Western Michigan University Partners with Detroit Lions for Educational Initiative

Western Michigan University (WMU) has announced a significant new partnership with the Detroit Lions, marking the university as the official educational partner of the NFL franchise. The partnership, set to last three years, was inaugurated on September 30, 2024, during a pre-game ceremony at Ford Field, coinciding with the Detroit Lions’ Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks.

As part of the pre-game festivities, a special presentation was made to Brian Cross, a cybersecurity major at Western Michigan University. Cross, who graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit, was honored with the Detroit Lions Western Michigan University Service Award. This award, which includes a $5,000 scholarship, was presented in recognition of Cross’s exemplary community service and leadership. His contributions include volunteering with Gleaners Food Bank, mentoring foster youth, and engaging with the USGA Junior Amateur Championship, in addition to holding leadership roles in various student organizations at WMU.

Through this partnership, WMU aims to bolster its connections with its substantial alumni base, current students, and prospective students in the Detroit metropolitan area. The university seeks to use Ford Field as a venue for admissions and alumni events. Additionally, the collaboration will allow WMU to engage with high school students in Detroit, aiming to inspire the next generation of Broncos.

“We are incredibly excited to join forces with the Detroit Lions to champion educational opportunities and initiatives in Detroit,” stated Kristen DeVries, WMU’s vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the WMU Foundation. She emphasized that the partnership brings together two “winning teams” and reflects the university’s commitment to its students and alumni across the Detroit area.

Echoing these sentiments, Roxanne Caine, vice president of the Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations, stated, “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.”

The partnership promises to provide much visibility for both institutions. Ford Field, with its capacity of 65,000, will host games watched by millions nationwide during the NFL season, affording WMU substantial advertisement opportunities. Moreover, the university will utilize Detroit Lions branding for various co-branding efforts, aiming to enhance its engagement with the Lions’ fan base.

Both the Detroit Lions and Western Michigan University anticipate that this partnership will create significant educational opportunities and benefits for students while also fostering a vibrant community connection. For additional information about Western Michigan University, please visit their official website. Details on the Detroit Lions can be found at www.detroitlions.com.