Expanding University–Industry Collaboration 

Case Study Symposium Featuring Karviva

Overview 

This symposium highlights the collaboration between Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz School of Business and Karviva, a St. Louis–based health beverage company founded by Angela Zeng. Through this collaboration, Karviva has worked closely with faculty and students by sharing company data, mentoring students, and supporting case-study research.  

For students, the collaboration offers a chance to analyze real business questions involving supply chain strategy, pricing models, revenue growth, and market expansion. For faculty, it creates opportunities to build rigorous case studies rooted in an active St. Louis enterprise competing nationally. For Karviva, the partnership provides structured analysis and fresh perspectives during a period of expansion. 

The symposium will feature student presentations, faculty perspectives, and insights from industry and university leaders, while also creating opportunities for new partnerships between businesses and the university. 

Date & Time:

Friday, April 24, 2026 

11:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Venue:

Cook Hall 230, Chaifetz School of Business, Saint Louis University (SLU)

3674 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Program Schedule

What to Expect

Participants will gain insight into how case-study collaboration can connect academic research with real business challenges. 

Highlights include: 

• Industry insights from Angela Zeng, Founder and CEO of Karviva 
• Student presentations showcasing top case-study projects  
• Faculty perspectives on how case-study development strengthens research and teaching 
• Networking opportunities for future case-study partnerships 

Who Should Attend

This symposium is designed for individuals and organizations interested in collaboration between universities and the business community, including: 

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners 
• Industry leaders and professionals 
• Faculty interested in industry-engaged research 
• Students interested in consulting, strategy, and entrepreneurship 
• Community partners seeking collaboration with Saint Louis University 

Why Case Studies Matter

Case studies are a powerful bridge between academic research and real-world business practice. By examining real companies, real data, and real strategic decisions, case studies allow students to engage deeply with complex business challenges while developing analytical and problem-solving skills.

For faculty, case studies create opportunities to conduct rigorous research grounded in real organizational contexts, generating insights that contribute to both scholarship and teaching. For businesses, collaborating with universities through case studies provides structured analysis, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas that can inform strategic decision-making. 

By bringing together students, faculty, and industry leaders, this symposium highlights how case-study collaboration can strengthen university–industry partnerships while supporting innovation, experiential learning, and regional economic growth, reflecting Saint Louis University’s broader commitment to advancing the vision of “Great Cities, Great Universities.”

About Karviva

Karviva Beverages, founded by Angela Zeng and based in St. Louis, is a fast-growing health beverage company known for its innovative line of plant-based wellness drinks inspired by traditional Asian herbal nutrition. Karviva’s products combine natural ingredients, functional health benefits, and modern beverage innovation to create drinks that support energy, digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. 

Since its founding, Karviva has expanded distribution nationally through partnerships with major retailers, food service providers, and hospitality organizations. The company has gained recognition for its unique blend of traditional herbal wisdom and contemporary beverage innovation, positioning it as a distinctive brand in the growing functional beverage market. 

Read More About the SLU–Karviva Collaboration

Read more about the growing collaboration between Saint Louis University and Karviva in this recent article featuring founder Angela Zeng. The story highlights the partnership that inspired the April 24 Case Study Symposium and the real-world business challenges SLU students are helping analyze.

Partnership Opportunities

This symposium also serves as an invitation for business leaders and entrepreneurs interested in collaborating with Saint Louis University through case-study development.



Companies that partner with faculty and students can benefit from: 

• Structured analysis of real strategic questions  
• Fresh perspectives from student research teams and faculty experts 
• Opportunities to contribute to teaching and research  
• Engagement with the SLU innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem 

Faculty members interested in developing new case studies and organizations seeking collaboration are encouraged to connect during the networking session to explore future partnership opportunities.

Parking

Parking is available in the Laclede Garage, with additional street parking on Lindell Blvd and adjacent streets.

Please contact the Director of the Emerson Leadership Institute, Jintong Tang, Ph.D., at Jintong.tang@slu.edu

for more information.