This content was published: June 10, 2008. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Vo honored with Outstanding Woman Student Award
Photos and story by James Hill
Kim-Yen Vo has been selected as the recipient of PCC Sylvania Women’s Resource Center’s 2008 Outstanding Woman Student Award. This award was first established in 2005 and is given annually to a graduating female student who has demonstrated perseverance in the pursuit of her degree, exhibited service to the college and her community, and while a student at PCC utilized the services of the Sylvania Women’s Resource Center.
“We at the Sylvania Women’s Resource Center are pleased to recognize Kim-Yen for her remarkable perseverance and her notable achievements,” said Deborah Evind, coordinator of the center.
Vo is getting her degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and plans to transfer to the Oregon Institute of Technology. In 2003 she and her husband left the country with their two small children and came to the U.S. to create a better life for their family. Vo turned to PCC to learn English and to study engineering. While working as an Electronic Engineering Technology lab assistant her English skills improved and she decided to help other immigrants with the admission process or acting as a translator.
“Here in the U.S. I faced many new difficulties; new language, new place, and culture,” she said. “My personal accomplishment is achieving a 3.57 GPA in my college courses, which are very hard. When my work is difficult I just tell myself that I have to do it so that I can get my degree, help my family and be a role model for my children.”
Vo has been hired by Cascade MicroTech as a test technician where she’ll test boards for micro chips used in computers and electronic devices.
“Dedicated to understanding the electronics concepts she took the time to truly overcome any academic challenge gaining a strong electronics training that will make her an asset to any company,” said Sanda Williams, instructor in the Electronic Engineering Technology program.
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 »