UC’s Fall Semester Blood Drive Not in Vein

 

                  University of the Cumberlands held a blood drive to support the Kentucky Blood Center on Wednesday in the mid-level of the Boswell Campus Center. Over 100 students and faculty came to donate between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

                “Each bag [of blood] goes to save about three lives,” said Ruth McKnight, a technician who took part in staffing the blood drive. McKnight is one of several nurses and doctors who help in blood drives at universities across the state of Kentucky each fall and spring semester. “It goes a long way,” McKnight finished.

A student gives blood during the blood drive.

                In order to qualify for donation, each student or faculty member was subject to a short questionnaire and physical including checks of temperature, blood pressure, and iron levels. Once cleared, donors gave up to a pint of blood. Donors then received a small gift in the form of a stuffed animal in appreciation for their donations.

                Kevin Lewis, a senior at University of the Cumberlands, said this about his donation: “I donate every semester, even though I’m afraid of needles. I feel bad if I don’t. I just know that I would really appreciate it if someone donated blood that saved me.” Many students came to donate in spite of fears or busy schedules.

                University of the Cumberlands hosts a blood drive each fall and spring semester and has seen thousands of students and faculty members donate over the years. Each semester, donors flock from each corner of campus to offer time and blood in service of others. In the semesters to come, the University of the Cumberlands and its communities will continue to save lives and serve the state of Kentucky, straight from the heart.

University’s Fall Revival Service Leaves Students Hopeful and Shoeless

               The University of the Cumberlands hosted the annual Fall Awakening program – a campus-wide Christian revival service sponsored by the Baptist Campus Ministries– on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Gatliff Chapel. Throughout the week, Palmer Chinchen from The Grove Church in Pheonix, AZ deliver the message and Jey Mbiro from Compassion International lead the students in worship. At the beginning of each service, UC's Baptist Campus Ministries Drama Team led the students in a short skit.

UC's Disciples Drama Team performs for Fall Awakening.

                The program included five services, two of which were morning services that required all students to attend. Throughout the week, over 1,000 students joined the services, many of who came to a greater understanding of the Christian faith.

                Michael Marsh, the university’s BCM intern, spoke highly of the program and its speakers: “Palmer and Jey are great guys with huge hearts for the Lord,” he said. “We were lucky to have them with us this week. Fall Awakening is a great opportunity for students to grow in their faith.”

                One service in particular highlighted poverty in Africa and around the world and concluded with an open request for the shoes on students’ feet to be donated for those in other counties without footwear. Many students weren’t hesitant to offer their favorite pair of sneakers to someone less fortunate who they had never met.

                Kenny Newton, a junior at University of the Cumberlands who is heavily involved in BCM activities, said that he gave his shoes away “because knew there was someone else out there who needed them more.” He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve another person in such a simple and practical way.

                Fall Awakening provides a way for student to grow in their faith and to serve others around the local community and the world. Through the leadership of Palmer Chinchen, Jey Mbiro and the BCM leadership team, UC's 2011 Fall Awakening completed its purpose: to share the Gospel and change lives.