Coke

AYS

COCA-COLA

By Denise Rothbardt

FTER MONTHS OF deliberation, University officials agreed to a plan that would guarantee Coke exclusive distribution in all campus buildings. This monopolistic plan was due to take effect for the spring semester, but the plans had been on the compromising table for months. "The idea is not a new one," Guy DeStefano, head of campus distribution, said. Other parts of the country also made the change to Coke as other universities implemented a similar plan.

Although no papers were actually signed excluding Pepsi products from University-owned buildings, Coke was permitted to sell their products with no other competition.

DeStefano had hoped the program would go into effect over the winter break. With fewer people on campus during vacation, it would have been easier for personnel to move machines in and out of buildings. Most buildings already contained only Coke products. In fact, Pepsi was only found in vending machines at the Union commons area, in a few residence halls and in a select number of schools.

Although the change to Coke appeared not to have had any noticeable effects on campus activities, Pepsi and other soft drink companies bore the brunt of this decision. In the past, Pepsi sponsored Dance Marathon and Little 500.

This new program was not exclusive to the Bloomington campus. Seven of the eight campuses, excluding IU-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, already had or were planning to comply with the new plan. Other universities had accepted offers quite similar to I U's. Penn State and the University of Michigan accepted exclusive Pepsi contracts.

Many students questioned the change and lack of choice offered from this new agreement.

Sophomore Meegan Webster felt strongly about the change. "I want my Dr. Pepper; Mr. Pibb just doesn't cut it," she said.

Yet the money from the proposal, $15 million, went toward academic funding for the University. After hearing this, many students found they could support the program, or could at least live with the switch to Coke. "If the money goes to the right programs, then it's worth it," sophomore Rhonda Barker said. "Personally, I won't really notice the difference because I don't usually buy soda on campus." But Barker said given the choice, she preferred Pepsi products.

As of the spring semester, the choice was Coke. This generation of thirsty students would no longer compete in the Pepsi challenge, at least on this campus. •

The sun will always shine, the birds will always sing, as the campus goes to Coke

THE SWITCH IS ON. Thanks to an exclusive contract, the University officially only carried Coke products in vending machines and dining halls.