The University of Nebraska welcomed leaders from Abbott and the Big Ten Conference Thursday for a special celebration of the university’s first-place finish in the inaugural “The We Give Blood Drive” competition. Nebraska was announced as the winner this past December at halftime of the Big Ten championship game and awarded a $1 million prize from Abbott, the global healthcare company sponsoring the initiative.
The U.S. is experiencing the worst blood shortage in a generation, and some blood centers have less than a one-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 with Nebraska’s donations.
“I spent 25 years of my career in the operating room taking care of little kids with heart disease,” said University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “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.”
“We are deeply grateful to the students, alumni and fans who participated in this effort,” said University of Nebraska–Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett. “Together, we celebrate our contribution to an initiative that collectively may have 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 conference universities. Nebraska emerged as the clear leader, fueled by support from students, alumni and Husker fans statewide.
“We are honored to be here in Lincoln to celebrate Nebraska’s big win,” said Melissa Brotz, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Abbott. “Husker Nation — students, alumni and fans alike — 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 on communities across Nebraska,” said Tony Rathgeber, chief of staff in UNL’s Office of Student Life.
As the nation continues to face ongoing blood shortages, Nebraska’s leadership in the competition highlights the university’s broader commitment to service and community impact.
Elizabeth Herbin, past president of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN), 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.
Abbott and the Big Ten Conference are already planning their next blood drive in 2025.
"I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated,” said Brotz, “and we look forward to continuing to save lives with “The We Give Blood Drive” competition in year two.”