Our History
The Coffee & Conversation series at College of the Atlantic began as a summer tradition to foster meaningful dialogue between COA faculty, trustees, and invited guests from diverse disciplines. Held on Tuesday mornings throughout the summer, these gatherings offer a relaxed yet intellectually engaging space for the community to explore pressing environmental, social, and cultural topics. The series embodies COA's commitment to interdisciplinary learning and community engagement.
While the exact year the Coffee & Conversation series began is up for debate, archived sessions date back to at least 2011.
Enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of each Coffee & Conversation is the exceptional in-house and local talent that makes the experience uniquely COA. Connor O’Brien ’17, the college’s own baker, delights attendees with blueberry scones, lemon squares, and hand pies, often crafted with fresh produce from COA’s farms. These treats are served alongside freshly brewed coffee, made with beans roasted locally by Crooked Porch Coffee. Adding to the ambiance, vibrant floral arrangements from the COA community garden adorn the space. Together, these touches reflect the college’s commitment to sustainability, local agriculture, and community care.
Maps & Directions
Coffee & Conversation gatherings take place in the Thomas J. Gates Community Center (Gates).
Directional signage is posted at key campus entry points to guide guests to the venue. Parking attendants will also be stationed along campus roads to assist with wayfinding and parking support. For the most convenient access, visitors are encouraged to park at the north end of campus, near the North Lawn.
Maps and directions, including printable campus maps, are available on the Maps & Directions page of the College of the Atlantic website.
Sustainability
Sustainability is central to the mission and daily life of College of the Atlantic. In 2007, COA became the first carbon-neutral college in the US, and we remain committed to eliminating fossil fuel use entirely by 2030. For 10 consecutive years, COA has been named the greenest college in the country by The Princeton Review, a reflection of our deep, community-wide engagement with environmental and social justice.
From the food we grow and serve, to the energy we consume, to the systems we design for waste, cleaning, and transportation, sustainability is woven into every aspect of life and learning on campus.
As part of this ongoing commitment, we encourage guests attending Coffee & Conversation to consider carpooling, biking, or using other low-impact transportation options when visiting campus. We also invite attendees to bring their own reusable mugs and refillable water bottles, and to reuse printed programs whenever possible, helping us minimize waste and model thoughtful resource use year-round.
