First Community CU Scores First-of-Its-Kind College Jersey Partnership
By CU Today Staff —
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— First Community Credit Union is expanding its relationship with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in a deal that will make the $5-billion credit union the exclusive jersey sponsor for eight SIUE athletic programs, marking what the university said is the first jersey partnership announced by an Ohio Valley Conference institution.
The agreement comes after the NCAA Division I Council approved a rule allowing schools to place additional commercial logos and patches on uniforms, equipment and apparel beginning Aug. 1. Under the partnership, First Community's logo will appear on the jerseys of SIUE's men's and women's basketball, volleyball, men's and women's soccer, wrestling, softball and baseball teams.
"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with First Community Credit Union in a historic way," said Andrew Gavin, SIUE's vice chancellor and director of athletics. "Our relationship with the team at FCCU has been so important to SIUE, and their interest in doubling down on that support reflects the upward trajectory of their company, our University, and our community."
First Community has partnered with SIUE Athletics for years, including a 2019 naming-rights agreement for First Community Arena, home to the university's basketball, volleyball and wrestling programs. The expanded agreement also increases the credit union's visibility across campus, including an exclusive presence at New Student Convocation and sponsorship of the Edwardsville YMCA's Junior Cougars youth program.
"We jumped at the chance to have our logo on the uniforms, but it is more than that," said Glenn D. Barks, president and CEO of First Community. "It is about our investment in SIUE and our local presence. This partnership builds on our commitment to the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon community. We already have two branch locations in Glen Carbon and an ATM in First Community Arena, and we're excited to strengthen our presence on campus."
Originally reported by CU Today.