December 2005 Focus

Coffee and Mathematics, Once Again

In May 1996 the UNC Charlotte Math department moved to its new home, the EK and Dorrie Fretwell building, with eager anticipation. We would occupy most of the third floor and use dedicated rooms for reading journals, keeping our book library, holding seminars, housing web servers, and enjoy modern "computerized" classrooms.

Kristen McMurtrie waiting patiently for her sandwich

Two years later our lives got even better. The large student lounge on the ground floor had not been successful. Manned with vending machines and not-very-comfortable chairs, it attracted very little business.

Anna Athanasopoulos, Karen Kline, and Kristen McMurtrie learning calculus

Then someone got the idea of converting it into a Starbucks-style coffee shop. Jazzman opened in and never looked back.

Unidentified student studying statistics

When Sodexho lost to catering contract to Chartwells in May of 2002, Jazzman became Ritazza, but little else changed.

Serving breakfast sandwiches, bagels, freshly made salads, soups and sandwiches for lunch and dinner along with desserts, it became the hottest spot on campus. A large coffee menu, comfortable chairs and sofas, and an outdoor dining patio all contributed to its success as well.