The Future of Charlie's Coffeehouse

I want to thank each one of you for your passionate support and dedication to bringing back Charlie’s Coffeehouse at Susquehanna University. Your voices have been instrumental in highlighting the profound impact that Charlie’s had on our campus community.

Unfortunately, the Student Government, at the direction of the Office of Leadership and Engagement, dissolved the student organization that was Charlie's Coffee House.

Since the closure of Charlie’s, it has become evident that there were food safety concerns from, primarily related to food spoilage after an electrical safety issue that resulted in student workers being advised to not enter the space. Regardless of the reasons for the closure, we look to the future and are hopeful that Charlie's will return one day soon.

Charlie's was more than just a campus event venue. In 1987, the then-Vice President of SGA Gene Cautillo said that Charlie's was "a place to go on the weekends where [students] can hang out without involving alcohol." This mission is essential to what Charlie's was. I can personally say that I spent many Friday nights there when I would've otherwise gone to a frat party, especially during my first-year. The nonalcoholic drinks satisfied the ritual of drinking for me, and for many others, including some of my sober friends who couldn't attend parties with alcohol.

While there has not been much information on the future of the space, the University has hired a few students with little prior connection to Charlie's as "Charlie's Interns." A post on their newly-created Instagram page states: "Charlie's will be revamped in the fall to revitalize the event space that has been a long-time favorite of SU students! While Charlie's will definitely look different, we promise to bring you exciting events! Keep your eyes peeled to find out what the NEW future of Charlie's will look like! We will be reaching out for student input!"

To the new Charlie's interns, your hard work and dedication is invaluable. I urge you to advocate for the student-led non-alcoholic beverage purpose that Charlie’s was founded upon. Your voices are crucial in shaping the future of our campus community.

Moving forward, I urge Susquehanna University leaders to engage with alumni who were instrumental in founding Charlie’s back in 1987 such as Leta Davis (née Blatt) and Gene Cautillo. Their insights and experiences can offer valuable guidance on how to successfully reopen and maintain Charlie’s while addressing safety concerns.

If the so-called "new future of Charlie's" must depart from the original purpose and no amount of student and alumni urging can change that, I ask that you at least acknowledge the contributions of the hundreds of students who worked tirelessly to maintain it for over 35 years.

Thank you.