MORE BLOOD DONATIONS – Pictured are (l to r) SUNY Canton students Kayla DiGiacomo, Caitlyn Hill, Jenifer Coon, Danielle Soule, Julie Feuerherm, Anne Conant, and Ryan Strate holding the American Red Cross Trophy for the highest percentage growth among four-year SUNY colleges.

Several SUNY Canton student organizations were awarded by the American Red Cross for the highest percentage of growth in volunteer blood donations among four-year colleges in the SUNY System.

The College collected 253 units of blood during four blood drives held over the 2008-2009 academic year, which is over a 100 percent increase from the previous year. Students from Kappa Xi Omega sorority, and the Criminal Justice Association helped orchestrate the on-campus blood drives.

“The students did a fantastic job organizing, raising awareness and recruiting donors for SUNY Canton’s 3-day blood drive,” said Criminal Justice Club advisor and Associate Professor William J. Fassinger. “Their efforts helped provide much-needed lifesaving donations during local and national shortages.”

Collections at all State University of New York four-year colleges were up 19 percent in 2008-09, with a total of 14,898 units collected. In addition to SUNY Canton, four other SUNY schools were awarded for the highest gains. Red Cross representatives presented SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and student representatives with a trophy honoring the achievement.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

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