BAR HARBOR – College of the Atlantic’s 33rd graduation will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and feature author William Coperthwaite as commencement speaker.

Coperthwaite, a native of Maine, is best known for his Yurt Foundation and for his book, “A Handmade Life.”

Fifty six students from 18 states and 11 nations will receive their bachelor’s degrees, and one student will be awarded a master’s degree in human ecology. Additionally, W. Kent Olson, president and CEO of Friends of Acadia, will receive an honorary degree during the celebration.

COA’s 33rd graduation will also be noted as the first time any college in the United States has attempted to hold a zero-waste commencement.

A committee of staff and students have been working for more than a year to ensure that all food, supplies and packaging are either compostable or recyclable.