The WashU Student Enterprise Program (StEP) provides a unique opportunity for students to own a business on campus, serving the university community while gaining real-world experience that supplements the business and entrepreneurial skills they acquire in the classroom. Each StEP business is owned and operated exclusively by current undergraduate students, and graduating seniors are not permitted to maintain shares. Earlier this month, two of the newest StEP businesses, Panda Provisions and WATERDROP’d, were sold to new owners. This transition of ownership has become a StEP tradition, as current owners pass the baton to the next generation.

“The sales of Panda Provisions and WATERDROP’d are powerful examples of students actively engaging in entrepreneurship, not just thinking about it,” said Assistant Vice Provost for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Skandalaris Center Managing Director II Luscri. “The Student Enterprise Program offers a unique opportunity for students to complement their academic experience by turning ideas into real, thriving businesses.”

Panda Provisions is the premier provider of Asian snacks and drinks located on campus at WashU. Their storefront in Gregg House is open 7 days a week to provide students with the snacks they love. Original founders Michael Lee and David Liang were frustrated by the lack of high-quality, affordable Asian snacks near campus and took matters into their own hands. With this sale, Bernice Mai has purchased Michael Lee’s shares of the business.

WATERDROP’d is the premium water provider to WashU’s campus, offering water dispenser and Boxed Water subscription services that deliver to WashU entities and events – adding convenience while reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic.  They also provide water for campus events, offering water stations at events like first-year move-in and Dr. G’s Funhouse. Founders Jack Allshouse, Grant McCargo, Camron Kaiser, and Chris Yang have sold WATERDROP’d to undergrads Carson Cleage and Anthony Equale.

“Navigating the purchase/sale of a business is a rare achievement for undergraduate students, and they’ve handled it admirably,” said Luscri. “It’s equally exciting to see the enthusiasm of the new owners, who are ready to elevate these ventures to new heights. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”