Partnership with Penguins Continues

Posted on August 10, 2010

California University will continue its partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins - an agreement that already has yielded tangible benefits for students, including a scholarship and internships.

Cal U has been designated the official education partner of the Penguins, which has identified the age 15- to 25-year-old age group as its core fan base.

"For Cal U, the partnership with the Penguins is a strategic marketing and recruiting measure," said Angela Burrows, vice president for University Relations. "It is designed to raise awareness of Cal U both in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond western Pennsylvania.

"In addition, our connection to the Penguins directly benefits our students. As state funding for public higher education declines, we continue to look for creative ways to enhance the University's image, bring in much-needed revenue and provide world-class opportunities for our students."

Highlights of the relationship include:

• Scholarships. The first Pittsburgh Penguins Scholarship will be awarded this fall to a student who holds at least a B average and demonstrates financial need. Funding was generated through auctions of Pens' memorabilia. The partnership offers further opportunities for fundraising by student groups and the Office of University Development.
• Internships and interaction. Two Cal U students completed internships with the Penguins operation in 2009-2010, and the team anticipates taking on interns again this academic year. The organization also has arranged presentations for campus events such as the 2010 Sport Management Conference and the Leadership Club.
• Community service. Cal U students will be invited to assist the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which raises funds for cancer and neonatal research. Last year Cal U's nationally ranked men's and women's hockey teams conducted multiple charity drives at Pens games.
• Marketing and recruitment. Hockey fans watching games live or on TV will see the Cal U brand message on the electronic dasher boards and in digital displays high above the ice at Consol Energy Center, the Pens' new arena. Cal U also will continue to promote its academic programs in IceTime, the program distributed to thousands of fans at Pens' home games.
• Image enhancement and awareness. A conference room on the upper level of Consol Energy Center will bear the California University name.

"When Cal U's new Convocation Center opens next year, executive conferencing is expected to generate revenue for the University," Burrows said.  "Individuals who visit this dynamic meeting space in Consol Energy Center will be introduced to Cal U and made aware of the opportunity to hold larger meetings - even trade shows, job fairs or national conferences - at our state-of-the-art facilities less than an hour's drive from Pittsburgh.

"It's one more way to present Cal U to a new audience, and to help support the university's mission."