By Jill Baker, Co-editor in chief
Coca-Cola has replaced PepsiCo Inc. as Susquehanna’s beverage vendor as of spring break. The most noticeable effect is in The Hawk’s Nest in the lower level of the Degenstein Campus Center, where they no longer offer Pepsi or any brands owned by Pepsi.
Products such as Dr Pepper, Aquafina, Brisk and Mountain Dew are no longer available and have been replaced with Coke alternatives such as Cherry Coke, Dasani, Gold Peak Tea and Vitamin Water.
Coke will now also support athletics in the university budget.
“We will have a higher level of financial support to athletic teams overall,” Mike Coyne, vice president for finance & administration at Susquehanna, said. “When you’re on the sidelines you’re going to see Powerade rather than Gatorade.”
Coyne explained that after a service quality decline the university wanted more reliability. He said they want to make sure things run smoothly for students to not add to daily college stressors.
Although Doritos, Tostitos and many other snack foods in The Hawk’s Nest are products of PepsiCo Inc., they will not be affected by the vendor change. Snack vending machines across campus will also be unaffected, as they are chosen and monitored by a local family company, Billings’ Vending Service.
Starbucks in Mellon Lounge will also remain unaffected.
“Aramark has Pepsi and Coke campuses, and both co-exist with Starbucks,” Coyne said.
Although the coffee shop will stay, its to-go refrigerated coffees in The Hawk’s Nest have been replaced with Dunkin’ Donuts bottled coffee.
“As of next academic year, the eateries around campus will be getting Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines,” Cindie Sheesley, Susquehanna’s senior administrative assistant and risk management coordinator, said.
Freestyle machines are touch-screen soda fountains that offer mixtures and customized flavors of Coke products, which can be found at some fast food chains.
Susquehanna also wants the vendor on campus to interact with students more. Throughout the year Coyne hopes they will be more involved, such as with giveaways or a night at Trax.
In addition to the new products on campus, the second half of the semester will start with a kickoff event Thursday, March 22 in Mellon Lounge.
The event will include an appearance from Benny the Hawk, product sampling, giveaways and an opportunity to resister to win two sets of Philadelphia Phillies tickets.