Mercyhurst students were delighted in 2001 when Cafe Diem opened its doors in the Hammermill Library, allowing students to study and socialize while sipping on a cup of Joe. Today, we highlight the valiant efforts of four seniors in opening this prized coffeehouse by reading from the March 14, 2001 edition of the Merciad.
Café Diem coffeehouse is open for business
By Sara Seidle and Ellen Learn
Seniors (L to R) Valerie Bauer, Christina Maffei, Jennifer Schwartz, and Susan Gonnam in the new Cafe Diem
As a result of the efforts of four Mercyhurst seniors, Café Diem is open for business.
The new student-run coffeehouse, located in the former language lab in Hammermill Library, will provide a gathering place for students to do group work for classes, take a break from studying or simply get together and talk.
Because it is tucked in the corner of the library and coffeehouse signs are not up yet, student can stop at the circulation desk to ask for directions.
The four seniors that pioneered the project, Valerie Bauer, Christina Maffei, Jennifer Schwartz and Susan Gonnam, said they felt there was a need for something like this. They have been working to develop this project for the past two years with the assistance of Brenda Moore, an HRIM faculty member.
Last winter, the group organized a benefit dinner to raise money for the project. Parents, Grotto patrons, faculty and staff of the college were invited to attend the $50 per plate dinner. The dinner raised $1,500.
In the spring, a Chinese auction was held to raise more money. In all, the group raised $2,000 through their fundraising efforts and received a contribution of $1,000 from Mercyhurst, allowing them to complete the project.
Right now, their goals is to just break even, according to Maffei. She added that all profits made will go directly toward the operational costs of the coffeehouse, including paying employees.
On the second night of business, Bauer said, “Right around 7 p.m. it gets busy, but mornings are kind of slow.”
Tuesday night around 8 p.m. between 10 and 15 students were patrons of the coffeehouse.
One coffeehouse patron said, “I think this is amazing that these girls put this together in two weeks.”
Tiffany Mathews, another coffeehouse patron, said that she really liked the atmosphere the coffeehouse provided. Shaw Mahoney said an all campus card system would work well. Kelly Froelich suggested adding Internet access for laptops.
Currently, the coffeehouse staff is looking for students interested in continuing the project into next year because Bauer, Maffei, Schwartz and Gonnam will graduate in May. Interested students should inquire at the coffeehouse.
The coffeehouse serves an assortment of coffee and various foods like cookies, Danishes, and bunt cakes. Their signature item is a grand swirl cinnamon roll.
There is more variety in beverages and food in the vending machines on site, including juice, pop and other food items. The vending machines are on even when the coffeehouse is closed.
At this point in time, the coffeehouse is cash only. The facility does not have the capabilities needed to accept campus card, but that may change in the future.
With a remarkable window view of the city of Erie, students can relax while they enjoy their coffee.
The coffeehouse is open Monday through Thursday 8-10:30 a.m. and 7-12 p.m., Friday 8-10:30 a.m. and Sunday 7-12 p.m. It is not open on Saturdays. Hours will be extended during midterms and finals. Those exact hours have not yet been decided.
