Volume 119, Issue 26
SPORTS DAUNTE MCGEE
Senior footballl player looks back on his time at UCO, and hopes for a great last season. Pg. 7
VISTA The
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com
UCO’s cola wars
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”
Volume 119, Issue 19
A dive into Coke and Pepsi as soda remains uncertain on campus
(The Vista/ Logan Gassett)
Ainsley Martinez Editor-in-Chief
Soda machines on campus might start to match the University of Central Oklahoma’s blue color scheme, but the decision on which soft drink company to sign with will come down to money, not aesthetics. After the 10 year-long beverage contract with Coca-Cola expired earlier this year, the university will move forward in the negotiation process to determine whether Coca-Cola or PepsiCo will have exclusive “pouring rights” at UCO. UCO, like most colleges, seeks to create a relationship with a singular soft drink company to mitigate costs and draw in corporate grants. In May, the university invited the brands to submit a proposal on what its company would offer to become UCO’s beverage of choice. “The opportunities presented by this relationship will provide substantial benefits for UCO and its Beverage Supplier… for the
purpose of maximizing revenue, promoting increasing market share, controlling costs and providing exceptional service to UCO,” reads the “Purchasing– Bids and Contracts” document from the university. David B. Young I, director of procurement services, said the determination will be based on what is “reasonable and most advantageous” for the university. This means looking at consumer data, marketing strategies and the flexibility of proposals, he said. But the chosen soft drink company will also reap benefits from its investment. “They will have the right to advertise, solicit, market, do commercials and campaigns, and use the university’s presence with their product,” Young said.
To test this on campus, The Vista collected 100 responses, and found 78% of students prefer Coca-Cola over Pepsi. This data compares to various national publications, including Mashed, which reported only a third of people liking Pepsi over Coke. Continued on Pg. 4
Students choose Coke In terms of public opinion, consumer data shows Coca-Cola has always dominated the industry, according to Brand Finance.
In a survey conducted by The Vista, 78% of students chose Coca-Cola, and 22% chose Pepsi-Co as their favorite cola. (The Vista/Ainsley Martinez)
UCO president greets faculty with a message of hope and optimism Quinn Daugherty Reporter
UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar addressed faculty and staff Tuesday at the 2022 fall semester convocation with a message of hope and optimism. Faculty and staff gathered in person to begin the school year for the first time since 2019 at the Nigh University Center on Aug. 16. Twelve different awards as well as $16,250 in endowments directly from the university were presented to several recipients and groups. “Welcome to all the
faculty and staff here on campus, especially the new faculty and staff. You are now a part of the Broncho community,” said President Neuhold-Ravikumar as she began her address. “And we look forward to your contributions that will make this a great place to learn and to work.” She said she was aware faculty and staff appreciated the reduced work week in June and July. “Well, next summer we’re going to do it again,” she announced. “So start planning your vacations now.” She also urged faculty and staff to be prepared for the decennial visit from the Higher
Learning Commission Accredita- paign’s goal is to raise $60 million tion Team. She said accreditation in gifts and pledges. is what enables the university to accept federal funds on behalf of Continued on Pg. 4 students, and it tells prospective students that UCO is responsible and committed to the pursuit of excellence. “Accreditation is the result of our daily and consistent effort toward quality teaching and outcomes over time,” she said. began in 2021. The camPresident Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar talks to faculty. (Provided)