Wake Up Wednesdays bring students together through coffee

Riverside, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2019) – Meghan Lacey, a Christian behavioral science junior, is a frequent attendee of Wake Up Wednesday at California Baptist University. On Feb. 6, Lacey sat with a friend, enjoying a cup of hot coffee and a good conversation.

Despite the chilly winter weather, Lacey said she enjoys that the events are held outside.

“I like that it’s outdoors,” Lacey said. “It’s set up in a way where you can have conversations with people. I’m really thankful for that.”

Wake up Wednesday is a recurring event organized by the CBU Spiritual Life Office to give students an opportunity to connect with each other over coffee from a local roaster. Menu options include regular coffee, cold brew, lattes and cappuccinos typically served from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jacob Ravenscraft, director of university ministries for Spiritual Life, said the idea behind this event is to build community.

“We are trying to create an extension of our office, a place for community to build so that we can build relationships,” Ravenscraft said.

Shiloh Fox, an art therapy junior, said she has made new friendships through the event.  

“Last semester, I met with the same person every Wednesday. We would sit here, have interesting conversations and do our homework until class,” Fox said.