PCC Guides Students to Success Five-step Panther Path unveiled Page 74

Rules OfPage 8 Motorcycle safety instructor is voted best in the state The Road

Find them inside: Classes startingPages April –9 –June 71 Spring 2014PCC Communities PCC CommunitiesBond Update “The commitment PCC shows in making higher education affordable and accessible to a diversity of students has a direct impact on the region’s future workforce. The Portland General Electric Foundation supports the PCC Foundation because the college leads the way in educating and training students.” Carole Morse President, Portland General Electric Foundation

Carole Morse manages PGE’s corporate foundation which awards about $1 million each year in the areas of education, social services and arts and culture in .

Carole is currently chair of the All Hands Raised Board and a member of the Cradle to Career Steering Committee. She was appointed by Gov. to the Oregon Cultural Trust board in 2012.

2 PCC CommunitiesSpring 2014 Community CornerPCC Communities

Alum News You’re Invited!  Amy Cakebread, who attended PCC from Science fiction Table of Contents 1996–2001, teaches math at Clackamas author and legend High School. In addition to her teaching Ursula K. Le Guin 4 Alumni Profile responsibilities, she’s developed new math will visit PCC in curriculum. She volunteers at several local May as part of an 5 PCC Foundation Profile elementary schools and serves as club event spotlighting advisor to the National Honor Society and local authors. 6 Bond Update the Hip Hop Club. In her first-ever 8 Community Ed  Devarshai Bajpai, a PCC student from visit to PCC, 73 Kids Saving Lives 1994–1998, is a well-respected drug Photo by Eileen Gunn Le Guin will speak and alcohol counselor in Oregon as he at the Cascade Campus on Tuesday, May 74 Panther Path addresses the issues of addiction. He is 20 from 7 to 8:30 pm. She will visit the now an addiction program manager with Rock Creek Campus on Thursday, May 22 76 Legislative Internship Multnomah County and is an advocate for from 12 to 1:30 pm. Both events are open the addicted and mentally ill community. to the public and admission is free. 78 Faculty Profile For details call 971-922-6339.  When Randall Vemer retired from his position as principal violist of the Oregon Le Guin, a Portland resident, writes both Schedule 9–63 Symphony — a position he had held for 20 poetry and prose, and in various modes years — due to a focal dystonia in his left including realistic fiction, science fiction, Arts hand he turned to PCC to train for his next fantasy, young children’s books, books for 12 Dance career. He attended PCC from 1995–1997 young adults, screenplays and essays. She 15 Music and Theater and now creates original classical style has published seven books of poetry, 22 16 Photography oil paintings and established the Patty novels, more than 100 short stories, four 19 Visual Arts Vemer Endowment Fund with the Oregon collections of essays, 12 books for children 23 Writing Symphony. Patty Vemer served as the and four volumes of translation. symphony’s education director for Home and Garden 13 years before she passed away in 1997. For more information email 25 Food and Drink The award is given to individuals who [email protected] 27 Emergency Preparedness have demonstrated exemplary commit- or call 971-922-6339. 28 Yards and Garden ment and service to children through 29 Hobbies and Crafts music education. The New Look 30 Home Improvement Welcome to the Spring 2014 Issue of PCC 32 Pets We’d love to feature you in an Communities magazine. You’ll notice a few 32 Style and Beauty upcoming issue. Tell us your alumni news changes with the magazine as we’ve rede- 32 Do It Yourself (DIY) at www.pcc.edu/alum. signed the pages to make them more read- 33 Woodworking and Metalworking er-friendly and interactive. In every issue Shared on Social Media you’ll find regular features about students, Language and Culture  “Thank you! I can truly say that ASPCC at faculty members, the Bond Program, the 35 Languages Sylvania and student leadership has helped PCC Foundation and alumni who got their 39 World View me get where I am today! Was so nice to start at PCC and are now thriving. The chat with PCC Sylvania President Linda magazine is full of stories about the people Recreation and Wellness Gerber about my grades. She is awesome and programs that make PCC a nation- 41 Health and Wellness and genuinely happy when you succeed.” ally-recognized community college. Visit 42 Mind Body Fitness — Twitter user and student @KoleBigEars our social media sites, tell us what you like 43 Sports about the redesign and share stories you 44 Work Out  “Big thanks to @PortlandCC for hosting the think we should be telling. We look forward 46 Swim with Community Ed excellent luncheon today with Dr. White about to hearing from you! 48 Traffic Safety black leadership and journeys in higher ed!” 50 Travel — Twitter user and community Stay connected with PCC digitally at: organiziation @PCRIhome Work and Life Balance 54 Careers Share your thoughts and photos with us pcc.edu 55 Career Skills on Twitter @PortlandCC. 56 Computer Skills and Technology facebook.com/portlandcc 60 Continuing Education “PCC Communities” Periodicals postage paid and License Renewal (USPS 001-624) at Portland, Oregon. twitter.com/portlandcc Spring 2014, 62 Personal Development Vol. 27, No. 2, POSTMASTER: 62 Personal Finance is published quarterly by Send address changes to youtube.com/pccvideos Portland Community College, “PCC Communities” 63 Test Preparation 12000 SW 49th Ave., at P.O. Box 19000, Portland, OR 97219 Portland, OR 97280-0990 linkedin.com/portlandcommunitycollege

