Students attend reoccurring event hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Center

A cheerful murmur filled the PEIF as climbers of all ages switched from their snowy boots to their climbing shoes. The scent of coffee and donuts welcomed climbers like a warm hug. Ropes were swinging and getting tied onto harnesses while others clapped climbing chalk from their hands. The chalk dust settled on the floor at the same time people eagerly ascended the wall.

More than 20 students and community members gathered in the PIEF on Monday, Jan. 28 for a Coffee and Climb event hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC) to climb the rock wall, eat donuts and drink coffee.

The ORC hosts many events, workshops and trips each year. Starting last year, the ORC started hosting a Coffee and Climb workshop every month at the PEIF to encourage people to climb.

“Today is Newcomer Night which allows people who aren’t as experienced or comfortable rock climbing get a chance to try it out. Anyone is invited though, and it’s a great way to kick off your week,” Intramural Sports and Outdoor Recreation manager at NMU Christopher Smith said.

Smith is responsible for the hiring, training, scheduling and evaluation of student employees in the ORC and IM sports department, as well as offering intramural leagues and special events for the students, faculty, staff and community members on campus.

“I started this Coffee and Climb workshop after seeing another institution do it, and I thought it sounded like a cool idea,” Smith said. “We’re just trying to encourage people to come and climb with us.”

“Anybody who climbs and likes free coffee and donuts should definitely check this event out,” junior art education major Elise Shulick, said.

The next Coffee and Climb event will be hosted from 7 to 9 am on Feb. 27 at the PEIF.

RSVP for the upcoming event at the NMU ORC website or on their Facebook page. The workshops are open to students, staff, and the Marquette community.

All workshops are free for current PEIF members and $10 for non-members. Free coffee is provided for attendants that bring their own mug (BYOM) and 50 cents for those who do not. Free donuts are also available at the event, but at a first come, first serve basis.