Clackamas president stops by PCC on 1,500-mile journey to support students
Story by James Hill. Photos by Ric Getter.
This college president is on the run.
Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook is on a huge challenge: running more than 1,500 miles to all 17 Oregon community colleges in 50 days. On Saturday, Aug. 2, Cook stopped by Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus to greet staff and students and continue his journey to other Oregon community colleges. On hand to welcome Cook were State Rep. Rob Nosse and PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings, who ran with him on his jog out of the campus.
Averaging 32 miles a day, Cook’s “Run to Oregon Community Colleges for Students” (ROCCS) aims to raise awareness of the barriers students face, including food insecurity (41%), housing insecurity (52%) and homelessness (20%), as highlighted by The Hope Center.
“As a first-generation college student, I understand the transformative power of education,” Cook said. “Through ROCCS, I hope to shine a light on these challenges and rally support to meet students’ basic needs.”
Oregon’s community colleges serve 200,000 students—over half of the state’s higher education enrollment. Cook’s run underscores their vital role. To contribute to his cause and help raise money for community college students, visit Cook’s fund-raising website.
Clackamas President Tim Cook (right) sprints up hill near Sylvania’s Performing Arts Center with PCC President Adrien Bennings (sunglasses).