Western Michigan University teams up with Detroit Lions as official educational partner

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Western Michigan University is thrilled to kick off its new partnership with the Detroit Lions, marking an exciting milestone as the Lions’ official educational partner. This groundbreaking, three-year partnership will be celebrated tonight at Ford Field during the Lions’ Monday Night Football showdown with the Seattle Seahawks.  

During a special pre-game ceremony, Western student Brian Cross, a cybersecurity major and graduate of Renaissance High School in Detroit, will receive the Detroit Lions Western Michigan University Service Award. This $5,000 scholarship recognizes Cross’ extensive community service and leadership, which includes impactful contributions such as volunteering with Gleaners Food Bank, mentoring foster youth and working with the USGA Junior Amateur Championship. Cross also is a leader within his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Upsilon, and treasurer of the WMU National PanHellenic Council. 

Through this dynamic alliance with the Lions, Western aims to strengthen its connection with alumni, current students and prospective students in the Detroit metro area, where the University proudly has nearly 47,000 alumni. As part of this partnership, Ford Field will be the setting for Western admissions and alumni events. 

In addition to engaging with the Bronco Nation at the Lions’ den in downtown Detroit, the University will partner with the team to work with Detroit high school students to inspire future Broncos. More details will come later this season. 

“We are incredibly excited to join forces with the Detroit Lions to champion educational opportunities and initiatives in Detroit,” says Kristen DeVries, WMU vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the WMU Foundation. “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.” 

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

Ford Field can host 65,000 fans, and a national audience of millions more will be watching the Lions claw their way toward a potential Super Bowl bid in nationally televised games throughout the season. Those who visit the stadium or tune in will see Western advertising, including prominent placements around the field. The University will also use Detroit Lions marks in various co-branding opportunities, enhancing Western’s visibility and engagement with the team’s fan base. 

About Western Michigan University 

WMU students are individuals who are truly unique. At Western, we celebrate the passions that drive students and the possibilities that inspire them. For us, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where students are empowered to learn and where an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. Broncos prosper. Nine out of 10 graduates are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like. WMU students make their mark on the world—Grammy recipients, Super Bowl champions, doctors, teachers, pilots and countless others have flourished here. Western is the place where students become the best version of themselves.  

The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL) and play their home games at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. The team relocated to Detroit in 1934 and is the NFL’s fifth oldest franchise. The Detroit Lions’ most recent NFL postseason appearance was the NFC Championship game following a 12-5 record and an NFC North title during the 2023 season. For more information, please visit www.detroitlions.com. 

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