Originally published on February 16, 2017.
Porter Sproul came to Southern Utah University knowing two things about himself- he was tired of being a wallflower and wanted to find his purpose.
Living up to this resolution, Porter became active on campus immediately. During his first semester, he joined the Sigma Chi International Fraternity due to its strong ties to Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), an NCI-designated cancer research facility and hospital in Salt Lake City. He worked closely with HCI, and eventually became the Fraternity’s philanthropy chairman, where he lead the chapter’s fundraising efforts. During his tenure, donations increased from $2,300 to $20,000 by his senior year.
Outside of his fraternity, Porter earned a 3.7 GPA, worked an average of 40 hours per week and stayed active with at least two campus organizations at a time. Porter credits much of his educational success to faculty mentors including Ellen Treanor, Mindy Benson, Eric Kirby and Sage Platt.
“My mentors helped me hone my skills as a presenter, leader, event planner, relationship builder, marketer and PR professional,” said Porter. “I reflect on the lessons I learned from them every day, in both my professional and personal life.”
Porter said Mindy Benson, vice president, alumni & community relations, taught him that nothing is a crisis, because there is always a way to handle it. His classes, working in marketing and event planning, and other activities on campus gave Porter the skills he needed to succeed in marketing and the world of non-profits. He said he now has no fear and learned to ask for help when a situation is out of his control.
Porter’s passion and hard work landed him an internship with the Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) the summer after he graduated with a degree in communication. Three months into the internship, Porter was offered a full-time job as a development specialist.
Because of the education and guidance Porter received from SUU, he now works as a correspondent for the foundation's events and marketing, and mentor to Sigma Chi chapter’s all over the world.
“My education is helping me in more than just my career, it's helping me in life,” Porter said.
Porter graduated with a degree in Communication. Learn more about the program.
