Western Michigan University named official educational partner of Detroit Lions

Western Michigan University and the Detroit Lions have formed a relationship that involves the university becoming the official educational partner of the team. The partnership was officially kicked off in late September when the Detroit Lions played against the Seattle Seahawks. During the game, Western Michigan University student Brian Cross received the Detroit Lions Western Michigan University Service Award, a scholarship in the amount of $5,000.

According to an article on Western Michigan University’s website, Kristen DeVries, who serves as both the vice president for University Advancement and the executive director of the WMU Foundation, was quoted as saying of the unique partnership, “We are incredibly excited to join forces with the Detroit Lions to champion educational opportunities and initiatives in Detroit. This partnership brings together two winning teams and exemplifies the University's commitment to our current and future students as well as Western alumni and Lions fans across the Detroit area, the state and the nation. As ‘One Pride,’ we eagerly anticipate a successful collaboration and a fantastic season ahead.” 

Detroit is currently home to about 47,000 Western Michigan University alumni. The partnership agreement includes allowing Western Michigan University to make use of Ford Field for its alumni events, as well as for admissions and recruiting events. The university will also work with the team on its outreach to Detroit students, hoping to lead them to becoming a Western Michigan University student. Additionally, there will be prominent Western Michigan University advertising at Ford Field, and the school and the team will have collaborative co-branding opportunities, as well.

Roxanne Caine, the vice president of Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Western Michigan University. This is an opportunity to uplift students from Detroit while recognizing their academic and community achievements.” 

For more information about Western Michigan University, visit the school’s website.