The University of Wisconsin-Madison was awarded $1 million to advance student or community health after winning the Big Ten’s second annual “We Give Blood” competition.
UW-Madison students, staff and supporters generated 15,476 donations that could save up to 46,428 lives, according to Abbott, who administered the competition. The competition ran through the college football season, drawing 83,043 blood donations across the 18-team conference.
UW-Madison beat out last year’s winner, the University of Nebraska, who finished this year with 14,551 donations, and nearly doubled third place University of Michigan’s total, who finished with 7,839 donations.
Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin accepted the award during the Big Ten Championship Game between Indiana and Ohio State.
“I’m incredibly proud of our Badger community for showing up with generosity, compassion and fantastic teamwork,” Mnookin said. “A huge thank you to our students, faculty, … staff and broader Badger community for demonstrating once again the power of the Wisconsin Idea.”
Blood donations among 19 to 24-year-olds have fallen nearly one-third in recent years. In 2024, Abbott first partnered with the Big Ten to address an aging donor base and national blood shortage by targeting college students to donate blood.
Around 37% of student donors said the campaign inspired them to make a first time blood donation, with over 90% saying they would donate again.
The first 22 days of the drive saw donations surpass last year’s total from all Big Ten schools. Donations increased 319% compared to last year. Abbott said merchandise giveaways and the work of student ambassadors helped bring together groups across college campuses and increase donations.
UW student ambassadors Katie Hopkins and Annali Wainer worked to coordinate student outreach and education and answer questions about the campaign. They also tapped into ongoing conference rivalries to further encourage donations.
Robert Ford, chairman and CEO of Abbott, said the competition helped save lives and increase donations across the Big Ten. “It also showed the power of using sports for good with all schools increasing their participation from year one,” Ford said.
While the competition is over, Ford said in a statement donations are still needed. “We encourage everyone to make blood donation a regular habit to help save lives year-round, ensuring a sustainable blood supply for years to come.”
People can find a place to donate blood near them at BigTen.Org/Abbott.
