Finding community at CWRU

When Becky and Dave Cole’s daughter, Sarah Cole (NUR '26), enrolled at Case Western Reserve University, they hoped she would find a strong academic program, meaningful support and opportunities to grow. What they found was a university community that helped shape Sarah’s future—and became an important part of their family’s story.

Becky and Dave found their own connection to the university through parent engagement and service on the Parents and Family Leadership Council. In reflecting on their family’s experience, they shared what drew Sarah to Case Western Reserve, what made the university stand out and why they continue to stay involved.

What were your top priorities when helping Sarah choose a college?

A top priority was finding a university that offered Sarah’s intended major while also providing the flexibility to explore other academic paths if her interests evolved. Strong academic and student support resources, meaningful extracurricular opportunities and an engaging campus experience were also important. Sarah was especially interested in attending a university in an urban setting rather than on a suburban campus, so location played a significant role in her decision.

How did Sarah ultimately decide on CWRU?

From the first campus visit, Case Western Reserve simply felt like the right fit. The combination of academic excellence, research opportunities and a collaborative community made it clear that CWRU would prepare Sarah well for the nursing career she envisioned.

The Health Education Campus was especially impressive. Its state-of-the-art facilities—and the opportunity for clinical rotations beginning in the first semester—helped distinguish the program. CWRU’s close partnerships with Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and MetroHealth provide nursing students with exceptional hands-on experience while making it easy to engage with these leading health systems during their time in school. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision.

What motivated you to join the Parents and Family Leadership Council?

We were so grateful for everything CWRU was providing Sarah that becoming more involved felt like a natural next step. Joining the Parents and Family Leadership Council created an opportunity to stay connected to the university, meet other dedicated families and contribute in a meaningful way to the student experience.

How did your involvement with the council shape your connection to the university and Sarah’s experience?

Serving on the council made us feel like true members of the CWRU community. There was a strong sense of support, and we always had access to knowledgeable staff who could answer virtually any question—not just academic ones. Whether we needed a restaurant recommendation, help finding a trustworthy auto body shop or even a place for Sarah to get a haircut, someone was always willing to help.

That level of accessibility and genuine care gave us a deeper appreciation for the university and the people who make it such a special place. We believe that sense of community enriched not only our experience as parents, but Sarah’s experience as a student as well.

Why do you choose to support CWRU philanthropically?

Our philanthropy is rooted in gratitude. CWRU gave Sarah an exceptional education, lifelong friendships and the confidence to begin a career she is passionate about.

We feel especially strongly about supporting the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Nursing education is resource-intensive, and philanthropic support helps ensure talented students can access the outstanding opportunities CWRU provides, regardless of financial circumstances.

Sarah was also the recipient of a generous merit scholarship. That investment in her education helped shape her future, and our support for CWRU is one way we can pay that generosity forward so future students can benefit from the same opportunities.

What advice would you give to other parents of incoming students?

Be curious, ask questions and do not hesitate to seek support. CWRU has an extraordinary network of faculty, staff, administrators and fellow parents who genuinely want students to succeed. Take advantage of parent programming, attend Family Weekend and consider getting involved—you may be surprised by how much it enriches your own experience.

We would also encourage parents to support their students in stepping outside their comfort zones. College is about much more than earning a degree. It is about discovering new interests, developing leadership skills, building lifelong friendships and becoming an independent adult.

Finally, trust the process. There will be moments when your student struggles or feels homesick, and that is okay. Growth often happens during those challenging times. 

From gratitude to giving back

For Becky and Dave, supporting Case Western Reserve is both a way to express gratitude and to invest in future students. Looking back, they say Sarah graduated with not only an exceptional education, but also lifelong friendships, leadership experience and the confidence to begin her career as a NICU nurse. Just as meaningful, they found a sense of belonging of their own through the university community.

Today, they remain deeply grateful for the opportunities it provided—and honored to continue supporting a university that has given so much to their family.