2025 Campus Takeover Recap: OSU and UW

Over two consecutive weeks, students at Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW) had the opportunity to learn about the fueling benefits and versatility of potatoes through a series of interactive and engaging events. The events drove strong student enthusiasm and community growth. The two-week campus series added nearly 1,000 new Team Potato members, expanding the network of young advocates who recognize that potatoes offer fuel and flavor.

Oregon State University (Week One)

At OSU, Team Potato created a multi-touch experience that reached students across campus with both fun and practical learning opportunities:

• Rec Center Pop-Up: Outside the recreation center, Team Potato hosted a lively activation where students engaged with ambassadors, sampled potatoes, and learned how potatoes are a fuel for their everyday activities.
• Nutrition Cooking Demonstration: Students participated in a hands-on cooking demo showcasing simple, nutritious potato recipes that highlight the vegetable’s role in everyday fueling and meal prep.
• Tater Tailgate at the OSU/Houston Football Game: The week culminated with a spirited game-day tailgate, where potatoes were the star of the menu. Fans and students enjoyed potato fuel while connecting the nutritional message to athletics and school spirit.

University of Wisconsin–Madison (Week Two)

The following week, Team Potato extended the campus tour to UW–Madison, again reaching students where they live, play, and eat:

• Rec Center Pop-Up: Students visiting the recreational center were introduced to potatoes’ energy-sustaining benefits, reinforcing the connection between potatoes and active lifestyles.
• Four Lakes Market Dining Hall Takeover: The dining hall featured a globally inspired potato menu. Each food station served a unique international potato dish, demonstrating the vegetable’s cultural versatility and culinary creativity.

Across both campuses, the events successfully engaged students in environments where health, wellness, and food intersect. By combining educational messaging with interactive experiences, cooking demonstrations, and global flavors, students walked away with a fresh appreciation for potatoes as a powerful, versatile, and delicious part of their diets.