10/27/2026
You may not know this, but Barefoots is the result of the February 2008 tornado that came through Jackson and Union, leveling large portions of the residence halls and the student commons. In the days after the tornado, Dr. Kimberly Thornbury called Matt Brunet and Joy Moore and said that without the commons, the students living off-campus in temporary housing would arrive for classes and have nowhere to go during their break-they needed a gathering place.
Soon after, Joy and Matt met with Brock, Merideth, and Mark (three students who had spearheaded an earlier proposal for transforming the student lounge into a coffee shop), gathered more helpers, and made a plan. Donations poured in from companies, universities, and individuals. The team got to work, painting, stripping carpet, building furniture, and more. Three professionals came to help with the floors, ceiling, and stage lighting. The rest? All students, staff, and friends. Barefoots opened on March 1, 2008, and has provided a place that for many is a defining part of their college experience.
Campus and Community Day is a way that current students can give back to the community to show Christ’s love to those who helped Union in its time of need. Praise the Lord today for his protection of our students and the preservation of Union’s mission.
Enjoy these old pictures of Barefoots to see how far the Lord has brought us!
