The Hawk

Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: News

Starbucks is a convenient place to hang out on campus.

Over the years, Saint Joseph's has nestled into the community that has been coined as "Hawk Hill," resting comfortably on City Avenue.

The campus has undergone many changes, including restorations, additions, and expansion. One needs to look no further than the new parking garage on 54th Street or the addition of the Maguire Campus to know that this is an ongoing and long-term process that has been extensively planned. In addition to the big projects, such as the renovation of Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse in the coming years, lots of other and seemingly smaller improvements have been made. Buses have been added to the shuttle systems, the cafeteria has undergone renovations, the escort service was expanded, and a Starbucks was brought to campus.

With most of the new "physical" additions, Saint Joseph's has to help assimilate and introduce the new changes to the West Philadelphia community. Perhaps the best additions are the ones that are mutually beneficially to both the school community and the local community. Starbucks qualifies as one of these

This is not your typical Starbucks. Most stores are owned and operated directly by Starbucks. The Starbucks at the corner of 54th and City Avenues is licensed by Aramark-the same food company that services Campion Student Center. Numerous benefits have been realized by the morning hot spot.

College students are always looking to earn a little extra money. Starbucks' first priority on campus was to provide jobs to students in need of a job with flexible hours. In addition, employment opportunities existed for members beyond the Saint Joseph's community.

The manager on duty last preferred to withhold his name, but The Hawk squeezed a few answers out of him.

"It's nice because it allows students to be flexible. When they aren't able to work, others are available to fill in and everyone can pick up hours when they need to," the manager said.

Another important feature of an Aramark-operated Starbucks is the ability for students to use their declining balance money towards a delicious pick-me-up. Students who are lacking funds or have extra declining balance points left over can use them instead of cash. In addition, Aramark has thrown in a few extra baked goods and treats that deviate from the standard Starbucks fare.

Continued...

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