Cole Journalism Scholarship Endowed
The endowment of the Robert C. Cole Journalism Scholarship was announced at a spring dinner for TCNJ’s emeritus professors.
Bob Cole
When Bob Cole retired in 2006, many of his former students banded together to raise the money needed to endow a scholarship in their mentor’s name. Just two years later, that grassroots effort has achieved its goal.
The endowment of the Robert C. Cole Journalism Scholarship was announced at a spring dinner for TCNJ’s emeritus professors. At the event, Ian Shearn, a former student of Cole’s, presented a check that put the fund over the $25,000 mark needed to endow the scholarship.
The money Shearn presented was collected at a party he hosted last fall for former Cole students. For logistical purposes, that party was limited to alumni from Cole’s first 20 years of teaching. Another party for more recent journalism alumni is being planned for a future date.
Cole said of the endowment, “It is very nice to be remembered, especially now that I’m retired.” Anyone who had him as a professor would surely agree that Cole is impossible to forget.
“Bob Cole taught us journalism as it should be, while wisely warning us that it often falls short of its mission,” Shearn said of the man he considers both friend and mentor. “He taught us with unwaivering support, humor, and love. He sold no one short, knowing people develop at their own pace. His standards were high and his patience was endless. We left the college believing we could serve our country with a curious mind, a little gumption, and a pen.”
Those interested in donating to the Cole scholarship or one of the many other endowed funds can find more information at www.tcnj.edu/~give
Posted on August 13, 2008
