The Hoxworth Blood Center visited Northern Kentucky University Jan. 24 and 25 in the University Center Ballroom. The blood drive, hosted by NKU’s Panhellenic Council, Interfraternal Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council, gave students the opportunity to give back to a well-known charitable organization without having to travel far.
Interfraternal Council President Jesse Wynne, a junior business management major, said the blood drive was a simple opportunity for NKU students to give back on their campus.
“My mom lost a lot of blood when giving birth to me; (without a blood transfusion) I would have lost her,” Wynne said.
Learning of his mom’s condition years before inspired Wynne to give back. He said that it is moments like those that change a person’s perspective and open eyes to the reality of how many people can benefit from blood donations. Wynne now donates platelets every three weeks.
Sophomore entrepreneurship major Jared Burgett had a similar reason for wanting to give back.
“I had blood given to me when I was a baby that saved my life,” Burgett said. He was born prematurely.
This semester’s visit by Hoxworth was Burgett’s first time giving blood, and although it didn’t go as smoothly as he planned, Burgett said that he plans on giving back more in the future.
According to Panhellenic Council President Mary Osbourne, the atmosphere during the blood drive was fairly quiet, but it didn’t mean students weren’t doing something altruistic.
“As a Greek Life community we pride ourselves on philanthropy and community service,” Osbourne said. “It brings Greek Life together with campus to work toward a common goal.”
If you are interested in donating blood you can find out how, information on eligibility, among others on Hoxworth’s website.
The Panhellenic Council will be co-sponsoring a distracted driving class Feb. 22 with Activities Programming Board. Interfraternal Council will be participating in Fraternity Recruitment Jan. 31 to Feb. 3. For more information check out the Student Life calendar on NKU’s website.