A student takes a sandwich from a student server at Higher Grounds.

Higher Grounds brewing for 10 years

Higher Grounds Cafe at Penn State Hazleton is marking a special anniversary: 10 years of serving students, faculty and staff on campus.

“After 10 years, Higher Grounds Cafe continues to be a gem on the campus of Penn State Hazleton,” said Jonathan Kukta, director of Housing and Food Services at Hazleton, Schuylkill, Wilkes-Barre and Worthington Scranton campuses. “As we celebrate 10 years of serving the campus community, this location continues to be a gathering place where students meet and work on class projects with a latte, faculty and staff enjoy lunch, and community members visit for coffee and conversation. Higher Grounds is the living room of our campus.”

Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Gary Lawler called the cafe “a key destination point in our learning resources center,” adding that students, faculty and staff alike appreciate the top-notch food, beverages and service.

"The name Higher Grounds, as well as referring to the coffee itself, was inspired by the cafe’s location on top of the hill,” said Chris Hurley, senior director of Housing and Food Services for Commonwealth Campuses and Culinary Support Services. According to Hurley, Higher Grounds serves an important role as part of the Charles T. Butler Teaching and Learning Resource Center because the center is home to so many student-centered activities.

Food Services held a small ceremony in February to commemorate the 10-year anniversary. Lawler served cake and coffee to students, faculty and staff, and Higher Grounds staff served up a special anniversary latte flavored with caramel, white chocolate and cinnamon.v