During the early morning of January 1, 2001, my life was forever changed when a Fort Collins Police officer placed me in handcuffs and put me in the back of his police car. I was severely intoxicated, freezing cold, stumbling through a field and was addicted to drugs and alcohol. This officer had the power and authority to punish me and take me to jail. Instead, he loved me right where I was. He gave me deep words of encouragement, and drove me home safely. Two weeks later I gave my life to Jesus. This police officer was a walking example of protection and service. He was a walking example of judgement free love, grace and forgiveness. I will never forget the love and kindness that officer showed to me that day. Back the Blue Coffee is one way for me to return that love.
I studied in Spain in 2002 and fell in love with the country, the culture, the people, the history, and the coffee. Over the years, sharing Spanish culture and coffee with others has become a passion of mine. Café Sevilla was born out of my passion to share Spanish coffee and culture with others, as well as my passion to invest in Colorado State University students who desire to study abroad in Spain.
Those we invite to Café Sevilla are always welcome to drink our coffee for free. Our guests typically leave a small donation of appreciation. 100% of profits from Café Sevilla go directly to Colorado State University to grow and fund the Matt and Emily Shoup Spain Study Abroad Scholarship. To date, we have sent 17 CSU students to Spain!
Matt and Emily’s scholarship is an endowment which currently has around $80,000 in it. This endowment is very similar to a mutual fund. Every year, the funds make interest and dividends which are guaranteed to kick off 4.25% per year as an expendable scholarship to a Colorado State University Student who will be studying abroad in Spain. This endowment’s base, or principal amount, continues to grow every year both by accumulating interest and from new donations.
CLICK HERE to leave Café Sevilla a tip/donate to the Matt and Emily Shoup Spain Study Abroad Scholarship. Your generosity will impact the lives of CSU students forever!
