Experiential opportunities await OSU students following bar renovations at the Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education – Oklahoma State University

Report on Educational Enhancements and Sustainable Development at Oklahoma State University

A recent initiative at Oklahoma State University’s Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education exemplifies a multi-faceted approach to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a strategic philanthropic donation and local business partnerships, the university has enhanced its educational infrastructure, directly contributing to goals related to quality education, economic growth, sustainable communities, and collaborative partnerships.

Advancing SDG 4: Quality Education through Experiential Learning

Infrastructure and Curriculum Upgrade

A significant donation from Mike and Lisa Rogers has facilitated a substantial upgrade to the learning facilities within the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM). This investment directly supports SDG 4 by ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

• Facility Enhancement: Installation of a new marble bar top and modern beverage equipment provides students with access to industry-standard tools.
• Professional Resources: The provision of new chef uniforms for lab students professionalizes the learning environment.
• Hands-On Experience: According to Ashley Peterson, interim director of the Center, the renovation transforms the educational environment, enabling students to apply classroom theory in a practical, hands-on setting that mirrors professional industry standards.

Fostering Local Economic Growth and Community Resilience (SDG 8 & SDG 11)

Strategic Local Partnerships

The project strengthens the local economy and fosters community integration, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The collaboration involves partnerships with Stillwater-based breweries.

1. Iron Monk: A local brewery providing new beer taps and industry expertise.
2. Stonecloud Brewing Co.: A second local partner also contributing to the updated facilities.

This initiative supports local enterprises while providing students with authentic, relevant educational experiences. These partnerships bridge the gap between academia and the local business community, opening avenues for future collaborations that strengthen industry relationships and local economic resilience.

Promoting Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainable Goals (SDG 17)

A Model of Collaborative Action

The success of this upgrade serves as a model for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), showcasing a powerful collaboration between diverse stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

• Philanthropic Donors: The project was made possible by the generous donation from Mike and Lisa Rogers.
• Academic Institution: Oklahoma State University, through its Spears School of Business and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, provided the educational framework.
• Local Private Sector: Iron Monk and Stonecloud Brewing Co. contributed resources and industry linkage.

Commitment to Responsible Industry Practices (SDG 12)

Educating Future Industry Leaders

The Wayne Hirst Center’s mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the culture, production, and societal impact of beverages. This educational focus contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by preparing future industry leaders to address trends and challenges within the global beverage sector. The program’s integrated and interdisciplinary curriculum equips students with the knowledge to promote more sustainable and responsible practices in their future careers. The HTM program, ranked 8th in the U.S., is positioned to have a significant impact on the sustainability of the global tourism and hospitality industries.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article is centered on an upgrade to an educational facility, the Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education at Oklahoma State University. The stated goal is to keep students “at the forefront of experiential education opportunities” and provide “authentic, relevant education.” This directly aligns with the core mission of SDG 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management program is described as a “business-focused academic program that educates students… for the food and beverage, lodging, event planning, and tourism management industries.” By providing students with industry-relevant skills and partnering with local businesses, the initiative supports future employment and promotes local economic activity, which is central to SDG 8.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The project described in the article is a result of a multi-stakeholder partnership. It involves a public institution (Oklahoma State University), private donors (“a generous donation from Mike and Lisa Rogers”), and local private sector businesses (“Stillwater-based breweries Iron Monk and Stonecloud Brewing Co.”). This collaboration to achieve an educational and economic goal is a clear example of the partnerships promoted by SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 4: Quality Education
  • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
    
    Explanation: The article emphasizes that the renovation allows the center to “take everything students learn in the classroom and bring it to life through hands-on, professional experiences that truly mirror the real industry.” This directly addresses the need to provide students with relevant vocational skills for future employment in the hospitality sector.
• Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
    
    Explanation: The partnership with “Stillwater-based breweries Iron Monk and Stonecloud Brewing Co.” is explicitly mentioned as a way to “support local businesses.” By integrating local products and businesses into its curriculum, the university is actively promoting local products within the framework of tourism and hospitality education.
• Under SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
  • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
    
    Explanation: The entire initiative is a model of this target. The article details a partnership between a public entity (the university), civil society (the private donors, Mike and Lisa Rogers), and the private sector (the local breweries). The “generous donation” and equipment provision are the resourcing strategies that make the project possible.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 4.4 (Relevant Skills for Employment):
  • Implied Indicator: Quality of Educational Programs. The article cites the program’s high ranking (“No. 8 in the U.S. and No. 22 in the world among hospitality and tourism management programs”) as evidence of its quality, which serves as a proxy indicator for the relevance and effectiveness of the skills being taught.
  • Implied Indicator: Integration of Experiential Learning. The emphasis on “hands-on, professional experiences” and “experiential learning” can be measured as an indicator of progress in providing vocational skills. The renovation itself is a tangible improvement in the capacity for this type of learning.
• For Target 8.9 (Promote Local Products):
  • Direct Indicator: Number of Local Business Partnerships. The article explicitly names two local breweries as partners (“Iron Monk” and “Stonecloud Brewing Co.”). This number serves as a direct and measurable indicator of the program’s efforts to promote local businesses and products.
• For Target 17.17 (Multi-stakeholder Partnerships):
  • Direct Indicator: Resources Mobilized Through Partnerships. The “generous donation” from private donors and the provision of “new equipment and beer taps” from local breweries are quantifiable indicators of the financial and in-kind resources mobilized through this public-private-civil society partnership.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.okstate.edu