Southern Miss Wins 2016 MBS Transylvania Bowl Blood Drive; Crystal Springs Student Wins Scholarship

Mississippi college sports inspire traditions and loyalty throughout the state and all schools contend for the coveted championships in their divisions. Students and alumni proudly support their schools but only a few obtain the status of campus heroes.

However, Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) knows everyone has a hero inside of them. Using the championship bowl games as a model, MBS proudly sponsors the annual Transylvania Bowl Blood Drives. Each year the friendly competition is held at the University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi. The goal is to see which school can raise the most blood donations. The prize is a $1,500 scholarship provided by Regions Bank to a student blood donor from the winning school, along with displaying the Transylvania Bowl Trophy and a year's bragging rights.
 
The 2016 Transylvania Bowl winner is Southern Miss. USM students, alumni and staff showed their support with 198 donors registering for the three-day blood drive, which took place Oct. 25-27. USM student Tiffany Ellis of Crystal Springs is this year's winner of the MBS scholarship sponsored by Regions Bank. Ellis started donating blood in 2011 at First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst.

“USM claims the Transylvania Bowl championship, Ms. Ellis is the scholarship winner, but all blood donors are heroes,” Dana Brohaugh, MBS marketing representative for southern Mississippi, said. “Donating blood saves lives. Mississippi Blood Services depends on students like Tiffany Ellis to donate blood and we hope this inspires them to begin a lifelong commitment to Mississippi hospital patients.”

All donors must be at least 16 years old (with signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and have valid identification. Mississippi Blood Services offers a “mini physical” before each donation to ensure the donation process is safe for the donor as well as the recipient.

Mississippi Blood Services ensures that donating blood is safe, simple and saves lives. For more information, contact 888.90.BLOOD (888.902.5663), visit www.msblood.com or download the free MBS app for your smartphone or tablet. #Give1Save3.