Once again, Nebraskans are proving that small states can lead in big ways.
The University of Nebraska earned a second-place finish in the 2025 Abbott and Big Ten “We Give Blood” competition, a nationwide effort to boost blood donations and build a pipeline of lifelong donors across college campuses. This was the second year of the competition run by global health care company Abbott and the Big Ten Conference. Nebraska won the inaugural competition in 2024.
Blood donations remain urgently needed nationwide for trauma patients, cancer treatments, childbirth complications and premature babies. With some blood centers reporting less than a one-day supply, “We Give Blood” turns school pride into life-saving action at a time of critical need.
Though one of the smallest schools in the Big Ten, Nebraska made an outsized impact. From Aug. 27 to Dec. 5, thousands of students, faculty, staff and Nebraskans rolled up their sleeves and contributed 14,551 donations. With each donation providing blood for up to three patients, these donations will contribute to saving as many as 43,653 lives.
The 2025 campaign drove a 15% increase in first-time donors through the Nebraska Community Blood Bank compared to the same period in 2024, and overall Nebraska donations more than tripled last year’s total. This reflects the strong spirit of service that defines the University of Nebraska and the willingness of Nebraskans to show up for one another when it matters most.
“Our university exists to serve,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. “This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the heart of our students and the generosity of our state.”
Nationwide, the competition is estimated to have saved nearly 250,000 lives this year alone — an extraordinary result made possible by collaboration and compassion across participating institutions. The blood drive overall saw a 319% increase in overall participation, with 83,043 donations, and a 168% jump in student donors compared to 2024.
While “We Give Blood” has concluded, the need for blood remains constant. The University of Nebraska encourages all Nebraskans to continue donating and sharing the message that giving blood saves lives.
To learn more or find a location to donate blood visit the Big Ten and Abbott’s “We Give Blood” website.