When the United Blood Services encouraged members of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity to donate 16 units of blood during a fall blood drive, they doubled the expectation – donating 32 units.
The United Blood Services recognized this feat Thursday by giving the fraternity a plaque during a spring blood drive in the KA house.
Shannon Cain, psychology senior and United Blood Services intern, said the fraternity helped raise awareness when blood donations were in a “slump” after Hurricane Katrina.
“They went out in trucks to help recruit people to give blood,” Cain said. “This is a service award to honor them and make other organizations aware of their hard work.”
Cain said donating blood is a “simple and noncommittal” way to help the community.
KA chapter president Michael Angle, business junior, said he was pleased to see recognition for the chapter’s effort. He said KA usually hosts one or two blood drives each semester.
“This is pretty significant,” Angle said. “This is a result of a lot of hard work and effort.”
John Gulotta, biological sciences junior and KA philanthropy director, said the frequent blood drives helped the chapter place fourth in 2005 national KA philanthropy rankings.
Gulotta said approximately 10 fraternity members donated blood by 12:30 p.m. Thursday. The blood drive was scheduled to end at 3:00 p.m.
Kyle Dill, agricultural business senior and KA member, gave blood Thursday for the first time.
“I figure sometime in my life I’m going to need blood,” Dill said. “I might as well give some now.”
 
Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]