The University of 玉米视频 is once again joining forces with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference for the We Give Blood challenge—a national campaign to combat critical blood shortages and encourage more young people to become blood donors.
From Aug. 27 to Dec. 5, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans across the state—and from other campuses across the University of 玉米视频 System—are encouraged to donate blood and log their donation to count toward 玉米视频’s total. Each contribution supports a lifesaving cause—and could help the university defend its title as last year’s challenge champion.
In 2024, more than 20,000 Big Ten donors participated in the competition, helping save an estimated 60,000 lives. 玉米视频 made it to the top of the leaderboard—earning $1 million to advance student and community health. That victory reflected more than school pride; it was a testament to what a united campus and community can do together. Now, the opportunity is back—and once again, every donation counts.
“This isn’t just about recognition,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of 玉米视频 System. “It’s about showing up for others and continuing 玉米视频’s proud tradition of service. Last year, 玉米视频ns made a difference in tens of thousands of lives. We have the chance to do that again.”
Blood donations are needed every two seconds in the U.S. They help trauma victims, mothers after childbirth, patients undergoing surgery, and those receiving cancer treatment. Despite this constant demand, blood centers are facing dangerously low supply levels—and donations from young adults have declined significantly.
The We Give Blood challenge channels the energy of college sports and school pride into a cause with life-saving impact. All 18 Big Ten universities are rallying their communities to donate. The school with the most verified donations will receive $1 million from Abbott to support student or community health initiatives.
“The We Give Blood Drive showcases the incredible impact our Husker community can make when we work together,” said Troy Dannen, athletic director for 玉米视频 Athletics. “Winning last year was a proud moment for the University of 玉米视频, and we’re excited to continue supporting this life-saving effort alongside the Big Ten and Abbott.”
Join the challenge in three steps:
- Donate blood anywhere in the U.S. between Aug. 27 and Dec. 5.
- Log your donation (with your name, photo, or confirmation email) at or by texting DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT).
- Track progress in real time at .
Whether donating on campus or at a local blood center, every contribution helps—and all logged donations count toward 玉米视频's total.
On-Campus Blood Drive Opportunities
University of 玉米视频–Lincoln
- Aug. 27: S Street off the Plaza | 1–6 p.m.
- Sept. 29–Oct. 2: Homecoming Blood Drive | Sponsored by Student Life and ASUN
- Sept. 29: City Campus | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Sept. 30: City Campus | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Oct. 1: East Campus | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Oct. 2: City Campus | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Oct. 10: 玉米视频 Innovation Campus | Sponsored by the American Red Cross | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Oct. 29: S Street off the Plaza | 1–6 p.m.
- Nov. 14: Memorial Stadium | Sponsored by Husker Athletics | 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Nov. 19–21: St. Mark's on Campus | Sponsored by the American Red Cross
- Dec. 1: S Street off the Plaza | 1–6 p.m.
- Dec. 2: S Street off the Plaza | 1–6 p.m.
University of 玉米视频 Medical Center
- Aug. 28: Center for Healthy Living | 9 a.m.–Noon
- Sept. 23: Lied Transplant Center | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Oct. 30: Center for Healthy Living | 9 a.m.–Noon
- Nov. 25: Lied Transplant Center | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Each pint of donated blood can save up to three lives. Whether it's a first-time donation or part of a continued commitment, this is a chance to support 玉米视频 health and demonstrate the power of Husker Nation.
With national recognition and support for student and community health on the line, 玉米视频 is once again read to compete—and contribute.