William Penn University Begins New Partnership with Mahaska

10/03/2026

Two enduring pillars of the Oskaloosa community, Mahaska and William Penn University are joining forces in a bold new partnership rooted in shared values, local pride, and commitment to creating opportunity. Through this five-year agreement, Mahaska will become William Penn’s official beverage provider while also funding numerous scholarships for students from southeast Iowa. Together, the two organizations are building a partnership that reaches far beyond the products served on campus: it invests in students, strengthens regional connections, and helps open the door to a William Penn education for future generations.

“It has been an honor to be part of William Penn University’s rich history,” said Paul Fenton, chief of operations for Mahaska. “We are proud to deepen our relationship with an institution that educates future leaders, enriches Oskaloosa, and makes a lasting difference across southeast Iowa and beyond. This partnership reflects not only where we have been together, but also the brighter future we can help create.”

As a premier partner of the Statesmen, Mahaska will have a visible and meaningful presence throughout the William Penn experience. More importantly, the company’s scholarship support will give students from southeast Iowa greater access to education, relationships, and opportunities that can shape a lifetime. Each scholarship represents more than financial assistance, it is an investment in potential, a vote of confidence in a student’s future, and a powerful example of what can happen when local organizations come together with a common purpose.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Mahaska and to celebrate what this collaboration will mean for our students and our community,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president for Advancement. “Mahaska has long stood beside William Penn University, and this expanded investment carries that commitment to an inspiring new level. By supporting scholarships, Mahaska is helping students pursue their ambitions, discover their potential, and prepare to make a difference in the communities they will one day serve. We are deeply grateful for the company’s belief in our mission, its dedication to education in Oskaloosa, and its continued investment in the place we are all proud to call home.”

The partnership will also come to life through a distinctive new branded bottled water product created by Mahaska and William Penn University. Available for purchase throughout the local community, the product will offer another visible symbol of hometown pride and the strong connection between two organizations dedicated to serving Oskaloosa.

Mahaska will also step into the spotlight as the official game sponsor for the upcoming men’s basketball showdown against Central College. The storied rivalry returns to Penn Gymnasium on Wednesday, October 28, at 7 p.m., bringing together students, alumni, friends, and fans for an evening filled with Statesmen spirit. The game will be a memorable stop on President Ottosson’s Farewell Tour, culminating in a special halftime ceremony— “A Celebration of John’s Last Shot”—honoring his leadership, legacy, and lasting impact on William Penn University.

For more information regarding Mahaska, please visit http://www.mahaska.com.