Spring 2014PCC Communities 3 PCC CommunitiesAlumni Profile

By Kate Chester Alum Profile: Kate Houlihan ortland native Kate Houlihan first Daughter of Pconsidered a career in nursing at the KGW news age of 15. Some health issues during high school had forced Houlihan to take time off anchor Laural from her studies. She witnessed the dedica- Porter gives a tion of nurses who helped her, and their caring touch commitment and compassion led her to consider the profession. to patients at Providence A few years later Houlihan excitedly headed to Helena, Montana for college, where she Portland majored in nursing. Sickness struck again, Medical forcing Houlihan to return to Portland to heal and re-think her educational path. Center. Her journey to Enter PCC. nursing made Over three terms between 2010 and an unexpected 2011 Houlihan took a variety of prerequi- but worthwhile sites for nursing school, as well as electives, at the Cascade, Rock Creek and Sylvania stop at campuses. Her diligence, along with guid- Portland ance she received from her PCC instructors, paid off handsomely: While at PCC, Houlihan Community was awarded a competitive Providence College. scholarship to attend nursing school at the University of Portland. and they’re motivated. Another plus is Q: What advice would you give the willingness of teachers at PCC to College students today? Since graduating with her bachelor’s in help students, inside and outside the A: Never give up. I’ve faced many chal- nursing in 2013, Houlihan has worked at classroom. I remember my statistics lenges, but there are resources to Providence Portland Medical Center teacher would tutor on his days off. tap and people to reach out to when (PPMC), first on the orthopedic floor and you’re struggling. My journey has been now as part of the diabetic/renal unit. She Q: Do you keep in touch with any worth every moment — it’s made me works 12-hour shifts, three days a week of your former PCC classmates? a better nurse. which enables her to get to know her A: Yes. I went to the University of Portland patients, many of whom are long-term with two other PCC students, and one Q: Would you recommend PCC patients with chronic conditions. of them — David Neves — and I were in to students interested in the same nursing cohort, then ended up Higher education? “I feel so blessed to be a nurse,” says working together at PPMC. A: Absolutely. When I was in high school Houlihan. “I’m so glad I stuck with it — there was a stigma about community the journey has been incredibly worthwhile.” Q: What has been your greatest colleges — they were thought of as ACComplishment so far? being geared to adult learners, not Q: What did you like about PCC? A: Learning the art of nursing. In the begin- graduates right out of high school. What A: The learning environment. In univer- ning, you learn about time management, I’ve realized is that community college sity settings, sometimes students don’t medications, and getting comfortable is a great place to learn what you want know what they want to do or study; with the schedule. Now I’m able to focus to do — and then do it. The courses I their parents are paying the tuition, so on the patient — emotionally, mentally took at PCC were as rigorous — if not students aren’t forced to make a deci- and spiritually. Nursing is so much more more rigorous — than any I took at the sion. At PCC, students are there to learn, than task management. college in Montana. 

Are you a PCC Alum? Join the PCC Alum Network! Share your news and update your contact information at www.pcc.edu/alum.

4 PCC CommunitiesSpring 2014 PCC Foundation ProfilePCC Communities

Remembering Chuck's Advice Longtime Schnitzer Steel employee’s message about education leads to a new PCC Foundation Chuck Ford scholarship

