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Coffee Center Opens at UC Davis
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University of California Davis Coffee Center
The University of California – Davis opened a new $6 million dollar Coffee Center on May 3, 2024, with all appropriate ruffles and flourishes, and I was proud to attend.
Over the last 9 years their elective course, Introduction to Coffee, has soared its way to being the most popular elective course offered to undergraduate students, outpacing “Into to Beer” and “Human Sexuality” making a strong case that to the UC Davis student body – coffee is more important than alcohol and/or sex.
Ribbon Cutting for the UC Davis Coffee Center Opening
COFFEE RESEARCH
Fascinating work was showcased on a wide variety of coffee topics, including:
- Thermodynamics of To Go Coffee - What keeps To-Go Coffee Warmest? Study by undergrads.
(Spoiler alert… It’s the lid.) - Impacts of Total Immersion Brewing On Cold Coffee Flavor
- Climate Change Impacts on Coffee Growing Regions in Brazil
- A new mobile application for coffee bean grading and evaluation using color, size and defect analysis – all on a mobile phone.
Representative Raw Data -Thermodynamics of To Go Coffee
What does chemical Engineering have to do with coffee - source UC Davis Coffee Center Opening
SPEAKERS
Itenerary for UC Davis Coffee Center Opening
It was also fascinating that all these studies needed to be underwritten (in one way or another) by some type of sponsorship. The sponsorships ranged from in-kind sponsors who donated 100 cups, in 4 sizes, to Coffee roasters who donated services, to equipment suppliers who donated the funds necessary to do thousands of measurements to prove their thesis. Our higher education facilities are simply not able to fund all these kinds of projects without external financial aid, so they are very vocally appreciative for those who contribute sponsorships.
Upper left, Doctoral Candidate Laudia Anoke-Bempah, upper right Dr. William Ristenpart, Center, Chancellor Gary May, lower left, Peter Giuliano SCA, lower right Richard L. Corsi
The Coffee Center Building
The building itself was repurposed from previously unrelated research purposes, but remodeled to allow for classrooms, cupping labs, roasting, testing, green coffee storage, and more.
Attendees at the opening of the Coffee Center at UC Davis
Interior of the new Coffee Center at UC Davis
We are excited for the future to see what this program will mean for the next wave of bright new minds in the coffee industry and for the deeper appreciation of coffee to thousands of students per year. Cheers!
UC Davis student roasted beans, from Royal Coffee, chocolate covered by students as well.
Recommended Reading
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![Native Cinema 2024]()
Native Cinema 2024
Thanksgiving Coffee Company had the privilege to co-sponsor the “Native Cinema” event along with Xa Kako Dile: in the main tent at the 2024 Mendocino Film Festival. The sold out audience was alerted at the introduction that the next two and a half hours could make them feel “uncomfortable” and the truths that were shared at this event were even more than that word conveyed.
Corine Pearce - Pomo Basket Weaver
There were beautiful short films on the artistry and teaching of the world-renowned Pomo basketry with Corine Pearce, and the resurgence and validation of the Yurok tribe’s forest management practices using fire which has been practiced in this region for millennia. These controlled burns have now been adopted by Cal Fire and other agencies as extremely effective in controlling dangerous undergrowth and revitalizing the land.
Margo Robbins of the Yurok Tribe bringing prescribed fire back in the film - Fire Tender
This led up to the most significant part of the event – a documentary on MMIW – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It was horrifying to learn that we live in parts of the top 5 most dangerous parts of California for Indigenous Women, and also for other Indigenous people (MMIP) as well. Here is a snapshot of an all-too-horrific story: Missing of Murdered Indigenous People Fact Sheet
"The next 2 1/2 hours could make you uncomfortable"
Image from the documentary "We Ride For Her"
raising awareness of the heartbreaking realities
The film WE RIDE FOR HER (directed by Prairie Rose Seminole & Katrina Lillian Sorrentino) follows the birth of a group of motorcycle riding indigenous women who created this group to raise awareness of the heartbreaking realities and to aid in the search for their missing sisters and brothers. This documentary should be required education for all Californians.
History of Thanksgiving Coffee Company and Native Cinema:
Native Cinema 2024
read more -
![July Events 2023]()
Summer of Fun
July is only halfway done and yet the events are nonstop! Getting out amongst the world of coffee lovers gives us the best connection possible and exposure of our products to a wide range of audiences.
We have been doing lots and lots of non-stop local (and not-so-local) events recently, including:
Caspar-Fest
An annual event at the Caspar Community Center that brings the community together with local vendors and music in celebration of Caspar, CA
Bubbles, facepainting, kidzone at Caspar Fest with U'ilani Wesley
The band La Onda
The band Momma Grows Funk
The Redwood Coast Recreation Center
Here we offered our coffee to support the center in Sea Ranch, CA
"Your presence really added a nice touch and helped make it a successful event. We have gotten a LOT of positive feedback so we are hoping to repeat the event next summer!"
Beth Roland
B Local Bay Area
This event was a group mixer for B Corps in San Francisco. As a certfied B Corp we enjoy meeting and working with our local chapter to learn about the good work and practices of our colleagues.
The Chair of the Bay Area B Local Keira Murphy addresses the gathering, and a downtown view of Sales Force Tower in San Francisco
Nathan Nies at the Thanksgiving Coffee station sharing our delicious coffee and story with our fellow B Corp community.
The Mendocino Music Festival!
We have been serving coffee as a sponsor of the Music Festival since it's humble beginnings in 1986.
Festival Orchestra 1, with soloists Jessica Fellowes and Katie Kadarauch
View from the Festival Tent
Lavender Grace enjoying a cup of coffee at the Festival
Coffee brings people together. We are happy to support our community to learn and grow and celebrate one another with great coffee.
