Carolyn W. Rohlen

Current Position on NOLS Board of Trustees: Secretary
Elected to NOLS Board of Trustees: June 2002
NOLS Graduate: 1992 Wind River Wilderness course and a 1995 Brooks Range Backpacking course

Carolyn is a two-time NOLS graduate and a NOLS parent. Her first NOLS course in 1992, a 25 and Over Wind River Wilderness course, was what she requested for her birthday that year.

Rohlen was born in Chicago and raised in the suburbs. She received a bachelor’s degree from National Louis University and taught elementary school. She was married in 1966 and has continued to live in the Chicago area where she and her husband have raised their five children.

Rohlen has been an active community leader, fundraiser, and volunteer. She served as chair of the Parents Association, a member of the Women’s Board, the board of trustees and the Headmaster Search Committee at North Shore Country Day School. She chaired the Antiques Show and the Modernism Show at the Winnetka Community House. Rohlen was a member of their board and instrumental in developing new fundraising events. She was a board member of the Winnetka Associates of the Chicago Art Institute, the Winnetka Safety Board, and the Winnetka Historical Museum.

Having grown up going to summer camp, Rohlen continued her interest and chaired the board of Campo Fiesta, a private girls’ camp. She volunteered for Special Olympics events in the Chicago area and spent many years volunteering with the Chicago Junior League where she served on the board and chaired many committees. Through the Junior League she gave management training workshops to non-profit organizations in Chicago.

Always participating with her children, Rohlen was a Girl Scout leader, parent chair of many teams, a soccer coach, and a Sunday school teacher. One of her favorite fundraising efforts was in 1987 when she worked as a vendor at Wrigley Field. She donated her earnings to the neighborhood Little League for pitching machines.

Since her NOLS courses Rohlen has increased her outdoor activities and is always eager to try something new. “Our kids keep me challenged by continuing to invite me on more outings,” she says. “My bag of skills and knowledge continues to increase. What fun it is!”

Carolyn Rohlen was elected to the NOLS Board of Trustees in June 2002. She serves on the Risk Management Committee, the Public Policy Committee and the Governance Committee. Rohlen Co-Chairs the Advisory Council.