huck Ford made a strong impression on He was quick to tell a colleague or a younger “This scholarship through the PCC Foun- Chis bosses when he arrived at Schnitzer employee the benefits of a solid education dation made life a little bit easier for me in Steel Industries, Inc., back in 1967 as a and why students should stay in school. what has been a very stressful time,” said hardworking teenager intent on putting in Hanno Murphy, a welding technology an honest day’s work. “He had a saying that, ’Knowledge is student and one of the first recipients. “It's something that no one can take away from nice to know that you can catch a break.” He started as an entry-level laborer and you so get as much as you can,’” recalled he ended his professional career some Jennifer Hudson, Schnitzer’s governmental When Murphy’s sales job ended last spring 44 years later as the terminal operations and public affairs manager. he decided to retrain in welding. manager, the highest operational position at Schnitzer’s Portland facility. He was one Ford was a loyal employee and when he “I love working with metal and I’m very excited of Schnitzer’s longest serving employees. officially retired in 2011 colleagues and to be in the program. I lost my job but then friends feted him. He continued working as this opportunity emerged and I took it,” he He was a manager with high expectations for a consultant for the company. said. “I'm hoping to get into high-end his employees and himself. fabrication or Nondestructive Testing.” In October 2012 Ford died, a shock for “He was straightforward and told it to his family and all those at Schnitzer. The Murphy and fellow welding technology you like it was,” said Michael Kirschman, company talked with Ford’s relatives on student Duncan Haworth each received a Schnitzer’s commercial operations director. how best to honor him. $1,000 scholarship for 2013–14. “He was no-nonsense in good things and in bad. If he saw good things he would say “We decided rather than memorialize him Schnitzer chose PCC for the type of so and if he saw something bad he was with the naming of a building we preferred education it provides: training individuals in very honest and he would not hold back. to start something more ongoing and career and technical education programs He was definitely a father figure with a perpetual. That’s when we came up with who complete their studies in about two big personality. He was well respected by the scholarship,” said Kirschman. years and find local, family-wage jobs. everyone in the yard.” The Schnitzer Steel Chuck Ford Memo- “I hope these students are inspired to work Ford had little formal education, a fact of rial Scholarship started this year with because that’s what we learned from life that he talked about often and wished two recipients. The scholarship is open Chuck’s legacy,” said Hudson. had been different. But as a youngster, his to students in the following programs: family needed his financial support so welding, engineering, building construction And what would Ford think about the he worked on ranches until he went to trades, diesel service technology, machine scholarship? “He would be very enthusi- Schnitzer, one of the largest manufacturers manufacturing, facilities maintenance, astic to know that he was part of some- and exporters of recycled ferrous metal civil/mechanical/electronic engineering thing that helps students train for jobs,” products in the U.S. technology and electrical trades. Kirschman said. 

There are hundreds of scholarships available through the PCC Foundation. To donate and help a student in need, visit www.pcc.edu/foundation or call 971-722-4382.

Spring 2014PCC Communities 5 With thorough planning and a steadfast approach, the college ensures that its capital investment and building program advances regional goals in sustainability, preservation, livability, transportation and urban growth By Gina Whitehill-Baziuk PCC's Bond Program builds Community

The overarching vision of the 2008 voter-approved bond measure Cotugno. “An investment in PCC’s facilities produces asserts that the college will “create new educational opportunities more investments by others. People see what’s New parking for generations to come by building and renovating facilities that happening in an area and it creates confidence.” facility at Cascade sustain our resources, delight our students, exceed the expec- Campus provides 211 tations of district citizens for superior educational resources, Metro, the area’s elected regional government underground spaces enhance our communities and inspire generations to achieve their is charged with the political responsibility to educational goals.” “preserve and enhance the quality of life and the environment.” However, success relies Tasked with a huge challenge of building for the future while also upon wise community investments and poli- preserving the past and being sensitive to its surroundings, PCC cies from partners like PCC. P is not only working to fulfill its commitment to this vision, but to broaden regional goals.  Enhancing community and beauti- fying safe public spaces. “The college Built Early in the planning of the bond program leaders recognized that is helping to build places where people Newberg Center capital improvements were about more than just building buildings. gather and engage — the very fabric of to serve students in It’s also about advancing regional livability. place making,” continued Cotugno. local area, saving travel to Sylvania for all PCC’s Bond Program is committed to:  Filling jobs, having a proactive classes minority, woman-owned, and  Managing public resources efficiently and exploring emerging small business (MWESB) creative ways to use the building environment as teaching outreach program, actively hiring and learning laboratories. Bond-funded construction on Building local businesses to put bond dollars 7 at the Rock Creek Campus, for example, creates opportunities for back into the community. “To date Building Construction Technology students to work on real projects. the bond program has hired over 500 MWESB firms,” said Bond Director Linda “Our concrete students partnered with Fortis and Faison Construc- Degman. “From the beginning we hired Students intern and tion to prepare the concrete slab used to support the Building large construction management firms to apprentice with 7 mock-up,” said Shannon Baird, a Building Construction Tech- oversee construction at each campus with campus contractors nology instructor. “They were required to coordinate schedules, the caveat that they in turn, hire and mentor perform work to a professional standard and observe all job site smaller firms, ever growing the performance safety requirements, to name just a few benefits. In addition, BCT capacity of the local work force.” students have participated in over a dozen internship opportu- nities with Fortis, Walsh, In-Line, Hoffman and Howard S. Wright  Considering how PCC buildings impact construction companies.” the land. “The college provides the opportunity to prosper through education and TriMet provides it  Preserving and renovating culturally, architecturally and through mobility,” said TriMet General Manager Neil historically significant parts of our communities. “PCC’s McFarlane. “Key college decisions to build and enhance decision to restore and re-purpose the historic Paragon Building educational centers adjacent to public transportation, (now part of the Cascade Campus) on Killingsworth Street in the such as the west side and downtown MAX light rail lines, heart of the Humboldt neighborhood has been critical to main- increase access to education and help to decrease reliance on taining and encouraging a healthy and vital business community,” single-occupant auto use.” said Humboldt Neighborhood Chair Paul Anthony.  Partnering with other agencies to engage in  Creating economic and community development. decision-making and deliver exceptional “Building out the Southeast Center, for example, creates an educational opportunities. “Working together, we're helping opportunity for a regional anchor,” said Metro Policy Advisor Andy more people pursue and achieve their dreams,” said McFarlane. 

