The Power of Investing in Tomorrow
After decades in the workforce, scholarship recipient Collin McFadyen earned a PCC degree and is now exploring a new career — a journey that supporter Laurel Dickie understands personally and is committed to helping others navigate.
Collin McFadyen
“I could hardly believe I got a scholarship. It was so exciting to realize that someone believed in me.”
Collin McFadyen completed their general studies degree in 2025. They received the Lou Gandy Humanities Endowed Scholarship and the Deborah Evind Women’s Leadership Endowed Scholarship. Collin loves being a skateboarding coach and hopes to one day expand their impact by working at a nonprofit that helps build stronger communities.
I never went to college because it honestly never occurred to me that there was a reason to do so. In high school, I lived on the streets for about a year and a half, hitchhiking between Portland and Seattle with other teens. It was a scary time.
It took a while, but I got back on my feet. I started washing dishes at The Roxy diner and discovered that I was good at cooking breakfast. I went on to own the Byways Cafe from 1999 to 2019. When our lease fell through, it all ended so suddenly that I barely had time to process it or plan my next steps.
That’s when I turned to PCC. I began with Community Education writing classes and enrolled as a credit student at age 55. With the help of the TRIO program, which provides personalized advising, I learned to navigate college and see myself as a capable student.
I graduated this year and am exploring careers in nonprofit work. I might use my Spanish to support newcomers navigating life in Portland or work with older adults to help them stay active and independent.
Right now I have a job that truly feeds my soul — coaching skateboarding with Skate Like a Girl, a nonprofit that uplifts girls, women, and LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth. I also work at New Seasons, where my food skills and customer service shine.
The scholarships I received equaled about a month’s pay at New Seasons, so they literally bought me time. More than that, they gave me a huge boost of confidence.
Through it all, my wife and two sons have been my biggest supporters — and I proudly rock PCC gear every chance I get!
Laurel Dickie
“My path hasn’t always been a straight one, but along the way, I kept learning and giving back.”
A PCC alum, Laurel Dickie is endowing a “Left Turn” Scholarship to support students whose paths take unexpected turns and has launched a companion scholarship to help students now while the endowment builds. Laurel has included a future gift to PCC through her estate plans and is a member of the Amo DeBernadis Legacy Society.
I love to learn, and I’m never bored. Every term, I take Community Education classes at PCC — everything from Mysteries of Dying to quilting, tree climbing, and vegan cooking. I also love architecture, sew my own clothes, and take exercise classes five days a week.
Growing up, I was a mediocre student. After finishing PCC’s Dietetic Technician program, I discovered there weren’t many positions available. I worked in a hospital kitchen for 20 years and later at the Oregon Food Bank.
That’s why I started the “Left Turn” Scholarship: to support students who, like me, discovered their first path wasn’t quite the right fit. Maybe they had to take a break from their education, or they’re looking to change fields. If this scholarship can ease their way and cover essentials like books, then hopefully their learning will be a bit easier.
I’ve also included the PCC Foundation in my will, so future students will benefit long after I’m gone. I don’t live extravagantly, but you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. Whatever you can give, whenever you can give it, helps students keep moving forward.
See more stories in the PCC Foundation 2024-25 Giving Report