How Student-Run Ventures are Changing Higher Education: The Story of Marquette University's Blue & Gold Brewing

Manufacturing Happy Hour

Building an iconic brewing company for your university community, plus getting real-world business experience? Sounds like a dream come true.

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Jackson Cosgriff, Student, and John Knapp, Director of Innovation Alley at Marquette University.

We hear the backstory and behind-the-scenes processes of Innovation Alley and its student-led project, Blue & Gold Brewing.

John and Jackson share concerns they had heading into the project and the future of student-run business, plus they tell us whether they believe applied learning is the future of higher education.

This episode is packed with inspirational advice and plenty of beer chat!

In this episode, find out:

• The backstory of Innovation Alley and Blue & Gold Brewing
• Behind the scenes stories of Blue & Gold Brewing
• The beer brainstorming process
• What’s next for student-run business
• What concerns they had about their project
• Whether applied learning is the future of higher education
• Advice for other universities looking to introduce similar programs
• Why it’s time to think outside the box

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “It’s OK to have a big idea! Don’t shut that idea down.” – John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University
• “People get drawn into working up these ladders when they don’t really enjoy it. A lot of people are happy working with their hands and that’s what I loved about this project.” – Jackson Cosgriff, Student at Marquette University
• “I knew right away (this project) was going to be a winner!” - John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University

Links & mentions:

• Blue and Gold Brewing, a student-run business owned by Blue and Gold Ventures LTD, aimed to develop collaborative partnerships with community business owners. Marquette University students team up with the below brewing companies (all Marquette alums) to learn about craft brewing: https://www.bandgbrewing.com/
• Innovation Alley, driving students to reimagine education in the classroom and in workplaces, creating a ripple effect far beyond the walls of the campuses at Marquette University: https://www.marquette.edu/innovation-alley/
• Broken Bat Brewing, the brainchild of Milwaukee baseball fan Tim Pauly, providing a unique, welcoming atmosphere in the Walker’s Point neighborhood in Milwaukee. Spreading the love of craft beer and baseball while giving back to their community: https://brokenbatbrewery.com/
• Good City Brewing, a brewing company created by Dan and David, close friends from grad school who saw the untapped potential of craft beer in Milwaukee. Focused on pursuing excellence, prioritizing relationships and engaging their local place: https://www.goodcitybrewing.com/
• Gathering Place Brewing, an award-winning, community centered craft brewery located in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood and Wauwatosa. Making European-inspired styles with American twists: https://www.gatheringplacebrewing.com/
• Follow Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-cosgriff-0310b7182/
• Follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmknapp/

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.