Partnership by the Pint: Local Breweries Create University-Branded Beers, Portion of Proceeds benefit Islander Athletic Fund
Partnership by the Pint: Local Breweries Create Island University Branded Beer
Lazy Beach Brewing has added Islander Wave to its menu while Lorelei Brewing Company now offers Shaka Blonde. Both breweries, which are owned or managed by Islander alumni, are donating a portion of all proceeds to support the Islander Athletic Fund.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – On Thursday, April 7, 2022, which coincidentally happens to be National Beer Day, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and two local breweries announced the launch of a partnership that culminated in two Island University-branded beers. Lazy Beach Brewing and Café, located on the city’s southside, has added Islander Wave to its menu. Lorelei Brewing Company, located in Flour Bluff, now offers Shaka Blonde. Both breweries, which are owned or managed by Islander alumni, are donating a portion of all proceeds to support the Islander Athletic Fund.
Both breweries designed their beers to pair perfectly with a day at the beach, a backyard cookout, or a sporting event. Lazy Beach’s Islander Wave is a kölsch style beer known for its light, fruity aroma and taste with a pleasant hoppy bitterness. Lorelei’s Shaka Blonde is a light, well-rounded easy-drinking beer with hints of lime and sea salt to give it that perfect flavor profile for a hot Corpus Christi day.
The idea of having an Islander-branded beer began as a passion project for Josiah Castro, Associate Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer for Islanders Athletics.
“I always thought that a university-branded beer was a creative way to connect with alumni, fans, and constituents of the university,” Castro said. “As it turns out, we were lucky enough to have two alumni-run breweries in Corpus Christi. Both Lorelei and Lazy Beach are excited to support their alma mater.”
At the helm of Lazy Beach are Cory ’09 and Jess Mathews ’08, a husband-and-wife team. Cory earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and Jess earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. The couple, who met on campus, says that finding a way to give back to the Island University has been on their minds from the very beginning.
This collaboration has the potential to bring focus to TAMU-CC and all the great things happening here, not only locally but regionally. Ultimately, any success will help support our Islander student-athletes as they pursue their education.
Jon Palumbo, Director of Islanders Athletics
TAMU-CC Alumni Celebrate the Launch of Islander Beers
Trevor Belicek '15, General Manager of Lorelei Brewing Company (left); Josiah Castro, Associate Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer for Islander Athletics; and Cory ’09 and Jess Mathews '08, owners of Lazy Beach Brewing Company, celebrate the launch of both Islander-branded beers.
“Several years ago, we were able to serve our beer at TAMU-CC Homecoming. From that moment, we knew that we wanted to partner more with the university,” Jess Mathews said. “As alumni and business owners, this city and the university are a part of who we are.”
Trevor Belicek ’15, general manager of Lorelei, played baseball for the Islanders from 2012 to 2015 before playing minor league baseball for the Atlanta Braves organization. After hanging up his cleats, Belicek found himself working for Lorelei and absorbing as much information about brewing science as possible.
“In the past, Lorelei had supported TAMU-CC through events like Islanders Athletics Casino Night, so when we discussed creating a university branded beer, we said, ‘okay, let’s do this,’” Belicek, who earned his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and health sciences, said. “I always wanted to be one of those cool alumni that takes the time to do things for the students, and now we have an opportunity to help with scholarships to future Islander athletes.”
The Shaka Blonde can features a “mer-dude,” a male mermaid that is designed in Belicek’s likeness complete with an Islanders baseball jersey. The Islander Wave was inspired by the Islander lifestyle and includes orchids which represent the leis worn by Islander graduates at commencement.
“Long-term, we would love to see these beers for sale at local stores and restaurants, and down the road, possibly at the American Bank Center or Whataburger Field,” Jon Palumbo, Director of Islanders Athletics, said. “This collaboration has the potential to bring focus to TAMU-CC and all the great things happening here, not only locally but regionally. Ultimately, any success will help support our Islander student-athletes as they pursue their education.”
Dr. Kelly Miller, President and CEO of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, noted:
“Partnering for research, internships, endowments, or innovative opportunities such as this are valuable to both the university and the business community. In the case of Lorelei and Lazy Beach, partnering with alumni entrepreneurs is that much more exciting, as our alumni success, in turn, benefits our current students through scholarships.”
