With next semester right around the corner, staff and students alike have begun anticipating the coming events in spring, including the beer trip taking place at the end of the spring semester.  

The beer trip is credited through both the chemistry and writing departments and involves students taking a course in spring on the fermentation of beer. At the end of the semester, students will travel to Germany and Belgium to sample beer and tour breweries to see first-hand what the beer creation process is like.   

Professors, Jodie Mortag and Jered McGivern co-run the course as representatives from the writing and chemistry departments, respectively.   Throughout the duration of the 10-day trip students will visit such cities as Munich, Bamberg, Brugge, Ypres and Brussels.   When asked about what she was most excited about, Professor Mortag discussed the memories she has associated with beer, commenting:  

“Beer is more than a beverage. It’s a memory. I had my first sips from small Dixie cups, poured by my grandpa, after long afternoons of bailing hay. My sister and I would sit around his kitchen table; our clothing, skin, even nostrils coated in hay dust. I don’t remember what kind of beer it was, and I only faintly recall the taste of the fizzy amber, but I vividly remember my grandpa’s smile, and him quietly whispering, almost to himself, “That’s good beer.”   As our students explore Germany and Belgium I, of course, look forward to them experiencing some “good beer,” but it’s the memories that we will make on this trip that will outlast flavor.”  

Professor McGivern discussed variety as the source of his excitement for the trip. He commented:  

“I think what I enjoy the most about the trip is the variety. We go to big cities and small villages and there are new experiences, amazing scenery, and great beer everywhere we go! The best part is when students start becoming beer nerds like myself and I can really tell they begin appreciating the work, pride, art, and science that goes into a glass of beer in these historically relevant locations.”   

  While the focus of excitement of both professors is different, it’s clear that anticipation and eagerness are in the air for them.