Credit Union 1 and UIC Poised to Strengthen Partnership with Naming Rights Agreement
University’s multi-use facility to be named Credit Union 1 Arena subject to approval of The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
The University of Illinois at Chicago and Credit Union 1 have reached an agreement in principle that would grant naming rights to the UIC Pavilion. Under the terms of the agreement, which remains subject to review and approval by The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, the facility will be renamed Credit Union 1 Arena.
Key terms of the agreement in principle will provide for Credit Union 1, an Illinois state-chartered credit union, to enter into a 15-year agreement with the University valued at $9.3 million. Additionally, Credit Union 1 will make a significant contribution of $750,000 toward supporting scholarships at UIC. The agreement is expected to be formally reviewed by The Board of Trustees at its meeting in January 2019.
“We are grateful for the generosity of Credit Union 1 and look forward to providing more scholarship opportunities to our students through this partnership,” said UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis. “Credit Union 1 has served the UIC community for many years and we are proud to have the Credit Union 1 Arena on our university campus as a visible symbol of our shared commitment.”
“Our partnership of Credit Union 1 and the University of Illinois at Chicago aligns Chicago’s premier college with Chicagoland’s premier credit union,” said Credit Union 1 President/CEO Paul Simons. “Both organizations have a diverse background representing and supporting the city of Chicago, and we both remain dedicated to the growth and development of our great Chicagoland area.”
“We are proud to contribute almost $10 million through our Credit Union 1 Arena naming rights partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago, helping them to continue as one of the nation’s top universities,” said Credit Union 1 Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Todd Gunderson. “In addition to supporting the university, we are also dedicated to supporting the individual students. That’s why Credit Union 1 is committing $750,000 in scholarship money to help students realize their dream of achieving their full potential while at the same time deepening our roots serving the Chicago community.”
“Our students and the many visitors to the Credit Union 1 Arena will benefit from a new financial facility located within the building in the heart of campus,” said Rex Tolliver, UIC Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. “We will be able to continue our effort to improve and enhance the shared space to make it a premier destination for students, faculty, staff and everyone in and around Chicago.”
“This is an exciting time in the history of UIC,” said UIC Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy. “The momentum and energy on this campus is undeniable and our great partners at Credit Union 1 recognize that to the fullest. We in athletics are fortunate to partner with an organization that shares our values and realizes our commitment to excellence in everything that we do. I am proud that Credit Union 1 will remain such dedicated members of our Flames family in such a visible and impactful way for many years to come. Our student-athletes are honored to compete in a facility that now bears the name of Credit Union 1.”
Currently, the UIC Pavilion is a 9,500-seat multi-purpose arena in the heart of UIC’s thriving campus. It is where UIC students both begin and conclude their time on campus as the site of Convocation and Commencement. The building also hosts athletic events, including boxing, UIC men’s and women’s basketball games, concerts, special events and more.
The UIC men’s basketball team will host William & Mary on Thursday, Nov. 15, in the first event to recognize the reinforced partnership between Credit Union 1 and UIC. The partnership will be celebrated, again, on Saturday, Dec. 1, when the Flames host the Loyola Ramblers at 3:12 p.m. CST.
About Credit Union 1
Credit Union 1 is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to exceeding the expectations in our delivery of innovative financial solutions to help people achieve their maximum economic potential. Established in 1958, Credit Union 1’s vision is to be THE financial institution that drives family and community success. Credit Union 1 has over 300 employees and 23 branches concentrated in Illinois, as well as in Indiana, and Nevada serving over 90,000 members. Credit Union 1 focuses on giving back to our members with the belief that a healthy financial community benefits everyone by offering up to 100% LTV Mortgage programs, and promotions featuring cash incentive for auto loans, credit card and home equity products to help our members not only save money but put money in their pocket.
About UIC
The University of Illinois at Chicago is Chicago’s largest and only public research university located in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities. With more than 31,000 students and 12,000 employees, the university is an integral part of the educational, technological and cultural fabric of Chicago. UIC is recognized as one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse universities in America. With 15 academic colleges in all, including seven health science colleges, UIC prepares professionals in all areas of study and contributes to the economic development of Chicago and the state of Illinois.
Media Contacts:
Sherri McGinnis Gonzalez
UIC Public Affairs
312-996-2398
smcginn@uic.edu
Dan Yopchick
UIC Athletics
312-413-9340
yopchick@uic.edu
