Twist. Lick. Bank!
The votes are in, and UST alumna Eden Folwell ’91 is the winner of the 2018 “My Oreo Creation” cookie-designing contest! Folwell’s Cherry Cola Oreos were selected as one of the top three finalists back in April, when the new flavors debuted. After a rigorous tasting and voting period, Oreo fans from around the globe declared Folwell’s flavor the winner on Aug. 8, and she is now $500,000 richer.
Eden Folwell created the winning flavor after brainstorming ways to produce a nostalgic taste that would elicit memories of joyful summers in the 1970s. She recalled her mother bringing “a bucket of chicken, a big bottle of soda and a package of Oreo cookies” on beach trips with the family. The “Cherry Cola” idea came to her when she imagined adding pop rocks to a cherry filling to create a flavor reminiscent of old soda fountains.
The rest of the world wildly appreciated her innovative flavor invention. With resounding votes in her favor, Folwell looks forward to touring the Oreo Wonder Vault in New York (a Wonka-esque perk included in the prize). She also intends to use her winnings to put her son and daughter through college and improve life for her family in their California home.
Communication Grad Sends a Big Message
Folwell graduated from UST in 1991 with a communication degree. “I certainly learned good communication skills at UST!” she said. “I put a lot of hard work into winning by going outside my comfort zone and marketing myself in a way I never did before. I did social media outreach to get as many votes as possible, and I’m so proud of this amazing gift for myself and my family.”
Her favorite aspect of student life was being part of the close-knit community. Like many graduates, she still keeps in touch with some of the friends she made on campus. Best of all, she met her husband, David Folwell, at UST.
When she began her studies, she was interested in theology but not philosophy. However, in taking required philosophy courses, she discovered she enjoyed them so much that she eventually declared a minor in philosophy. As assistant editor of the yearbook, she took photos of many campus events, and she and David both participated in Drama Department productions.
Now Folwell is a professional artist specializing in pop surrealist acrylic paintings on canvas, represented by Cactus Gallery in Los Angeles.
If you haven’t tried her tantalizing cookies, pick up a bag soon, because Nabisco won’t keep the special flavors on the shelves for much longer.
by Ashley Rzepecki