By: Erica Lampert ~Staff Writer~

Although major changes occurred on Xavier’s campus over the summer, one of the smaller differences, a switch from Coke to Pepsi products, has captured a majority of the students’ attention.

Xavier’s contract with Coca-Cola ended in early July, and Xavier’s Office of Auxiliary Services decided to give the opportunity for a new contract to both Coke and Pepsi.

“We gave both companies the opportunity to show us what Xavier’s future with them would look like and to show what they could offer to the students,” Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services Jude L. Kiah said.

Once the Auxiliary office heard from both companies, students were surveyed to determine which brands would be favored.

The surveys showed that while Coke was the favorite beverage when compared to Pepsi, students preferred Pepsi’s brand extensions more than Coke’s.

So far, students seem to be reasonably happy with the change in beverage selection.

“I prefer Pepsi over Coke, so I’m very happy with the change,” junior Mackenzie Stenroos said.

“I’m happy about the change because I like Sierra Mist better than Sprite, but the lemonade isn’t as good,” junior Kate Frank said.

“I think the majority of students will be pleased,” Kiah said. “There’s about 20 other beverages added on, and Pepsi even bought all new vending machines for us.”

Some of the extended beverages of Pepsi include Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Lipton Tea, Starbucks and Rock Star energy drinks.

The Office of Auxiliary Services hopes that this switch to Pepsi will increase the vending at Xavier by 20 to 30 percent.

All of the vending machines have been replaced, and there are brand new machines in the Hoff Dining Commons.

“Pepsi has gone out of its way to make sure they were ready for campus when school began,” Kiah said. “They really fit the X-brand with their ability to innovate and their forward thinking. They are where college trends are heading.”

The Office of Auxiliary Services wants Xavier students to know that Pepsi is excited to work with the campus and can’t wait to answer their needs.

“This is not just a Coke vs. Pepsi thing,” Kiah said. “There was nothing wrong with Coke, but they didn’t offer what we needed so we decided to switch. Pepsi is very excited to be here.”