“This is an incredible program that people feel really passionately about. I feel that the work I am doing is reaching people all across our state and that’s really special to me.”

In her role as administrative associate for the Postsecondary Success department, Madeleine Cole answers a lot of phone calls from students. It’s her favorite part of the job — helping students go through the application and interview process and connecting them with resources. “It’s just so heartwarming to be able to help them out and contribute to their success,” she says.

Before joining the Foundation in December 2023, Madeleine worked for a nonprofit meal program in Seattle, after first serving the organization as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in international studies.

After deciding she wanted to live in a smaller city, Madeleine moved to Eugene. “I am excited to be at the Foundation and specifically in the scholarship area,” she says. “I really enjoy the human interaction, as I meet the people I talk with over the phone at events throughout the year.”

In her spare time, Madeleine is busy shopping at the farmers market for seasonal produce, hiking in Central Oregon, or baking at home.