Washington, D.C.-  Sophomore education major Larke Nightengale was recently among 15 NAIA student-athletes from select campuses who traveled to Washington, D.C. for two weeks leadership training at the Red Cross National Headquarters, from June 7-18. Now in its fourth year, the Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program continues to inspire, motivate and create a new and diverse generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders through exemplifying the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program. These core values are integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. As part of its support of Red Cross diversity initiatives, State Farm Insurance is sponsoring this partnership.

"We are extremely proud of Larke and the opportunity she has been provided by the Red Cross and State Farm Insurance", said Carey Athletics Director Steve Knight. "We look forward to working with her next year as she takes a leadership role on our campus regarding community service projects."

During their time in Washington, DC, the 2010-11 class will participate in a rare and unique opportunity to acquire first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training presented by senior leadership at the Red Cross, one of the nation's largest non-profit organizations. In addition, Rob Haworth, NAIA vice president for Champions of Character, will meet with the students during the two week leadership academy.

"Larke is a natural leader with a servants heart and tremendous character.  She is one of the hardest working players I've ever had the pleasure of coaching - on and off the field.  She exemplifies everything that William Carey University stands for, and the NAIA as well.  Larke is a true Champion of Character and will be as much an assest to the Red Cross/NAIA Leadership Program as it is to her," said head coach Wendy Hogue.

Student-athletes will also learn from civic and business leaders how to uncover their leadership potential off the field. Participants will learn about organizing successful campus blood drives, actively participate on a leadership board, and take part in diversity and cultural competency training. For their efforts, students will receive scholarship support provided by the Red Cross and State Farm Insurance.

"Athletics play such an important role in creating a sense of community on college campuses. The partnership with the NAIA has created a rich opportunity to connect campus communities with the life saving mission of the American Red Cross through the energy of NAIA student-athletes," said Brian Hamil, Red Cross National Chair Biomedical Services. "As we enter our fourth year of the program, we remain grateful for the continuing financial support of State Farm Insurance."

 

The program is part of a larger Red Cross diversity strategy for moving the Red Cross from awareness to action, building Red Cross capacity to serve all Americans.

The program is designed to:
• Inspire a new generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders
• Promote diversity of Red Cross Blood Region boards of directors
• Champion a philanthropic cause
• Impact local communities
• Exemplify the core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program
• Provide training, coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities
• Foster leadership opportunities

"I feel so blessed to have experienced this opportunity! This being the fourth year for the program the director keept saying "we are the foundation!"  This opportunity has opened so many doors for me and our school. I have learned a great deal from many different people that take part in the Red Cross and I can't wait to get back to Carey and get started," said Nightengale.

In the program's four year history there has been a combined 65% increase in blood collections and a 47% increase in blood drives at participating colleges and universities and over 4,900 first-time blood donors at Red Cross/NAIA program drives. With the 2010 class, 50 student-athletes will have participated in leadership development at Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C. and over 42 college and university campus communities have been impacted by the initiative.