As the fall term begins, I am thrilled to welcome both our new and returning students to the college.
I am so inspired by all the buzzing around campus, students studying hard, and making connections through campus clubs and events. It’s truly heartening to witness this energy and enthusiasm renew once again as we welcome our 58th academic year.
The energy on campus extends out into the community at large too. We are immensely proud that the same skills and knowledge our students are gaining in our classrooms is exactly what fuels the future nurses, IT professionals, automotive technologists, dental hygienists, welders, childcare workers, teachers small business owners and more who keep our community running. It is an honor to be the place people can rely on as a pathway that leads to family-wage jobs and collectively builds a thriving East County.
The fact is that access to great, affordable higher education has never been more essential – especially here in MHCC’s district which is one of the most diverse community college districts in Oregon. From Government Camp to Sandy, East Portland to Corbett, and Troutdale to Gresham, we serve rural and urban communities across 950 square miles. That’s about the same size as Yosemite National Park! You are essential to our success. In this issue of College plus Community, you’ll learn about the status of MHCC’s consideration of a bond proposal targeted for the May 2025 election. You’ll also read about our Communicating Climate Science Effectively course as well as some upcoming art and athletic events. Also, we are featuring some amazing students who stand for the values and mission of our college.
I encourage you to join me in celebrating the incredible student body that brings such vibrancy and inspiration to our college and our community. Your continued support is deeply appreciated and vital to our regional success.
Thank you for being an integral part of MHCC – Your Community’s College!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa Skari, MHCC president
Dr. Lisa Skari
Planning for the Future: The Critical Need for Updated Facilities at MHCC
Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) has been a source of educational opportunity and community engagement in the region since it was established in 1966. As the demands on schools evolve, so too must the facilities that support them. With aging infrastructure and changing technological needs, MHCC is at a point where investing in updated facilities will greatly benefit students, faculty, and the broader community. In hopes of addressing these needs, the college plans to place a bond measure on the May 2025 ballot. Many of MHCC’s buildings and classrooms were constructed decades ago, and while they
have served the community well, they no longer meet the demands of modern education. Outdated facilities can hinder learning, limit access to new technology, and prevent students from reaching their goals. To continue providing high-quality education, MHCC needs to update its campus infrastructure.
With a proposed bond amount of $131 million, many community members are eager to know how the college would use those funds. To answer that question, MHCC has created a facilities master plan to assess academic needs and facility use. This plan was formed based on
information gathered through focus groups led for different areas of the college including instruction, student success, safety and security, and campus technology.
The biggest takeaway from these focus groups was that updating MHCC’s facilities will create an enhanced learning environment that fosters innovation. Modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology can provide students with the skills needed in today’s workforce. New science labs, updated computer labs, and improved accessibility features will enable MHCC to offer a more inclusive learning experience. As part of this,
Courtyard on MHCC campus
MHCC plans to move the nursing program to the Gresham Campus and establish a Center for Health Professions. MHCC also hopes to secure funding to improve campus technology and Wi-Fi as well as add spaces to the library for small group instruction.
“The facilities at MHCC are critical to supporting our mission of providing accessible and affordable education,” Mt. Hood Community College President Dr. Lisa Skari said. “By investing in our infrastructure, we are investing in the future success of our students and our community.”
To further enhance student life and collaboration on campus, the college would update the library to provide more space for small group instruction, make room for informal student learning areas, and separate active and quiet spaces. In a similar vein, MHCC would provide more space for student clubs and organizations to meet to foster a stronger sense of connection and community on campus.
Campus safety was another common concern discussed throughout the focus groups. As MHCC returns to regular campus life following the pandemic, maintaining extended hours of operation puts stress on the physical campus systems as
well as its digital operations. By improving building access control, indoor and outdoor lighting, door locking systems, and mass notification systems, MHCC can ensure a safer place for its students and employees. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were also discussed by the focus groups. To improve access to the campus, MHCC plans to add more elevators and replace outdated ones, create new single-person bathrooms and lactation rooms, as well as make needed updates to athletic areas including the locker rooms and softball field.
Beyond the immediate benefits to students, updating MHCC’s facilities will have a ripple effect throughout the community.
Improved educational resources attract businesses and industries seeking a well-educated workforce, contributing to economic growth in the region. Additionally, an updated campus can serve as a hub for community events, workshops, and continuing education programs, further solidifying MHCC’s role as a community leader.
