State Farm Awards Scholarship to ODU Student-Athlete

August 29, 2007

COLUMBUS – Ohio Dominican University senior and women’s basketball standout Megan Niese received a $2000 scholarship check from State Farm as part of its support of American Red Cross (ARC) diversity initiatives and the ARC / National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Youth Leadership Program. Niese and 10 other NAIA student-athletes recently completed a two week internship at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C. and currently serve as Red Cross ambassadors on their campuses and in their local communities connecting a new generation of volunteers and leaders.  
 
“This program has been a sensational experience that words can’t even describe,” said Niese. “Through this I have grown a profound respect and understanding of the American Red Cross that I want to pass on to others.”  

The scholarship check was presented Wednesday, August 22, 2007. The check presentation is a collaboration between State Farm, the Central Ohio Blood Services Region, the NAIA and Ohio Dominican University.

“This program highlights the importance of bringing youth representation to our advisory boards and allowing them to have an influence. Diversity is not important if you can’t leverage it,” said Brian Hamil, National Chair for Biomedical Services at the American Red Cross. “The opportunity for these students to sit on advisory boards is a “best practices” model demonstrating that we are leveraging, valuing and integrating diversity. This is a true model of inclusion.”  

Niese joins ten other NAIA student-athletes from across the country for the inaugural year of the ARC/NAIA Youth Leadership Program. Niese, as part of her responsibilities as an elite member of the class, will organize successful blood drive campaigns, sit on the American Red Cross leadership board and complete diversity and cultural competency training throughout the year. Niese is working with the Central Ohio Blood Service Region on her first campus blood drive scheduled for Wednesday, September 19, 2007.   

“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize Megan’s hard work and community activism and how it translates into success both in and out of competition,” said Rob Miller, NAIA Director of Champions of Character Initiatives. “The NAIA values the relationship with the American Red Cross and State Farm and the opportunity it provides to help develop student-athletes and offer life experiences that will shape their future.”  

Niese, a Daktronics-NAIA scholar-athlete, competes on the Ohio Dominican women’s basketball team. She plans to graduate in 2008 with a degree in biology and minor in psychology. Following graduation she will attend graduate school to become a physician’s assistant. A leader on and off the court, one goal Niese has before graduation is to qualify for the 2008 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship this March. A true competitor for the Panther’s basketball program, Niese considers it an honor to participate in the ARC/NAIA Youth Leadership Program and believes the unique opportunity will allow her to meet new people, learn from new experiences and expand her horizons.  

State Farm supports Niese in this exciting partnership with the NAIA. The relationship between State Farm, the American Red Cross and the NAIA provides a tremendous opportunity for an impressive and promising group of NAIA student-athletes to serve as volunteer leaders for the American Red Cross and increase awareness about the importance of blood donation on their campuses and in their communities. This program demonstrates the value of successful and meaningful partnerships and celebrates the impact that Niese will have in future leadership roles beyond her college career.  

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. To learn more visit www.redcross.org.  

About the NAIA
A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.