A festive environment, definite entertainment and social interaction, as ties that bind; have been some of the more attractive elements of the University’s café: Tarzan’s Cave, the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez’s (UPRM) only “pub”, which celebrated its third anniversary this past October, 23rd.

That is what the students, who are the Cave’s steady clientele, or the ones in charge of running the Cave, and University officials who founded the cave and still collaborate with its administration think about it. What started out as a project of the Medical Services Department, an effort to create a social environment that was alcohol and drug free, has solidified itself as the favorite gathering point for hundreds of students.

“What we originally dreamed would happen has become a reality, to have a place for relaxing, where students could converse, study and have a good time all within the institution,” stated UPRM chancellor, doctor Jorge Iván Vélez Arocho, is his congratulatory speech.

Director of Medical Services, Rosie Calderón, mentioned that its greatest show of success is demonstrated by the large number of students that visit the Cave on a daily basis, that are proof that it is possible to have fun in an alcohol and drug free environment.

“It’s a prevention project because we are telling them that they can enjoy themselves in a place where there aren’t any addictive substances and that they can have a good time in this environment, its safe and chilling as they would say,” said Calderón.

Its staff consists of 18 employees, all UPRM students, who run the café, that during the day offers snacks, cold drinks and delicious coffee, which most of the time is accompanied by a good movie, music, or wireless internet connection, an element that gives it the air of a cyber-cafe.

Its acting manager, Yekselly Mendez, who is a second year Economy student, noted that 16 of the café’s employees are participants of the work/study program of Financial Aid, while the rest of them are workers subsidized by the Chancellor’s Office. Therefore, with University’s contribution to its infrastructure, the project is self-sufficient with the sales that it generates.

Yekselly added that promotion, variety and prices of products, and the movies offered are the three principal ingredients that draw in clients.

So, just what is the secret to always having a full house? According to Yekselly “its customer service, we always ask them how their classes are going, how they are doing in general, as well as the fact that it’s a completely social environment.” She added that at night time it converts into a space that offers karaoke and live entertainment.

Another factor that makes the difference is the ample participation of the youth in the project. Daira Dávila, a fourth year Sociology student and activity coordinator for Tarzan’s cave, agrees that there is no one better suited to understand the necessities of their peers than the youth themselves.

“This project’s success is due to the fact that it’s run by students, for other students. The administration helps us, but the ideas are ours. Because we are young adults, we know what they want and we can appeal to them and draw them to this preventative and safe environment,” commented Daira.

Two frequent clients who support the previous idea completely are Graciela Morales, fifth year English student, and Ian Vázquez, who is currently a third year Physical Education student. Both were in agreement that the offer of socialization and entertainment realized in the café makes it an ideal place to have a great time.

“I’ve been coming here for two or three years, every day. The environment is precisely what attracts me, you can study, connect to the internet, or simply relax, watch movies and socialize with everyone,” expressed Graciela.

The celebration was marked by various artistic activities, for the entire week, such as a sample of the coffee served at the Cave and what is harvested at the Experimental Agricultural Station in Adjuntas. Álvaro Serrano, assistant of agricultural research at this station, was in charge of a presentation that included all of its facets, from the coffee plant that is planted in the fields to the different stages of fruits.

As part of the anniversary celebration, all of the project collaborators, from UPRM, were recognized by the director of Medical Services and Hernán Méndez, Health Program Coordinator of the aforementioned Department.

Other members present at the function were chancellor, Vélez Arocho, and professor Teresita Cruz, Associate Dean of Students. Even the UPRM mascot Tarzán, made an appearance at the Cave, to which he lent his name.

Vídeo

Tarzan’s cave has solidified itself as the preferred meeting point for hundreds of UPRM students.

Professor Teresita Cruz, Associate Dean of Students, also congratulated organizers of the UPRM Café on its third anniversary.

From the left: Yamil Barreto, employee at the Cave; Rosie Calderón, Medical Services Director; Yekselly Méndez, manager; Juan G. Ortiz, employee; Hernán Méndez, Health Program Coordinator; and Álvaro Serrano, of the Experimental Agriculture Station of Adjuntas; all accompanied by UPRM mascot Tarzán.

Rosally Bisbal and Daira Dávila celebrate with Tarzán.

Mike Rivera, was one of the artists invited to the anniversary celebration. (Courtesy photo)

Photographs by Carlos Díaz / UPRM Press