Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University has entered into a three-year partnership with the Detroit Lions, becoming the team's official educational partner. The collaboration was celebrated at Ford Field during a Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Brian Cross, a cybersecurity student from Western Michigan University and graduate of Renaissance High School in Detroit, received the Detroit Lions Western Michigan University Service Award. This $5,000 scholarship acknowledges his extensive community service and leadership efforts, including volunteering with Gleaners Food Bank and mentoring foster youth.

The partnership aims to strengthen ties with alumni and students in the Detroit area. Western plans to host admissions and alumni events at Ford Field. Additionally, they will collaborate with the Lions to engage Detroit high school students.

Kristen DeVries of WMU expressed enthusiasm for this alliance: “We are incredibly excited to join forces with the Detroit Lions to champion educational opportunities and initiatives in Detroit.” Roxanne Caine from the Detroit Lions Foundation echoed this sentiment: “This is an opportunity to uplift students from Detroit while recognizing their academic and community achievements.”

Ford Field hosts 65,000 fans, with millions more watching nationally televised games. Visitors will see Western's advertising prominently displayed around the field as part of co-branding efforts with the team.