‘A Brew with SHU’ Funds Aid Black Brew Science Students
Beer-tasting event with New England Brewing Co. supports diversity in the brewing industry
Sacred Heart University recently hosted “A Brew with SHU”—a virtual tasting event featuring beers from New England Brewing Co. (NEBCO)—to raise awareness and funds for the Connecticut Brewers Guild African American Brewing Scholarship at SHU.
The University joined with the Connecticut Brewers Guild and NEBCO—one of the state’s original craft breweries—to establish an endowed scholarship for Black students in SHU’s brew science program as a means to encourage diversity in the industry. While building up the endowment will take some time, a new annual NEBCO African-American Brewers Scholarship will have an immediate impact by awarding Black students full tuition to SHU’s brewing science certificate program each year. The first scholarship recipients will start the program in May.
Plans for the scholarships evolved last May when Jamal Robinson, director of sales at NEBCO, discussed the idea of expanding opportunities for Black employees in the brewing industry with his colleagues. At the time, NEBCO already was involved in SHU’s brewing science certificate program, providing internships to students.
“A Brew with SHU” participants picked up a four-pack of exclusive NEBCO beer ahead of the virtual event and tuned in to the sold-out tasting experience. Moderated by SHU alumnus Mike Johnson ’06, the event was streamed live on YouTube from NEBCO in Woodbridge.
More than 100 people sipped lagers, IPAs and stouts including Fuzzy Baby Ducks, Raising Helles, G-Bot and Coffee Breath. As participants tasted each beer, Greg Radawich, NEBCO’s brewery operations manager, shared insights about the flavors, the hops used and each beer’s unique brewing process. Audience members asked questions using the Zoom chat feature.
Other NEBCO staffers and SHU faculty were on hand to discuss the beers, the scholarships and SHU’s brewing science certificate program, the only one of its kind in Connecticut.
Another virtual tasting event is scheduled for April 8 with Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford. All proceeds will benefit the endowed scholarship, as well. To learn more about the scholarship or to donate, visit the webpage.