February 25, 2004
Jewish Student Union A Big Draw for the San Diego Blood Bank
Over 30 pints of blood were donated at a recent Blood Drive organized by the Jewish Student Union. More than 50 people signed up, but many were deferred. Still, the drive was considered a big sucess. For student Brandon Alpert, giving blood is a way of life. "I donate three or four times a year," says Alpert, outgoing president of the Jewish Student Union. With family members having needed blood in the past as a result of serious illness, the idea is just part of who he is. He sees it, too, as community service, which is part of the purpose of the Jewish student union at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Although the drive took place in early February, planning started back in November, when Alpert began coordinating with the Blood Bank regarding the arrangements for them to come to campus. "We plan on doing more community service and programs like this," Alpert said. The Jewish Student Union didn't exist a year and a half ago, he said. It was founded for Jewish students to learn more about Judaism, as well as to explore other religions.
"We'd like to open it up to everybody," he added. The new president of the Jewish Student Union is Josh Tucker.