Learn more about the exciting developments with the PCC Bond Program at bond.pcc.edu.

6 PCC CommunitiesSpring 2014 Bond UpdatePCC Communities

Minimum LEED Silver energy rating in all new buildings Improved farm at Rock Creek with Planting over 47,000 1911 German sheep, cows and American Building new plant plugs to llamas — perfect for help manage storm will become the new vet and biology home to offices and drainage at programs Rock Creek classrooms

Solar Array at Rock Remodeling Creek is expected to Buildings produce nearly 10m Sustainably kilowatt hours over Preserving next 20 years Historically Significant Providing Structures Paragon Club transportation building is now the choices CO2 The Newberg Center Cascade Campus is NetZero energy/ Construction carbon-neutral BLUE Learning Center

MAX Willamette Building Enhancing urban Willow Creek and now houses PCC’s walkable and Downtown Centers Downtown Center, a bikable communities are located on LEED Gold building at Cascade and TriMet’s MAX Southeast Center light rail

Terre Verde Café opens on the ground floor of the college’s Willow Retail opportunities Creek Center at Student Commons Creative construction and Library at PCC’s staging and Southeast Center timing helps reduce Building Close impacts to all to Business constituencies Building Community

Doubling in size, the Southeast Center Former State of Respecting will serve as an Oregon Motor Pool Neighborhood Planning work anchor for future Facility on Swan from design to development Island to create a Needs construction involves trades education both internal and center external communities

Preserving and strengthening natural areas and wetlands adjacent to Sylvania and Rock Creek

Spring 2014PCC Communities 7 Community EdPCC Communities

Awarded for safety Other Classes Explore Cuba and learn Explore the streets of Havana and get to know the people of Cuba who live on this cultural treasure of an island just 90 miles off the coast of the U.S. Enjoy scenic drives past lush mountains and forests. This nine-day cultural exploration trip is offered through Collette Vacations. Collette Vacations has a license for registered guests to travel, participate and engage in a full time schedule of educational exchange activities and authorizes Motorcycle Safety Instructor of the Year Joel Crawford instructs a student on proper technique. registered guests of the program to travel legally to Cuba to participate and engage in educational exchange oel Crawford is revved up about his recent is the Sylvania Campus where he’s a activities in Cuba which involve Jaccomplishment: being named Safety PCC Community Education instructor. meaningful interaction between Instructor of the Year by TEAM OREGON. On weekends between February and visitors and the people of Cuba. November students gather in a parking For more information, turn to page The Hillsboro resident and motorcycle lot and learn how to shift, accelerate, slow 51 or email [email protected] enthusiast has been riding dirt bikes since down and brake. or call 971-722-5303. he was four, tooling around the Tillamook National Forest with his brother. His love for “What I really want to do is show riders IRS-Approved Tax Classes bikes continued to grow and when he was how they can avoid making mistakes,” said Two new classes old enough he bought a street motorcycle Crawford, who freely admits to plenty of for tax profes- and ventured onto pavement. his own mistakes where he ended up with sionals are now minor injuries. “So much of this is about offered through A safety instructor since 2005 who’s often teaching theory and teaching concepts PCC Community seen at the Sylvania Campus, he’s taught which will build their confidence.” Ed. The IRS-ap- thousands of students the rules of the road. proved courses, PCC’s relationship with TEAM OREGON Joint Property It’s his knowledge of how to safely operate goes back nearly 30 years and during that Taxation and a motorcycle and his calm demeanor that time tens of thousands of students have Taxation of earned him the praise. His focus is making learned to ride in the Sylvania, Willow Creek Community students feel comfortable on a bike and Center, or County Workforce Property, are teaching them all the responsibilities that Training Center parking lots. “We offer high designed as Continuing Education go along with hopping on a two-wheeler. quality safety instruction and help promote for IRS enrolled agents, registered tax a safe and healthy riding experience,” said return preparers, licensed tax consul- “Joel lives motorcycling and embodies PCC Community Ed’s Dawn Davis. tants in Oregon as well as certified that care and concern for his students public accountants and public and fellow instructors,” said Steve Garets, In Oregon all new riders who are 60 years accountants. PCC Community Ed director of TEAM OREGON, a partnership old and younger are required to have a is working on plans to offer an between Oregon Department of Trans- valid motorcycle endorsement thanks to a online version of Joint Property Taxa- portation and that law passed in 2009 by the state Legislature. tion, which covers issues of property provides rider training courses. The law requires new riders to complete titled as joint tenants with right of an approved safety training course in order survivorship, in addition to the Crawford teaches at different sites across to get the endorsement. Next year all new course being taught in a classroom. Oregon and one location he enjoys riders of any age need the safety course.  For more information about the classes, turn to Page 60 or visit Learn to ride through PCC by taking a Motorcycle Rider Class. Turn to Page 49 www.pcc.edu/communityed and or visit www.pcc.edu/drive and select Motorcycle Classes. select Work Life Balance. 

