Starbucks Now Open at TAMIU

Starbucks, a name synonymous with great coffee and conversation, is now joining students at Texas A&M International University.

This semester, the nation’s top coffee shop opens a new home inside TAMIU’s Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, serving up favorite coffees, teas, pastries and other goodies throughout Library operating hours.

The full-service Starbucks will open Monday, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. A special ribbon cutting will be held at 2:30 p.m.

TAMIU president Ray Keck said the addition of Starbucks to the growing campus offers multiple benefits.

“First, I think there’s a lot to be said for the collegiality that one finds in a coffee house…and what better place than our Library…but with our rapidly growing student population, we have been looking at another food and beverage alternative to our three food service areas in place. Starbucks is ideal because its services match our Library hours and furthers student opportunities for study and extended conversations that can often follow classes and lectures,” he observed.

In addition to specialty coffees, desserts and low-calorie options, Starbucks will also offer tasty and healthy sandwiches and salads for those on the go. Further complementing the service and collegial atmosphere will be Internet access through the University’s Wi-Fi system.

I think there’s a lot to be said for the collegiality that one finds in a coffee house... and what better place than our Library...

- Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU President

Juan Castillo, TAMIU vice president for finance and administration, said while enrolled students are avid users of the University’s Wi-Fi network, public Internet access should prove of special interest to community members visiting the TAMIU Starbucks.

“This offers an additional incentive to the community at large to visit our TAMIU Starbucks and is part of our Killam Library Community Card. Card members pay $25 annually which allows them check-out privileges at TAMIU, as well as access to the University’s Wi-Fi network virtually anywhere on campus,” Castillo said.

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. Originating from Seattle’s historic Pike’s Place Market in 1971, it has grown to become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 8000 locations in over 43 countries, including three other Laredo stores, according to the company’s Web site.