Mount Marty Red Cross Club President, Luke Bernatow, attends American Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program in Washington, D.C.
July 10, 2025
Nursing major Luke Bernatow '27 recently accepted the position of the Mount Marty Red Cross Club president after alumna Lauryn Bernt graduated last year. Bernatow will lead the club in organizing blood drives on campus twice a year and is excited to make a positive impact. "I am very enthusiastic about serving as the president of the MMU Red Cross Club," said Bernatow. "I'm grateful to have an amazing team by my side. I cannot thank Lauryn Bernt enough for laying the foundation of this club. I've always been passionate about donating blood, and now I have the opportunity to host blood drives myself."
What Bernatow didn't expect from this experience was being offered the chance to attend the American Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program this summer. Bernt contacted Bernatow after hearing from her coordinator that Bernatow was eligible to apply. After submitting multiple essays, obtaining numerous signatures, and undergoing an interview process, Bernatow was accepted into the program. "I remember the former president, Lauryn Bernt, going to Washington, D.C., for this program a couple of years ago. I thought it was an amazing opportunity, never imagining that I would be given the same chance. When I was offered the opportunity to do the same, I didn't even think twice. I didn't know much about the program going into it, but I did know it would help me gain the skills needed to be a successful leader of the Mount Marty Red Cross Club."
Being accepted into the program meant Bernatow would attend a two-week conference in D.C. that was filled with training, networking and mentoring on how to become a leader. He even developed a strategic plan for running a successful blood drive and presented his findings to the audience. "It's hard to express just how much this conference has impacted my life. It was truly a life-changing experience that gave me a fresh perspective and inspired me to give back to my community while working to save lives in any way I can."
Having this opportunity also meant that Bernatow would receive a scholarship from the Red Cross to serve as a Red Cross ambassador on campus. "I am truly grateful for this opportunity and the trust placed in me to carry out the impactful mission of the American Red Cross throughout my community. ... I am excited to continue hosting blood drives on campus to help combat the national blood shortage. We have two blood drives planned for the upcoming academic year: one on October 15 and 16 and the other in February. Additionally, I plan to expand the club and organize other events to further the American Red Cross mission."
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