Sales of UW merchandise smash record, help financial aid

As you pull on your jersey or take a sip from your favorite UW mug in preparation for the 2013 Rose Bowl, remember every Bucky Badger and Motion W has a grand purpose: real need-based financial aid for UW–Madison students.

Sales of trademarked University of Wisconsin merchandise set a new record in 2011-12, with gross royalties reaching $3,752,828. That’s an increase of 12.8 percent over the previous high of $3,326,879 set in 2010-11.

Cindy Van Matre, trademark and licensing director, says the continued success of UW merchandise sales is a testament to the strength of the sports teams, the university and the Wisconsin brand.

“Our products are literally available to anyone in the world due to online sales,” Van Matre says.

Half the proceeds from licensed UW merchandise sales go to Bucky Grants, a program that provides need-based financial aid to undergrads. For the 2012-13 academic year, more than $1,822,635 million was distributed among 2,353 students, for an average award of $775.

“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,” says Susan Fischer, director of the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Manufacturers must agree to a code of conduct and a small royalty fee to sell products bearing any verbiage and logos associated with the University of Wisconsin, including the Bucky Badger likeness, or the Motion W or University of Wisconsin Crest W logo.

UW ranked 15th among the Collegiate Licensing Corporation’s 160 colleges and universities and fourth among CLC’s Big Ten clients.