New business venture puts students in charge while bringing coffee and entrepreneurial spirit to Homecoming celebrations

The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh will add a new highlight to its Homecoming celebrations with the official launch of Titan Gold Coffee on Wednesday, Oct. 21, introducing a student-run business venture that brings entrepreneurship and experiential learning together.

Developed through UWO’s School of Business, Titan Gold Coffee puts students at the center of running a real business. From branding and marketing to finance, sales, customer relations and fulfillment, students take responsibility for key operations while applying concepts learned in the classroom.

“At UW-Oshkosh, we want students to graduate with more than knowledge. We want them to have the confidence and experience to put that knowledge to work,” said Chancellor Manohar Singh. “Titan Gold Coffee is a wonderful example of students taking ownership of their learning and turning ideas into action.”

“Titan Gold Coffee gives students the opportunity to learn by actually building and operating a business. They are making real decisions for real customers, while seeing how marketing, finance, operations and strategy come together in practice,” said Aliosha Alexandrov, professor of marketing at UW-Oshkosh.

“Titan Gold Coffee is more than a product—it is a proving ground. Our students are learning how to build something real, solve problems under pressure, and create value people can actually see and buy,” said Michael Tippins, professor of marketing at UW-Oshkosh.

The venture launches with locally roasted, UWO-branded specialty coffee in partnership with New Morning Coffee Roasters in Appleton. Supported by faculty, industry partners and a business advisory board, the initiative is designed to expand into additional products and partnerships over time.

Students bring entrepreneurship to life

“As a business student, we spend years in the classroom learning about how to operate a business. No amount of textbooks or lectures truly prepares you for what it means to run a business, no matter how small,” said Calvin Landolt, a student involved in the program.

“Rarely do students have the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a real-life scenario while still in school. Titan Gold Coffee has given me the opportunity to do just that,” said Kaeli Bangaoil, a student involved in the program.

“Being part of Titan Gold Coffee has shown me what it really takes to bring a business to life. From working with a team to figuring out the details behind launching a product, this experience has taught me lessons that go far beyond the classroom,” said Kate Ochsenschlager, a student involved in the program.

“Titan Gold is where education meets application. This opportunity has given me an exceptional perspective on how business truly operates between the lines. I’m thankful for the university and the College of Business for giving me the knowledge required to be successful as I learn how to nurture the vision of this student-run initiative. Overall, it’s a very fulfilling and exciting experience,” said James Altmeyer, a student involved in the program.

The Oct. 21 opening will showcase the students behind Titan Gold Coffee and introduce the venture’s coffee cart. Chancellor Singh will join the celebration from 11:30 a.m. to noon, with complimentary coffee provided through the Chancellor’s Office.

Titan Gold Coffee will also be featured at locations across campus throughout Homecoming week, with opportunities for students, alumni and visitors to enjoy coffee and support the venture.

Date posted: October 20, 2026