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Coca Cola comes to campus

Janel Shoun-Smith | 

Lipscomb welcomes Coca Cola to campus after 17 years of Pepsi

The Lipscomb campus welcomed a new friend to campus today with open arms… and mouths!

After 17 years of only Pepsi products sold on campus, Lipscomb is now switching to Coca Cola. Coke products went on sale on Monday and a Coca Cola Launch Party will be held on Oct 6, Family Weekend, 5-8 p.m., with free drinks, live music and the announcement of the winner of a $1,000 scholarship.

“We have listened to you, and now we are a Coca Cola campus,” announced Scott McDowell, senior vice president for student life, from the stage at this week’s Gathering. His announcement was met with enthusiastic applause.

During the Gathering pre-announcements, students were treated to Coca Cola commercials, and a visit
by the Coca Cola polar bear, who joined Josh Roberts, dean of student development, to announce the October Launch Party.

In addition, J. Frank Harrison III, Chairman and CEO of Coca Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated based in Charlotte, NC, Lipscomb’s new Coke supplier, spoke to the students and shared passion for working with Christian organizations.

“It’s God’s money, and He holds us accountable, so we love giving to Christian organizations,” said Harrison, announcing that there were free Coke Zero Sugar products available for everyone as they exited Allen Arena.

According to Jeff Wilson, director of service and retail operations, Lipscomb’s contract with Pepsi was up for renewal this year and Coke contacted campus officials about switching. In addition to general student and employee support for Coke products, Lipscomb officials were drawn to Harrison’s Coke bottling company because of its spiritual purpose statement: “To honor God in all that we do.”

“It was obvious that their corporate values fit with ours really well,” Wilson said.

Lipscomb is also offering a $1,000 scholarship to the student who posts the cleverest comment at #LipscombCoke. The winner will be announced at the Oct. 6 Coca Cola Launch Party on campus.