PCC’s Year in Review: A look back at stories that made an impact in 2025
Photos and story by James Hill
It’s been another remarkable year at Portland Community College, Oregon’s largest post-secondary institution.
PCC’s impact is huge as it serves more than 57,000 full- and part-time students across Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties, offering training, degrees, certificates, and lifelong learning opportunities.
With four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers, and about 200 community locations throughout the Portland metro area, the college is deeply woven into the region it serves.
In part one of our two-part series, we look back at a year defined by creativity, innovation, and opportunity. From honoring a beloved art instructor to expanding pathways in high-demand fields that help students build skills, find purpose, and launch into their next chapter with confidence and support from PCC’s dedicated faculty and staff.
Beloved Art Instructor Remembered
Last year, faculty and sculptor Mylan Rakich, 56, died suddenly of a heart attack after nearly 25 years of teaching. Friends and colleagues fund-raised to buy a sculpture for PCC’s Carolyn Moore House, supporting his sons’ college fund and honoring his legacy, celebrated in a Rock Creek retrospective. Read More.
Transporting Students to New Paths
Raised in a musical, service-driven family, Josh Coleman shifted from aspiring artist to educational leader. Now program dean of Aerospace and Transportation Technology at PCC Rock Creek, he applies his discipline and purpose to strengthening CTE programs that prepare students for high-demand, technology-driven transportation careers in aviation, diesel service, and related fields. Read More.
A New Vision for Eye Tech Program
PCC’s new one-year Eye Technician Certificate replaces its two-year ophthalmic program, expanding access and cutting costs while maintaining high standards. The 18-student pilot cohort trains through a condensed four-term curriculum with early clinical rotations, preparing graduates for certification exams and quickly meeting regional demand for skilled ophthalmic technicians. Read More.
Andres Garcia Perez Makes History
Andres Garcia Perez became PCC’s first participant in the prestigious national HEP/CAMP Internship. One of six students selected, he will spend 10 weeks in Washington, D.C. interning with LULAC, advancing his goal of becoming an immigration attorney, supported by HEP and CAMP mentoring, resources, and programs. Read More.
Program is Sky-High Over New Look Plane
PCC unveiled new livery for its donated Bombardier Q400 training aircraft ahead of the Oregon International Air Show. The modern plane offers AMT students hands-on experience with engines, avionics and systems, addressing industry workforce shortages and preparing graduates for high-demand, well-paid aviation maintenance careers in the Portland region. Read More.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our “Year in Review” of 2025!
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 »