Marywood University School of Architecture, Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary, and University Gear Shop Join Forces for a Transformative Partnership

Drexel Hill, PA, – September 28, 2023

Marywood University School of Architecture (MUSOA), a leading institution in architectural education, Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary (Arthur’s Acres), a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal sanctuary focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and education and University Gear Shop (UGS), an expert in innovative campus store solutions, brand growth and marketing are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking three-way partnership to enhance the sanctuary's facilities to increase capacity for rescue, create an all-season center for animal rehabilitation, and create a multi-purpose space for education.

MUSOA is renowned for its commitment to educating a new generation of architects who engage with the world passionately and intelligently. “Students strive to enrich lives and to inspire constructive change in the world. Their dedication for compassionate architecture serves as an influence for good in the lives of others and the world we inhabit, this aligns perfectly with the vision of Arthur’s Acres to serve and educate,” said Maria MacDonald, Founding Faculty of MUSOA. Third-year students in the program will be embarking on a semester-long project to help re-envision and expand the rehabilitation, enrichment, educational, and animal living spaces at Arthur’s Acres.

“Arthur’s Acres is dedicated to rescuing animals that have been abused, exploited, or discarded. We rehabilitate the animals we care for through patience, love, and respect,” noted Todd Friedman, Executive Director and founder of the Parksville, NY-based animal sanctuary. Friedman added, “Given our commitment to educating individuals on leading cruelty-free lives through everyday choices and our focus on lessening environmental impact, we couldn’t be happier to be working with the Marywood students on this project. Through this partnership, the students will play a pivotal role in helping us reimagine, redesign, and expand the sanctuary's original barn and we will play a positive role in their education. 

Students will not only gain experience by working with a real-world client, but we will also emphasize the importance of choosing cruelty-free and environmentally friendly options that will hopefully impact decisions they will make throughout their careers.” At the end of the semester, 32 students will deliver a comprehensive multi-phase plan to enhance the existing facilities and create a state-of-the-art barn tailored to animals with special needs.

UGS, with its expertise in brand growth and marketing, is set to be an invaluable partner in this venture. “Our goal is to leverage our expertise in marketing, social media, and technology to share the compelling story of Arthur's Acres and MUSOA’s campaign,” shared William Boney, Executive Vice President of UGS. UGS aims to raise awareness and support for this transformative initiative by driving greater engagement for both organizations.

This partnership is not only a testament to the commitment of these organizations to drive positive impact in their communities but also an exemplar of collaboration across different sectors, demonstrating the power of synergy in creating meaningful change.

In the coming months, the three partners will embark on this exciting journey of transformation. You can follow our journey through a young pig named Mikey on the Arthur’s Acres YouTube channel (@arthursacres). Mikey is one of Arthur’s Acres residents and is symbolically “going to college” to provide a pig’s perspective to the students of MUSOA as they design the Arthur’s Acres Barn. The partners are delighted the world will witness the positive impact that can be achieved when academia, non-profit organizations, and commercial services unite for a shared compassionate purpose.

About Marywood University School of Architecture:

Marywood University School of Architecture is committed to educating a new generation of architects and interior architects who engage the world passionately and intelligently. With a rigorous studio-based curriculum and a focus on critical thinking and collaboration, Marywood prepares students to excel in the field of architecture.

About Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary:

Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit sanctuary located in Parksville, New York. Founded by Todd Friedman after a walk on the property uncovered a baby pig, Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary is now five years old (as is the pig whom he named Arthur). To learn more about the work being done at Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary, visit the arthursacresanimalsanctuary.org website or social media at @arthursacres on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About University Gear Shop:

University Gear Shop is a leading service provider in higher education market, providing innovative campus store solutions that drive brand growth and awareness. Through innovative retail spaces. marketing, social media, pop-up events, technology, and e-commerce solutions, UGS works with national collegiate institutions to promote their brand and engage with their target audiences effectively.

University Gear Shop Partners with 15 Campuses for Campus Store Services

University Gear Shop (UGS) is a global distribution network specializing in driving brand growth and awareness through imprinted merchandise and apparel as well as marketing, technology, and e-commerce solutions.

Drexel Hill, PA.

University Gear Shop, a service provider in the higher education market, is pleased to announce new partnerships with 15 higher education institutions across the country to operate their e-commerce and campus stores. These key partnerships began May 2023, and are assisting colleges and universities in driving brand growth and awareness through imprinted merchandise and apparel as well as marketing, technology, and e-commerce solutions.

