KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan University Athletics today announced a transformational three-year partnership with Greenleaf Trust, which will become the exclusive jersey patch partner of WMU Football.
The agreement expands a longstanding relationship between two organizations deeply rooted in Kalamazoo and committed to investing in the continued success of Western Michigan University, its student-athletes, and the greater Southwest Michigan community.
"Western Michigan University is at its best when we work alongside partners who share our commitment to excellence and to the community we call home," said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. "Bill Johnston and Greenleaf Trust have consistently demonstrated their belief in our University and our region. This transformational partnership is another powerful example of that commitment and will create meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes while strengthening the national visibility of Western Michigan University."
As one of the most visible partnership opportunities in college athletics, the Greenleaf Trust jersey patch will provide national exposure throughout the football season. The partnership comes at an exciting time for Bronco Football, as Western Michigan enters the 2026 season following a 2025 Mid-American Conference championship and Myrtle Beach Bowl victory while continuing to build toward its goal of competing annually among the nation's top programs.
"Greenleaf Trust has always prioritized investing in our community, supporting those institutions that give Kalamazoo a truly unique strength, spirit and energy. Western Michigan University is integral to the fabric of our community, and Bronco football has an established tradition of preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field," said Chairman of Greenleaf Companies Bill Johnston. "We are very pleased to have this opportunity to build on our established partnership with such a great institution."
Beginning with WMU's home opener against Monmouth University on Saturday, September 12, at Stafford-Smith Field at Waldo Stadium, the Greenleaf Trust logo will be featured on the Broncos' jerseys. The patch will appear on all home, away, and alternate uniforms throughout the remainder of the 2026 regular season.
"Western Michigan Football is honored and excited to announce our official partnership with Greenleaf Trust as the exclusive jersey patch partner of Bronco Football. This is a historic moment for our program and university, and we are incredibly thankful for Greenleaf Trust's investment and belief in our players, our team and what we are building here at Western Michigan," said Head Football Coach Lance Taylor. "Partnerships like this reflect the momentum surrounding our program and the incredible support we have from the Kalamazoo community. We're proud to wear the Greenleaf Trust logo on our jerseys and represent a partner that shares our commitment to excellence, our student-athletes and the continued success of Bronco Football."
Greenleaf Trust has a longstanding history as a valued corporate partner of WMU Athletics and a dedicated supporter of Western Michigan University. This expanded agreement represents the next chapter of that relationship and reflects Greenleaf Trust's continued investment in the University and the region it calls home.
"This partnership is about much more than the placement of a logo on our uniforms," said Elaine Russell, Interim Vice President and Director of Athletics. "It brings together two organizations that share a deep connection to Kalamazoo and a commitment to excellence and investing in people. Greenleaf Trust has been a tremendous champion of Western Michigan University and Bronco Athletics, and we are incredibly grateful for its belief in our football program and our student-athletes. We are proud to carry the Greenleaf Trust name with us wherever the Broncos compete."
Revenue generated through the partnership will support WMU Athletics' continued investment in the Bronco student-athlete experience and the resources necessary for its programs to compete for championships.
Van Wagner, WMU Athletics' multimedia rights partner since 2023, worked closely with WMU leadership and Greenleaf Trust to develop and implement the partnership.
About Greenleaf Trust
Greenleaf Trust National Association is an independent, nationally chartered trust bank exclusively focused on wealth management, trust and estate administration, and the administration of company-sponsored retirement plans. With offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Midland, Bay Harbor, and Traverse City, Michigan, as well as Naples, Florida, Greenleaf Trust provides highly personalized and customized client service through its unique client-centric team approach. Free from conflicts of interest, Greenleaf Trust is committed to helping to ensure its clients' financial security from generation to generation. For more information, visit greenleaftrust.com.
