Seton Hall Marketing Students Lead Red Cross Blood Drive October 21

The Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University is turning classroom concepts into real-world impact this fall as students in a Principles of Marketing course partner with the American Red Cross and corporate sponsor Lord Abbett to host a Seton Hall community blood drive. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, in the University Center Event Room.

Students have been tasked with designing and executing the marketing campaign for the blood drive as part of a service-learning project, aligning with the Stillman School’s mission of putting “concepts into practice.” Divided into eight teams, students will manage responsibilities including social media promotion, campus outreach, creative storytelling, volunteer coordination, logistics and performance metrics. The class has set a goal of recruiting at least 60 registrants; students are working in teams with varied deliverables and areas of focus, preparing them to apply marketing theories in a way that benefits both the university and the broader community.

“Our students aren’t just learning about target markets and strategy on paper,” said Professor Naatus. “They are applying those lessons directly by encouraging their peers, faculty, and staff to step forward as donors. It is an example of experiential learning and values-driven education that blends professional skills with community engagement, an approach that is highly valued and encouraged at Seton Hall.”

The blood drive comes at a crucial time. In 2025, the Red Cross continues to report an urgent need for blood donations to keep up with hospital demand. Joyce Massaro, Red Cross account manager, expressed gratitude for the partnership,

Every pint collected makes a difference, and we are thrilled to work with Seton Hall students who are bringing creativity and energy to this drive. Their efforts show how the next generation of leaders can support life-saving missions in meaningful ways.

Catherine Tantillo, global head of Social Impact at Lord Abbett, emphasized the importance of corporate partnership,

Supporting the Red Cross through this student-led initiative reflects our commitment to community impact and to developing future leaders. We are proud to stand alongside Seton Hall and these students as they learn, serve and contribute to the effort to save lives through blood donations.

Why Donate, Even with Fears?

It is normal to feel nervous about donating blood. Some people worry about needles, others about their health or simply feel unsure of what to expect. But those fears do not have to hold you back—because donating blood is safe, simple, and deeply meaningful.

Every donation is handled by trained Red Cross professionals who perform the procedure with care and experience. Their priority is your safety and comfort.

A single pint of blood can save up to three lives. Blood donations are given to patients fighting cancer, accident victims or those living with chronic conditions.

This blood drive is right here on campus. No travel, no special equipment, just show up, roll up your sleeve and know that you have done something lifesaving for someone else.

To donate blood, you must be healthy, weigh at least 110 lbs, be 16 or older, have a good iron level and not have donated whole blood in the past 56 days. On the day of bring valid ID and complete an 80-question medical history form. Walk-ins are allowed, but appointments are preferred. Donation takes about 10 minutes for one pint and 30 minutes for two pints of Power Red blood. For additional questions please see the resources below.

Once your donation is complete, you will get to relax on a bed and enjoy some free refreshments. Donors will also receive a Seton Hall swag, a $10 gift card and entry into a nationwide Red Cross drawing for a $5,000 prize.

Click here to learn about eligibility to donate.

Click here for information on the blood drive process.

For those not available to donate on October 21, please support Seton Hall's dedicated student group, University Blood Initiative, hosting blood drives in September and November.

For more information about this event, contact Mary Kate Naatus at [email protected].

Categories: Business, Education, Faith and Service, Health and Medicine, Nation and World