Methodist Health System has become the presenting sponsor of all UNO women's athletics teams, a six-figure arrangement that was announced Wednesday.
“The partnership is the largest initial sponsorship that UNO athletics has ever received,” said Michele Roberts, UNO's associate athletic director and senior woman administrator. “Not only is it history in the making, it is a partnership that truly has made a difference for our female student-athletes. It demonstrates the true meaning of women helping women.”
The announcement was made at the still under construction Methodist Women's Hospital at 192nd and West Dodge Road, which is expected to be completed by early next summer.
Among those in attendance at the press conference were virtually every member of the UNO coaching staff and most of the school's female student-athletes.
“This partnership makes great sense not only because it brings together two of Omaha's leading employers, but also two employers who are clearly committed to helping advance women in our community,” said Steve Goeser, president and CEO of Methodist Hospital.
Methodist Health System logos will be evident on promotional UNO items such as posters, programs, chairbacks and towels. Methodist employees are allowed to attend UNO women's athletic events free by showing employee identification.
UNO female athletes will spend 40 hours volunteering at a Methodist hospital during each school year of the agreement.
Also, every baby born at Methodist Women's Hospital will receive a UNO onesie (baby outfit) and a “national letter of intent” signed by Athletic Director Trev Alberts.
“It's an incredible example of what I believe metropolitan universities can do and be in their communities,” UNO Chancellor John Christensen said. “This is one where everyone wins.”
The exact financial amount of the sponsorship is based on several contingencies. The deal is for a minimum of two years.
“I'm not sure many universities have presenting sponsorships,” said Matt Hansen, UNO's director of athletic sponsorships and marketing. “Everywhere our athletes are, Methodist is along with us.”
Alberts praised Roberts and Hansen for playing leading roles in helping align UNO with the campus and the community.
“Community service is hugely important,” Alberts said. “If you have a 4.0 (grade point average) and compete in athletics, but you don't do anything in the community, then you're not a well-rounded student-athlete. There's a three-pronged approach.”
Roberts said UNO's 142 female student-athletes carry a 3.32 GPA, with 64 on the dean's list (3.5 or higher) and 22 carrying a 4.0. Roberts said 66 percent of UNO female athletes eventually make Omaha their home.
“They go into the workforce and support their families in the same community that supported them,” Roberts said.
The agreement is considered another positive signal that has been sent out from UNO's athletic department since Alberts was hired in May.
“This collaboration made perfect sense from the moment the athletic department staff approached us,” said Sue Korth, Methodist Women's Hospital's vice president and chief operating officer. “Just as Trev has ushered in a new era to the UNO athletic department, Methodist will be ushering in a new era of women's health.”
Contact the writer:
444-1027, rob.white@owh.com
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