On March 29, a vibrant gathering of over 120 individuals took place at the Odum School of Ecology for the second annual Birkley Heynen Turtle Trot 5k. This event was dedicated to honoring the memory of Birkley Heynen, who tragically passed away in March 2024. The funds raised from this occasion contribute to the Birkley Heynen Coastal Resilience Scholarship, which supports experiential learning opportunities for ecology students. Heynen’s legacy continues through his internship at Shell to Shore, a program now receiving scholarship funding. Participants and organizers alike expressed gratitude for the chance to celebrate Heynen's life and support environmental initiatives.
The Turtle Trot 5k brought together friends, family, and colleagues who cherished Birkley Heynen. This year, the event not only commemorated his life but also aimed to empower future generations by providing financial assistance for coastal resilience studies. Sam Lovell, a recent graduate of UGA and close friend of Heynen, emphasized how meaningful it is to see institutional support enabling others to experience similar growth opportunities. Nano Serwich, representing the Odum School's alumni relations team, highlighted that such events serve as a testament to the positive impact on both students and communities.
Beyond raising funds, the event fostered connections among those touched by Heynen's influence. Skyler DeWitt, an ecology student, shared his motivation to join the event as a way to honor Heynen while supporting environmental causes. At Classic City Cycling, where Heynen worked, Kamryn Dinning described him as someone whose honesty and kindness left a lasting impression. Dinning noted how Heynen bridged friendships within their cycling community, proving that even after his passing, he continues to inspire new relationships.
Heynen’s parents, Nik and Jennifer Heynen, remain active contributors to the University of Georgia's academic environment. Nik Heynen, a geography professor and coordinator of the Shell to Shore internship, spoke about the importance of preserving Birkley's passion for sustainability. Caroline Keegan, once a Ph.D. student under Nik's guidance, attended the event to express solidarity with the family. She reflected on the profound joy and compassion that characterized Birkley's personality, qualities she aims to carry forward.
Prior to the race, organizers announced that combined efforts from the Turtle Trot and Dawg Day of Giving had amassed over $4,000 toward the scholarship fund. With additional matching funds from the UGA Foundation, the total reached an impressive $50,000. Tyra Byers, director of the sustainability certificate program, praised Birkley Heynen as a passionate advocate for humanity and the planet. His energy and compassion continue to resonate deeply within the ecological and sustainability sectors.
Inspired by the outpouring of support, the Turtle Trot exemplifies how collective action can perpetuate the values and aspirations of a remarkable individual. As participants crossed the finish line, they carried with them memories of Birkley Heynen and renewed commitments to fostering a sustainable future for all.