8 PCC CommunitiesSpring 2014 PCC CommunitiesProgram Update

A Story from the Heart PCC CLIMB Center instructors use children’s book to teach from the heart PCC Instructors James and Indy Lucas with their book, “Ed the AED.” By James Hill

ccording to the National Institutes of Health, more than 2010, fits right into with what the Lucases do for a living. They A500,000 people a year die of sudden cardiac death in the U.S. teach at the PCC CLIMB Center’s American Heart Association Two PCC instructors are trying to do something about it. Training Center. The couple’s classes include Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life James and Indy Lucas of Corbett use a children’s book they’ve Support classes, all targeting health professionals. written and published titled, “An Adventure with Ed the AED,” to educate children in grade schools on how an Automatic External For schools and parents, “An Adventure with Ed the AED,” can Defibrillator works in case they see a person in cardiac arrest. be found on Amazon.com. The illustrative book gives children and adults training through easy steps with An AED is a portable electronic device that simple-to-understand instructions on the automatically diagnoses life threatening use of an AED and hands-only Cardiopul- cardiac rhythms and treats them through monary Resuscitation (CPR). electrical therapy. The couple was inspired to write the book after hearing about “Every penny that comes off the book preventable cardiac deaths at local schools. through Amazon goes directly into these AED units we get at distributor rates. We “Why we’re doing this is to get people aware ship them off to Parent Heart Watch, which of where AEDs are, have them go find already has a system that disperses them the AEDs and be comfortable using them across the country,” added Indy Lucas, who because you don’t know when somebody works with American Medical Response. is going to collapse,” said James Lucas. “It’s “It’s really a no-brainer for us. We also are the one thing that you can do (using an able to give to Jeff’s memorial fund.” AED) to make difference.” The Lucases want to change how AEDs The book is dedicated to the memory of James’ brother Jeff, who are viewed as well. They said that protocols at schools mean was a Navy SEAL killed trying to rescue other SEALS in Afghanistan only nurses or a select few administrators or staff members are in 2005. The story of that operation became the basis for the book approved by the districts to use an AED in times of emergencies. If “Lone Survivor” published in 2009 which was recently turned into a a child or adult goes into cardiac arrest, those protocols can mean movie. To honor his memory, the couple used Jeff as a character the victim won’t receive any help if the staff member in charge of in the book, which shows kids how to help a person who is in need. the AED isn’t close by.

“The book encourages them that it’s the right thing to do,” said “I was wondering, ‘Why doesn’t everybody get to know this thing James Lucas, who has worked as a fireman and paramedic for and use it?’” said James Lucas. “We found kids can do it. We want Hoodland Fire in Welches for 18 years. The book, published in to create a generation that can identify and use AEDs.” 

Learn to save a life by enrolling in a lifesaving course. Check out the CLIMB Center web site at www.pcc.edu/climb or call 971-722-2798.

Spring 2014PCC Communities 73 THE 5 STEPS TO SUCCESS ON THE PANTHER PATH: ommunity colleges across the country been as clear and connected as it could Care experiencing a major change in be, so last year PCC formed the Comple- the way they are viewed and evaluated. tion Investment Council (CIC) to help the Prepare Providing affordable access to college college make the shift. On the first day of classes students remains a high priority, but improving will be prepared academically, student success and completion has The council is composed of a cross section personally and financially become equally important. of faculty, staff and administrators who provide advice and guidance on student PCC is re-aligning its own processes and success initiatives. Their aim is to improve Engage systems to ensure students stay on a path completion for students at PCC, while Students will choose their to achieve their educational goals. At PCC, responding to the regional and national educational path; develop skills with a nod to our mascot, we call this the completion agenda. and connections to balance “Panther Path.” school and life demands In short, the council wants to make sure The shift is coming from both the national students are financially prepared to enroll and state levels, including Oregon’s ambi- in college, are able to complete course- Commit tious “40-40-20” education initiative (40 work, can attain college-level reading, Students will stick to their percent of the state’s adults will have four- writing and math skills, transfer to univer- graduation plan, using resources year college degrees, 40 percent will have sities or achieve a certificate, degree, in and outside of the school to two-year degrees or other post-secondary employment or advancement within a job. reach their goals training, and the remaining 20 percent will have high school diplomas by 2025). The Deans of Students at each campus and center created a roadmap and organizing Complete The bottom line is that the state’s commu- tool to help advance these student success Students will successfully meet their nity colleges must ensure students achieve and completion initiatives. As students travel goals and develop post-completion their goals, whether it’s earning a certificate, on the “Panther Path” they are mindful of the strategies for next steps career pathway, associate’s degree or tran- different stages to success: Prepare, Engage, sitioning from developmental education to Commit, Complete and Thrive. college-level courses. Thrive “The Panther Path is the learner’s journey Alumni will thrive in their “We are in the midst of a paradigm shift for and it can be used as a framework for plan- personal, educational, and career community colleges when it comes to how ning. It keeps students at the core of the pursuits, advancing the region’s we serve our students,” said Dr. Christine learning mission,” said Heather Lang, dean long term vitality Chairsell, PCC’s vice president of academic of student development at the Sylvania and student affairs. “In order to meet Campus. these new metrics, we have to change our own behavior before we can change the The CIC has been focused initially on the behavior of students.” “Prepare” part of the path, analyzing data from the learning process to find what is The college realized the path to student most challenging for students and what completion and success at PCC hasn’t keeps them from progressing.

