The controversy over bringing Starbucks, a large chain store, onto campus is all too familiar.
Some people argue that large chain stores are not good for the Linfield College image, while others love their coffee and are ecstatic to see Starbucks move onto campus.
Whatever side you are on, we can all agree that Starbucks did a great job at integrating the Linfield spirit into its style and layout.
You can go into a Starbucks in pretty much any state in the U.S. and it will look similar to every other Starbucks you have been in.
However, Linfield’s Starbucks is unique and applauded the organization for allowing Linfield to customize the coffee shop to fit the needs and wants of the student population.
Photos from the Linfield College archives cover the walls and give a comfy, warm ambiance.
These photos bring unique pieces of history to the new Starbucks.
It is nice that students have the opportunity to look at and learn about Linfield history and traditions while drinking their coffee.
A photo of the 1947 Linfield Review Staff hangs on one wall and is a great sense of pride for the current newspaper staff.
Other clubs and sports on campus also appreciate that the history of their organization is also being showed off on the walls of the new Starbucks.
Although many current students were not at Linfield before the Old Oak fell on Jan. 8, 2008, it is still a great source of pride for current Linfield students and alumni.
The Old Oak is a symbol of Linfield College and because of this, many students were happy to see pieces of the Old Oak featured in the new Starbucks.
The overall feel of the shop feels much more warm and welcoming than if it had looked like every other Starbucks in the nation.
The little additions have made a huge difference in making Starbucks feel like it wants to be a part of Linfield, rather than overtake it like many assume a big business wants to.
Ultimately, whether or not you like Starbucks being on campus, you can appreciate the organization’s effort to make the new coffee shop fit in with Linfield culture and history.
-The Review Editorial Board
