Getting Starbucks on campus is a normal habit for many Seton Hall students. At any given hour, exhausted undergraduates can be found grabbing a good dose of caffeine, snacking on warm muffins and, most likely, draining their Pirate Bucks well before midterms.
Although the crowds and orders change, there’s always a familiar face behind the counter: Immanuel “Manny” Burgess.
Burgess, a North Jersey native, earned his Associate of Arts degree from Bard High School Early College in Newark before starting at the SHU Starbucks on the recommendation of an old friend.
“I started when I was 18, almost 19. So it’s been three or four years,” Burgess said.
Burgess works the overnight shift—6 p.m. to 6 a.m. When he arrives in the University Center (UC) in the evening, he takes inventory, ensuring everything is stocked before taking his usual post behind the register.
According to Burgess, the overnight shift is generally quiet, except for occasional rushes when students head out for late-night activities. During slower hours, he and his coworkers prepare for the next day’s crowds of students and university staff.
When students do stop by overnight, Burgess said they often order food rather than drinks.
Behind the counter, Burgess’s easygoing personality makes him incredibly approachable.
As orders come in, he listens closely and works efficiently to prepare them for pickup.
The camaraderie among the Starbucks team is evident.
Employees move seamlessly between taking orders, crafting drinks, warming food and placing completed orders on the counter.
Burgess’ coworker Deanna Williams echoed this observation when describing how the team works together.
“It’s pretty good and smooth with great transitions,” Williams said.
Evan Trisler, one of Burgess’s supervisors, has worked alongside him since they both started around the same time. He said Burgess has become a well-liked presence among the campus community.
“He’s well loved, personable and gets along with the students,” Trisler said.
When he’s not taking orders or making elaborate lattes, Burgess is building relationships with SHU students, which he considers his favorite part of the job.
“I love taking orders; it connects me more with students,” Burgess said. “I get to learn about different students from different cultures, states and countries. I get to see how they experience their lives.”
Working overnight also gives Burgess the opportunity to get to know students he might not otherwise encounter. One student who has stood out to him is Alfonso Malabag, a junior film major.
“Due to me being overnight, I get to know different people,” Burgess said. “Like this student named Alfonso Malabag. He talks to the workers and the students.”
Malabag, who has known Burgess since his freshman year, said he appreciates Burgess’s friendly demeanor and willingness to connect with others.
“I think he is a nice person, very friendly to people he knows and customers stopping by the Starbucks,” Malabag said. “I have known him since my freshman year, around September or October 2024.”
Malabag hopes other students will take the opportunity to get to know Burgess and the rest of the Starbucks staff.
“He is a nice person to talk to,” Malabag said.
Although Burgess’s interactions with students are largely positive, some encounters have been more unusual than others.
“A few weeks ago someone came up and was staring at me with a white mask,” Burgess said. “He didn’t say anything and I guessed his order. He went about his way with his grilled cheese sandwich.”
“You never know what’s gonna happen,” Burgess concluded.
Despite the occasional unexpected interaction, Burgess said he admires the determination and dedication he sees among SHU students during his overnight shifts.
“I feel like over time, I’ve seen perseverance,” Burgess said. “Every night I'm here from six to six. I see students studying, trying to improve their scores and pass with flying colors. It’s the most grinding I’ve ever seen.”
Although Burgess enjoys being part of the SHU community, his life extends beyond the Starbucks counter. When the apron comes off, he returns to his hobbies.
Burgess said he likes to “spend time with his friends and family, box or play basketball.” In his spare time, he also does heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) work.
Whether he is serving students, spending time with family or working on HVAC systems, Burgess said he strives to be someone others can turn to.
“I’m a nice guy,” Burgess said. “If you need anyone to talk to, talk to one of the workers. We’re here to talk and support as well.”
So, the next time you stop by Starbucks during Burgess's shift, do not be afraid to place more than an order. Take a moment to say hello, too.
Rickiya Coulton is the live reporter for The Setonian. She can be reached at rickiya.coulton@student.shu.edu.
