospice chapters in the area, such as Hospice of Southern Illinois and Family Hospice.”
Link is also active in the American Pharmacy Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). The nationwide organization provides opportunities for professional growth, to improve patient care, and to envision and advance the future of pharmacy.
“I have served as the APhA fundraising chair for the past two years and have helped raise nearly $15,000,” said Link. “The money funds patient care, travel to national and local meetings, and gift donation efforts during the holidays.”
Link will be recognized for the award at the SIUE Kimmel Student Involvement Center Leadership Awards in spring 2019.
Rotary is a global network of businesses and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help build goodwill and peace. The Edwardsville Rotary Club is one of 35,000 clubs worldwide.
Photo: Kayla Link, a third-year student in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, won the Edwardsville Rotary Club Student of the Month for November. Nominating her was (right) Chris Herndon, PharmD, professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and faculty advisor for the SIUE Hospice Volunteer Initiative. Also congratulating Link is (right) Kevin Buhr, Edwardsville Rotary Club district director for Madison and Bound Counties.
