The University of Nebraska–Lincoln hosted leaders from Abbott and the Big Ten Conference April 17 for a celebration of Husker Nation’s first-place finish in the inaugural We Give Blood Drive competition.
The university was announced the winner of the $1 million prize and trophy during the Big Ten football championship on Dec. 7. The prize was sponsored by Abbott, a global health care company.
The U.S. is experiencing the worst blood shortage in a generation, and some blood centers have less than a single-day supply of blood available. The April 17 event was held to honor the thousands of Nebraskans who stepped up to donate blood and help strengthen the nation’s supply during a time of critical need — saving nearly 12,000 lives through Husker donations alone.
“I spent 25 years of my career in the operating room taking care of little kids with heart disease,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. “I depended on a stable source of blood products to be able to tell families that we would save their children's lives. This event is very close to my heart.”
Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said the enthusiastic support from across Nebraska was incredible to experience.
“We are deeply grateful to the students, alumni and fans who participated in this effort,” Bennett said. “Together, we celebrate our contribution to this Big Ten initiative that collectively saved as many as 60,000 lives.”
We are deeply grateful to the students, alumni and fans who participated in this effort. Together, we celebrate our contribution to this Big Ten initiative that collectively saved as many as 60,000 lives.
The We Give Blood Drive competition, launched by Abbott in partnership with the Big Ten Conference, aimed to foster a culture of blood donation across all 18 universities in the conference. Nebraska emerged as the clear leader, fueled by support from students, alumni and Husker fans.
“We are honored to be here in Lincoln to celebrate Nebraska’s big win,” said Melissa Brotz, chief marketing and communications officer for Abbott. “Husker Nation showed up to save thousands of lives, and we’re thrilled to be able to reward their outstanding performance in The We Give Blood Drive competition.”
The $1 million award will be used to fund grants supporting health and wellness programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and expand access to health services throughout the state.
“We are honored to receive this award and look forward to the positive impact it will have — not only on our university, but in communities across Nebraska,” said Tony Rathgeber, chief of staff in the Office of Student Life.
Elizabeth Herbin, past president of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska, said that the win recognized students’ willingness to give.
“The blood drive underscores the spirit of Husker Nation, which is that we all come together to help,” Herbin said.
Two of the awards, the Healthy Nebraska grants and the UNL Student Health and Well-being grants, will be awarded by the Division of Student Life in collaboration with the Office of Research and Innovation. For those interested in learning more about these grants, a Zoom information session is 1 to 2 p.m. May 8.
The remaining funds will support awards for the university’s Recognized Student Organizations and the Well-being Collective, both initiatives led by Student Life.
The Well-being Collective is a new university initiative to enhance student health on campus. Funding from the We Give Blood award will create health programs that address physical, social and emotional well-being. Ultimately, the programming will help connect students with resources that help them succeed in college.
Additional information about each award, including details regarding the application process, is below.
Abbott and the Big Ten Conference have started planning a second drive in 2025.
"I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated,” Brotz said. “We look forward to continuing to save lives with the We Give Blood Drive competition in year two.”
We Give Blood grants
Healthy Nebraska Grants — A total of $200,000 is available. The grants will support research, programs and projects aimed at improving health outcomes for students or greater Nebraska community. Husker faculty and staff are eligible to apply. Deadlines are 5 p.m. May 16 for letters of intent and 5 p.m. Sept. 15 for proposals.
Student Health and Well-being Grants — A total of $150,000 is available. The grants will focus on research, programs or initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of Husker students. Faculty and staff are eligible to apply. Deadlines are 5 p.m. May 16 for letters of intent and 5 p.m. Sept. 15 for proposals.
Recognized Student Organizations Awards — A total of $150,000 is available. Reserved for RSOs, the grants will fund projects that directly support student health and well-being in the areas of emotional, physical or social well-being. Only RSOs are eligible to apply. Applications will open in the fall, with proposals due by Oct. 1.
