Member Spotlight- McPherson College Bulldog Store & Aspretto Coffee

The Wise Campus Commons at McPherson College has quickly become a vibrant hub for both students and the surrounding community, offering a welcoming space filled with energy, convenience, and a touch of awe. It is open to the public and designed for everyone to enjoy. From browsing the Bulldog Store for McPherson College memorabilia to relaxing with a drink at Aspretto Coffee, guests can easily explore all the Commons has to offer.
President Michael Schneider shared insight into the thoughtful design behind the Wise Campus Commons building, explaining, “This first area (first floor) is devoted to community. The second floor is our one stop shop for our students (admissions, financial aid, etc.), as well as all of our Student Affairs space.” On the third floor, Schneider described the People’s Bank and Trust Welcome Center as “a really great space, where we host lots of events and parties that overlooks the campus with a nice outdoor terrace.” The building itself was intentionally designed to impress, with Schneider noting, “When we built it, the main priority was ‘Wow.’ … we want you to remember that you were here,.” A goal clearly achieved with standout features like an Austin Healey and a Ferrari suspended from the ceiling.
Aspretto Coffee, located on the first floor, offers a spacious, comfortable atmosphere with a wide selection of drinks ranging from espresso to frappes. Nearby, the Bulldog Store features an array of items including shirts, backpacks, stuffed animals, and more, making it a must-visit for fans and visitors alike. With its combination of retail, dining, and community-focused spaces, the Wise Campus Commons stands as a cornerstone of campus life and a welcoming destination for all.
What’s next at McPherson College? College President, Michael Schneider shared that they are going to be building out some spaces in athletic, will be adding some new women’s sports – like flag football, and the Auto Restoration program will be doubling their space for the program – allowing them to expand into engineering. President Schneider also spoke about another project the college is currently working on, “We’re going to be bringing students back to campus, so there’s a 500-bedroom apartment complex we’re working on trying to get phase one done by Fall of 2027. This building is just the beginning of a much bigger project that we call East McPherson as we build out the transition from a traditional residential campus to a modern destination community.” To learn more about McPherson College visit their website at mcpherson.edu. To see photos from Chamber Connections hosted by McPherson College go here.