MBA - Culture and Community - Clubs and Organizations - Darden Oak Society

Darden Oak Society

Darden School of Business Oak Society Logo

The Oak Society is dedicated to furthering student experience in the whiskey industry through education on tasting, distillation, and careers in the spirits sector. The club engages members with distillery visits, tastings, and conversations with industry experts.

We aim to provide a fantastic understanding of the expanding whiskey market, a social grasp of the historic beverage, and opportunities to interact with industry professionals in the region.

Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.

  • Events

    The Oak Society hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year including:

    • Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trek
    • Annual Charitable Whiskey Tasting
    • Educational Panels with Spirits Industry Professionals
  • Leadership Team

    We welcome prospective students to reach out to members of our leadership team to learn more about the Oak Society.

    • President: John Grencer
    • VP of Finance: Walter Aksent 

    • VP of Industry Education: Dave Lucas

    • VP of Marketing and Merchandise: Priya Afzalpurkar

    • VP of Events: Patrick Koch

  • Corporate Sponsors

    The Oak Society is currently looking for corporate sponsors. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to us at OakSociety@darden.virginia.edu.