"Grand Brew" and Homecoming Festival!

September 16, 2021

We’ve partnered with Firetrucker Brewery to create “Grand Brew.” Made by Firetrucker, this is a limited-edition beer celebrating Grand View’s 125th anniversary. Grand Brew will be released as part of the Homecoming 2021 festivities and will be available at the Firetrucker Brewery and throughout the Homecoming events on campus. Grand Brew will feature Firetrucker’s flagship Brigade Golden Ale canned in special Grand View themed packaging.

Those interested in sampling and possibly taking home their own Grand Brew are encouraged to attend the Homecoming Festival on Friday, September 24. The festival starts at 6:00 p.m. on the Grand Central Plaza. This is free family fun for all ages! Live music, food trucks, a balloon artist and cash bar will be available.

This project came about through many Grand View connections of friends, alumni and family. The artwork on the can was created by Ben Shuh ’04 and Denny Kaven, retired art faculty who recently completed a mural on Grand View’s campus for the 125th anniversary. The inspiration for the mural is a timeline of highlights from the university from its days as an academy to college to the university offering advanced degrees. It happens that Ben Shuh’s artwork is no stranger to Firetrucker Brewing either!

Denny’s son, Scott Kaven ’97, serves as co-owner and creative director of Firetrucker Brewing and so when he heard of the mural project and idea for a custom beer he jumped on board. Schuh completed a mural on the patio at Firetrucker in 2021. He also partnered with Scott on the custom label on the Iowa IPA from Firetrucker.

Four-packs of Grand Brew will be available for purchase in the Firetrucker Tap Room located in Ankeny, IA. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Grand View’s 125th anniversary.