Penny University: New Town’s ‘The Bridge’ Fosters Community Connection

If you talk to Chuck Luebke, the chairman of the board at The Bridge, he’ll emphasize one thing above all: The Bridge is more than just a coffee shop.

The Bridge as an organization has been around in some form for 17 years. Coffee is its latest venture, but its mission goes way deeper than that, and the business itself wears many hats. “We’re also a fair trade market, but we’re also a faith community, but we are also a nonprofit,” Luebke said. The faith-based organization focuses on building community while also using its funds to give back to multiple charities and organizations. “Whatever money we can get above and beyond keeping the place open and paying our bills and personnel and all that, then that’s what we give away,” Luebke said. The Bridge also has served as a collection point for charities.

Although The Bridge has many purposes, the business continues to branch out, and one of its goals goes hand in hand with its coffee sales. Every month, The Bridge chooses a mission of the month that the organization donates money to. The Bridge has a specialty drink each month, and each specialty drink purchase guarantees that at least a dollar from that purchase goes toward that specific mission of the month.

Penny University: Reviving a Tradition of Learning and Dialogue

Now, in its latest move to build relationships and connections with and among residents, The Bridge has started a string of events under the title Penny University. Luebke explained the history and significance behind the idea. In 17th and 18th century England, coffeehouses were often referred to as “penny universities.” This was because they became places where people could meet to share ideas, learn from scholars, and gain an unusual form of education all for the price of a coffee – which at the time, cost a penny. While education wasn’t always accessible for most people, coffee generally was. Now, The Bridge has started hosting events that try to somewhat bring the tradition back.

The idea was born after The Bridge saw a downward trend in sales for the year. Luebke said the economy has an effect on how much extra money people are willing to spend, and that can apply to The Bridge. “Buying a cup of coffee in a coffee shop is not something you have to do, it’s something you want to do,” Luebke said. So, The Bridge added another board member and also developed a different role for a person that serves as a “community builder/coordinator.” “What we started to look at is, ‘how can we build a greater community where we can reach more people within the community to just help support the business but also support our mission of being in the community and doing good things,’” Luebke said. After the creation of that role, The Bridge’s community coordinator eventually found the history behind penny universities, and it ended up matching The Bridge’s mission perfectly.

Events that Inspire and Connect

The Bridge has held several different events with varying speakers in order to foster an environment of free-flowing ideas and discussion. The coffeehouse has already hosted multiple community art projects, as well as a diverse range of speakers and seminars. Luebke said The Bridge is always looking for a chance to expand the topics that are covered at Penny University. Most recently, Penny University has hosted a community craft experience where residents were encouraged to make their mark and show their creativity, as well as an in-depth, informative seminar about dementia.

Luebke is optimistic about Penny University and the positive effect it can have on New Town. He said that one of his main goals is to create a welcoming atmosphere for all who walk into The Bridge. After taking the role of chairman in February, Luebke has worked to stay proactive in his role, but there’s more he wants to do with The Bridge and Penny University. “We’re out of the starting gate, but we’re not running full speed yet,” Luebke said. There are multiple events that The Bridge has hosted that he hopes may become a more regular part of Penny University’s schedule. An example of a Penny University recurring event is its Red Folder Group, which meets once a month and encourages people to collect interesting things they read in a folder and bring it to The Bridge for discussion.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Community Engagement

So what’s next for Penny University? A discussion about Native American religions, another community art project, a coffee tasting event or perhaps a voice recital for some talented local kids? Well, Luebke alluded that all of those events are in the making. The Bridge is also receptive to anyone who has an idea for a Penny University event, as it’s always looking for more speakers and subjects. “What we’re just trying to do is expand the content of what this all could be to create interest in the community, knowing that The Bridge is more than just a coffee shop,” Luebke said.

For community members who are looking to get involved, Luebke said the number one thing is just to participate, and a great way to do so is by getting involved with Penny University. “We want people to learn about that, understand that that’s what we’re doing and then look forward and participate on the things that they find interesting,” Luebke said. He added, “We want to show you the value of what you’re getting if you support us.” Attending the events – or even coming up with an idea for an event – can be a great way to get involved with The Bridge’s mission and to expand your horizons.

The Bridge is located at 3257-1 Domain Street, St. Charles. People can also make donations to The Bridge or find out about upcoming Penny University events through www.thebridgecoffee.org or by calling 636-724-9921.