Degrees, determination, dedication: PCC’s 64th commencement showed how graduates persevere
Photos and story by James Hill
Acting PCC President Katy Ho and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (on the right) take time to meet with graduates.
Portland Community College’s 64th commencement was much more than an ending, bringing new beginnings.
The college celebrated the Class of 2026 with a commencement ceremony that honored not only the graduates’ achievements, but also the promise of what lies ahead. The night featured the PCC Chamber Choir at Rock Creek, a premier collegiate choral ensemble made up of community college students from across the Portland metro area. Led by Samuel Barbara, PCC director of choral and vocal studies at the Rock Creek Campus, the choir performed as part of the evening’s celebration.
“To the Class of 2026: each of you arrived at PCC with your own goals, your own story, and your own reason for pursuing an education,” said Dr. Katy Ho, acting PCC president. “Some of you attended class before work. Some rushed to campus after long shifts. Some cared for children, parents, partners, or loved ones while pursuing your education. Some served in the military or returned to school after years away from the classroom. Some of you are the first in your family to reach this milestone. Some of you are preparing for a new career, and others are continuing your educational journey.
There were nearly 1,000 graduates at this year’s commencement.
“While the paths that have led you to this moment may be different, tonight you share something incredible: you made it,” she continued. “I hope you take a moment tonight to appreciate what you have accomplished. Celebrate this milestone. Reflect on how far you have come. Be proud of the work it took to get here.”
Christopher Pierce, once abandoned as a baby at Portland’s Lloyd Center Mall, served as commencement’s student speaker. His story centered on surviving foster care, youth detention, homelessness and years of difficult jobs across the country. Pierce returned to school at 42 to build a better future for his family, and at PCC he earned two associate degrees with a 4.0 GPA and highest honors. Faculty, advisors and tutoring services helped him discover a passion for writing and environmental issues. Now pursuing creative writing at Oregon State University, Pierce hopes to inspire other non-traditional students to begin their own educational journey.
“Being chosen to speak at commencement means everything to me,” Pierce said. “I grew up in the foster care system, dropped out of high school, and spent years homeless. For most of my life, I believed I was someone who would never amount to anything. PCC changed the direction of my life, and I feel fortunate that I found this institution. I came in with a GED and zero college experience, and I left prepared for a four-year university and a career in writing.”
Confetti rains down on the grads as the ceremony concludes at the Memorial Coliseum.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici delivered remarks recognizing the perseverance of graduates who completed degrees, credentials and certificates during a challenging time. She praised students for investing in education, describing it as “one of the best decisions you can make” and an investment in the future of Oregon and the nation.
Bonamici reflected on the resilience of PCC students, including first-generation college students, dreamers, parents, working students and those facing housing, food and financial insecurity. Drawing on her own experience at Lane Community College, she said community colleges are a critical part of the education system and of her own story.
She encouraged graduates to make the world better, practice kindness, listen well, stay true to their values, embrace creativity, be bold and thank the people who supported them.
“You give me hope,” Bonamici said, noting that graduates will become leaders in social services, public office, local business, health care, infrastructure and beyond.
Vicky Lopez Sanchez, vice president of Student Affairs, said commencement represents the collective work of PCC faculty and employees who support student success and remove barriers.
“Commencement is the beautiful visible outcome of thousands of individual actions across this college,” she said. “Student success is our North Star and it is the result of an entire community working together.”
*Photos by Ric Getter.
Commencement Photo Gallery
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 »