The Stupe started out in the 1880's as a small table in the main building (Blanchard Hall)selling small things that students might need such pencils and ink andwas called the Student Supply Store. From there it grew into a largeco-op run by the student union selling food and drinks, and operating abookstore, laundry service, and post office. When the Supply Store wasmoved into
Image Added the gymnasium building, the name Stupe became popular as aportmanteau combining STUdent union, and Physical Education.Later when the Stupe and student union was moved into the newly builtMSC in the 1940's the name was kept despite loosing its ties with thephysical education department. The MSC Stupe was remodeled in the early1970's, and was eventually moved to the Beamer Center in the 2004. Bythis time the Stupe was no longer student run, but rather under thesupervision of Wheaton's food service provider. It was announced in2008 that part of the Stupe known as the "Stupe Cafe" would be renamed"Sam's," in honor of retiring Vice President of Student Development, Sam Shellhamer.