MHCC Spring 2024 College plus Community

Dear Community Member,

As spring approaches and new beginnings blossom around us, I am so excited about the increasing opportunities for growth and learning on our campus. I am proud that our college is a place where promising minds come to carve out their path into the future and to connect with fellow community members.

In this volume of College plus Community, you’ll learn about our newly renovated dental hygiene clinic and how you can enjoy free dental cleanings. You’ll also read about one of our students and her journey from Germany to Mt. Hood Community College. We have an exciting lineup of events including art showcases, theatre performances, and sporting events that highlight the talents of our students and community members. You’ll also get an in-depth look into the acting classes ofered through our community education program and news about MHCC kicking of a bond development work group to study the feasibility of going to the voters!

I am also thrilled to share updates about our new Equity Center and the debut of our revamped website, designed with you in mind.

As we embrace the spirit of spring, may it bring you renewed energy and passion for learning. Thank you for your ongoing support of MHCC and for being a vital part of Your Community’s College.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa Skari, MHCC president

Free Dental Care in Gresham: MHCC’s New Dental Hygiene Clinic

Mt. Hood Community College’s (MHCC) renovated dental hygiene clinic is open for business. The newly revamped space is now light and bright and has upgraded state of the art dental equipment. The renovations, driven by the need to meet accreditation standards and enhance the learning space for students, were done in conjunction with local

design frm SRG Partnership.

The students have already made good use of the space, completing 148 dental cleanings in the frst term the new clinic was open.

The upgrade doubled the clinical space and outftted it with modern equipment. “We gained a restorative lab and expanded our radiology learning area, providing students with

enhanced learning opportunities in these areas,” Dental Hygiene Instructor Jennifer Aubry said. The clinic ofers many free dental hygiene services including intraoral and extraoral exams, cancer screenings, periodontal assessments, x-rays, dental exams (performed by licensed dentists on staf), fuoride treatment and prescriptions, cleanings, nitrous oxide sedation

injections (if needed), sealant application, and fllings.

Embracing innovation is a pillar of MHCC’s dental hygiene program. “We’ve introduced advanced technologies like Biolase Diode Lasers and Dexis 3800 Intraoral Scanners,” Instructor Amber Phillips said. “These tools not only enhance patient care but also prepare students for the evolving landscape of dental healthcare.”

At the heart of MHCC dental hygiene program lies a commitment to serving the community. Through partnerships with local organizations, students gain

The upgrade doubled the clinical space and outftted it with modern equipment.

hands-on experience while delivering oral health services to groups of people who are in need.

“These rotations include partnerships with local healthcare providers, ensuring students gain hands-on experience while serving diverse communities,” Phillips said. From of-site rotations at public health clinics to Compassion Clinics and elementary school sealant programs, students promote oral health awareness and education. “Our curriculum emphasizes exposure to diverse patient populations,” Instructor Ilya Babiy said. “Our students are trained to provide culturally sensitive care to all.”

MHCC’s dental hygiene clinic will ofer free services to community

members at least through May 2024 and MHCC student hygienists are trained to treat all patients from children to seniors. Call 503-491-7176 to schedule an appointment. Please plan to spend about two and a half hours at the clinic to allow time for the students to clean your teeth depending on your needs. You may need several appointments to complete everything, depending on your needs.

“I want to create a gentle, empowering environment that encourages people to try acting”

-Jefrey Puukka

Find Your Inner Actor With Acting Classes From Jefrey Puukka

Ever dreamed of taking center stage and delving into the world of acting? Mt. Hood Community College’s (MHCC) community education program, led by theater director Jefrey Puukka, is how you can bring those dreams to life. Read on to learn about Puukka’s teaching style, the format of his classes, and feedback from his students. With a 20-year career as a theater director, Puukka’s journey into theater started with a childhood love for the stage. However, a pivotal moment during a production in his teenage years

changed his mind.

“I was interested in acting because I believed in theater from a very young age. Once, I thought I was going to grow up and be an actor, but a negative experience with a director shifted my focus to facilitating and directing,” Puukka said. Puukka’s experience includes teaching engagements with organizations such as The American Association of Community Theatres, the Gresham-Barlow School District, Metropolitan Performing Arts, and the parks and recreation

Hood Community College

platform of the City of Gresham. He also played a major role in developing the Teen Acting Conservatory at Vancouver’s Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy.

Beyond his work with actors, Puukka has also spent time caregiving, mentoring, and serving as a support fgure by collaborating with adults coping with developmental disabilities.

“I have a perspective on acting from working with actors in rehearsal and thinking about what is often expected or demanded from actors. I can

Mt.

contribute to developing actors from that perspective that is diferent,” Puukka said.

Puukka’s beginning acting classes ofer a haven for adults to explore acting basics. Through group activities, solo work, and engaging exercises, students build confdence and discover the joy of performance. Puukka’s believes that acting is about “behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” fostering authenticity and exploration.

“I want to create a gentle, empowering environment that encourages people to try acting. Just start. Jump in and see where you land, because it could be a very positive twist in your journey,” Puukka said.

For those ready to build their skills even more, Puukka’s advanced acting class focuses on character development, scene study, and peer collaboration. Students receive personal attention as they refne their craft and prepare for auditions. Puukka’s classes have empowered people to pursue dreams, with students praising his supportive teaching style and the inclusive community he fosters.

