PCC showcases achievements, advocates for support from visiting legislators

Story by James Hill. Photos by Ric Getter.

PCC legislative intern group photoDr. Adrien Bennings speaking to the crowd.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Portland Community College welcomed key state legislators to its Sylvania Campus Performing Arts Center for the annual Legislative Reception. Attendees included Senate President Rob Wagner, State Senators Lisa Reynolds, Lew Frederick and Janeen Sollman, and State Representatives Ben Bowman, Dacia Grayber, Rob Nosse and Ricki Ruiz.

The reception highlighted PCC’s pivotal role in the community as Oregon’s largest post-secondary institution across four campuses and ten centers. With enrollment up, PCC also boasts rising diversity, with one-third of its students identifying as people of color, and is on track to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Dr. Adrien Bennings speaking to the crowd.

President Adrien Bennings said state leaders’ support is vital for the success of PCC.

Legislators learned about PCC’s commitment to equitable education and workforce development, including its guided pathways model and high-demand programs like CNC Operator Readiness Essentials and the nation-leading Nursing Program, which achieved a perfect 100% licensure exam pass rate in 2023 by its graduates. Behavioral health courses and the Benefits Navigator Program, which connected over 15,000 students to vital resources last year, were also showcased.

“Your partnership is vital in supporting Oregon’s students and helping provide opportunity,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings. “We are grateful for the work our elected leaders in the room do to support our students and are excited to welcome you back to our PCC community.”

During the event, PCC leaders called for increased legislative support, advocating for $920 million in the Community College Support Fund, $450 million for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, and continued investment in student basic needs programs to sustain its transformative work.