What is Common Grounds?

The idea of a coffeehouse for the EMU community sprang to life in 2001. Funded by the Lilly Endowment and run largely by students, Common Grounds sends a breath of fresh air into campus dialogues, and gives students and faculty alike a space to comfortably talk on many different levels.

Formally created by Lilly Project staff to stir conversation regarding integration of faith, learning, and vocation, Common Grounds has grown to accommodate many different visitors and groups.

Patrons regularly meet for every-day conversation as well as more in-depth discussions, sometimes led by guests like chapel speakers and visiting professors, who address specific topics or conduct follow-up discussions, or performance artists who are part of a growing schedule of artistic features.

EMU students had a hand in naming the coffee house, submitting suggestions like Casa Java, Cool Beans, and The Haus before Common Grounds was declared the winner.

 

 

The coffeehouse is located on the basement level of the old student center, now the Theater, Art, and Communications Center, next to the Student Art Gallery. (See Campus Map)