“MHCC’s facilities play a vital role in our ability to serve the community effectively,” Associate Vice President of Facilities, Public Safety, Risk Management, and Environmental Health and Safety
Charles George said. “Upgrading our infrastructure not only supports student achievement but also enhances our capacity to engage with and support the broader community.”
Investing in MHCC’s facilities is an investment in the community’s future. By coming together to support MHCC, we can ensure that it remains a place of opportunity and innovation for generations to come. Now is the time to act and ensure that the facilities at MHCC match the excellence of its educational programs.
For more information on how you can support MHCC’s facility updates, please visit MHCC’s bond website. If you want to give input on the bond or reach out to see how you can help support MHCC please email Bond@ MHCC.edu.
Classroom on MHCC Campus
Mt. Hood Community College Targets May 2025 Election for Bond Proposal
Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) has announced a new target for its proposed bond initiative, setting the May 2025 election as its potential goal. Originally targeted for November 2024, the college will use the extra time to broaden its base of positive community support for making much needed repairs to buildings that have not been updated since the 1970s. The potential proposed bond would also address critical employee shortages in East County through support for backbone programs and expanding access to campus facilities for the
public.
To learn more about the bond, visit the website mhccbond.com
So far, MHCC has held 16 community conversations and presented information at numerous local summer events. Documented feedback indicates overwhelmingly positive public support for the proposed $131 million bond initiative. If passed, the measure would represent the first time the college has been supported by bond revenue in
50 years.
Though public feedback has been clearly favorable, the engagement process has uncovered opportunities to connect with more community groups who can be useful in offering insights to better connect with voters. By targeting the May 2025 election instead of November, the college has time to invite extended community support and build a stronger case for why supporting MHCC now is critical for regional success.
“This bond measure represents a significant investment in
MHCC Campus
the future of our community,” President of Mt. Hood Community College Dr. Lisa Skari said. “By taking the time to engage more deeply with our community members, we can ensure that this proposal reflects their needs and aspirations. We are committed to working together to create opportunities that will benefit everyone in our district.”
If the initiative moves forward, MHCC’s bond proposal would provide $131 million to support critical infrastructure needs and is currently estimated to cost taxpayers an extra $5 a month (or 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value). Specifically, bond funding is being considered for:
• Making urgent repairs: Renovate aging learning spaces, modernize technology hybrid and online learning needs, install energy efficiency upgrades, and replace outdated and inefficient central heating and cooling systems.
• Preparing students for indemand careers: Establish a center for health professions on campus, modernize science labs, support student completion, and improve safety and security on all three campuses.
• Building a college for all: Make classes more available to rural and remote areas, upgrade athletic facilities, protect one of the only
Olympic-size pools in our region to continue hosting community groups, bring more events to East County, service existing elevators and make other accessibility improvements on campus locations.
The college invites all interested community groups to request a presentation from MHCC about the proposed bond measure. To suggest a meeting, please email Bond@MHCC.edu.
Visit mhccbond.com to watch a video about our facilities and to learn more.
Students walking on MHCC campus
Understanding and Communicating Climate Science: A Course for Everyone
In an age where climate change impacts are becoming increasingly evident, effective communication of climate science is needed now more than ever. Mt. Hood Community College’s (MHCC) Community Education class, Communicating Climate Science Effectively, is designed to give students the knowledge and tools needed to convey climate science in easyto-understand terms . Instructor Eliot Headley brings
a diverse background to the course, combining hands-on experience in the outdoors with formal schooling. Headley spent six years working as a guide for different activities including kayaking, hiking, biking, and backcountry skiing. Through that work, he noticed the rapid changes in the environments he was exploring, which led him to pursue a master’s degree in climate science and policy from the Scripps Institution of
Oceanography.
“People often don’t feel equipped to have productive conversations about climate change, which is where this course comes in.”
-Eliot Headley
After completing his degree in 2022, Headley moved to Portland and started offering workshops tailored for outdoor guides to help them talk about the impacts
MHCC Instructor Eliot Headley teaching class
of climate change. Seeing the broader relevance of these skills, he approached MHCC to ask about expanding the workshop into a community education course.
The Communicating Climate Science
Effectively course is designed to be accessible and engaging, blending lectures with hands-on activities and group discussions.
“The class is about 50/50 between lectures and communication activities. We start by learning the basics global climate change science, then relate it to local phenomena, such as heat waves or significant weather events in Portland,” Headley said. Students will engage in communication exercises, emphasizing the importance of listening, building trust, finding commonality, and avoiding buzzwords.
action.
