A state-of-the-art beverage lab has opened near Todd Hall, advancing wine and beverage business education, research, and industry collaboration. Purposefully built for sensory learning, the lab immerses students in beverage science, decanting techniques, and food studies through hands-on exploration. Intentionally smaller class sizes create space for deeper discussion and stronger engagement.

After a hiatus, Brew Fest returned during Family Weekend, hosted by Sigma Iota in the Marriott Culinary Innovation Center. The Battle of the Bubbles event in the School of Hospitality Business Management’s new beverage lab drew students, parents, and community members ahead of the Apple Cup. Guests sampled ciders, sparkling wines, and Ol’ Crimson beer with food pairings by Chef Matt Morgan.

A new virtual wine tasting room developed by Soobin Seo, WSU Everett associate professor, offers an immersive way to promote Washington wines while exploring the future of hospitality education. The project combines student innovation, faculty research, and digital technology to promote Washington’s often-overlooked wine industry through a virtual winery experience.

The Granger Cobb Institute for the Business of Aging partnered with Massachusetts-based company Rendever to pilot a virtual reality training program that helps caregivers and students better understand the experiences of people living with dementia. In the program, participants donned a VR headset and performed everyday tasks that slowly became confusing or illogical—mimicking what someone with dementia might experience.

Carson College hospitality leaders have partnered with senior-living professionals to ensure the Business of Aging Certificate program never gets old. Offered by the Granger Cobb Institute for the Business of Aging under the umbrella of the college’s Carson Pro noncredit certificate programs, the certificate has recently been revitalized with new training modules and is open for registration.