Unison Bank’s $250,000 Gift Brews New Community Hub at University of Jamestown
A $250,000 gift from Unison Bank helped transform campus life at the University of Jamestown, fueling the creation of The Well Coffee Shop inside the newly opened Reuben and Clarice Liechty Center for Faith and Life.
The Well, which opened its doors this fall, is more than just a coffee bar. Nestled between the historic Voorhees Chapel and the Badal Nafus Student Union, the space is quickly becoming the hub of campus connection. With floor-to-ceiling windows on its south side, beams of sunshine stream into the atrium each morning, where students gather to recharge between classes, meet with faculty, or attend career center events.
“It is a special place for the campus and community to enjoy. We are especially grateful to Unison Bank for their generosity, which helped turn this vision into reality. It is the generosity of others that turned the space into something meaningful and something to be enjoyed for decades to come,” said Brett Moser, vice president of development and alumni relations.
The Well is housed within the Liechty Center, which also serves as the home of the Unruh School of Character in Leadership, featuring conference rooms, faculty offices, and collaborative study spaces. The coffee shop’s name draws inspiration from the university’s faith-based mission, symbolizing a place of refreshment, reflection, and spiritual growth—a modern-day well where students and community members gather to be renewed.
Kelly Rachel, president and CEO of Unison Bank, said the bank’s investment is about more than just coffee. “We were excited about creating a space where students feel cared for, energized and supported. When students have a place that nourishes both their minds and their spirits, they’re more equipped to dream bigger, work harder and build the futures God is calling them toward,” Rachel said.
Unison Bank, a locally owned community bank founded in Jamestown in 1965, has a long history of supporting education and community initiatives. The bank’s philosophy is simple: “We give back because helping others achieve their dreams is at the core of who we are,” Rachel said.
“The boldest change we hope to spark is a culture of intentionality where students are living with purpose, pursuing their callings with confidence and building a community that lifts each other up,” Rachel added.
As coffee brews, so do ideas and friendships. The Well is quickly becoming a place where students pause, pray, and connect with each other and with the deeper purpose of their college journey. And thanks to Unison Bank’s generosity, the legacy of this gathering place is just beginning to take root.
Follow The Well on Instagram at @thewell_coffeebar for the latest drink specials and hours. For facility rentals at the UJ, including the Reuben and Clarice Liechty Center for Faith and Life, contact Tricia Herzig, Director of Conference Services, at 701-252-3467 or Trish.Herzig@uj.edu. Find more details about available spaces and services on the university’s conferencing and facility rentals webpage.
About University of Jamestown
University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the
bachelor’s level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master’s degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.
