The Badgers set a new record as the University of Wisconsin ranked 12th out of 200 universities nationwide for collegiate merchandise sales, proceeds from which go toward students in need.
Royalties from the sale of UW merchandise reached upward of $4.4 million in 2016, UW Office of Student Financial Aid spokesperson Karla Weber said. Out of this, the Office of Financial Aid will receive approximately $1.95 million for its Bucky Badger Grant fund. The grant is need-based and has been receiving funds from collegiate merchandise sales since 2001, Weber said.
“[The grant has] existed in its current form since 2000 and over $16 million has been awarded to students through this grant during that time,” Weber said.
The increase in collegiate merchandise sales will lead to more money going toward the Bucky Grant than ever before. Royalties in 2016 exceeded the previous record by a significantly large margin, going from $561,000 in 2012-13 to $4.4 million in 2016, according to a UW statement.
UW Bookstore Vice President Kevin Phelps said collegiate merchandise sales have been consistently strong for a long time and are still increasing. He attributes the increase in sales to the success of UW’s athletic teams, namely its football and men’s basketball teams.
“When we win, sales go up,” Phelps said.
Under Armour also partnered with UW Athletics to be its official athletics gear provider in October 2015. The product line launched in July 2016 and was hugely successful, Phelps said. This also pushed sales through the roof, he said.
According to a statement from UW, Wisconsin ranks fourth among Big Ten Conference Schools in merchandise sales.
Retired Trademark Licensing Director Cindy Van Matre said in the statement she attributes UW’s record sales to “effective program management” as well. UW also increased the royalty rate it charges from 10 percent to 12 percent.
Some of the funds also go toward helping UW’s athletic department. Bucky Grants use the money to help students cover costs of tuition, housing, books and other things they may need during their time at UW, Weber said. This money does not have to be repaid and reduces out-of-pocket expenses for students.
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More than $1.8 million went to support approximately 2,000 students in need in the 2012-13 academic year.
Office of Student Financial Aid Director Emeritus Susan Fischer said in a statement she appreciated the funds Bucky Grant received from collegiate merchandise sales.
“We continue to be grateful for these funds that help to make it possible for the recipient students with financial need to access a world-class education at the University of Wisconsin –Madison, especially during these tough economic times,” Fischer said.
Correction: A previous version of this article misattributed some information to Karla Weber. The article also incorrectly stated Susan Fischer’s title as Director instead of Director Emeritus. The Badger Herald regrets these errors.