University Gear Shop (UGS) is a global distribution network specializing in driving brand growth and awareness through imprinted merchandise and apparel as well as marketing, technology, and e-commerce solutions.

UGS has been awarded agreements with 15 colleges and universities across the country to provide campus stores with a deep inventory of branded merchandise and apparel, as well as ecommerce, marketing resources, and technology tools. The partnerships will drive community involvement for each institution, while elevating the student experience with access to high-quality, on-trend items that foster school spirit in the community and on campus at the following campuses:

• Stony Brook University – Stony Brook, NY

• Vermont State University – Castleton, VT

• Abilene Christian University – Abilene, TX

• St. John Fisher University – Rochester, NY

• Oakland University – Rochester, MI

• Lasell University – Auburndale, MA

• Bakersfield College – Bakersfield, CA

• Porterville College – Porterville, CA

• Cerro Coso Community College – Ridgecrest, CA

• Lake Tahoe Community College – Lake Tahoe, CA

• Capital University – Bexley, OH

• Albright College – Reading, PA

• Manchester University – North Manchester, IN

• Salus University – Elkins Park, PA

• South Arkansas College – El Dorado, AR.

“After being in higher education retail for over 30 years, I’ve observed a disconnect between the institution and the intentional marketing of its brand through branded merchandise,” said Bill Boney, Executive Vice President of Retail Operations for UGS. “One comment I hear time and time again is, ‘I don’t see our students wearing our gear.’ That’s free advertising for the institution when the students wear the brand. And that’s the ‘why’ behind University Gear Shop. We’re passionate about building our clients’ brand with high-quality branded merchandise while staying sensitive to price and doing so with world-class customer service. UGS delivers an immediate impact on each campus it serves and sustains that impact year over year through collaboration with institutional stakeholders.”

Launched in early 2021, UGS provides colleges and universities with a deep inventory of branded merchandise and apparel, as well as marketing resources and technology tools. Partnerships with UGS drive revenue for colleges and universities while elevating the student experience with access to high-quality, on-trend items that foster school spirit and on campus community.

About University Gear Shop (UGS)

UGS is a trusted global distribution network, specializing in driving brand growth and awareness through imprinted merchandise and apparel through marketing, social media, pop-up events, technology, and e-commerce solutions. UGS focuses on providing a deep catalog of on-trend, high-quality products including top brand names, online stores with preloaded product databases, campus integration with pop-up shopping experiences, and marketing expertise designed to drive engagement among students and campus groups. For more information about UGS, please visit www.universitygearshop.com.

Hood College Selects University Gear Shop as Campus Store Solution

FREDERICK, MD, December 5, 2022 – Hood College has announced that it has entered a partnership with University Gear Shop (UGS) for the operation of its campus store. The partnership will begin in January 2023 and will assist Hood College in driving branded merchandise to the current school community, alumnus, faculty & staff plus more. 

The official Hood College campus gear shop will offer a wide variety of branded merchandise and apparel, as well as an established presence on campus around student engagement. The partnership will drive community involvement for the college while elevating the student experience with access to high-quality, on-trend items that foster school spirit in the community and on campus. Rowela Lascolette, Director of Business Services, said, “We are very excited to partner with UGS. We believe that the services that UGS provides will meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and campus community. We cannot wait to bring the Hood College Gear Shop to campus.”

Bill Boney, VP of Retail Operations for UGS, said, “We are honored to be invited into this amazing institution. Hood College’s historic and rich culture makes us very excited to assist in growing their brand. We will work very hard for all the stakeholders of Hood College and deliver a customer experience nothing short of world-class. Our deep selection of product assortment will allow Hood College and its constituents to experience a wide variety of choices in branded merchandise and products. We will make it our intention every day, to not only provide on-trend branded merchandise but also to provide support to Hood College in their mission to provide an education that empowers students to use their hearts, minds, and hands to meet personal, professional, and global challenges and to lead purposeful lives of responsibility, leadership, service, and civic engagement. We are excited to partner with Hood College and look forward to serving the students, faculty, staff, and administration.”

About Hood College

Founded in 1893 in Frederick, Maryland, Hood College is a coeducational, independent, liberal arts college. Hood offers 30+ bachelor’s degrees, 25 concentrations, 45+ minors, and pre-professional preparation in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry and law. With small class sizes, students receive individual attention from supportive faculty. The College’s proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities. Hood’s Graduate School serves the needs of Frederick and surrounding regions with 19 master’s degrees, two doctorates and 11 graduate certificate programs. The graduate programs provide leading-edge content in business, STEM, the humanities and education. For more information about Hood College, please visit www.hood.edu.

