Saucony and Galen College of Nursing Launch the First-Ever NIL Student Nurse Initiative in Recognition of National Student Nurse Day

Partnership Aims to Recognize, Support and Celebrate Critical Next Generation of Nurses

LOUISVILLE, Ken., May 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global performance footwear and apparel brand Saucony today announced that it is partnering with Galen College of Nursing, one of America's largest educators of nurses, to introduce the NIL Student Nurse Initiative, the first ever NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program developed exclusively for nursing students. This groundbreaking program, created in partnership with full-service advertising agency Doner, aims to recognize, support, and celebrate the incredible achievements of this essential next generation of nurses as they prepare to embark on their critically important career journey.

A nursing education requires commitment academically. Nurses are also heralded for the high emotional I.Q. they bring to work each day. But often overlooked is the physical side of being a nurse. From the hours worked to the miles walked – the average nurse can walk nearly a marathon each week on the job – there is no question that today's nursing students are true endurance athletes.

This unique collaboration between Galen College of Nursing and Saucony is launching during National Nurses Week (May 6 - 12). Saucony is offering NIL sponsorships to four of Galen's top nursing students:

• Lauren Lowe - 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing program
• Sarah Sangha - 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing program
• Ashley Lutes - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
• Brianna Nelly - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

These high-performing students will serve as ambassadors, with their profiles featured on both Saucony and Galen's social platforms, showcasing their commitment and performance, just as we would expect to see from other high-profile elite college athletes. At a signing event this week, Saucony helped to ensure each selected student is equipped with optimal gear to perform on the job and with their studies. Each student nurse received the new Saucony Triumph 20 and Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 running shoes, both designed to be worn all day, making them ideal for nurses on duty. Each student has also received financial compensation from Saucony for their participation in the NIL Student Nurse Initiative.

"As a company that exists to inspire and serve all humans to live their best lives, we are inspired by these remarkable student nurses," said Kathryn Pratt, CMO Saucony. "Together with Galen College of Nursing, one of the largest nursing colleges in the country, we're excited to support them on their journey and humbled to welcome them into the Saucony family."

In addition to raising awareness for the vital role nurses play in healthcare, the NIL Student Nurse Initiative aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of nursing professionals. To recognize all nurses and nursing students, Saucony is also offering them 25 percent off Saucony products through May 18.

"We are thrilled to work with Saucony to elevate and celebrate the hard work and commitment that all nursing students demonstrate on their path to serving others," said Mark Vogt, CEO Galen College of Nursing. "These nursing students have mental, physical, and emotional strength that many don't realize.  They will be going into a workforce that needs them now more than ever and we are proud to support them and the future of healthcare in our country."

Emily Selch, Dean of Galen College of Nursing's Louisville campus, added, "Our students are passionate about their future and work hard every day to make it a reality.  To be able to recognize achievement while our students are on their way to becoming strong, caring, and compassionate nurses when patients need them most, is an amazing opportunity."

"NIL deals typically recognize the performance of elite student athletes," Colin Jeffery, CCO, Doner.

"By joining forces, Saucony and Galen are championing the next generation of elite student nurses. Their hard work, strength and dedication is not only admirable, but essential to the future health of our nation."

About Saucony
Saucony, the 'Original Running Brand' and a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), is a leading global performance running brand that fuses innovation, style and culture. Widely recognized for award-winning technologies including PWRRUN™ PB, PWRRUN+™, and SPEEDROLL™, Saucony creates innovative technical and lifestyle footwear and apparel across Road, Trail and Originals. Founded in 1898, Saucony exists to inspire and serve all humans to live their best life by providing access to running, self-expression and creating a better world. For more information, go to www.saucony.com.

About Galen College of Nursing
Founded more than 30 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest nursing colleges in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, Galen offers master's, baccalaureate, associate, and practical/vocational nursing programs to over 11,000 students on its campuses in Louisville, Hazard, and Pikeville, KY; San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Austin, TX; Tampa Bay, Miami, Gainesville, and Sarasota, FL.; Cincinnati, OH; Nashville, TN; Myrtle Beach, SC; Roanoke and Richmond, VA; Asheville, NC; and online. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Programmatic accreditation status for Galen's programs can be found on the College website. 

About Doner
You'll find us at the intersection of Modern & Main Street. It's where we help Main Street brands compete in the modern marketplace – and Modern brands scale by connecting with everyday Americans. Our clients include McDonald's, Johnson & Johnson, Stellantis, Amazon, JBL, Hackensack Meridian Health, Bloomberg Media, The UPS Store, and many more of America's favorite brands. We apply data-driven strategy to bring our creativity to life across all platforms. And we offer our clients speed and efficiency with an in-house content studio that is the largest in the Midwest and unmatched in the industry. To learn more about Doner and see some of our work, visit doner.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Saucony
Sharon Barbano
[email protected]

Galen College of Nursing
Steph Moyer
[email protected]

Doner
Sarah Yu
[email protected]

SOURCE Galen College of Nursing; Saucony