Penn State ranked first in the American Red Cross blood service's intercollegiate blood drive challenge.

It beat 18 other universities by collecting 4,284 units of blood from October through February.

The figures mean that 9.05 percent of full-time faculty, staff and students donated blood during that time period.

Wendi Keeler, Red Cross donor resources field representative, said the rate was a "huge increase" from last year, and she attributed much of the success to the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon's participation in blood drives.

"We almost doubled the amount of blood collected during the Thon period," she said.

The next blood drive will take place today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Carnegie Building, and walk-up appointments will be available.