You may not know it, but I am the very reason that many students are still alive. I give them their coffee and it enables them to crack their eyes open just enough to avoid getting squashed by a bus.

I feel that my contribution to the university is largely unacknowledged — I am the reason people are not sleeping at their desks, or squashed under buses. But there is no trophy, no praise. I just quietly do my job.

I provide a backdrop of noise, a café ambiance. I lull the people seated upstairs to sleep — yes, the squashy armchairs are comfortable. Please be my guest; I will provide the sounds of conversation and the espresso machine, the soothing scent of coffee. Take that nap. You deserve it.

I am the background to the meetings of professors, to students getting feedback on assignments, to conversations between the many passersby and those in line. I am the office water cooler, but so much better because I am a fully functioning coffee shop.

I am the reason so many people get out of bed in the morning. I offer hot cream and sugar in a cup, with a splash of espresso mixed in. Would you like a pastry? A muffin, a bagel, a hot breakfast? I can do that too.

Come to me for lunch, or in the afternoon for a snack to stave off those vicious hunger pangs.

Without me, Minard would fall apart, again. Grumpy, coffee-deprived professors would remove the kid gloves with their students. Tired, hungry, burnt out students would rise up in rebellion. Bedlam would ensue.

I am the backbone of Minard. I am the life force, the very soul and spirit of the building.

Come to me, you tired, weak and hungry masses. I will give you a fountain of liquid energy; I will feed you; I will give you a place to nap.