Lipscomb University experienced its first real winter weather of 2015, which brought the usually active campus almost to a standstill.
On Feb. 16, Tennessee was declared to be in a state of emergency forcing local shops, restaurants and University’s to close until roads were safe to drive on.
Students on and off-campus were stranded, or forced to be, what felt like, held captive in their own houses and dorm rooms, which made the demand for food on campus a lot higher than normal.
Sophomore Starbucks worker Eric Scheide explained how hectic those few days were. “We were the only downstairs food service that was open, so the cancelled class days were very busy and stressful at times.”
“Thanks to a great group of workers, we managed to stay on top of the work load, and hopefully it kept our customers happy,” Scheide said.
Lipscomb cancelled classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon during the week of Feb. 16.
When classes are cancelled, whether it be due to treacherous weather or some other emergency, the entire campus cannot come to a halt. During this most recent class interference, many behind the scenes staff began working even harder to make sure students were made comfortable.
Throughout the week, Lipscomb’s campus services and security, Sodexo food services and Starbucks staff remained on campus, and even with a limited staff, they were able to make it a successful week.
Another issue that affected students and staff was the transportation problems that arose due to the dangers on the roads. Nashville’s buses were forced to change routes on many occasions which created more trouble for the staff that use the bus system as their only means of transport to Lipscomb.
“We had a limited staff because they stopped the buses which then added to the stress of those few days,” a member of Sodexo food services, Shanta Page, said. “We were fortunate because the trucks had just delivered food before the storm, so we weren’t short of anything, and our main concern was to make sure the students had plenty to eat.”
The staff often came in earlier to prepare for the days, and they had to drive in the inclement weather conditions to get to Lipscomb’s campus.
“Even though we had a limited staff, my boss was in here every day,” Page said. “You know, we got to do, what we got to do to feed you all.”
Also on campus, the health clinic closed early, the Student Activities Center was open but no classes were taught and the Beaman library was either shut or was early to close, but thanks to the behind the scenes workers, the icy week went smoothly, and Lipscomb’s students remained fed and with their much needed Starbucks coffee.