OPSU Names Esports Lounge the “PTCI Esports Lounge” in Recognition of Long-Standing Partnership

OPSU proudly announces its Esports Lounge as the “PTCI Esports Lounge” in recognition of PTCI’s outstanding contributions to the university and its students. This decision honors PTCI’s continuous investment in student success, innovation, and community development.

PTCI has been a dedicated partner of OPSU for decades, providing critical support in areas such as athletics, communication infrastructure, and student development. The organization has played a pivotal role in establishing and growing OPSU’s Esports program, offering guidance, funding, and opportunities for student competition.

“Supporting Esports programs with OPSU and high schools in our service area is a natural fit with PTCI’s mission of highlighting our fiber broadband networks, delivering progressive and high-quality communication services for our customers, and promoting PTCI values of embracing drive and innovation while having fun! What speaks to this more than gaming?” said Jana Wallace, CEO of PTCI. Beyond Esports, PTCI has expanded OPSU’s communication and live-streaming capabilities, making campus events more accessible to students, families, and community members. Additionally, PTCI has long supported student internships and continuing education initiatives, often hiring OPSU graduates for full-time positions within the company.

“PTCI is extremely community-focused, and we view OPSU as a core anchor institution in our region that provides a quality and affordable education. Many of our staff have attended or graduated from OPSU and are doing amazing things right here in our communities. We always look for great opportunities to keep or return ‘our’ kids home to work and live,” Wallace added.

As Esports continues to grow, it provides students with highly marketable skills beyond gaming. A recent report published by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association highlights the benefits of Esports, including proficiency in networking and hardware, digital literacy, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and team building. “These are qualities that definitely stand out to us when hiring and developing great employees and our next generation of leaders in the telecommunications industry,” Wallace noted. The naming of the PTCI Esports Lounge represents a continued commitment to strengthening the OPSU-PTCI partnership. PTCI is excited about future collaborations, including Aggie Connections and the opportunity to award two $2,500 scholarships during PTCI’s Annual Meeting of cooperative members.

University President Dr. Julie Dinger expressed gratitude for PTCI’s support. “PTCI has been a true partner in our mission to serve students and prepare them for the future. Their investment in our Esports program not only enhances our campus but also opens doors for students to explore new technologies, build critical skills, and connect with the broader world. We are incredibly grateful for their belief in our students and their support of our community.”

As OPSU continues to expand its Esports program, the PTCI Esports Lounge will serve as a state-of-the-art space where students can compete, connect, and develop valuable skills. With PTCI’s support, the university is excited to see how this partnership will continue to shape the future of Esports.