74 PCC CommunitiesSpring 2014 Panther PathPCC Communities

Focus on prepping students to prepare for and engage in college — and ultimately thrive — opens discussion and drives way for new ideas By James Hill

What does being “prepared” mean? For PCC gory. Conversely, in the high enrollment, low Another effort in the works is the first-ever it means that students are ready for success success category, all but two classes were Answer Center, a one-stop kiosk where any on their first day of classes. To show that pre-college level writing, reading and math. student can access and navigate college readiness they should complete coursework resources with help from staff volunteers. to be college-level ready, complete assess- “Math in general is a challenge and is a The first Answer Center opened in January ment and placement tests, have a plan to pay national issue,” Chairsell said. “If students at the Southeast Center. for courses, build an appropriate first term don’t come to us prepared they are not going schedule, understand college terms and to succeed. We know students aren’t coming Now students don’t have to shuttle from expectations, be equipped with textbooks prepared. During this terrible recession, department to department trying to access and their college ID, and be technology ready. people with high school credentials lost their key services. Instead, they simply stop by jobs and couldn’t find work. the Answer Center where they receive This new shift also holds They’ve been away from assistance on issues related to the Enroll- students responsible for math for a very long time.” ment Services, Financial Aid and Student each step along the path. WHAT’S Accounts departments. At the center’s For example, have they paid PCC is not alone. “Every kiosks, students can log into the fees before the deadline? AHEAD FOR college and university is college portal called MyPCC and Are they participating in IMPROVING facing the issue of math complete any phase of their advising? Are they asking STUDENT preparation. There are enrollment. And, at any time they for help if they are not SUCCESS going to be hundreds of can receive over-the-shoulder progressing academically? AT PCC: approaches that work and help if they are unsure of what we need to do is find what to do. “It’s about telling students Development of the solution that is mean- you have to own your expe- 5-year strategic plan ingful to us,” Chairsell said. Answer Centers will be rolled rience; we will get you to out at each campus during the the ‘complete’ stage, but Create college-wide Along those lines the next two years thanks to the this is a shared responsi- math achievement college is in the midst of build out of the college’s bility,” said Chairsell. culture developing a strategic Bond Program.  plan and defining how The CIC spent a year Leverage technology best to serve students looking at student data. The to improve communi- and the community, now council found that among cation with students and over the next five the 1,000-plus credit years. The overall effort is courses taught every term, Align classroom underscored by the desire 50 percent of the college’s instruction and to build on PCC’s past enrollment is in just 49 student services successes while charting classes. They also found strategies a path for excellence and that no math, develop- to align budget planning mental education or math Roll out one-stop with key priorities for the intensive courses were in Answer Centers at college’s future. The plan the high enrollment, high each campus should be completed later student success-rated cate- this year. Find out more about Panther Path at www.pcc.edu/pantherpath Keep up to date on the Strategic Planning process by visiting www.pcc.edu/strategicplanning Spring 2014PCC Communities 75 The second cohort of interns from the college’s Legislative Internship Program have arrived at the State Capitol in Salem and have wasted no time helping their communities back in Portland By James Hill and Christina Holmes Called to the capitol

adeleine A. Tofaeono-Galo is not This year 10 PCC students are working as served four years in the United States Mwhat you consider a political junkie. interns for various state legislators in Salem. Marine Corps, I hope to use the value of She keeps up with current national and The internships, established by the college teamwork and dedication that I learned global events but watching C-SPAN is not to give interested students experience in there and apply it to the internship with her idea of entertainment. government, are helping to broaden their the same determination as in the Marines. I skill sets as well as build awareness of the hope to bring the student veteran voice to Still she jumped at the chance to serve as college with state leaders. light as I know many student veterans feel an intern for State Rep. Jennifer Williamson as if they go unheard.” (Portland) as part of PCC’s Legislative Intern The students help the legislators by filing Program now in its second year. letters and bills, taking part in meetings Interns range in age from late teens to with lobbyists, answering phone calls and older, returning students and come from “I applied to this internship to challenge e-mails from constituents and handling liberal and conservative backgrounds alike. myself, build a foundation for politics speaking requests. Students include Tofaeono-Galo, Kaskawal, and to use this opportunity as a tool to Lucas Hillier, Cindy Lopez, Daniel Kim, empower other women of color and In return, the legislators learn about the Elizabeth Ackerman, Garrison Stephens, Islander women throughout the commu- students’ academic lives as well as the Jazmin Menjivar, Joel Reyes and Lizzy nity. My goal is to learn from my colleagues issues they face back home. Atwood Wills. and mentors about the legislative process and how concerns of constituents are “I believe that all citizens have the right Rob Wagner, PCC’s government relations handled in the office,” said Tofaeono-Galo, to representation at various levels and director, campaigned to create the first- who is enrolled at both PCC and PSU as by interning in Salem I can help give a ever internship program soon after joining a political science major. “I believe I bring voice for and represent the students of the college in 2012. my cultural capital of being able to share PCC — acting as an emissary, if you will,” my experiences working with or in diverse said Brandon Kaskawal, who is working in In his past lobbying roles, Wagner noticed communities of color, sexual orientation, State Rep. Julie Parrish’s office (Tualatin/ that the state’s universities had their students age, gender, child care and education.” West Linn). “Being a disabled veteran, who in internships at the Capitol Building offices,

76 PCC CommunitiesSpring 2014 Legislative InternsPCC Communities

2013–14 Legislative Interns: Back row left to right Brandon Kaskawal, Lucas Hillier, Garrison Stephens, Joel Reyes, Daniel Kim. Front row left to right Elizabeth Ackerman, Lizzy Atwood Wills, Jazmin Menjivar, Cindy Lopez, Madeleine Tofaeono-Galo, faculty member Michael Sonnleitner.

but found no one from the community Associated Students PCC by garnering financial student leadership coordinator at the colleges. Used to lobbying outside forces on support from the District Student Council. Sylvania Campus, to interview and select behalf of his organization, Wagner partnered the new cohort of students and prep them with inside forces at PCC to have the intern- “This is a program where students can get for the life of an intern. ships funded for two full days a week during engaged and involved in issues that matter the legislative term which falls during the winter to them. Certainly we have some motivated So what do interns hope to gain from their and spring academic terms. students already interested in the legislative five-month stint in Salem? process but we also hope to light the fire of His lobbying worked. The student lead- other students who are just learning about “I hope to gain insight into the legislative ership coordinators at each campus the Capitol and finding out what issues process, how lobbyists and special interest supported the idea and the District Student matter to them,” said Whittaker, a student groups affect policy, how laws are passed Council agreed to fund a pilot program on senator with ASPCC who also chairs the in the state of Oregon and the political a competitive basis. Based on the success District Legislative Intern Task Force. climate within the legislature,” said Lucas of the first cohort in 2013, the Council Hillier, who is working in State Rep. Joe agreed to fund a second term of the PCC Last year she worked for State Rep. Lew Gallegos’ office (Hillsboro). “I also want to Internship Program. Wagner hopes the Frederick (Portland) and spent time taking make friends and acquire references for internships will be funded for terms coin- notes at committee meetings, working with future endeavors. ciding with legislative sessions. legislative aides and “absorbing an incred- ible amount of information,” she said. Dually enrolled at PCC and PSU, Hillier “Our students had compelling stories, and has plans to earn both a bachelor’s and compelling interests and compelling voices “It was far more than just busy work,” master’s degree in social work. that needed to be heard — and deserved recalled Whittaker. the same level of access,” Wagner said. “I’m interested in promoting social justice This year she worked closely with political and I see this as a practice arena before I Annalicia Whittaker interned last year and this science instructor Michael Sonnleitner at pursue social work with a focus on public year she’s taken on a leadership role within the the Cascade Campus and Stephen Arthur, policy as a career,” he said. 

Learn more about PCC’s work at the Capitol by visiting opportunity.pcc.edu and checking out “The Capitol Beat.”

Spring 2014PCC Communities 77 Faculty|Staff ProfilePCC Communities

RISE UUPP AANDND LELEADAD

Sometimes it takes a yoga mat to make a point.

As part of his first workshop with the Latino Network’s 2013–14 Unidos for Oregon Leadership Program, Jaime Rodriguez and 23 other Latino professionals brought their mats into a conference room following lunch at the University of Oregon.

They had a 20-minute snooze in between the morning and after- noon sessions, the latter of which wouldn’t end until 7 p.m. The nap, or better known as a siesta, was the perfect device to help Rodriguez and the group re-connect to their Latino heritages and even work more efficiently.

