DePaul University has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Chicago Bears, making DePaul the Proud University Partner of the NFL team. The collaboration aims to offer DePaul students practical learning experiences, mentorship, and community service opportunities in connection with the Bears organization.

“DePaul is thrilled to serve as the Proud University Partner of the Chicago Bears,” said DePaul President Robert L. Manuel. “This partnership strengthens our shared connection to Chicago and creates new opportunities for academic collaboration that will benefit our students. Through this collaboration, we will showcase our Catholic, Vincentian mission, academic distinction and deep roots in the region to Bears fans across the globe and the NFL community at large. We look forward to welcoming the Bears organization into our classrooms and engaging them in signature DePaul experiences like Chicago Quarter and Vincentian Service Day.”

The agreement includes participation by Bears front office staff in guest lectures, project-based coursework, and career development programs across various fields. These initiatives are designed to link classroom teaching with real-world applications, giving students direct contact with professionals from both the Bears organization and the broader sports industry.

The partnership will be integrated into Chicago Quarter, DePaul’s first-year program introducing students to different aspects of city life. Through this program, students will interact directly with Bears staff and gain insight into leadership, teamwork, and how professional sports impact communities.

“Our partnership with DePaul University reflects one of our core pillars, a commitment to education. Through this meaningful and creative partnership, we work with a first-class institution to partner on developing a pipeline for future talent in sports,” said Meka Morris, executive vice president of revenue & chief business officer for the Bears. “By giving students direct access to our organization, it's an opportunity to equip them with real-world experience, professional insight and the confidence to thrive in today’s workforce. This unique experience was made possible by working with an institution that shares our values, invests deeply in its communities and helps open doors for those who will shape Chicago’s future.”

As part of this collaboration, DePaul will act as title sponsor for the Bears School Outreach program. Throughout the season, players from the team as well as DePaul students and faculty will visit local public schools to participate in Youth Guidance’s Becoming a Man and Working on Womanhood programs. These initiatives focus on mentorship and skill-building for young men and women throughout Chicago—a relationship that has been ongoing between Youth Guidance and the Bears for over ten years.

Additionally, DePaul students, faculty, staff members—and now Bears alumni—will join together during Vincentian Service Day for citywide volunteer projects addressing needs throughout Chicago.

“It’s an exciting time to be a fan of DePaul University and the Chicago Bears,” said Cristel Turner, DePaul’s chief branding officer. “As part of DePaul’s new brand marketing campaign, we are creating opportunities to spotlight our unique learning approach and program offerings that create academic distinction. This partnership with the Bears provides our students with the opportunity to engage with a Chicago icon, allows our faculty to showcase innovation in the classroom, and provides important service work across Chicago’s many communities. Go Blue Demons and Go Bears!”