'Gumption' honors 30 years of red suspenders

Known for his trademark red suspenders, white beard sans mustache, and his rather “extensive” vocabulary of four-letter words, Robert Cole, professor of English, is retiring this year after 33 at the College.  Current students, former students, and fellow faculty members gathered at “Gumption: A Celebration of Bob Cole” on April 21 to honor the father of the College’s journalism department.

The event, hosted by ‘03 graduate Eric Conrad, gave students and colleagues the chance to share memories and comical stories about the man they have come to known as a mentor and a friend. Kevin Reynolds ’92, Josie Rose ’02, Ashley Marty ’06, Kelly Meisberger ’06, Ben Leach ’06, and Lee Harrod, professor of English all shared their stories.

David Rago, an appraiser for the popular television program “Antiques Road Show,” supplied his expertise as he, with help from Ben Leach, appraised Bob in a prerecorded video: “Antique Professors Road Show.” Of course, he was determined to be “priceless.”

Also attending the event was John J. O’Brien, executive director of the New Jersey Press Association, who announced that the NJPA named Cole an honorary life member. He referred to Cole as “an inspiration and invaluable resource,” as he has provided journalists to media publications throughout the state since he began working at the College.

In conjunction with Cole’s retirement and “Gumption,” the College is also accepting contributions to the Robert C. Cole Journalism Prize. The prize will honor Cole’s commitment to the profession of journalism and to the value of free expression in a democratic society. The prize will be awarded annually to an undergraduate student with a demonstrated commitment to a career in newsgathering. It was announced that $13,000 has been raised thus far, with the goal of raising $25,000. Further contributions to the prize fund can be made at www.tcnj.edu/~alumni/donate/ or by contacting the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.