ARCATA, Calif. - Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics has been recognized for making a life-changing impact beyond competition, earning the 2025-26 CCAA Cares Community Service Award following a campus-wide National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry drive that added 432 individuals to the donor registry.
Established in 2022, the CCAA Cares program celebrates the meaningful community engagement efforts of CCAA student-athletes and athletic departments throughout the academic year.
Led by the Cal Poly Humboldt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the four-day initiative "Help Save a Life" took place Feb. 10-13, 2026, and educated students, faculty, staff and community members about bone marrow and blood stem cell donation. The drive resulted in 432 new registry members, the highest total recorded by an NMDP donor drive in the United States during that time period.
Student-athlete volunteers provided information about the donation process, answered questions, and guided participants through a simple cheek swab to join the registry. Every new registration increased the likelihood of finding a life-saving match for a patient in need.
The initiative united student-athletes and organizations from across the Cal Poly Humboldt campus. The SAAC partnered with the women's volleyball program while eight Lumberjack athletic programs contributed volunteer hours throughout the event.
Beyond adding hundreds of potential donors to the registry, the drive raised awareness about stem cell and bone marrow donation while making the registration process more accessible to the campus and surrounding community. The event also strengthened relationships between Cal Poly Humboldt student-athletes and fellow campus organizations through a shared commitment to service.
"This is what it's all about. Being bigger than their sport, using their platform to give back and showing up for something that truly matters," said Cal Poly Humboldt women's volleyball assistant coach and co-advisor of the SAACÂ
Tusalava Kuaea.
For its efforts, Cal Poly Humboldt will receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 award from the CCAA. The annual CCAA Cares Community Service Award recognizes the conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee that develops the most innovative community service project, whether through a year of consistent service or one outstanding initiative.
"We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes for embracing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference," said Director of Athletics Nick Pettit. "This recognition reflects the values of Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics and the commitment our student-athletes have to serving others. Their willingness to step forward in support of such an important cause demonstrates the positive impact they continue to make both on our campus and throughout our community."
For the official release from the CCAA, click here.
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