Susan P. Cole Scholarship

Susan P. Cole Scholarship

Who is Susan P. Cole?

Given in memory of Susan, who was a member of the Carolina Adventures professional staff. Susan first became involved with the Carolina Adventures program as a volunteer challenge course facilitator. With an unwavering enthusiasm to help out and an eagerness to learn as much as possible, Sue soon began to work in the office as well as on the challenge course. Two years after first volunteering, Sue became the first full time Carolina Adventures employee and worked as the Challenge Course Program Coordinator.

Feeling the need to further educate herself and to become an even more competent outdoor educator, Sue decided to return to school at UNC-Chapel Hill to get her master’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. For her final research project, Sue interviewed WAFFYS (Wilderness Adventures for First Year Students) participants to test theories on a wilderness adventure program. Previously know as WAFFYS, the new student adventure programs are now known as Carolina Compass. Please read, Beyond the Trail: Wilderness Orientation Programs and Social Adjustment for Incoming Students to learn more about Sue’s discoveries.

In August of 2004, at the age of 30, Susan was tragically killed in a car accident. It is with both joy and sadness that Carolina Adventures will forever remember Susan and all her wonderful contributions. In her memory, and with many generous donations from family, friends, and colleagues, we have set up the Susan Porucznik Cole Scholarship Fund. We hope that this scholarship fund will allow future UNC students to participate in this wonderfully powerful program.

How much is the scholarship?

Up to half of your registration fee.

Who is eligible?

All new students interested in participating in Carolina Compass that also have financial need.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in applying for the Susan P. Cole Scholarship, please contact us at expeditions@unc.edu with the following information:

  • Your full name and phone number
  • Carolina Compass trip you want to attend
  • A 200-500 word essay explaining how you feel the Carolina Compass experience might benefit you

If awarded, is there anything else I need to do?

All scholarship recipients will be asked to write a short thank you letter to the Porucznik family and to contribute some time in the upkeep of our memorial garden created in Susan’s memory.

Can I make a donation to the fund?

Yes, if you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, please make your check out to UNC – CH. In the memo section of the check write: “Cole Fund” and send it to: 

Outdoor Education UNC CB# 3433
Country Club Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3433