QUEENS, N.Y.—Two more credit unions have announced partnerships with universities.
In New York, AlumniFi, the digital banking brand of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, has entered into a major sponsorship agreement with St. John’s University Athletics that will make it the first corporate partner in the department’s history to have its logo displayed on Red Storm athletic uniforms.
According to an announcement from AlumniFi, the agreement makes the brand the Official Credit Union of St. John’s Athletics and represents one of the largest financial commitments in the athletic department’s history. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Beginning Oct. 14 with an exhibition basketball game against Drexel, the AlumniFi logo will appear on uniforms for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball and lacrosse teams.
The partnership also represents an expansion of AlumniFi’s presence in the New York metropolitan market.
Major Financial Commitment
“We’re proud to become the Official Credit Union of St. John’s Athletics,” said April Clobes, president and CEO of AlumniFi and MSUFCU. “St. John’s has a rich tradition, a passionate community and exciting momentum around what’s ahead.”
Clobes said the partnership will provide opportunities to support student-athletes and athletic programs while introducing AlumniFi’s digital banking services to students, alumni and fans.
“Having our name on the jersey is a meaningful way to show our commitment to the St. John’s community and everything it represents,” she said.
The agreement was facilitated by St. John’s Sports Properties, the local division of Learfield, a media and technology company specializing in collegiate athletics marketing and sponsorships
St. John’s Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed Kull said the partnership comes as universities face growing pressure to generate additional revenue to support their athletic programs.
“The current college athletics landscape has placed an unprecedented premium on revenue generation,” Kull said. “We’re so fortunate to have partners like AlumniFi who have stepped up to the plate and supported our efforts to remain at the forefront of the revenue-sharing space.”
Kull also called AlumniFi the first jersey patch sponsor in the department’s history.
Financial Education, Athlete Marketing Included
Beyond the uniform sponsorship, AlumniFi said the agreement includes several initiatives designed to connect the banking brand with student-athletes, alumni and fans.
Among the planned activities are:
- Student-athlete marketing: AlumniFi will participate in influencer marketing campaigns featuring selected Red Storm student-athletes.
- Financial education: The brand will conduct financial literacy sessions intended to help student-athletes manage their finances.
- Career development: AlumniFi will offer educational programming focused on preparing athletes for careers and financial responsibilities after college.
- Game-day sponsorships: The company will sponsor interactive activities during men’s and women’s basketball games.
- Madison Square Garden promotion: AlumniFi will sponsor the men’s basketball team’s planned “white-out” game later this season.
Kevin Waters, general manager of St. John’s Sports Properties, said the partnership provides AlumniFi with a highly visible platform as it seeks to expand its presence in New York.
“This partnership places their commitment to students, alumni, and our fans on one of the most visible symbols of St. John’s Athletics,” Waters said.
About AlumniFi and St. John’s
AlumniFi is a digital-first banking brand created by East Lansing, Mich.-based MSU Federal Credit Union.
St. John’s University, based in Queens, sponsors 17 varsity sports involving more than 300 student-athletes. The university is a charter member of the Big East Conference and has more than 200,000 living alumni worldwide.
MidWest America Partners With the Mastodons
Separately, in Fort Wayne, Ind., Midwest America FCU has introduced a new free Purdue Fort Wayne Affinity Visa Debit Card, giving students, alumni, families, and “Mastodon fans a new way to show their school pride while supporting Purdue Fort Wayne Athletics,” the credit union said, adding the new debit card features iconic Mastodon branding.
“A portion of every transaction made earns money for Purdue Fort Wayne Athletics, turning every swipe into an opportunity to give back to the university and Mastodon community, stated Midwest America.
