My Thoughts on StFX's Sponsorship Switch: Who Even Drinks Fresca?

On August 5th, StFX students received an email with a simple subject line: 'Campus Beverage Program.' Upon reading this email, students would be met with the appalling announcement that the university was making the transition from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola products.  

Throughout my previous three years at StFX, Pepsi products were the staple sponsorship across campus. Vending machines, signage at sports games, and the drink dispensers in Morrison Hall. Prior to attending StFX, I enjoyed Pepsi as much as the next person. But as university life intensified, I came to rely on a cool and crisp drink to get me through the day. Whether this was a Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Rockstar, Celsius, or even those Starbucks coffee drinks in bottles and cans, I thoroughly enjoyed — and some days depended on — these delectable beverages to keep me going.  

Upon processing the news that I would no longer be able to enjoy such beverages for my final academic year, although initially irritated, I chose to keep an open mind. Nonetheless, I was still curious. I decided to research what beverages Coca-Cola is responsible for, and consequently, what could possibly be available on campus.  

My research yielded unfortunate findings. Vitamin Water? Fuze? Monster Energy? Fresca? Who even drinks Fresca anymore? I was deeply disappointed to put it simply.  

During my first few weeks on campus this September, I tried my best to adapt. I avoided some drinks altogether, but tried to, at the very least, become accustomed to Monster Energy. One may read this and ask: 'Why are you so concerned with drinks on campus?' Or argue, 'If you don't like it, don't drink it!' Under other circumstances, I'd say you're right — if I didn't have DCB to spend. Why should I pay out-of-pocket for a refreshing Red Bull or treat myself to a Celsius when a Monster is basically free with my meal plan?  

I want to clarify I understand this is not a true problem that institution should be criticized for, as it is not a problem but a personal preference that I feel incredibly passionate towards. However, accompanying this sponsorship shift is a more important issue at hand: The Bloomfield Cafe cup sizes.  

The former Pepsi cups were 21oz, and in my opinion worth the price. Currently, the Coca-Cola cups are a humble 16oz, while the price remains the same. If a student wants more of their drink, they can always opt for a bottled drink, but when we are already financially vulnerable, why choose the more expensive option?  

It is about to be November, and my attempts to adapt to these horrendous drink options have failed, and with the added cup situation, it has only continued to trouble me. 

So, I decided to interview someone behind the decision. I wanted to know how and why this change came to fruition. Within the original email announcement, I discovered that Bob Hale, StFX's Associate VP of Administration and Ancillary Services, was the person to talk to.  

In my interview with Bob, I first inquired about what prompted the switch. "Our agreement with Pepsi was up. We had renewed it a couple of times, and we thought it was time after all these years. It's been at least 20 years." Said Bob. 

He continued, stating, "We had some delivery challenges on product, and part of the agreement is you have to sell so much product, or else the contract keeps going longer. So, if you don't get the product to sell, you just keep extending the contract. That was one of the things, and Coca-Cola really wanted the business and came in strong with a proposal that was gonna benefit the university, especially the students." 

I inquired about what specific student benefits Bob was referring to. He responded. "For the students, there's increased funds for what we used to call the Pepsi funds, now they're Coca-Cola funds. Student groups can apply for funding from anywhere of $100 to $1000, for projects they wanna do. More promotions for varsity athletics, sampling around campus, for athletics, and the student union to do events in their areas.  

When confronted with my inquiries on the Bloomfield Cafe cup sizes, to my surprise, Bob didn't know anything about it, stating "That is news to me, and I will look into it. That was not our intent to do things like that."  

Following our interview, Bob reached out to me via email, writing "Thank you for bringing up the size of cup concern. I spoke with Sodexo and there will be 21oz cups coming in soon and the issue will be corrected."  

Since speaking with Bob, my opinions on the campus drink options have neglected to change. However, my understanding of the reason for the switch has gone from entirely uninformed to somehow in favour of it. Not only are students receiving greater benefit from the Coca-Cola sponsorship, but when the problem at Bloomfield Cafe was brought to his attention, Bob showed no hesitation to find a solution. Despite my personal opinion and pettiness, I cannot write about this shift in sponsorships without recognizing the reasons for its incidence to begin with, and how the benefits overrule and even eliminate my personal perspective.