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The Pepsi Prohibition
Matthew Russell / Outlook Reporter
matthew_russell@pipeline.owens.edu
Owens Community College’s beverage service is now handled by Coca-Cola—and
only Coca-Cola.
Although many students favor Pepsi products including Sierra Mist, Aquafina
and the student-favorite, caffeine-loaded Mountain Dew, as of this semester
Owens will sell only Coca-Cola products. Before going on a campus-wide
search for the big, blue soda machines, be aware that all you’ll
find are the big, red ones.
In a press release issued earlier this month, the College stated that
they are entering into a five-year agreement with The Coca-Cola Company,
granting the soft drink heavyweight exclusive “pouring rights”
on both Toledo and Findlay campuses. And what does our rapidly-growing
school get in return? Besides a boastful number of vending machines (at
least 40 of them), Owens Community College could receive $1 million, or
more, spread out over the five-year agreement period. Of course, that’s
all dependent on how much Coke is consumed. But according to Gary Dettling,
Vice President of College Advancement at Owens, that figure is very realistic.
With a 58 percent share of Coca-Cola sales on campus, Owens is sure to
see a pleasing flow of cash—an especially welcoming gain in these
uncertain times of government cutbacks and a fragile economy.
According to the school’s press release and Mr. Dettling, “the
revenue generated from the pouring rights agreement will be poured right
back into the College for student-related renovation projects, such as
the Fountain View Dining Hall located in College Hall.” The $1.25
vending machine price has not changed, and most machines have card-readers
built into them.
With substantial revenue to be gained without raising taxes or holding
a fundraiser, Owens has shown off its business savvy as well as its attitude
that it is not just a little community college anymore: they are thinking
big and acting big.
So whether you’re a fan of Coke or not, know that your school is
working hard to provide you with a reputable institution to go on your
diploma. And don’t worry, if that bootlegged Mountain Dew you’re
sipping back on came from home, sip on—you won’t get in trouble.