Forever Changed

If you are a fan of extreme weathers, Union is definitely the place for you. The school year began with two weeks of high-degree drought, then a week of nonstop downpour. If you are like me, then you didn’t sleep through the earthquake (small as it was) the other night. And of course, the tornado.

I think everyone that’s reading this knows already that there was a tornado that took out most of the campus, including my dorm room, on Feb 5th. I was in my bedroom while eight other guys were in my bathroom while the tornado hit. The other guys apparently forgot about me until after the tornado passed. That’s another story. I did see the tornado with my own eyes, and heard my ears pop and felt the strong gust passing above my back. I am only alive right now because I laid flat on my stomach beneath my bed. Being stupid college guys that we were, my co-survivors and I were joking around and did not expect the seriousness of the tornado until it passed. When it di... READ MORE

Daniel Qiu - May 12, 2008

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Meredith Walter Art show

Meredith Walter is a senior art major. She specializes in pottery and had her senior art show this past Monday night. Since she was the main designer responsible for Barefoot’s Joe - she decided to host her show in the coffeehouse. The show was a collection of several different things. The overall theme was the idea of what an artist’s job is in a community. Meredith decided to use useful items such as cups, koozies, umbrellas with holes, and water-tower figurines to model her idea (see picture).

Usually in art shows you cannot touch any of the pieces - but this show was different. Meredith formed about 200 ceramic cups which were all used by those attending to drink out of at the show. Before she glazed and fired the pottery she had about 200 people visit her studio in the art department and carve a saying or drawing into the sides of the cups. So when people filed into the show on Monday night they were able to use the cup they had written/drawn on or they could use a... READ MORE

Brock Starnes - May 7, 2008

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Matthew Perryman Jones and Katie Herzig show

This past Saturday night Barefoot’s Joe (the coffeehouse here on campus) had the privilege of hosting Nashville artists Matthew Perryman Jones and Katie Herzig. To say the least it was a fantastic show which showcased two very thoughtful up and coming artists. Currently Jones is finishing up his second album and he premiered a few of the tracks from that at the show. Katie also showcased several of her songs found on her new CD - Apple Tree - releasing in May.

One of the coolest parts of the night was a debriefing time for an interview we held in Barefoot’s Joe after the show. It turned into a great opportunity to learn more about Katie and Matthew and their music. I always feel that when concerts end I have questions for the artists. But unfortunately they rarely get answered. Barefoot’s Joe believes it is important to have a conversation with visiting artists especially concerning why they do what they do and how their faith is reflected in their music. It was a neat ti... READ MORE

Brock Starnes - May 7, 2008

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The Birth of Barefoot's Joe

Amidst the tornado destruction a team of students and I were given the privilege to construct the first coffeehouse and concert hall on Union’s campus. The coffeehouse inherited a 3000 square foot space. In the short time of three weeks the team was able to remodel this space and open it as a gift to the students as they returned back to resume classes. The space serves several coffees and teas and it hosts music events, movies, and guests speakers.

The concept behind Barefoot’s Joe has been in the works for many months and we’re finally seeing our hopes and work coming to fruition. The space not only acts as a space for students to gather to hang out, do work, or sip coffee - but it is also a student-run business. It is a place where students from all departments of the university can come together to apply skills in a real business setting which they have learned in the class. So art students have designed the space, business students help manage and do the business of the ... READ MORE

Brock Starnes - Mar 25, 2008

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Making It Through The 'Nader'

Post-tornado. What an interesting start to the spring semester. I knew this year would be different, but I am not sure I ever imagined this.

We will all remember what happened at 7:02 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2008. Most of us found ourselves packed like sardines in bathtubs and bathrooms across the campus huddled closer to your downstairs neighbors than you ever thought you would be. God’s hand of protection was evident to all of us, even those injured. We are all living with a greater understanding of God’s love and provision in the recent weeks.

As I said before, I have gained priceless experiences through my work with the Cardinal & Cream; this was also the case post-tornado. The night of and day following the storm you could find student photographers on sight documenting what many watched on major news networks in disbelief. A day later a handful of us were found wearing press passes speaking to individuals ranging from student victims to the Secretary of Homeland Secu... READ MORE

Allison Ball - Mar 14, 2008

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