By Amy McIff, Auxiliary Business Development

In drink and now in ink, the university’s agreement with PepsiCo is fully complete.

The multi-year effort, led by Auxiliary Services, finally concluded in a signing ceremony at Rice-Eccles Stadium where University President David Pershing joined PepsiCo President and COO of North American Beverages, Kirk Tanner, to put pen to paper in executing one of the largest and most complex agreements in university history.

In a remarkable effort this summer, the Pepsi Co team completed approximately 95% of its transition activities in just two weeks, a daunting task to be sure. Now fully intact, the university contains 154 Pepsi vending machines, 167 coolers and 143 fountains. Many of those coolers bear both Pepsi Co and University of Utah marks—a first for both entities.

Also a first, the agreement incorporates an academic component that was custom-designed to benefit University of Utah students through experiential education. As part of the agreement, PepsiCo will fund a several internships and scholarships, a brand ambassador program and other career development opportunities. Efforts supporting sustainability and a recycling program aim to boost engagement at the broader U community level.

As the university’s official beverage provider, PepsiCo brings to campus an extraordinarily diverse portfolio of products including Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Starbucks, Aquafina, craft sodas and many other products, in addition to Pepsi Cola and its classic soda lineup. The company also offers a number of health-conscious options and alternatives, promoting healthy food and beverage choices.

So raise a glass, Utes. Cheers to 10 years of Pepsi!