KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Western Michigan University is excited to launch a new partnership with the Detroit Lions, becoming the team’s official educational partner. This significant three-year collaboration will be commemorated tonight at Ford Field during the Lions’ Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks.
A special pre-game event will honor Western student Brian Cross, a cybersecurity major and Renaissance High School graduate from Detroit, with the Detroit Lions Western Michigan University Service Award. This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to Cross for his outstanding community service, which includes volunteering with Gleaners Food Bank, mentoring foster youth, and supporting the USGA Junior Amateur Championship. Cross also holds leadership roles in his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Upsilon, and serves as the treasurer for the WMU National PanHellenic Council.
Through this partnership, Western Michigan University aims to enhance its ties with alumni, current students, and prospective students in the Detroit metropolitan area, home to nearly 47,000 WMU alumni. Ford Field will host various admissions and alumni events as part of this collaboration.
In addition to engaging with supporters in Detroit, the university plans to work with local high school students to inspire future Broncos. More information about these initiatives will be unveiled later in the season.
“We are incredibly excited to join forces with the Detroit Lions to champion educational opportunities and initiatives in Detroit,” said Kristen DeVries, WMU vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the WMU Foundation. “This partnership combines two strong entities and reflects our dedication to our current and future students as well as Western alumni and Lions fans throughout the Detroit area, the state, and beyond. We look forward to a successful collaboration and a fantastic season ahead.”
Roxanne Caine, vice president of the Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This opportunity allows us to uplift students from Detroit while recognizing their academic and community contributions.”
Ford Field has a capacity of 65,000 fans, and the Lions are expected to attract a national audience as they aim for a potential Super Bowl appearance this season. Attendees at the stadium and viewers at home will notice Western Michigan University’s advertising prominently displayed around the field. The university will also engage in co-branding initiatives with the Detroit Lions, further enhancing its visibility among the team’s fan base.
About Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University celebrates the unique aspirations and goals of its students. The institution is dedicated to empowering individuals through a purposeful learning experience that leads to meaningful careers. With nine out of ten graduates employed soon after graduation in fields they enjoy, WMU students make significant contributions to various sectors, boasting a diverse array of successful alumni including Grammy winners, Super Bowl champions, doctors, educators, and pilots. Western Michigan University helps students achieve their best selves.
About Detroit Lions