SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster University and its on–campus dining partner, Sodexo, celebrated the opening and name reveal of a new coffee shop this Thursday, February 29 – Leap Day and One Westminster Day, the school’s annual day of giving. The coffee shop’s name, Winged Scholar Coffee, was created from student submissions and chosen by the Student Culinary Council. Westminster and Sodexo hope that the new space will be a place for student support and community on campus.
Westminster students and staff gathered around the newly constructed coffee shop in the Shaw student center for remarks from President Dobkin, Dean of Students Jessica Brazell-Brayboy, and Violet Czech, Chair of the Student Culinary Council. After the opening event finished, guests were welcomed to take part in samples of Winged Scholar Coffee’s menu items and a select set of beverages.
Including the student population was one of the key components of the creative process. Instead of reusing the previous campus coffee shop name, a new one was chosen that encapsulates Westminster’s beliefs and hopes for students. The final name is a combination of three submissions from students V Feeler, Aurora Augulis, and Ana Brava Navarro, who submitted components that each represented Westminster University’s ideals. Winged Scholar Coffee is intended to act as a student hub on campus and a place where students can spread their wings and begin to soar. The three winning students collaborated on a specially named drink in their honor, the matcha at Winged scholar coffee, and were also awarded one free drink per week for their thoughtful contribution.
“While one single name was not selected, we worked to combine elements of multiple submissions that we hope best embody Westminster’s beliefs and what the new campus coffee shop can represent for students helping them soar to new heights. The three student winners have collaborated on a specially named drink, the matcha, which will be called Verdant Slopes, as a nod to the Utah ski scene which is loved by our campus and student population,” said Violet Czech, Chair of the Student Culinary Council.
Winged Scholar Coffee will be proudly serving Starbucks products including teas, hot and iced beverages, refreshers, and a larger variety of grab-and-go items for increased student convenience. Westminster students can participate further throughout the year in surveys for seasonal drinks and other menu items.
“Westminster University is pleased to partner with Sodexo to bring an upgraded coffee experience to the Westminster community. Winged Scholar Coffee perfectly speaks to our identity as a community of scholars that value imagination and innovation,” said Jessica Brazell-Brayboy, Dean of Students.
Sodexo is happy to be part of this collaboration with Westminster University.
"I'm very excited to have our new coffee shop at Shaw Student Center. Bringing the coffee shop to Shaw brings more community and cohesiveness to the students, so that dining at Westminster is more of a one stop shop." said Elsa Hassett, Sodexo Marketing Specialist.
Winged Scholar Coffee is located in the Shaw Student Center with operating hours of 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
-Violet Czech (‘26)