“We practice talking about local climate impacts, using ‘I’ statements to create personal connections to the issue,” Headley said.
Effective communication of climate science is needed to foster understanding and drive
“The effects of human-caused climate change are being noticed across many sectors, from farming to outdoor recreation,” Headley said. “People often don’t feel equipped to have productive conversations about climate change, which is where this course comes in. By bringing academic resources into everyday discussions, we can empower more people to communicate these impacts effectively.”
Headley has received exceptional feedback from students who have taken the course.
“One of my students had recently experienced a wildfire. Through the course, they were able to talk about their feelings and discuss the issue more confidently,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see students open up and share their feelings about climate change while gaining the skills to communicate these issues more effectively.”
While the topics covered in the course started out as a workshop for outdoor guides, it is designed to be helpful to everyone.
“This class is for anybody, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience with climate science,” Headley said. “Our goal is to bring together a broad community and provide them with the tools to discuss climate change effectively in various settings— whether with family, friends, or colleagues.”
Whether you’re a seasoned communicator or new to the topic, this class offers insights and skills that can help you make a difference.
For more information and to enroll, visit the community education website.
MHCC Instructor Eliot Headley
“Hosting the USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic National Championship was an immense honor.”
-Donna Ryan
MHCC Hosts USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic National Championship
This past summer, Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) was the proud host of the USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic National Championship, marking the college’s debut in hosting a major event in this sport. In partnership with Sport Oregon and Travel Portland, the championship showcased almost 1,000 of the nation’s finest junior artistic swimmers.
Artistic swimming, a dynamic blend of aquatics, dance, and gymnastics, requires athletes to perform complex routines
underwater to music.. The events, ranging from solos and duets to team performances, challenge swimmers to execute flawless movements while maintaining breath control— without ever touching the pool’s bottom.
“Hosting the USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic National Championship was an immense honor. The energy and dedication of the athletes and their families were palpable, and we are eager to see MHCC become a regular venue for
such prestigious competitions,” Aquatics Manager Donna Ryan said.
The championship not only highlighted the best junior artistic swimming talents but also boosted local tourism, as athletes and spectators explored Gresham and the greater Portland area’s attractions, contributing to the local economy.
Learn more about MHCC’s Aquatic Center at mhcc.edu and watch our video on YouTube.
MHCC Olympic swimming pool
MHCC Welcomes Dr. Tina Redd as Vice President of Instruction
GRESHAM, Ore. – Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Tina Redd as the Vice President of Instruction, effective July 15, 2024.
Dr. Redd brings with her a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to equity and student success. Throughout her distinguished career spanning 28 years in higher education, she has demonstrated a passion for collaboration and a dedication to enriching the communities she serves.
“Dr. Redd is a visionary leader who aligns perfectly with our mission and values,” Mt. Hood Community College President Dr. Lisa Skari said. “Her proven track record of building programs in response to community needs and fostering partnerships both internally and externally will undoubtedly strengthen our school.”
Before joining MHCC, Dr. Redd held faculty and administrative positions at esteemed schools including the University of Arkansas, University of Washington, Portland Community College, Central Oregon Community College,
and Yavapai College. Last year, she served as the interim Vice President for Instruction at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington.
With a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree in English composition and literature from Southern Illinois University, and a doctorate in theatre history and
criticism from the University of Washington, Dr. Redd brings a diverse academic background to her new role.
As vice president of instruction, Dr. Redd will play a key role in shaping the academic direction of Mt. Hood Community College and ensuring the success of its students.
Vice President of Instruction Dr. Tina Redd
MHCC Welcomes Jennifer Boehmer as Vice President of Advancement and Community Engagement
Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) proudly announces Jennifer Boehmer’s appointment as the vice president of advancement and community engagement, effective July 23, 2024.
In this role, Boehmer will lead the college’s community engagement, outreach, programming, and fundraising efforts. Committed to access and equity, she will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all advancement programs. This includes community and government relations, marketing and communications, and resource development for the college and
its community-based programs, such as child care resource and referral, the Small Business Development Center, workforce, apprenticeship, and community education.
Boehmer is a nationally recognized leader in higher education advancement with more than 25 years of experience in supporting communications, fundraising, and community relations efforts for colleges that intentionally prioritize education for all.
