Stony Brook University has been named the 2026 School Partner of the Year by the Association for Blood Donor Professionals (ADRP), according to a March 31 announcement. The recognition follows a two-decade partnership with the New York Blood Center that has resulted in more than 36,000 pints of blood collected, an effort estimated to have saved over 110,000 lives.
The award highlights Stony Brook University’s longstanding collaboration with the New York Blood Center and acknowledges students, staff, and community members who have contributed through monthly student-run drives and individual donations at Stony Brook University Hospital’s blood bank. The university was nominated by Yadira Navarro, director of community and stakeholder relations at NYBC.
Zachary Don, a senior in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program and president of the Student Blood Drive Committee, said: “I’m just so proud that Stony Brook is being recognized for the effort that we’ve done. I’d be lying if I said it was hard, because this is just who we are at Stony Brook. Seawolves are always ready to donate and show out, and we’ve seen continued success, especially since COVID, when donations dropped elsewhere but ours rose.”
Don will represent Stony Brook at the ADRP Annual Conference in Minneapolis from May 12-14 to accept the award on behalf of past and present donors as well as volunteers who supported efforts during critical times such as after September 11.
Richard Gatteau, vice president for Student Affairs at Stony Brook University said: “We are incredibly honored to receive the 2026 ADRP School Partner of the Year Award. Much of this effort has been spearheaded by our outstanding Seawolf and campus champion, Zachary Don, so we are grateful for his leadership and the lasting impact of his work.”
Kate Valerio—host of WUSB’s Health Matters program as well as advisor and volunteer with the Student Blood Drive Committee—said: “We want this award to shine on everyone who has ever shown up to a drive, staffed a table or worked behind the scenes. Every pint has a story, and together those stories are why Stony Brook is being recognized on an international stage.”
The Clinical Laboratory Science Program also plays an important role in these achievements through training students in laboratory skills relevant to blood collection. Jeannie Guglielmo—clinical associate professor and chair—said: “This recognition underscores the essential role our students play in advancing patient care and public health. Zach is exceptionally deserving of this honor; he exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, leadership and dedication.”
As Don prepares to accept national recognition for these collective efforts he said: “This is the voice and spirit of everybody. It’s something we have built together.”
