The impact of U-M’s new Coca-Cola partnership has become increasingly visible across the university. Coca-Cola helped welcome students back through activities on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. Ann Arbor events included Escapade at the Michigan Union, Festifall, and the unveiling of a new mural near the student entrance of Michigan Stadium. Coca-Cola also supported UM-Flint faculty and staff participating in the Michigan Mile, part of Flint’s Crim Festival of Races.
The partnership is creating opportunities and support beyond beverage service. New student intern and ambassador cohorts are underway, and the agreement includes an annual allocation to support student pantries across the U-M system. The Office of Campus Sustainability is also working with Coca-Cola to develop a sustainability roadmap for the partnership.
Behind these visible activities, university and supplier teams have completed major vending, retail, and dining transitions across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses and Michigan Medicine. Work continues to improve ordering and hosting processes for individual units.
Local grocery stores have also featured co-branded U-M and Coca-Cola packaging. These early efforts demonstrate how the partnership can support student engagement, campus traditions, sustainability, and the broader U-M community.