PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – On Tuesday, March 1, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) and the Student Government Association (SGA) helped spread awareness for the Project Life Movement a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) wide initiative.

Project Life is a national movement to increase the potential pool of bone marrow and tissue donors by testing and registering college students with a simple cheek swab.

The drive resulted in 223 potential bone marrow donors being entered into the national registry.

“I was really impressed on how S.A.A.C. executed the event,” said Talareah Campbell, Academic Advisor/Co-Student Services Coordinator. “Everyone did their part. We more than met our goal of 175.”

S.A.A.C volunteers, David Lindsay the Project Life Coordinator, spent the morning and afternoon in the Student Services Center on campus providing information on the Project Life Movement and giving out free slices of pizza to those who volunteered to be swabbed and registered.

“I thought the event went much better than we anticipated,” S.A.A.C social media coordinator Taj Showalter said. “Being the MEAC representative for our organization, I really wanted to make sure we pulled off a very successful event.”

UMES S.A.A.C. team’s mission is to enhance the total athletic experience for the student-athlete. S.A.A.C. strives to promote a positive student-athlete image, while creating a uniting force within Hawk Athletics. The group’s motto is "Beyond the Wall," meaning that S.A.A.C. goes beyond the walls of the university to make a strong impact in the community.

“Teaming up with SGA and being able to collaborate with them was awesome because we are really trying to bridge the gap between the student athletes and the student body.” Campbell added.

The S.A.A.C.’s next event is Friday, March 4 when they go to Fruitland Intermediate for the Read Across America Community service event.

For more information visit www.umeshawks.com.