Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC Graduation in Photos

Photos and Story by James Hill

Portland Community College celebrated its 43rd graduation ceremony, awarding 2,562 diplomas to PCC graduates. Family, friends, faculty and staff were on hand to congratulate the graduates and celebrate their accomplishments as they took center stage with PCC District President Preston Pulliams, the board of directors and executive staff.Family, friends, faculty and staff were on hand to congratulate the graduates and celebrate their accomplishments as they took center stage with PCC District President Preston Pulliams, the board of directors and executive staff. "These graduates deserve to celebrate and be celebrated," said Pulliams. "PCC is a resource you can use at any stage of your life. When you think about upgrading your job skills, wanting to explore a new hobby, change direction in your life, or just learn for the sheer joy of it, PCC will be here for you."PCC chose 39-year-old Theresa Burns, a mother of three who began college after her marriage foundered, to deliver the student address. Pulliams provided the welcome and paid special tribute to two retiring board members, Dana Anderson and Norma Jean Germond, each of whom has served on the college board since 1985. Algie Gatewood, Cascade Campus president, emceed the ceremony. Burns, of Cornelius, entered the New Directions program at the Rock Creek Campus for dislocated homemakers in 2002, unsure of herself and her ability to provide for her three children, ages 10, 12 and 14. She had been married for 20 years to a career military man and now found herself on her own. In addition, Burns’ oldest child has special needs, which compounded her struggle to juggle family responsibilities and get an education. "It was a very scary time," she said. "I was vulnerable." However, the mother of three discovered her academic potential and flourished in PCC’s small classes and encouraging faculty. Judy Zimmerman, who teaches psychology and women’s studies, nominated Burns as the 2005 student speaker. "Not only is Theresa an excellent student with a 4.0 GPA to her credit, I sense that she is a terrific mother as well," wrote Zimmerman in her nomination letter. "Theresa seems to balance her roles as student and parent in an admirable fashion."PCC, the largest institution of higher education in Oregon, offered its first commencement ceremony in 1962 to a dozen students in the lunchroom of Portland’s former Failing Elementary School. Forty-three years later, PCC serves more than 85,000 full- and part-time students.Students will earn degrees in associate of arts Oregon transfer, associate of science, associate of general studies and associate of applied science; one- and two-year certificates; high school diplomas; and GED certificates.