“[Kirby] challenges himself in all his courses,” said Murphy upon being asked about Kirby’s academic success. “He chooses to take difficult and challenging courses, even outside of his concentration, setting a precedent, and younger guys look to that and follow suit. He doesn’t just take classes to get good grades, or get by, but takes them to truly learn the subject and get the most out of it.”
In addition to cultivating his own talents both on the field and in the classroom, Kirby has thrown his hat into the ring in other non-academic, non-athletic pursuits.
Kirby’s journey through service started in the summer following his freshman year.
That summer, Kirby spent eight weeks in South Africa at Don McKenzie Hospital, working to treat patients suffering from HIV and tuberculosis.
Currently, he holds the position of service representative on the lacrosse team’s leadership council. As such, Kirby has been crucial in getting his own team involved with several service initiatives aimed at helping out the local Boston community.
Team Impact and the One Love Foundation are two organizations in particular to which he has encouraged his teammates to contribute.
With Team Impact, the men’s lacrosse team has developed a close relationship with a young man suffering from several ailments. As a result of the formation of his bond, the team has invited him to practices and games and even gave him his own official locker in the team’s locker room.
The One Love Foundation is a charitable organization that aims to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence. In order to raise donations for the One Love Foundation, Kirby encouraged his teammates to log their yards run during winter seasons as part of the Yards for Yeardley campaign.
“One Love has been something that has really brought our team together and Walker’s been heavily involved in promoting that,” said Jahelka. “Walker not only makes sure everyone’s doing their yards [for the campaign] but he makes sure to run a lot and work extra hard for the cause. He’s also been good about not only taking this cause to our team but also making sure to spread awareness around campus about issues of domestic violence.”
—Staff writer Patrick J. Anderson can be reached at patrickanderson@college.harvard.edu.