This content was published: May 9, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Founders’ Week offers up spirit, advocacy and tributes May 13-18
Photos and story by James Hill
Last year, it was a blast from the past.
This year, Founders’ Week will is gearing up to celebrate the present and future through the week of May 13-18. From lobbying efforts on behalf of the college to generating school spirit to building the futures for students, Founders’ Week 2013 will offer plenty of events for the PCC community to get involved and show their Panther Pride.
Visit our blog for live updates on Founders’ Week activities.
If last year is any gauge the week should be another blast. During the 2012 Founders’ Week, which coincided with the college’s 50th anniversary, PCC welcomed back its five living past presidents at the Presidents’ Picnic at the Rock Creek Campus, announced that the college eclipsed its goal of tallying 50,000 hours of community service for the year, cut the ribbon on the PCC Unity Project, welcomed national best-selling author and PCC Alum Rebecca Skloot for PCC Reads, and the college had it’s own day honored by the Oregon Governor to coincide with the date of the signing of the original charter.
Founding president Dr. Amo DeBernardis (second from left) has lunch with some of his deans at the Sylvania Campus in the late 1960s.
This year, it only gets better. Check out the schedule for the week to take action and show your PCC spirit.
PCC Day at the Capitol
On Monday, May 13, a select group of students, staff and champions of the college will converge at the state Capitol Building in Salem for PCC’s Lobby Day. The group will spread information to state leaders about the college’s education program, how people obtain professional skills for in-demand jobs and the importance of PCC in the community. In addition to meeting legislators, participants will get the chance to witness a floor session, visit PCC booths, and congratulate this year’s Diamond Alum Award winners, who will be announced during a luncheon presentation. Theresa Ann Bunker, Martina Clemmons, J.J. De Sousa, Rep. Joe Gallegos and Ben Jones, M.D., are all being honored for their contributions to their communities.
Spirit Day
On Tuesday, May 14, students, staff and faculty are encouraged to wear PCC t-shirts, buttons, pins, hats, socks, earrings, tattoos, and Diamond paraphernalia to show their pride. To share your support, take photos of yourself decked out in spirit gear and upload the pics to the story wall on the the Opportunity website. Plus, visit any PCC Bookstore on this day, and participants will be entered in a drawing for a big giveaway. And anyone who simply visits a PCC Bookstore, and is wearing PCC gear, will receive a cool prize, too. You really can’t go wrong.
PCC’s Birthday Parties
On Wednesday, May 15, it’s time to celebrate PCC’s 51st birthday. On this date, PCC founders signed the college’s original charter. In celebration, each main campus and Southeast Center, are throwing birthday parties that will include music, food, fun and more! Campus parties include: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rock Creek between buildings 2 and 3; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sylvania in the CC upper mall; noon to 2 p.m. at Cascade’s Borthwick Mall; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Southeast Center’s Great Hall.
Center for Civic Participation Discussion
On Thursday, May 16, “PCC Discusses: Talk for A Change,” is set for 3-5 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center Lobby at the Sylvania Campus. Hosted by the Center for Civic Participation at Portland Community College (CCP at PCC), the discussion will focus on “Democracy’s Challenge: Deliberations on the Public’s Role.” This newly launched program is inspired by the work of the National Issues Forum (NIF) model developed by the Kettering Foundation. The center is rooted in the simple notion that people need to come together to reason and talk — to deliberate about common problems. All are welcomed to attend.
Julianne Johnson sings at last year’s gala. Johnson, a PCC music instructor, will return to highlight this year’s event.
Preston Pulliams’ Retirement Party (All-College Picnic)
On Friday, May 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., everyone is invited President Preston Pulliams’ retirement send-off! Join students, staff, faculty, retirees and alumni at the All-College Picnic at the Performing Arts Center Courtyard, Sylvania Campus. Enjoy tributes to Pulliams, live music, and lunch with the PCC family. Cost is $5.
‘Evening for Opportunity’ – the PCC Foundation Gala
Capping the week is the PCC Foundation’s annual formal gala, benefiting student scholarships and success programs at PCC. The gala, “An Evening for Opportunity,” is Saturday night (May 18) at the downtown Marriott Hotel and will attract nearly 600 community leaders and PCC supporters to honor President Preston Pulliams’ retirement. To honor him, the event will be themed around his favorite music: Motown! Tickets are $150; sponsorship opportunities are available.
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 »