4 Nursing Students Land NIL Deals With Saucony, Usually Reserved For Elite Athletes

This initiative is groundbreaking as NILs are generally reserved for elite college athletes. 

Saucony and Galen College of Nursing announced the launch of the NIL Student Nurse Initiative, the first-ever NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program developed solely for nursing students.  

Galen College of Nursing, one of the largest nursing schools in the country,  offers baccalaureate, associate, and practical/vocational nursing programs to over 11,000 students. Through a partnership with advertising agency Donor, the purpose of this program is 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.”

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“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.”

Nursing Students Named

The program was launched during National Nurses Week. Saucony offered four Galen students NIL sponsorships. They include, 

• 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

Nursing school is difficult academically but the physical aspects are often overlooked. The long hours standing, walking countless steps - it's all about endurance. Well, Saucony finally recognized that nursing students and nurses are endurance athletes. 

The company announced on Instagram, “We've officially signed four new collegiate distance athletes. No, not your traditional endurance athlete, four aspiring nurses @galencollegeofnursing! The average nurse can walk nearly a marathon each week on the job! With this NIL initiative, we’re shining a light on their stories, their successes, and how critically important nurses are to our healthcare ecosystem.”

Image: Instagram

NIL Sponsorship Details

All students will receive pairs of Saucony Triumph 20 and Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 shoes to wear on the job, as well as an undisclosed amount of “financial compensation,” according to a press release. 

“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, said, “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,” commented 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 are not only admirable but essential to the future health of our nation.”