To Keep Steve's "Hello My Friend Cafe"

Steve's cafe is one of the UofA Law Faculty's most dearest contributors to creating a sense of community and inspiring cheer!

Steve is an invaluable part of our school and our community

Keep Steve.

The loss of Hello My Friend robs the faculty of more than a place to get a coffee or a snack in between classes. Steve is an encouraging word and sympathetic ear. He chats with students and faculty as he happily goes about his day. Steve knows the rhythms of law student life: first year anxieties, moots, exams, papers -- this is because he has established himself as a member of our community. Steve regularly donates to the annual law show silent auction, he provides coffee to law events, first time customers have their drinks on the house, if someone wants a special treat then Steve will make it available and no law school video is complete without a Steve cameo. When Justice Brown was sworn as a member of our Court of Appeal I saw Steve sitting amongst the faculty members in the crowd, showing his support. If you take the time to speak with Steve you start to build a relationship with him. It's the kind of interaction that is a rarity and a relief when it is found. When you apply to become a member of the Law Society of Alberta you need two people to attest to your good character. For my application the people that did this were my very dearest friend in law and Steve. I know others have asked Steve to do this for them in the past. This speaks to how I felt about Steve's contribution to my education and experience as a student in the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. I am deeply saddened about what this decision means for our faculty. Slowly but surely the Law Centre is becoming less personable and more institutional. Students are now paying more than they ever have -- and getting less than before. This is another negative step that will have a major impact on future graduates.

Well said Heidi!

Steve offers law students so much more than coffee. He offers the escape from the stresses of law school and the feeling of community that so many students are looking for at U of A Law, being a school with so many transplants from other cities. I would be deeply saddened if this decision is not reversed.

I am deeply dismayed and disappointed by the University’s decision. Steve is not a simple shopkeeper or business owner. Steve is a mentor and a friend to the students who pass through the Faculty of Law. He is a friendly face in a place that is stressful and otherwise lacks supports systems for University students. His café fosters friendship and community between law students and with students of other Faculties. He is a remarkable and comforting individual in an otherwise difficult and sometimes unwelcoming environment. Countless current students and alumni can attest to the impact Steve has had on their lives and the University environment. In my time at the University, I have heard the words of Henry Marshall Tory echoed repeatedly: the purpose of this university is “uplifting the whole people.” Steve has always uplifted the whole people. I have never met another who so truly lives by that maxim. I am unaware of the University’s plans for Steve's space, other than they wish to "repurpose" it [read: Starbucks]. I am certain, however, that nothing can replace the kindness and warmth that emanates from Hello My Friend Café. That warmth and kindness has a singular source: Steve. He is, and has ever been, a source of support for the students at the Faculty of Law. The University of Alberta is, quite simply, making a mistake. It is not too late to correct that mistake.

As someone who doesn't leave the Faculty at the end of three years, I know even better than most the value of Steve's presence. And I am not alone. Please know that many members of Faculty are trying hard to work this out. We can't promise anything at this stage, but we deeply appreciate the strong support and strong feelings being expressed by the community. This IS being conveyed to the appropriate people, and we will keep you posted.

Long before Steve moved to the Law Building, he worked at Java Jive in HUB and was a beacon for many students including the Fine Arts. I was thrilled to learn Steve had opened "Hello My Friend Cafe" and, many years after graduating, always make a point of going to visit him in his new location whenever I am near campus. This news is very upsetting.

I'm so sad that the Faculty has given notice to close Hello My Friend Cafe. I've enjoyed knowing Steve for years. Steve is a kind, warm, and authentic presence in the Faculty. He treats everyone with compassion and interest, and his little cafe has been a precious little place of support and humanity in a large sometimes impersonal institution. Steve has fostered a little community in the common area. He knows people by name and by their personalities. He has a delightful and kind sense of humour. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone in trouble, and he promotes and models an ethos of comeraderie and caring. He has never asked for tips for himself, but always puts change in the Campus Food Bank jar for students who might need a hand. This kind of approach (trust people to pay later, lift up someone's spirits when they look down, share a laugh or a compliment) is truly what young lawyers need when they are under stress. I hate to think of losing this kind of special presence in the law school in favour of corporate coffee. We will all be much poorer for the loss of Steve's presence and his immense goodwill.