Employee Dan Sly has worked at the Cafe 100 since its opening. (Taylor Henry/The Daily Campus)

He makes coffee and gives advice. He cheers for athletes. His personality and never-ending smile instantly attracts students. Dan Sly has touched many on the Hilltop.

 “Mr. Dan asked me what my name was freshman year and he’s always remembered it,” SMU junior Bre’Ann Berger said. “He is so lively and fun every morning. He is the perfect person to work at Café 100.”

Sly has worked at SMU for almost nine years, but originally only planned to stay for six months. But after working in what used to be the Pizzeria, Sly grew attached to the campus.

Dubbed “Dan the Coffee Man” years ago by a ninth-grade science class touring SMU, Sly remains in the coffee shop where he can make a difference in the lives of students and faculty, one cup of coffee at a time.

“I never ever thought I’d still be here, but this campus just has a hold on me. I feed off of the young people’s energy, and I love interacting with everyone,” Sly said.

Director of SMU Dining Mark Marr is another one of Sly’s many fans.

“Dan is absolutely fabulous, and I think he gives the greatest customer service,” Marr said.

Sly’s coworkers also respect and love him.

“Dan is the best supervisor. There’s nothing but good words from him,” K’Shuna Newhouse, a barista at Café 100, said.

Whether Sly is meeting people for the first time or sees them everyday, Sly greets them amicably.

“A smile is something that doesn’t cost anything. You give a smile and you get a smile back,” he said.

Sly has lived in New Jersey, Alabama, Florida and Texas, and has years of experience working with food.

“I love to cook. There’s nothing I can’t do in the kitchen,” he says.

Sly works Monday through Friday in Café 100, but he has other plans for cooking. He wants to start a family-operated roasted peanut business in Dallas, bringing his homely spirit to the community beyond SMU.