海角社区

The origin of every exciting adventure begins with one question: What if?

As the story goes, one night in 2016, someone asked (after a few beers), What if 海角社区 Alumni Relations partnered with Tivoli Brewing Co. to create a beer-drinking club? That out-of-the-box question was the seed that blossomed into Metropolitan State University of Denver鈥檚 Mug Club.

The basis of Mug Club was (and remains) simple: Offer Roadrunners the opportunity to support student scholarships through lifetime memberships. In exchange, they receive a custom glass, discounts at the Tivoli Taphouse and invitations to monthly happy-hour events that include a free beer, appetizers and a chance to unwind with co-workers at the end of the day.

But the question remained: Would people buy into the premise?

Upon the club鈥檚 launch in February 2017, Roadrunners flocked to Mug Club. Since then, the club has grown to over 975 members, raised more than $46,000 and awarded four scholarships to students pursuing degrees in the University鈥檚 Brewery Operations program and other School of Hospitality majors.

Sheena Ortiz, an Event Planning and Meeting Management major, says being a scholarship recipient has made all the difference in allowing her to remain in school and pursue her degree.

And students aren鈥檛 the only ones benefiting. Rideout says Mug Club has brought together people across the campus community who might not have otherwise met if it weren鈥檛 for happy hour.

鈥淚t has been amazing to watch this program foster an environment where people can break down silos and develop connections,鈥� said Rideout.

Over the past five years, the club has continued to expand, becoming a part of campus celebrations such as Homecoming, hosting cap鈥揹ecorating parties for graduating seniors before Commencement each semester and more. Mug Club has also opened the door to unique opportunities such as having the Tivoli produce special beers such as Roadrunner Red. The next exclusive brew will be for the Math Department, which will be promoted during Mug Club鈥檚 April happy hour and will help out with departmental fundraising efforts.