About University Gear Shop (UGS)

UGS is a trusted global distribution network, specializing in driving branded merchandise and apparel sales at colleges and universities through marketing, social media, events, technology, and e-commerce solutions. UGS focuses on providing a deep catalog of on-trend, high-quality products including top brand names, online stores with preloaded product databases, campus integration with pop-up shopping experiences, and marketing expertise designed to drive engagement among students and campus groups. For more information about UGS, please visit www.universitygearshop.com.

Owens Community College Partners with University Gear Shop for E-Commerce Solution

PERRYSBURG, Ohio, July 1, 2022 – Owens Community College has announced that it has entered a partnership with University Gear Shop (UGS) for the operation of its e-commerce campus store. The partnership will begin July 2022, covering both Owens Community College locations, and will assist Owens Community College in driving imprinted merchandise and apparel sales through marketing, technology, and e-commerce solutions. 

UGS will provide Owens Community College’s e-commerce store with a deep inventory of branded merchandise and apparel, as well as marketing resources and technology tools. The partnership will drive community involvement for the college while elevating the student experience with access to high-quality, on-trend items that foster school spirit in the community and on campus.  

“We at Owens are excited to be entering into this partnership with UGS,” said David Wahr, Director of Business Operations. “We moved away from having a physical retail presence for learning materials and spirit wear almost two years ago. We think that UGS’ approach to providing a robust online presence and occasional pop-up stores will meet the needs of our students, faculty, and staff. There is a demand for Owens spirit wear and we cannot wait for UGS to begin serving the Owens community.”  

Bill Boney, VP of Retail Operations for UGS, said, “We are excited to partner with the Owens Community College students, staff, and administration. With our business model well-rooted in technology, UGS will bring several tools to the e-commerce landscape that will allow all stakeholders to enjoy a world-class customer service experience. A priority in our endeavors is to not only grow the awareness of the brand, but also to support the Owens Community College mission to foster student and community success by providing high quality and affordable education that leads to rewarding careers, personal growth, and regional economic growth.” 

About University Gear Shop (UGS) 

UGS is a trusted global distribution network, specializing in driving branded merchandise and apparel sales at colleges and universities through marketing, social media, events, technology, and e-commerce solutions. UGS focuses on providing a deep catalog of on-trend, high-quality products including top brand names, online stores with preloaded product databases, campus integration with pop-up shopping experiences, and marketing expertise designed to drive engagement among students and campus groups. For more information about UGS, please visit www.universitygearshop.com. 

About Owens Community College 

Owens Community College has served Northwest Ohio since 1965 as an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education with an open-door admission policy. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students, offering more than 70 academic programs, seamless transfer opportunities and short-term training with an emphasis on closing the workforce skills gap. For more information, please visit www.owens.edu. 

Regis College Partners with Modern Day Solution for Campus Store

SCRANTON, PA, May 6, 2022 – Regis College has announced that it has entered a partnership with University Gear Shop (UGS) for the operation of its campus store. The partnership will begin June 2022 and will assist Regis College in driving imprinted merchandise and apparel sales through marketing, technology, and e-commerce solutions.

UGS will provide Regis’ campus gear shop with a deep inventory of branded merchandise and apparel, as well as marketing resources and technology tools. The partnership will drive community involvement for the college while elevating the student experience with access to high-quality, on-trend items that foster school spirit in the community and on campus. Michael O’Keefe, Associate Vice President for Auxiliary and Business Services, values a modern-day approach. “Regis prides itself on offering the highest level of service to our community. This partnership with UGS will allow us to provide merchandise for community members to succeed in the classroom while also enhancing our shared identity through gear that reflects the Regis brand.”

Bill Boney, VP of Retail Operations for UGS, said, “We are honored and excited to be trusted with the Regis College brand. As we continue our journey together, we at UGS will work diligently to maximize brand recognition to all stakeholders and the surrounding community. The priority in our endeavors is to not only advance the awareness of the brand, but also to support the Regis College mission of educating the whole person, preparing students to pursue excellence, to become change agents in their own communities, and to serve and lead as advocates for a more just and compassionate global society.”

About University Gear Shop (UGS)

UGS is a trusted global distribution network, specializing in driving branded merchandise and apparel sales at colleges and universities through marketing, social media, events, technology, and e-commerce solutions. UGS focuses on providing a deep catalog of on-trend, high-quality products including top brand names, online stores with preloaded product databases, campus integration with pop-up shopping experiences, and marketing expertise designed to drive engagement among students and campus groups. For more information about UGS, please visit www.universitygearshop.com.

