Main image-red cross_600x200Softball player Jordan Mathison ’17 spent two weeks this summer in intensive leadership training at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C. She was one of just 12 student-athletes (among 200 applicants) chosen to intern with the American Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program, which engages some of the best and brightest student-athletes in the country.

Brian Hamil, national chair of Bio Medical Services with the American Red Cross (and chairman of the Bethel College Board of Trustees) poses with junior Jordan Mathison in front of the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Brian Hamil, national chair of Bio Medical Services with the American Red Cross (and chairman of the Bethel College Board of Trustees) poses with junior Jordan Mathison in front of the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

It’s a scholarship program that was started in 2007 by Brian Hamil ’82, who volunteers as National Chair of Bio Medical Services with the Red Cross, in addition to his full-time job as a CPA and serving as Chairman of the Bethel College Board of Trustees. Hamil saw it as a way to help increase blood donation on college campuses, while also developing future leaders.

As part of their training, student interns attend meetings with leaders in the Red Cross and Washington, D.C. community. But Hamil saw such a drive in Mathison that he arranged for a special meeting with American Red Cross President Gail McGovern.

“To give you an idea of what a big deal this was,” says Hamil, “the Red Cross has more than 20,000 employees – many of whom never even meet Gail.”

In their meeting, they talked about leadership and how to balance work and life. “It was a really great experience for Jordan,” he says.

Mathison agrees: “It was amazing to meet with someone with so much experience with business and delegation.”

Delegation, Mathison says, will play a major part in making the four blood drives required for her internship a success, as she balances classes, homework and softball.

“It’s difficult. I have other people helping me, but I have to delegate. Planning five weeks ahead gives us time to get people excited on campus.”

Additionally, Mathison aims to increase the units of blood given per drive.

“Bethel used to get to 100 units per drive. I want us to get back to that,” Mathison says. Her goals, however, do not end there.

“I want to establish a club on campus. I want to come up with more reasons for students to do it [donate] and enjoy doing it.” Mathison’s first blood drive was held on campus Sept. 25. Upcoming drives for will take place Dec. 2, Feb. 24 and April 20, 2016 in either Goodman or Gates Gymnasium.

Learn more about Bethel’s student athletes and athletic programs at BethelCollegePilots.com.