For Immediate Release:
American Red Cross, National Headquarters, 2025 E Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006
NAIA National Office, 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Twelve student-athletes have been selected to represent the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in a partnership with the American Red Cross. The 2008-2009 Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership Program is now in its second year, and will inspire, motivate and create a new and diverse generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders through exemplifying the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program. 

As part of its support of the Red Cross diversity initiatives, State Farm Insurance is sponsoring this partnership. The leadership program kicks off with two weeks of energetic training at Red Cross National Headquarters located in Washington, D.C. from June 9 to June 20. The 2008-2009 class will participate in a rare and unique opportunity to acquire first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training presented by senior leadership at the Red Cross, one of the nation's largest non-profit organizations. In addition, Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO, will meet with the students on June 16, and attend the Champions of Character training sessions, which will be hosted by NAIA special presenter Bruce Brown.

"Red Cross Biomedical Services is pleased to partner with the NAIA and eager to foster a new, diverse generation of volunteers and leaders for the American Red Cross," said Brian Hamil, National Chair, Biomedical Services, American Red Cross. "We are excited that the opportunities this program provides will motivate and engage these young adults to carry on the mission of the Red Cross on their college campuses."

"The NAIA would like to thank the American Red Cross and State Farm Insurance for supporting a tremendous program and offering this opportunity to our student-athletes. Brian's vision for the program is unmatched and his team has worked countless hours to put together a first-class leadership experience," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. "The Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership Program is a wonderful extension of the Champions of Character program and is designed to develop leaders in and out of competition."

This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows NAIA student-athletes to be part of a team made up of young adults from NAIA campuses throughout the country. The program is part of the larger Red Cross diversity strategy for moving the American Red Cross from awareness to action, building Red Cross capacity to serve all Americans.

Student-athletes will learn from civic and business leaders in the field how to uncover their leadership potential off the field. The participants will learn about organizing successful campus blood drives, actively participate on a leadership board, and take part in diversity and cultural competency training. For their efforts, students will receive scholarship support provided by the American Red Cross and State Farm Insurance. 

The 2008-2009 Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership Program participants are: Ellen Elyse Gildernew (Montreat College, N.C.); Cameron Branock (Bethel College, Ind.); Gene Hartman (Oklahoma Wesleyan University); Megan Brown (Columbia College, S.C.); Lisa Skrypnik (Houghton College, N.Y.); Cindy Trent (Southern Virginia University); Amanda Wiley (University of Saint Francis, Ind.); Ethan Gentry (Vanguard University, Calif.); Jacqueline Heine (Saint Xavier University, Ill.); Vashun Wilkins (Martin Methodist College, Tenn.); Katie Rice (Rogers State University, Okla.); and Katie Filiatreau (Georgetown College, Ky.).  STUDENT-ATHLETE BIOS.

To learn more about the Red Cross/NAIA Youth Leadership Program, please contact Staci Schottman, NAIA, at sschottman@naia.org or Susan Nelson, American Red Cross Biomedical Services, at nelsons@usa.redcross.org. 

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. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. To learn more visit www.redcross.org.

About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The Association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org.