This content was published: October 19, 2005. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC honors Moriarty with building dedication
Photos and story by James Hill
President Emeritus Daniel Moriarty did a lot for PCC. So PCC did something for him. 
On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the college honored the former PCC president at the grand opening celebration of the Daniel F. Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building on the Cascade Campus. The ceremony featured a gift presentation to Moriarty, dedication proclamation, ribbon-cutting, self-guided tours of the new facility, refreshments and live music."I am quite humbled and honored by all of this," Moriarty said. "How wonderful it is to see you all. This generates a lot of good memories and positive feelings."Guests came far and wide to honor one of the most influential figures in PCC’s history. They included former PCC District President Jerry Berger, State Sen. Margaret Carter, Portland City Councilor Dan Saltzman, Grant High School’s Royal Blues A cappella Choir, PCC District President Preston Pulliams, Cascade Campus President Algie Gatewood and Cascade Student Body President Leah Gibson.Moriarty served as PCC president from 1986 to 2001. When he retired, the PCC Board of Directors honored him by giving him the permanent title of "President Emeritus." 
"It was a perfect match for me to be here," Moriarty said. "I loved and treasured every moment (of my tenure)."During his time at the college, he made sure students could complete the first two years of a college degree at any PCC campus; launched the Open Campus as a central point for business and industry training; and expanded PCC’s reach into the community. He also oversaw the passage of two major bond measures, which provided the funding for expanding and modernizing college campuses. So it was fitting that Moriarty’s name grace the two-story, 42,200 square-foot Arts and Humanities Building’s entrance."It’s great to be associated with this building and this campus," Moriarty added. "The people of this community built this campus and every facility in this district. They made an investment and what will they get back? The challenge to us is to provide the educational services people need."During the event, PCC also celebrated the Terrell Hall addition and renovation. The 12,500-square-foot, $3.5 million addition features a new tutoring center, general purpose classrooms and an art gallery. 
The Cascade Campus was also celebrating it’s 35-year anniversary. The college began leasing the facility through the City of Portland in 1970 and since then has been integral part of the neighborhood.What they said:Algie Gatewood: "The Cascade Campus now has close to 400,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, shops, studios and student support space. We have created a beautiful, warm and welcoming campus atmosphere that the entire community can enjoy."Jerry Berger: "I think that I was invited to be part of this program because I am one of the few people who are old enough to have actually known Dan Moriarty when he was PCC president," he joked. "Dan was and is one of the most highly respected community college presidents in this country."Leah Gibson: "This was always a great campus with a warm atmosphere. Now we have even more beautiful surroundings to study and learn in."State Sen. Margaret Carter: "It is fitting that this beautiful building dedicated to teaching the arts and humanities be named in honor of Dan Moriarty – a man whose passion and vision built the foundation for the PCC we know today."
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »