Michigan Announces Partnership with Flagstar Bank

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Michigan Athletic Department and IMG College today announced that Flagstar Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Michigan, has become an official partner of Michigan Athletics. The bank's support of U-M Athletics will focus on presenting sponsorships to two key digital assets, a student rewards program featured on a mobile app, and the university's official athletics website, mgoblue.com. The partnership was brokered by IMG College, which has been the multimedia rights partner for UM since 2008.

"We are pleased to have Flagstar Bank join our corporate partner program over the next three years," said Dave Brandon, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. "Flagstar had an interest in co-branding with our digital properties and we're excited to have them partner on our website and student loyalty program. We look forward to having Flagstar as a partner in our top-rated digital space on the collegiate level."

An exciting element of the partnership ties to a new rewards program, H.A.I.L., an acronym for "Honoring Attendance, Involvement, and Loyalty." Created for all students by the University of Michigan's Athletic Department and living on a new app free to all students, H.A.I.L. awards points redeemable for rewards to students for attending UM athletics events. The app, presented by Flagstar, allows students to "check in" at events, connect with friends and monitor the overall points leaderboard. By supporting the app, Flagstar Bank will build relationships with students who may be new to banking and help them to understand the importance of financial literacy in a fun and informal way.

"As a local bank that's been doing business for 25 years in Michigan, we're extremely proud of our roots, and we want to connect with the community at all levels," said Mike Tierney, president of Flagstar. "We are excited to raise the visibility of the Flagstar brand by aligning ourselves with another Michigan brand that defines excellence. U-M Athletics is the perfect partner for Flagstar as we support the community and grow hometown connections.

"The University of Michigan's reputation is very impressive – both academically and in athletics," Tierney said.  "This unique partnership provides the opportunity to tap into a true college sports phenomenon that is Michigan football. We're working with the Athletic Department to create products and services that help students, alumni, and fans demonstrate their passion for Michigan while building a lasting affinity for the Flagstar brand."

About Flagstar

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: FBC) is the holding company for Flagstar Bank, a full-service financial institution offering a range of products and services to consumers, businesses, and homeowners. With $14.4 billion in total assets at June 30, 2012, Flagstar is the largest publicly held savings bank headquartered in the Midwest and the largest financial institution headquartered in Michigan. As of June 30, 2012, Flagstar operated 111 branches in Michigan, 30 home loan centers in 13 states, and a total of four commercial banking offices in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Flagstar originates loans nationwide and is one of the leading originators of residential first mortgage loans in the country. For more information, please visit flagstar.com.

SOURCE Flagstar Bank