Grand Rapids, Mich. – Service has always been a cornerstone of Aquinas College Athletics, and this winter the Saints are once again putting that commitment into action in a way that truly saves lives.
The Aquinas Athletic Department will take over hosting and registration duties for campus blood drives in partnership with Versiti, with the first opportunity to give back scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, inside the Mezzanine of Alksnis within the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center. The Community Blood Drive will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to donate blood for local hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout West Michigan.
Click here to sign up and donate at the Aquinas Athletics Blood Drive.
A Critical Need, A Local Impact
The need for blood is constant and urgent. Every two seconds in the United States, someone requires blood or platelets, and a single donation can help save up to three lives. Local hospitals depend on a steady and reliable blood supply to support emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments, and trauma response. Blood donated through Versiti stays local, meaning donations made at Aquinas directly support patients right here in our community.
That impact is felt most clearly by first responders. Fire Captain Bryan Shaw has seen firsthand how access to blood can change outcomes in the field.
"We've seen an improvement in hemorrhagic shock right in front of us," Shaw said. "The fact that we were able to stop and reverse that spiral is amazing."
By donating blood, members of the Aquinas community become the helpers emergency responders and healthcare professionals rely on — often in life-or-death moments.
Leading Through Service
For Aquinas Athletics, the blood drive represents more than a single event; it's an opportunity to lead by example.
Dr. Terry Keller, Provost of Aquinas, views the initiative as a natural extension of the department's mission.
"The Aquinas Athletic Department has always believed in serving something bigger than ourselves, and this blood drive at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center is a powerful reflection of that commitment," Dr. Keller said. "This event exemplifies what Aquinas Athletics stands for — service, compassion, and leadership — while bringing our student-athletes, faculty, staff, and campus community together to support local hospitals and give the most meaningful gift of all: the gift of life."
The Athletic Department has set an ambitious but attainable goal for January 21: an average of six successful donations per hour. To add a fun competitive element, the Aquinas athletic team that recruits the most donors will earn a doughnut social, blending Saints spirit with community service.
According to Assistant Athletic Director and Blood Drive Coordinator Joey Sutherlin, stepping into a leadership role for the drives is both professional and personal.
"I'm incredibly excited for Aquinas Athletics to take the lead on hosting and coordinating these blood drives," Sutherlin said. "As a lifelong blood donor, I've seen firsthand how rewarding and impactful donating can be. It's important for our student-athletes to see that giving back is part of who we are — not just as competitors, but as people who care deeply about our community. I'm hopeful people will sign up early and help us make this a huge success."
Register Early, Make a Bigger Impact
Appointments are strongly encouraged and requested. While walk-ins will be accepted as schedules allow, Aquinas Athletics is emphasizing the importance of registering in advance to ensure the greatest possible impact. Filling the majority of appointment slots ahead of time allows Versiti staff to prepare appropriately, maximize efficiency, and ultimately collect more life-saving donations.
Coaches, Aquinas campus groups, and organizations interested in helping promote the drive or encouraging participation are invited to get involved by contacting Joey Sutherlin at sutherlinj@aquinas.edu.
For those unable to donate in January, the next Aquinas Community Blood Drive is already scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the same time and location.
?? Helpful tip for donors: Be sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.
Whether it's your first donation or your fiftieth, participation matters. Through leadership, service, and a shared commitment to the community, Aquinas Athletics continues to show what it means to step up when it counts most — another reminder that every day is A great day to be a Saint.