“It took me 30 seconds and I was out,” said the Hillsboro resident. “But some people couldn’t do it. The dominant culture as they call it doesn’t allow us to take a nap. I said, ‘Hey guys, but it’s our culture. You go to Mexico, Spain or Latin America, we take siestas.”

This winter, Rodriguez and the other two dozen professionals from around the state are taking part in workshops that build leadership skills that address “the gap in Latino leadership cohesion, collaboration, trust-building and stra- tegic coordination.” The program develops lead- ership skills in politics, intercultural and inter- generational communi- cation, understanding oppression, conflict resolution, collabora- tion and negotiation, community building, and more.

“Many of us, unfor- tunately, are the only Latinos in the room whether it’s at a school board meeting or some

78 PCC CommunitiesSpring 2014 Faculty|Staff ProfilePCC Communities

With an eye toward bridging the gap in Latino leadership,

cohesion and trust-building, a state leadership program Student Lauren Maki (left) learns about a picks one of PCC’s own to engage. By James Hill meteorite from Melinda Hutson.

Faculty Profile: organization of leadership,” Rodriguez said. Even before Unidos, Rodriguez was carving “There always seems like there is just one his own leadership path. In 2012, Rodriguez Melinda Hutson Latino in the group and people assume represented District 1 as a delegate to the Handing a 4.5 billion year old meteorite we have all the answers. You may be of Democratic National Convention. Earlier to one of her students, Melinda Hutson Mexican or Cuban descent, but they expect that year, he assisted Congresswoman cautions her not to drop it because the you to know Argentinean or Brazilian Suzanne Bonamici’s campaign by working iron rusted rock is heavier than it looks. cultures. That’s just not how it goes.” as a communications liaison to Latino voters in Washington County. Hutson has been handling rocks for The participants come from a wide range most of her life and the self-described of career backgrounds such as education, Last May, he was one of three candidates “meteorite nut” who says her interests finance, health care, housing, legal and law that ran for a seat on the Hillsboro School are “off planet,” rattles off facts and enforcement. Rodriguez serves part-time Board (he finished in a close second). Since figures as her students listen and learn. as a veterans resource coordinator at the becoming a union member in 2002, Rodri- Rock Creek Campus and career specialist guez has worked his way up to leadership Her students are a mix of geology and in the workforce development department within the PCC Federation of Faculty and environmental science majors and a at Willow Creek Center. Academic Professionals. He won PCC’s majority take her classes as a general 2013 Cesar Chavez Distinguished Service science requirement. They arrive “As a leader in the community, Jaime is in and AFT-Oregon’s John Connor Memorial knowing little about rocks but they leave constant leadership development,” said Civic Participation awards. with a slightly different perspective. Narce Rodriguez (no relation), dean of student development at the Rock Creek “Jaime has long been a strong advocate for “They go on individualized scavenger Campus. “He would not consider himself a civil rights,” said Michael Morrow, former hunts as they put on their geological leader if he did not ask the hardcore ques- president of the PCC Federation of Faculty eyes and look around,” she said. tion about equality.” and Academic Professionals. Rocks run in the family. Hutson’s A common theme in workshops is Rodriguez, the youngest of four boys, has a husband, Alex Ruzicka, is also a discussing reasons why Latinos are under- bachelor’s degree in public administration meteorite expert and is on the faculty represented in community leadership from Fresno State University and is a former at Portland State University. Together settings, or expressing shared experiences community college student. Rodriguez, they conduct meteorite research such as being passed over for promotions who served in the U.S. Army, started at PCC and classification. due to a lack of understanding of their more than 14 years ago. cultures. But her favorite days are in the class- Today, through this leadership effort, Rodri- room, working with students and “Most of the leaders have a farm worker guez wants to engage the younger genera- teaching them about rocks from billions history in them whether it was their tion into similar discussions about cultures of years ago and training them to be on immediate parents or grandparents,” said and integration. the lookout for possible meteorites. Rodriguez, who came from a farm worker family that emphasized education. “All of us He constantly asks: “How do we keep our “I love when the class has engaging discus- have college degrees and I’d say the vast own values that we learned growing up and sions and students ask questions. If they majority of us were the first members of integrate them into the dominant culture have broad, worldwide interests then our family to graduate from college.” and pass that on to our children?”  students will enjoy the class,” she said. 

Do you know a PCC faculty or staff member who is doing great things? We’d love to hear from you! Visit opportunity.pcc.edu and share your story.

Spring 2014PCC Communities 79 P.O. Box 19000 Portland, Oregon 97280-0990 Residential Customer ECRWSS

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My Project: Explore a new outlet for work-life balance. — Chris Christy, archery student

Make YOU the project!

If you can dream it PCC Community Ed’s hundreds of classes can help you achieve it. Go online to pcc.edu/communityed and get started on your own Project: YOU this spring.