“MHCC is an amazing college that has been creating tremendous opportunities for Oregonians for decades. I’m looking forward to working with our donors, community and workforce partners, students and staff, and President Skari to continue empowering fantastic, equitable higher education that strengthens our entire community,” Boehmer said. Before joining MHCC, Boehmer served as chief of staff and senior vice president of university relations, advancement, and strategic communications at Warner Pacific University
Vice President of Advancement and Community Engagement Jennifer Boehmer
“MHCC is an amazing college that has been creating tremendous opportunities for Oregonians for decades”
-Jennifer Boehmer
(WPU). In this role, she acted as the president’s senior integrator among university leaders, providing operational supervision of priority projects and aligning high-level goals. She oversaw WPU’s communications, fundraising, and public relations efforts and led the crafting of WPU’s strategic plan. Previously, Boehmer held leadership positions at esteemed schools, including Linn-Benton Community College and Portland Community College. Boehmer earned her Master of Science in strategic communication from the University of Portland and
her Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from Linfield University. She is a doctoral student in Oregon State University’s adult and higher education program. She is a frequent national speaker, author, and panelist on marketing, communications, advancement, strategic planning, and presidential/executive communications support for higher education institutions. Boehmer is president emeritus of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, the national communications branch of the American Association of Community Colleges, and past chair of the Oregon Community College Marketing and Public Relations Association.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Boehmer to MHCC
as our new vice president of advancement and community engagement,” MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari said. “I am confident that her strategic vision and collaborative approach will help us achieve new heights in supporting our students and community.”
As vice president of advancement and community engagement, Boehmer will provide strategic, innovative leadership in the planning, implementation, assessment, and improvement of comprehensive college advancement, communications, and community-focused programs. Boehmer will also serve as executive director of the MHCC Foundation and support the college’s exploration of a future bond measure.
Courtyard on MHCC Campus
Forging Futures: The Orzechowski Siblings’ Journey through MHCC’s Welding Program
The story of former Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) students Misty and Walter Orzechowski stands out as an example of what our students can achieve through growth, hard work, and the right support. Their journey through MHCC’s welding program is not just about learning how to weld. It’s a tale of sibling support, overcoming hardships, and forging a path to independence.
Misty, who worked in fashion for 15 years, was laid off during the pandemic. Her situation was compounded by the simultaneous challenge of finding suitable employment for her brother Walter, who has autism and struggles with shyness and a lack of confidence. After a year of sporadic sewing jobs and ongoing frustration with Walter’s job placements, Misty decided on a major
change.
“Welding was really left field, but it gave me the freedom to go anywhere... I needed to be able to pay my mortgage,” Misty said.
Misty’s choice to enroll in the welding program at MHCC with Walter was driven by more than just the pursuit of job security. It was about ensuring her brother could thrive.
“I felt really bad leaving Walter at home, being completely
Misty and Walter Orzechowski
isolated,” she said.
From the outset of deciding to attend MHCC , Misty and Walter felt the decision was right and they had found a supportive place to learn and grow. The head of the department met with them personally, easing Misty’s concerns and ensuring Walter would receive all the support he needed.
Walter achieved immense growth over the course of the program at MHCC. Misty speaks candidly about the challenges and her initial overprotectiveness.
“A big challenge for me personally was just my fears for my brother... the faculty at MHCC really helped me with that,” she said.
This protective nature initially made it hard for Walter to fully engage on his own, but, with the faculty’s guidance, Misty’s began stepping back, which allowed him to flourish.
“Seeing people believe in my brother... He’s a better welder than me,” Misty said.
Walter, reflecting on his experience, acknowledges the role the program and his sister have played in his growth.
“She could be difficult at times.
But that’s kind of nice, to have someone to take me to class, to learn the skills I need for welding,” he said.
He also credits the program with giving him a sense of job security and a network of supportive peers.
Today, both siblings work at a fabrication company, working in different departments but still supporting each other as always.
The skills and confidence Walter gained have opened the door to a future where he can be more independent, a prospect that fills Misty with a blend of pride and relief.
“It’s given us that opportunity. So, he doesn’t have to have his annoying older sister around all the time. He can just have his own life and his own career,” Misty said.
Misty Orzechowski’s advice to current and prospective students resonates with her journey: “Showing up is the biggest
thing... Even if you suck every day, just show up and let people know the help you need.”
This mindset has clearly served the Orzechowski siblings well, changing challenges into opportunities and uncertainty into security.
For Misty and Walter, the welding program was more than a career pivot—it was a life-changing journey that brought them closer, fostered personal growth, and set them on a path to success.
