Adults who think this generation treats alcohol with no respect should think again.

That, at least, is what the Students’ Brewing Society is trying to prove.

Hatched by a group of friends who discovered their love for brewing beer while spending this past summer together in St. Louis, the new student group hopes to convince the Office of Student Activities (OSA) that its mission—brewing beer while promoting responsible drinking—is worthy of funding and recognition as an on-campus group.

“I’m personally interested in the brewing, and the culture that brewing creates,” senior Kate Keenan, president and co-founder of the group, said. “It’s a creative process, a neat skill to learn, and another aspect is there is nothing wrong with drinking—it’s about learning how to do it responsibly.”

After learning how to brew this summer, Keenan and her boyfriend rounded up several of their friends to start comparing the different styles of beer they had created. The 10-member group, which has so far found funding independent of the OSA, ferments its product in the basement of Keenan’s off-campus apartment using a five-gallon stockpot and fresh ingredients.

This week, Keenan and other representatives from the group will interview with the OSA and present its mission statement, which will include a focus on alcohol appreciation and responsible drinking.

Junior Josh Siegel, vice president of public relations for the group, said that only students over age 21 are permitted to drink, but that minors are encouraged to join and learn how to brew.

“The primary purpose of the group is to learn about brewing and take part in the process, but we’re definitely planning on having an alcohol education component,” Siegel said, adding that the group plans to invite speakers to discuss issues of binge drinking.

“There is a big dichotomy at this school between drinking to get drunk and drinking to appreciate beer.”

To ensure that the group maintains its double message, its constitution includes a provision that allows prospective members to join only following a vote of approval by each member of the group. Keenan said this rule would keep the group in line with its mission.

Thus far, Keenan says that 111 students have shown interest in the Students’ Brewing Society. Because the group has had little time and few resources to advertise, most students have found out about the group via word of mouth.

The group has applied to Student Union for Category 2 funding, and, if approved, will receive as much as $500 per semester. Eager to move the group’s operations out of her basement, Keenan would also like an on-campus location to brew.

As for making beer, Keenan hopes to show the student body how easy the process is.

“It’s really simple if you get the proper equipment and a good instruction book,” Keenan said. The only drawback, she added, is the time it takes to ferment the mixture—anywhere from a few weeks to three months.

Along with creating a wide variety of beer, the group also hopes to explore the St. Louis bar scene, which boasts a supply from all over the country.

Keenan and Siegel are optimistic about receiving funding from SU, as several SU members have expressed support of the idea.

“On an individual basis, they’re interested, but as an institution, they’re skeptical,” Keenan said.