December 11, 2007

TCNJ HONORED FOR WINNING THE
2006-07 NJAC BLOOD DRIVE CHALLENGE

LION COMMUNITY DONATED 497 TOTAL UNITS OF BLOOD

TCNJ’s athletic department was recognized on November 27 for winning the second New Jersey Athletic Conference Blood Drive Challenge, sponsored by the American Red Cross.

Members of the American Red Cross Staff were on hand to present interim athletic director, John Castaldo with a trophy for winning the event at halftime of the Lions’ women’s basketball game with Moravian College. Over the course of the 2006-07 academic year, members of TCNJ’s community donated 497 units of blood, top amongst the six NJAC schools that participated in the blood drives last year. That is enough blood to save as many as 1,491 hospital patients.  

TCNJ, Rowan University, Rutgers University-Camden, Montclair State University, Rutgers University-Newark, and Richard Stockton College all participated in the blood drive challenge and combined to donate 1,761 units of blood which conversely saved hundreds of different lives last year.

TCNJ’s athletic director John Castaldo said, “The athletic department teaming up with the campus community in a collaborative effort to produce a successful blood drive campaign is extremely satisfying.” Castaldo added, “Winning the NJAC Challenge two years in row is a rewarding feeling, however the ultimate goal of this program was simply to help others in need. TCNJ’s athletic department and the campus community are proud to have played a positive role in this venture."