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Jacob Marino has plenty of experience in ministry— he attended Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, graduating in 2012 and has served as a student pastor at Millersville Community Church since 2013. Now, he is ready to serve as the new director for the HUB.
The HUB is described as “a space where students can rest… mind, body, heart and soul.” Eight years ago, the church building the HUB now stands in was going through a transition period.
“My friend and mentor Ed Weber converted the lower level into an amazing student center,” Marino explains. “He started out by just serving free French toast and sausage to students on Friday nights in one small room. The community he cultivated grew into a much larger mission, organization and family.”
Marino plans to continue the tradition of serving free French toast every Friday, but the HUB has regular events every week. On Monday nights, the HUB hosts a game night where dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, a free lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. French toast Fridays are from 9 p.m. to midnight, where students can also enjoy live music.
While the HUB doesn’t do meal service during the summer, the Campus Cupboard is still open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday through Friday.
Moving forward, Marino explains that the HUB will become its own non-profit organization separate from the church.
“Our plans are to do some much-needed renovations to The HUB and make it an even better space for MU students,” says Marino. “One of our goals is to eliminate food insecurity at Millersville University. We want to ensure that every student has enough to eat.”
During the semester, over 400 pounds of food are distributed a week, and the HUB has an average attendance of about 80 students for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Additionally, the HUB offers a free service where students can get their groceries once a week. The Campus Cupboard offers dry and canned goods, frozen goods and meals, specialty items and hygiene products. The service is open for students Monday through Friday from noon to 10 p.m.
“The HUB has been an amazing experience. I had no idea how many people and lives were impacted by this ministry until serving in it,” Marino says. “It has been tough doing all of it without Ed here, but the journey has been both rewarding and amazing.”
“Everyone is welcome at the HUB,” Marino adds. “There are no strings attached for any of our meals or resources, whether it is free food, free clothing or just a person to talk to. Our mission is simply to love students, meet needs and build community.”
For more information about the HUB, visit their website at https://www.hubmu.org/
