Earlier this year, the Dr Pepper Museum invited its online community to nominate the biggest Dr Pepper fans for a chance to receive a personalized commemorative brick during the Museum’s 35th Birthday Bash. While the seven winners were selected at random, the stories shared through the nominations revealed people describing how Dr Pepper became part of traditions, milestones, friendships, and memories with loved ones.
The commemorative bricks placed during the ceremony now serve as permanent reminders of those stories and connections, becoming part of the Museum’s courtyard for future visitors to discover. Together, these bricks reflect how the legacy of Dr Pepper continues to live through the people who love it most.
Sarah Derden
Sarah Derden’s nomination made it clear that loving Dr Pepper has long been part of her personality. From engagement photos featuring a Dr Pepper can to describing the Museum as a “Mecca,” her story reflected the deep personal connection many fans feel toward the brand. Her humor, enthusiasm, and lifelong loyalty captured the spirit of the celebration and the memories the Museum hopes to preserve for years to come.
Hannah Light
For Hannah Light, Dr Pepper is more than a favorite drink and is now part of her identity. Friends and family instantly think of her whenever they see a Dr Pepper, leading to thoughtful gifts, birthday surprises, and countless memories tied to the brand. Her excitement for the Museum even led to her being featured on Destination Waco’s website, sharing her love for Dr Pepper with visitors exploring Waco for the first time.
Thuy Tran
Thuy Tran shared one of the ceremony’s most moving stories. During a difficult childhood and time in the foster care system, Dr Pepper became one of the few constants in her life, representing comfort and stability during uncertain moments. Today, her commemorative brick stands as a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and the reminder that even the smallest things can bring comfort and hope through every stage of life.
Dr. Charles McWilliams
After a 37-year career as a veterinarian, Dr. Charles McWilliams was honored not only for his love of Dr Pepper, but for the impact he made on those around him. Known by coworkers for always arriving with cans of Dr Pepper in hand, he became someone who brought leadership, care, and comfort to his team throughout his career. As he enters retirement, his story serves as a reminder that the greatest legacies are often found in the lives we touch every day.
Honoring Mike Rover
Kalie Strickling and her family placed a commemorative brick in honor of her father and grandfather, Mike Rover. His family shared that Dr Pepper remained a constant throughout his life, from hospital stays where it brought him comfort to visits to Baylor University with his daughters, where stopping by the Museum became part of the tradition. Today, his family continues to gather on meaningful dates to share a Dr Pepper in his memory, carrying forward his legacy with love and resilience.
Honoring PFC Andrew Garcia
Armando Garcia and his family honored Private First Class Andrew Garcia during the ceremony. Andrew’s love for Dr Pepper was reflected throughout his life, including his choice to wear the number 23 while playing baseball whenever possible. The number remained meaningful into adulthood and continues to be celebrated by his family today through tributes like “Dru 23” displayed on a beloved 1957 Chevy connected to their family’s memories.
The Museum also recognized and thanked Andrew and his family for their service, sharing the heartfelt reminder from Armando that “Dru loves Dr Pepper.”
Honoring Jacob Beaue Parker
Rosanne Parker honored Jacob Beaue Parker during the ceremony by continuing a simple family tradition. On both his birthday and anniversary, loved ones gather to share a Dr Pepper in his memory — a small but meaningful gesture that keeps him close during moments of remembrance. Their story reflected how traditions, no matter how simple, can preserve connection and legacy across generations.
The 35th Birthday Bash brick ceremony concluded with a celebration of the stories, memories, and community that continue to shape the legacy of Dr Pepper in the city where it all began. Long after the event, visitors walking through the courtyard of the Dr Pepper Museum will see these commemorative bricks and be reminded that the history of Dr Pepper is ultimately built on people, families, and the moments they continue to share together. If you’re interested in purchasing a personalized brick for yourself or in honor of a loved one, you can learn more about the Dr Pepper Museum Brick Campaign here.