Stay tuned to all our Coffee Adventures
July Events 2023
read more
Native Cinema 2024
Thanksgiving Coffee Company had the privilege to co-sponsor the “Native Cinema” event along with Xa Kako Dile: in the main tent at the 2024 Mendocino Film Festival. The sold out audience was alerted at the introduction that the next two and a half hours could make them feel “uncomfortable” and the truths that were shared at this event were even more than that word conveyed.
Corine Pearce - Pomo Basket Weaver
There were beautiful short films on the artistry and teaching of the world-renowned Pomo basketry with Corine Pearce, and the resurgence and validation of the Yurok tribe’s forest management practices using fire which has been practiced in this region for millennia. These controlled burns have now been adopted by Cal Fire and other agencies as extremely effective in controlling dangerous undergrowth and revitalizing the land.
Margo Robbins of the Yurok Tribe bringing prescribed fire back in the film - Fire Tender
This led up to the most significant part of the event – a documentary on MMIW – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It was horrifying to learn that we live in parts of the top 5 most dangerous parts of California for Indigenous Women, and also for other Indigenous people (MMIP) as well. Here is a snapshot of an all-too-horrific story: Missing of Murdered Indigenous People Fact Sheet
"The next 2 1/2 hours could make you uncomfortable"
Image from the documentary "We Ride For Her"
raising awareness of the heartbreaking realities
The film WE RIDE FOR HER (directed by Prairie Rose Seminole & Katrina Lillian Sorrentino) follows the birth of a group of motorcycle riding indigenous women who created this group to raise awareness of the heartbreaking realities and to aid in the search for their missing sisters and brothers. This documentary should be required education for all Californians.
History of Thanksgiving Coffee Company and Native Cinema:
Native Cinema 2024
read more
Summer of Fun
July is only halfway done and yet the events are nonstop! Getting out amongst the world of coffee lovers gives us the best connection possible and exposure of our products to a wide range of audiences.
We have been doing lots and lots of non-stop local (and not-so-local) events recently, including:
Caspar-Fest
An annual event at the Caspar Community Center that brings the community together with local vendors and music in celebration of Caspar, CA
Bubbles, facepainting, kidzone at Caspar Fest with U'ilani Wesley
The band La Onda
The band Momma Grows Funk
The Redwood Coast Recreation Center
Here we offered our coffee to support the center in Sea Ranch, CA
"Your presence really added a nice touch and helped make it a successful event. We have gotten a LOT of positive feedback so we are hoping to repeat the event next summer!"
Beth Roland
B Local Bay Area
This event was a group mixer for B Corps in San Francisco. As a certfied B Corp we enjoy meeting and working with our local chapter to learn about the good work and practices of our colleagues.
The Chair of the Bay Area B Local Keira Murphy addresses the gathering, and a downtown view of Sales Force Tower in San Francisco
Nathan Nies at the Thanksgiving Coffee station sharing our delicious coffee and story with our fellow B Corp community.
The Mendocino Music Festival!
We have been serving coffee as a sponsor of the Music Festival since it's humble beginnings in 1986.
Festival Orchestra 1, with soloists Jessica Fellowes and Katie Kadarauch
View from the Festival Tent
Lavender Grace enjoying a cup of coffee at the Festival
Coffee brings people together. We are happy to support our community to learn and grow and celebrate one another with great coffee.
Stay tuned to all our Coffee Adventures
July Events 2023
read more
We Were There!
Participants of the Salmon BBQ in the beautiful Noyo Harbor, CA
The World’s Largest Salmon BBQ happened on 7/1, and again – Thanksgiving Coffee was there! This event brings together thousands of salmon lovers to raise money for salmon habitat restoration. The salmon fishery in California was closed this year – completely – in order to let the salmon population rebound, so everything that we can do to support increased spawning grounds will help the salmon, our local economy, and the entire ecosystem.
Thanksgiving Coffee Booth at the Salmon BBQ with CEO, Jonah Katzeff (on right ) out front.
Our booth provided hot coffee (Mocha Java and Royal Decaf) and cold brew (Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Natural from the Gedeb region) in exchange for any donation to Salmon Restoration. We raised nearly $500 from donations alone. Our Office Manager, Jennifer, CEO Jonah, and co-founders Paul and Joan were on hand with Sales and Marketing Manager, Joe, to keep the coffee flowing for 8 hours.
Jennifer Brown at Thanksgiving Coffee Booth at the Salmon BBQ
All we can do to support increased spawning grounds will help the salmon,
our local economy, and the entire ecosystem.
We were not alone in this effort: fellow B Corps including North Coast Brewing Company and Harvest Market were on hand to donate, raise additional funds, and support the cause. The menu usually includes corn on the cob, but corn was in short supply this year, so Harvest Market was able to source organic new potatoes to supplant the menu.
Jennifer Bosma on right, representing both Harvest Market and Rotary
North Coast Brewing Company's CEO, Jennifer Owen, along with senior brewing staff serving a thirsty crowd at the World's Largest Salmon BBQ
Dozens of volunteers helped pull this event together and make it run smoothly including Rotary International (with participation from both Fort Bragg and Mendocino chapters), California Conservation Corp., Mendocino Sheriff’s Department, Salmon Restoration Association, and the celebrity grill team including lots of local dignitaries including Fort Bragg’s Mayor, several County Commissioners, local business owners, and many, many more.
Volunteers Serving up the food with smiles
"West of Nowhere" playing at the Salmon BBQ
The event had a lively festival atmosphere with great weather, great vibes and lots of live music including West of Nowhere (pictured), Steven Bates Band, the Caspar Kings, Earl Oliver, and Deep Pockets who started the day off with some very danceable grooves. One of the highlights is the annual release of the supporting shirt… this year’s shirt slogan, “If you must smoke – smoke salmon.”
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