The Summit Marketplace in the Anderson Student Center is stocked with on-the-go items, from granola bars to deodorant. But most students pass right by the small silver bag of coffee grounds adorned with the St. Thomas crest, an effort to support the university.
St. Thomas teamed up with Mascot Coffee in 2012 to develop its own brand of coffee, with 75 cents of every bag sold going toward Tommie Athletics. Mascot Coffee is based in Prior Lake and partners with several universities across Minnesota to benefit their athletic programs.
When a representative from Mascot Coffee originally approached the Dining Services department to pitch the idea, Director of Dining Services Todd Empanger knew that this was something the department would be interested in.
“The St. Thomas brand is important so that we become recognized for the quality programs we offer to our students and to attract students from across the globe,” Empanger said. “Coffee is a natural and social beverage that many cultures enjoy, so it became a simple decision to bring the idea to our university.”
2012 also marked the year that the Anderson Student Center officially opened, which felt like the perfect time to debut a St. Thomas branded coffee to many in the Dining Services department.
“We opened the ASC, so everyone wanted to show off this building, engage students, faculty and staff,” Empanger said.
Now after almost five years on the shelves, Empanger admits that the coffee isn’t as popular as they originally projected, with an average of around 100 bags sold per year.
“We have to realize that 99 perfect of our customer base prefers their coffee already made and ready to pour … such as in The Loft or Beakers,” Empanger said.
Sophomore Jared Shea echoed Empanger’s concern, opting for convenience when it comes to his caffeine fix.
“I have tried the St. Thomas coffee once before, and it was pretty good, but if I’m going to drink coffee, I usually go for the Keurig because it’s quick and easy,” Shea said. “Nothing against St. Thomas; it’s just not super realistic for college students.”
While the contribution may be small, Empanger still feels that supporting Tommie Athletics is worthwhile.
“The branding label represents support of this effort,” Empanger said. “This continues to be the priority of our administration as well as the rest of our community.”
Mary Brickner can be reached at bric0029@stthomas.edu
I am a former Tommie – class 1970, My wife attended St. Kates for 3 years and 27 years later (married me, had 4 children) took her senior year of college at St. Thomas and graduated in the late 1990’s, My youngest son graduated the year follow and my Daughter graduated 4 years latter.
I now am retired and live in Iowa City. I do drink coffee and after reading your article went to the the St. Thomas web site and searching through the Summit Marketplace and Book Store could not find any way I could purchase the coffee or for that matter find out what kind of coffee. I do drink a cups of coffee and since I am retired make my coffee. I find bean coffee I grind right before making coffee produces the best tasting coffee. I have in the past purchased coffee online to support a cause or try a coffee for its taste.
What I am saying offer Tommie coffee online to the Tommie that drink and wish good tasting coffee, and do not wish to pay a high price for a cup, Advertise it in the book store, the Summit Market Place, or note it in the an Alumni mag.
JUST A THOUGHT