Metal artwork and sign
Misty and Walter Orzechowski
MHCC Designated as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) announces its recent designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). This recognition is valid through the academic year 2029. The CAE-CD designation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous criteria, demonstrating their ability to support the nation’s efforts in protecting the National Information Infrastructure.
This achievement underscores MHCC’s role in addressing the
critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals, as outlined in the National Cyber Strategy.
“This designation reaffirms the hard work of our cybersecurity faculty, our commitment to academic excellence, and our role in building a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce that is essential for national security,”
MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari said.
The NSA’s recognition emphasizes the importance of higher education in developing a robust cybersecurity talent pipeline. The National
Cyber Strategy, published in September 2018, highlights the strategic advantage of a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce and the necessity of continued investment in education programs that promote these ideals.
MHCC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in cybersecurity program formally launches this fall. This program is the only one of its kind in the state to be offered at a community college.
MHCC students working in computer lab
STARTING IN FALL 2024
Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in A Bachelor of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity gives you access to some of the most in-demand, high-paying positions across many industries.
CYBERSECURITY
Scan the QR code for more information or call the MHCC Computer Information Systems department at 503-491-7515
Fall Art and Science Events at MHCC
Fall Athletic Events at MHCC
Sept. 7-8
Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13-14
Sept. 20, 6 p.m.
Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21, 2 p.m.
Sept. 28, 2 p.m.
Oct. 5, 2 p.m.
Oct. 10, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11, 6 p.m.
Oct. 12-13
Oct. 23, 6 p.m.
Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1, 6 p.m.
Nov. 1, 7 p.m.
Nov. 8, 6 p.m.
Crush Water Polo Tournament
Reynolds High School Football vs. Beaverton High School
Reynolds High School Football vs. Nelson High School
MHCC Volleyball vs. Southwestern Oregon Community College
MHCC Volleyball vs. Lane Community College
USATF Oregon Association Junior Olympic Region Track and Field Championships
Reynolds High School Football vs. David Douglas High School
MHCC Volleyball vs. Chemeketa Community College
Crush Water Polo Tournament
MHCC Volleyball vs. Linn-Benton Community College
Reynolds High School Football vs. Sandy High School
MHCC Volleyball vs. Umpqua Community College
Reynolds High School Football vs. Central Catholic High School
MHCC Volleyball vs. Clark College
Fall Term 2024
Degree and certificate programs are offered online, in-person, or a mix of both.
Small Business, Big Ideas
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
All it takes is a spark to ignite something big or even life-changing. Are you a visionary with an entrepreneurial spirit who thinks outside of the box? The small business development center (SBDC) can provide you with the support you need to succeed with free business consulting or at-cost training. Email or call us at 503-491-7658 today to schedule your first appointment.
Starting Your Business
Business Startup Basics
Oct. 2 or Nov. 6 or Dec. 4, 8:30-10:30 a.m., $25
SBDC Office
Conceptos Básicos de Inicio de Negocios
Oct. 2 or Nov. 6 or Dec. 4, 8:30-10:30 a.m., $25
Oficina de SBDC
Business Plan Bootcamp
Once you register, you will receive login information, $70 Available on demand
Real Estate Broker Pre-License
Sept. 19 to Nov. 21, Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., and Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $600
Zoom Video Conference
Property Manager Pre-License Course
Oct. 1-Nov. 12, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., $600
Zoom Video Conference
Marketing
WebMentor: Complete Business Website in Six Short Sessions
Once you register, you will receive login information, $225 Available on demand
Marketing for Startups
Sept. 17, 1-3 p.m., $60
SBDC Office
Lights, AI, Action: Transform Your Business on YouTube Without a Camera
Oct. 15, 1-3 p.m., $60
SBDC Office
AI Revolution: Harnessing Free Tools for Business Growth and Innovation
Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m., $60
SBDC Office
Seminars and Workshops
Visit the small business course catalog to register. You must register for classes a minimum of 72 hours before the start date.
Mt. Hood Community College promotes non-discrimination by maintaining a respectful working and learning environment free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. It is against district policy for any manager, supervisor, faculty, staff or student to engage in discrimination of any member of the college community based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, disability or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. The College shall comply with all local, state and federal laws with regard to non-discrimination as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Oregon Revised Statute 659A.
For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy, contact: Traci Simmons, Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator; Traci.Simmons@mhcc.edu; 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, OR, 97030; 503-491-7009.
