This content was published: July 6, 2020. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Five Panthers awarded All-Oregon Academic Team honors by statewide organization
Photos and story by James Hill
The Oregon Community College Association has announced the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa All-Oregon Academic Team and five Portland Community College students are on the honors list.
Phi Theta Kappa, community college presidents and community college state associations sponsor All-State Community College Academic Team ceremonies in 37 participating states. Every year, the largest community college in Oregon (PCC) is awarded scholars who based at its four comprehensive campuses.
“Remember to think big – do not let anyone put limits on what you think you can achieve,” said OCCA Executive Director Cam Preus to the state’s 2020 recipients. “Have the confidence to know that with a little help, perhaps a little more education or training, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
Without further ado, here are PCC’s All-Oregon Academic Team members for 2020:
Kendall Cottrell (Sylvania)
Kendall Cottrell.
In addition to the All-Oregon Academic Team honors, Cottrell is one of 50 students nationwide named a Coca-Cola Foundation Bronze Scholar, receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
Quote: “My future plans are to have many careers in my life connected to art. In the long term, my goal is to expand my current business to support myself full time and to eventually take on apprentices. Teaching others how to effectively organize and operate their own business would be personally satisfying.”
Major: Arts Administration.
Transferring To: George Fox University.
Honors: Dean’s list; President of Phi Theta Kappa – Alpha Eta Iota Chapter; Juror Award for Excellence at 2019 Student Art Exhibition; and Juror Recognition Award at 2018 Student Art Exhibition.
Activities: Director of Legislative Affairs (ASPCC); CEO of Studio Kenda – selling handmade art and merchandise; president of Lunch Club; Participation in shows at North View Gallery and Gallery 101; and member of PCC Strategic Planning Steering, District Student Council, Education Advisory and Graphic Design Museum Steering committees.
Misty Dodd (Cascade)
Misty Dodd.
Quote: “I began school for the first time this year and was unprepared for how much I would love being a student! Through my studies, I hope to combine my lifelong passion for the arts and fascination with psychology into a career in the mental health field. I am specifically interested in creating therapeutic VR programs and studying the potential of new immersive technologies.”
Major: Psychology.
Transferring To: Portland State University.
Honors: Phi Theta Kappa; President’s list; and Dean’s list.
Activities: Musician (sing, play bass and synthesizers); Rebuilding Together volunteer; election volunteer; Portland School of Rock Camp for Teens collaborator; and fundraiser/event booker for local music programs.
Xiaoqiong (Olivia) Wu (Cascade)
Olivia Wu.
Quote: “I would like to create a business to help students learn different languages and cultures between the United States and China. I think the more they learn, the better they understand each other and have more opportunities to enrich their lives.”
Major: Management and Leadership.
Transferring To: Portland State University.
Honors: President’s list; Dean’s list; and Phi Theta Kappa scholar.
Activities: President, Phi Theta Kappa; secretary for JinRen, a non-profit Chinese immersion parent group; and volunteer at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School.
Samuel Klement (Rock Creek)
Samuel Klement.
Quote: “PCC’s Diesel Program offered affordable, hands-on training that made sense. I am grateful for how far I have come, and I am giving it my best shot.”
Major: Diesel Service Technology.
Honors: President’s list; Fred DeWit Scholarship recipient; and math and science honors on GED certificate.
Activities: Vocational work; exploring the state (including hiking and driving); and helping maintain friends’ vehicles.
Mary Joy Wytsma (Rock Creek)
Mary Joy Wytsma.
Quote: “My father is an author and international speaker on the topic of social justice, so I have grown up immersed in academics and conversations around the importance of diversity, social justice and compassion towards vulnerable persons. This has stirred in me a passion to become an immigration lawyer so I can actively participate in helping others and shaping the conversation around immigration policy in America.”
Major: Business Management and Leadership.
Transferring To: Portland State University.
Honors: President’s list and Phi Theta Kappa Honor roll.
Activities: Cello Volunteer; Village Church Volunteer; middle school summer camp counselor; math tutor; and figure skating.
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 »