DeSales Places Third in Organ Donation Campus Drive
DeSales students are receiving recognition for their efforts to raise awareness of organ donation.
The University placed third in the Gift of Life College Challenge—a competition to improve organ donation awareness on college campuses across the country.
This year, seniors in the Division of Business joined forces with nursing students in the Mu Omicron Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society to organize and run an organ donation drive.
“The nursing program brought fresh and interesting insights and perspectives,” says Dr. Sue McGorry, professor of business and assistant provost for assessment, curriculum, and student success. “I really credit that relationship with making our drive much more successful this year.”
Not only did students share information and educate the community about Gift of Life, they also dispelled many of the myths surrounding organ donation. Due to COVID-19, students had to promote the program mainly through social media. They hosted an online event featuring Karleigh-Anne Keen ’21 (pictured above), whose sister is a heart transplant recipient. They also took part in a virtual Donor Dash for Life 5K.
Along with bragging rights, DeSales received $300 in prize money, which will aid next year’s Gift of Life campaign. According to McGorry, DeSales has been one of the most generous organ donation communities in the state when it comes to collegiate registrations. The University has registered some 250 donors to date.
“I love the fact that we’ve been engaged with Gift of Life for almost six years now,” says McGorry. “This is a program that is so well aligned with our mission as a Salesian institution. I’m so proud of the generosity of our DeSales community, and I’m proud of our students for their hard work and the contributions that they’ve made.”
