A Student Initiated Effort to Improve the Quality of Life

In 1755, Colonel Ephraim Williams bequeathed his estate to the creation of a free school in western Massachusetts. The ensuing institution of higher learning has since had a profound effect on the fertile setting of the Berkshire’s Purple Valley, producing countless loyal Ephs as well as inspiring the bizarre legend of the Purple Cow.

Deep in the winter of 2009, as the legend of the Purple Cow vigorously brewed in the collective mind of three ambitious young Ephs, our heroes aspired to reanimate the Phoenix of Food from the ashes of Colonel Williams’ passion for the flexible, affordable, and delicious dining experience.

Then, amidst the silent darkness of Winter Study, a beacon of light suddenly burst through in the form of the Purple Cow Pastures dining option for Williams students.

Since the program’s ideation, the Purple Cow Pastures founders, Jacob, Kieran, and William, have listened to the voices of students and local restaurant owners alike to develop a program that will enable students (and their parents or loving friends and relatives) to seamlessly, collegially, and intelligently choose to supplement standard dining hall fare with an exciting assortment of eating options, from convenient to gourmet, from the Purple Valley’s finest eateries.

Working with experienced gift card and meal plan technology developer, SwipeIt! Technologies, Purple Cow Pastures is introducing the Purple Card in September 2009.

We hope that you share our commitment to Colonel Williams’ vision and encourage you get involved with this exciting new option now!