Not only is Hospers Coffeehouse a joyful excursion, it is a spiritually enriching event. NW has many fun events during the semester, but the Hospers Coffeehouse is truly unlike any event this campus has ever seen. It is a chance for individuals and groups to showcase niche interests, hobbies, and express themselves in front of an audience of their peers.
The event took place on November 1, with doors opening at six in the evening, and the performance commenced at seven. This hour between the doors opening and the start of the performance was an adventure in itself. The men of Hospers opened their doors to the community, and offered activities such as pillow fights, trivia and nerf battles. A notable portion of this featured the work of Jonah Van Dyke, in which he shared a portfolio of written works.
Smiles lit up each floor of Hospers Hall. The mid-semester grind seemed to be put on halt at the very presence of community and fellowship. Students waited anxiously for a cup of coffee, made pour-over style by Isaac Sweirs. Others sipped hot chocolate and enjoyed the ambience of laughter filling each room. It was like watching poetry in motion.
The Hospers Hall Lounge was at capacity, with every seat filled, and some students even standing. The main event was opened with a word from Dana Van Ostrand, the RD of Hospers Hall. By this time, the anticipation and excitement was palpable. Each act was a joy to witness, and laughter filled the Lounge. People’s faces hurt from smiling. Mitchell Nelson described the ambience as “electric.” A frown, or even blank expression, was nowhere to be found in Hospers Hall. Isaac Hall noted that he was “having a grand old time.” That statement rang true for everyone in attendance.
A notable act was Andy Reginald’s mini sermon in which he cross referenced different prophecies in the Bible and connected them to the life of Jesus Christ. Another notable act was the slam poem/rap performed by the group “Pastors Wives.” Brock Almond delivered arguably the most interesting and exciting spoken word song this campus has ever seen. Tyson Braunschweig also delivered a self composed piano piece that brought the house to their feet. Jo Norton delivered a thought provoking argument that began with “I am here to make a political statement.” Norton went on to give sound reasoning on why Catherine Hardwicke’s “Twilight” is a comedy, rather than a romance. Many minds were changed that night. All of the acts that night truly shined a light on the men of Hospers and the gifts God has blessed them with.
Charlee Olson said, “My favorite part of the Hospers Coffeehouse is that everyone who lives in Hospers gets to share whatever they want and turn it into something special for the audience. The Hospers Coffeehouse is an embodiment of Hospers’ three pillars: humility, respect, and hospitality.” Olson, who has attended the Coffeehouse the past four years, said this is one of her favorite events on campus, as it brings people from all activities, all extracurriculars, and all majors together under one roof for a night filled with fellowship and laughter.
The Hospers Coffeehouse is a joyful event on campus. Having never experienced it before, I found it to be a spiritually enriching excursion. Getting to witness the gifts of the Father firsthand is a unique experience anywhere, but especially when it is those of one’s peers. The ambience was comforting and cozy, the fellowship refreshing, and the performances awe-inspiring. The Hospers Coffeehouse is a fulfilling event, to say the least, and it brought joy to every single person in attendance.
Hospers Coffeehouse 2025 at Northwestern.
