Faith, learning and service have been the main factors of educating students at Waynesburg University for 169 years. Bonner Scholars serve heavily in the community earning 140 hours each semester. The Bonner Scholars participate in benefitting their community by assisting in a coffeehouse held every Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Waynesburg.

Free coffee is available to attending Waynesburg students. One of the Bonner Scholars who helps run the event is known to greet you at the door and provide a warm welcome. That student is sophomore nursing major Samantha Larson.

Larson said it is a relaxed environment for students to enjoy a free cup of coffee and complete homework.

“It’s just a social environment,” said Larson, “but it’s fun because people will do homework or you can talk and just drink coffee, it’s just a space to gather.”

Originally, the coffeehouse was run by two members from the Coalition Christian Outreach (CCO) based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Last year, those two members left, so it was left to the Bonner Scholars to figure out if the coffeehouse would still continue.

Larson and the other Bonner Scholars worked to revive the coffeehouse with one of the administrators of the church. According to Larson, there was a short period where the coffeehouse was halted until the scholars could come up with a further plan to keep the coffeehouse running.

“We really loved it,” said Larson. “We loved the atmosphere of it. There is free coffee, and it’s kind of a fun thing that you get to do and just relax.”

Larson said although her role at the coffeehouse is not preparing and making the coffee. But as the greeter, she is an important role in making people aware of the warm and welcoming environment.

“You don’t think of it as a needed thing but it’s almost just an extra thing. When people get there, we want them to know they’re loved, they’re welcome here and to be that extra intentionality,” Larson said.

Larson encourages other Waynesburg students to attend the coffeehouse so they can enjoy the free coffee and have a new place to do homework Wednesday nights.

With Larson serving at the coffeehouse and two other service sites, as well as juggling her nursing courses, she has found her purpose in the small town of Waynesburg.

“It can be hard sometimes with nursing, but Bonner gives you this purpose and ability to reach out to the community and to bridge the gap,” Larson said. “Your Bonners become your friends and your service becomes your social activity. I think coffeehouse becomes a great example of how your service can bridge into your normal life.”