The University of Windsor has entered into a strategic partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) to create new student internships, pursue research opportunities and establish promotions with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and the Toronto Marlies.

This is the first partnership of its kind for both organizations, who are entering into a three-year agreement.

Jeff Deline, MLSE vice president corporate partnerships, praised the company’s newest partner.

“Our organization has a strong connection with UWindsor through the graduates we’ve hired and we are looking forward to working on research projects with their kinesiology and marketing students,” he said. “We also chose UWindsor for this partnership because of their demonstrated dedication to the pursuit of excellence, both academically and through Lancer athletes.”

Under the terms of the agreement, MLSE will provide internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students from UWindsor’s business, human kinetics, computer science, statistics and communications programs.

UWindsor president Alan Wildeman said the partnership supports his University’s desire to create unique learning and research opportunities for our students.

“At the same time, this partnership will expand our visibility in Canada’s largest city, and provide new opportunities to engage alumni in promoting what our University has to offer for current and future students,” said Dr. Wildeman. “We are looking forward to working with MLSE to enhance and grow our campus community.”

Dave Bussière, UWindsor assistant vice-president and a professor of marketing, said the agreement addresses two issues for the University of Windsor.

“It gives us substantial promotional opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area,” he said. “But more importantly, the focus on student employment and research within the sports industry is consistent with the University of Windsor Lancers’ success at the provincial and national level.”