Junior Brett Sumrall, director of campus community for CU’s Student Life Programs, shares some of his insight into one of SLP’s more recent events: Coffee & Community.
Every Tuesday night, CU’s Student Life Programs encourages students to put away technology from 7 to 8:30, filling that time by conversing with fellow students over discounted coffee from Rinnova. “We are called to imitate the character of God within the church, so we should be striving to live in perfect community as God did,” Sumrall said. “This is the inspiration behind Coffee & Community.”
“Brian Burns (Director of Campus Experience) had been searching for a way for students to come together in an intentional and authentic atmosphere to discuss things that truly matter without the distraction of technology.” – Senior Dave Patrick, one of the student baristas at Rinnova, takes two students’ orders. During the event, the coffee shop offers mochas, lattes, and drip coffee at a 40% discount.
“When you get your coffee you will receive a card with a topic and questions on it…Throughout the semester we were able to take time to discuss things that we wouldn’t normally talk about, but are very important. This helped us get to know each other better, while at the same time being very productive in our conversations.”
Patrick and fellow baristas – senior Tristan Ferry and freshman Christian Brandt – enjoy the community aspect as they inspect Ferry’s caffeine concoction.
Ferry serves a student’s order, complete with a smile.
Brandt whips up one of many beverages.
!["To me, this event is not about attracting a huge number of students or even gaining a large following. It is about [t]rue, genuine relationships. Technology has created an environment of instant gratification with little effort. This culture of convenience has warped our definition of friendship." - Sumrall enjoys one-on-one time with a prospective student during one of the less lively nights.](https://i0.wp.com/cedars.cedarville.edu/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Brett_2.jpg?w=245&h=163&ssl=1 "Brett_2")
“To me, this event is not about attracting a huge number of students or even gaining a large following. It is about [t]rue, genuine relationships. Technology has created an environment of instant gratification with little effort. This culture of convenience has warped our definition of friendship.” – Sumrall enjoys one-on-one time with a prospective student during one of the less lively nights.
!["Find a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the conversation. It is really fun if you put some effort into it. Make sure your phone is off or put away though [smiles]." (Freshmen Kimmy Powell and Noah Augustus enjoy quality time at the most recent Coffee & Community. [Photo courtesy of Allyson Weislogel])](https://i0.wp.com/cedars.cedarville.edu/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Weislogel-Allison.jpg?w=247&h=163&ssl=1 "Weislogel Allison")
“Find a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the conversation. It is really fun if you put some effort into it. Make sure your phone is off or put away though [smiles].” (Freshmen Kimmy Powell and Noah Augustus enjoy quality time at the most recent Coffee & Community. [Photo courtesy of Allyson Weislogel])
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