Kentucky Wins Big Blue Slam With Impressive Friday Turnout
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 1, 2021) — Kentucky had its best day of the week Friday on the way to securing a victory in the 13th annual Big Blue Slam over Florida, 1,214-1,177. Kentucky Blood Center saw 271 donors roll up their sleeves for the event’s final day, while 239 Gator fans donated for Lifesouth Community Blood Center Friday.
“Big Blue fans really came out strong, showing their true blue, lifesaving spirit,” said Mandy Brajuha, vice president for external relations. “It’s fun to get a win over Florida in this event, but we are overjoyed at the lives that will be saved by the donations made.”
With its victory, Kentucky retakes the lead, 7-6, in this annual battle between the Cats and the Gators to see which fans can donate the most blood. Big Blue Slam helps to encourage blood donors when winter weather and flu season can hamper donations.
Donors gave at Kentucky Blood Centers around the state and at onsite blood drives including those on the University of Kentucky campus.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.