By Michael A. Lanier

CIU Student Writer

Columbia International University celebrated the grand opening of a new addition to the campus community: the Grace Coffee Company bar. Dozens gathered at Grace’s location in the Rossi Student Center on a Friday evening to enjoy quality coffee and conversation.

“I think it's great that this really brings community into the student center,” said junior McKenzie Brackett.

Students, faculty and staff, and even a few alumni, enjoyed dessert with their java and entered raffles to win Grace products such as shirts and mugs.

“I love Grace Coffee and my friends, so why not put the two of them together?” said sophomore David Atkinson.

“It was a very enriching experience, allowing me to spend quality time with believers,” added junior Elisa Pinkerton.

Grace Coffee Company is owned and operated by CIU alumni couple Matt and Brooke Beyer, both of whom graduated in 1999.

“I'm overwhelmed at this amazing turnout,” said Matt Beyer, as he surveyed the student center. “We're so glad to be on campus serving the students of CIU.”

The Beyers have a long association with CIU. Matt’s father is Dr. Bryan Beyer, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Matt was in the third grade in 1985 when his parents moved to Columbia and his father took a position as a CIU professor. 

The Loveland Coffee brand used by Grace is fair trade organic and locally roasted on a weekly basis by Beach Loveland, a 2009 CIU graduate.