This content was published: November 25, 2015. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC Cascade dedicates gymnasium for college and civic leader
Photos and story by Katherine Miller
Harold Williams, left, is congratulated by then PCC President Preston Pulliams on Williams’ winning the Pacific Region Trustee Leadership Award in 2010.
When Harold Williams Sr., a longtime member of the PCC board of directors, passed away in 2012 at age 69, Portland – and the Cascade community in particular – lost a dynamic leader who was deeply committed to a life of public service. But in addition to supporting many civic, religious and educational causes, Williams had a passion for, and nurtured, PCC’s basketball program.
In recognition of his efforts, the college and the Cascade community will officially dedicate the gymnasium at Cascade in Williams’ honor on Dec. 2 at 6:45 p.m., shortly before the tip off for the men’s first home basketball game.
“Harold spent much of his adult life advocating on behalf of this community, and was the driving force behind the transformations that made Cascade into the fully comprehensive neighborhood campus that it is today,” said Abe Proctor, campus community relations manager. “It is no understatement to say that PCC would not have an intercollegiate basketball program without his hard work and support – so it’s fitting that the court at Cascade will now bear his name.”
In August, funds from the 2008 voter-approved bond measure were used to upgrade the gym’s sound system and install special panels to improve the facility’s acoustics. In addition, “Harold C. Williams Sr. Court” was added to the floor in large blue letters.
When PCC passed bond measures in 1992 and 2000, Williams led efforts to expand the PCC campus in North Portland, where economically disadvantaged students had few options for higher education. The expansion allowed them to complete an associate’s degree there without having to travel to other PCC locations.
Williams also was a driving force in creating the PCC policy that helps ensure college construction contracts meet minority-contracting goals.
On Dec. 2, members of the Williams family are expected to attend the dedication ceremony, as well as receive the House Resolution passed by the Oregon Legislature to honor Williams in 2013.
The women’s basketball game tips off at 5 p.m. The dedication ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. The community is invited to stay for the men’s game, which gets under way at 7 p.m. Tickets to the games are $2 for students and $5 for the general public. Entrance for the dedication ceremony is free. The Cascade Gym is located at 705 N. Killingsworth St.
PCC’S 2008 voter-approved $374 million bond program is increasing opportunities for residents to access quality, affordable higher education close to where they live and work. Additional classrooms, updated equipment and technology, and advanced workforce training programs are helping to pave the way for future employment options. For more information, visit the bond website.