ABOUT REGIS COLLEGE

Regis College is a coed, Catholic university 12 miles west of Boston in Weston, Mass. With over 3,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students enrolled on campus and in fully online graduate programs, Regis provides an academically rigorous education within the schools of nursing, arts and sciences, business and communication, and health sciences. The Young School of Nursing at Regis has consistently been recognized by the National League of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. In line with Regis’ mission of providing innovative, industry-focused learning opportunities, the university offers academic partnerships with hospitals and local employers, a clinical dental center in Waltham, Mass., and bachelor’s completion and accelerated nursing programs at its campus in Lawrence, Mass. The university’s 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams compete within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Inspired by the social justice values of its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, Regis engages with service initiatives within the local community and around the world. Visit regiscollege.edu to learn more.

Marywood University Partners with Modern Day Solution for Campus Stores

SCRANTON, PA, December 2, 2021 – Marywood University has announced that it has entered a partnership with University Gear Shop (UGS). The partnership, which began in May 2021, has assisted Marywood in driving university gear shop merchandise and apparel sales through marketing, technology, and e-commerce solutions.

UGS has provide Marywood’s campus gear shop with a deep inventory of branded merchandise and apparel, as well as marketing resources and technology tools. The partnership has driven sizeable growth in revenue for the university while elevating the student experience with access to high-quality, on-trend items that foster school spirit and community on campus. Sr. Mary Persico, IHM, EDD & President of Marywood University commented, “The team at University Gear Shop have been amazing. From initial renovation, retail store branding and product merchandising efforts to their skilled marketing, technology, and deep engagement with the campus community - they have been second to none. Marywood University is a proud partner of UGS.”

Bill Boney, VP of Retail Operations for UGS, said, “We are honored and excited to be trusted with the Marywood brand. As we continue our journey together, we at UGS will work diligently to maximize the brand to all stakeholders. The priority in our endeavors with Marywood is to spread the Pacer Pride with Catholic identity, respect, empowerment, service, and excellence.”

About University Gear Shop (UGS)

UGS is a trusted global distribution network, specializing in driving branded merchandise and apparel sales at colleges and universities through marketing, social media, events, technology, and e-commerce solutions. UGS focuses on providing a deep catalog of on-trend, high-quality products including top brand names, online stores with preloaded product databases, campus integration with pop-up shopping experiences, and marketing expertise designed to drive engagement among students and campus groups. For more information about UGS, please visit www.universitygearshop.com.

University Gear Shop Reimagines & Revitalizes the Academic Retail Market

SCRANTON, PA January 21, 2022 – University Gear Shop (UGS) is a fast-growing national provider of retail campus store solutions in the higher education space. The company is revitalizing the higher-education retail market through its development of a modern in-store experience, paired with delivery of expanded trending products, branding, and increased community engagement and merchandise sales through marketing, social-media, and e-commerce solutions. University Gear Shop is a fully reimagined campus store experience.

Launched in 2021, UGS’s extensive research has led to the understanding that each college and university is a unique community unto itself.  UGS not only utilizes its expansive global network to access trending products and apparel, but ensures our approach is a focused experience specific to the campus community being served. Partnerships with UGS will deliver greater collegiate brand recognition and revenue for colleges and universities while elevating the student experience with access to high-quality, on-trend items that foster school spirit and community engagement.

Bill Boney, VP of Retail Operations for UGS, stated, “Having been in higher education retail for over thirty years, I have observed a disconnect between institutions of higher education and the intentional marketing of its brand through merchandise. As the higher-education landscape becomes more and more competitive, it is our goal to deliver an exciting and modern university retail experience that drives campus communities and stakeholders to embrace and promote their institution’s brand. University Gear Shop is a different and innovative solution over what has been offered in the past.  As the higher education landscape evolves, institutions should expect a modern-day approach to the marketing of their brand.”

About University Gear Shop (UGS)

University Gear Shop (UGS) is a fast-growing national provider of retail campus store solutions in the higher education space. The company is revitalizing the higher-education retail market through its development of a modern in-store experience, paired with delivery of expanded trending products, branding, and increased community engagement and merchandise sales through marketing, social-media, and e-commerce solutions. University Gear Shop is a fully reimagined campus store experience.

For more information about UGS, please visit www.universitygearshop.com.