PENSACOLA, Fla. — PenAir Credit Union has committed $1.7 million to the University of West Florida in an expanded partnership that includes naming rights for two athletic facilities and funding for a new endowed student-athlete scholarship, according to the credit union.
Under the agreement, the UWF Field House will be renamed the PenAir Field House, while the premium club space in the university’s new Darrell Gooden Stadium will be named the PenAir Champions Club.
PenAir also will become the “Official Credit Union of UWF Athletics.”
The investment will help support construction of Darrell Gooden Stadium as UWF prepares for its inaugural season competing in NCAA Division I athletics, PenAir said.
“PenAir Credit Union has been an outstanding partner to the University of West Florida for more than 15 years, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to Argonaut Athletics,” UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. said in a statement.
Diaz said partnerships such as the one with PenAir will help the university create new experiences for student-athletes, the campus and the community as UWF moves into Division I competition.
PenAir’s commitment also will establish an endowed scholarship to support future UWF student-athletes.
“PenAir Credit Union has been an incredible partner in the growth of UWF Athletics, and we are grateful for their continued belief in our programs and student-athletes,” UWF Director of Athletics Dave Scott said in a statement.
Scott said the expanded partnership will help UWF enhance its game-day experience while providing additional support for student-athletes.
PenAir has supported UWF Athletics for more than 15 years through sponsorships and scholarships, according to the credit union. Its previous support has included assistance with football playoff runs, game-day activities and tailgating, as well as providing ATM access for fans attending home athletic events.
Relationship Beyond Athletics
The credit union’s relationship with UWF also extends beyond athletics. PenAir said it has supported scholarships, student programs, financial education and financial wellness initiatives intended to help students prepare for their careers and manage their finances.
“Our relationship with UWF has been about creating opportunities for students to succeed,” PenAir President and CEO Lee Morgan said in a statement. “Through athletics, scholarships, financial education and campus engagement, we’ve worked together to help students prepare for what’s next.”
Morgan said the credit union is proud to continue investing in the university and the broader community.
The expanded agreement comes as UWF Athletics prepares for its first Division I season.