“I’ve had students go on to work in several productions, launch successful careers in flm, and gain the confdence to step into

the spotlight,” Puukka said. Many students have had very positive remarks for Puukka’s classes:

“It was fun as well as helping to bring out a participant’s creativity. It helped the participants gain confdence in their own abilities.”

“He was ALWAYS supportive of all the students and created a

safe atmosphere. Every student thanked him for that.”

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping onto the stage or trying acting, seize the opportunity at MHCC. For more information about upcoming acting classes at MHCC, visit https://learn.mhcc. edu/modules/.

MHCC Reopening Planetarium to Public Shows

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is pleased to announce the reopening of our planetarium to the public. This initiative underscores MHCC’s commitment to providing an immersive and educational experience for young minds and the community.

The planetarium will host recurring monthly shows on the frst and third Thursdays of every month. Attendees can choose between two showtimes, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. General admission is $5, student admission costs $2, while children aged 15 and younger may attend free of charge.

Planetarium Director William

Blackmore, who is also an MHCC alum is excited to launch innovative programming at the planetarium that engages the whole local community.

“My current goal for the planetarium is to continue to expand our programming including setting up visiting school group oferings, more specialized shows, and I want to partner with other departments on campus to collaborate on such things as a concert series under the stars, said Blackmore. “With the support of our community we’d love to continue to grow and ofer high quality education and entertainment.”

Delve into the cosmic wonders with our special show, “Stellar Spectacles of 2024.” Witness celestial events, explore distant galaxies, and marvel at the beauty of the night sky.

“We are excited to ofer the planetarium as a place for local children and families to learn and be inspired, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for astronomy,” Mt. Hood Community College President Dr. Lisa Skari said.

For additional details and directions to the planetarium, please visit mhcc.edu/ Planetarium

THE NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE

MHCC.edu has a new look and feel! On March 11, 2024, Mt. Hood Community College launched a brandnew website designed with our community in mind. With a focus on improved navigation, inclusivity, and accessibility, the new website will allow us to reach our community in a new and improved way.

Experience the new website for yourself, visit MHCC.edu today!

MHCC Launches Exploratory Bond Development Workgroup

Community colleges across Oregon regularly go to voters in their districts to ask for support in funding large scale repairs, expansions or projects that are outside of the scope that can be funded through the operating budget. Mt Hood Community College is exploring the possibility of making such a request this fall.

To initiate this process, the college established the Bond Development Workgroup (BDW), consisting of both internal and external stakeholders. This group’s main goal is to present a curated list of projects to take to the community for feedback.

“We haven’t passed a bond since 1974. If the Board of Education decides to propose one this year, we want to actively engage with our community to gather their ideas and thoughts. We are

proud of the signifcant work this group is undertaking,” said MHCC President Lisa Skari.

The BDW is a diverse assembly comprising MHCC board members, faculty, staf, administrators, and representatives from community organizations, local businesses, government entities, and educational partners. Each member brings unique perspectives crucial to the decision-making process and their collective expertise promises a comprehensive approach to addressing the community’s needs.

Scheduled to convene fve times between January and April, the BDW conducted a pivotal “Build a Bond” activity on March 11. This served as an opportunity to refne the list of potential projects, ensuring alignment with

community interests and priorities.

The goal is to fnalize the proposal by late May, with ongoing work through the summer to draft the fnal bond language.

This concerted efort underscores MHCC’s commitment to fostering community engagement and addressing pressing needs through strategic initiatives. Stay tuned for further updates as the BDW progresses in shaping the future of MHCC and its surrounding community.

The college is collaborating with the Coraggio group, leading the facilitation of the workgroup, and Jeremy Wright from Wright Public Afairs, a full-service public relations frm, aiding in preparations for the bond.

Faces of Our Strategic Plan: Pia Owens

Pia Owens, originally from a small town in Germany, was facing a big life change. She had just moved to the US after meeting and then marrying her American husband, who had been stationed in Germany. She was facing cultural diferences, language barriers, and the need to adapt to a new way of life. But something kept pushing her to

pursue her education in her new country. And it was at Mt. Hood Community College that she found her home.

In her native country, Owens had done a three-year, work-study trade school to learn the ins and outs of retail. But in order to continue her educational path, she wanted to pass the high school equivalency test.

So, despite being brand new to the country, the language, the cultural norms and pregnant, Owens still had educational goals. She hit a few roadblocks but went back to school at MHCC to complete her GED® certifcate in 2022.

“I thought, I need to earn my GED® before my kid graduates high school. The support I got

here was diferent; it felt like home,” Owens said.

With the encouragement of friends and mentors at MHCC, Owens successfully obtained her GED® certifcate in the fall of 2022.

But Owens was not done on

“I thought, I need to earn my GED® before my kid graduates high school. The support I got here was diferent; it felt like home.”

-Pia Owens

her education journey. She is currently working toward her general transfer degree, with the goal of become a teacher. Her dedication to education is fueled by the positive infuence she has had while helping friends with their studies and tutoring during her time in the GED® program. Balancing the demands of college, a work-study position at Transitions/Transiciones, and a family with fve children is no small feat, but Owens emphasizes the importance of a strong support system.

“It would be way harder if I didn’t have that support system,” Owens said.

Owens’ involvement in Transitions/Transiciones, where she welcomes newcomers and helps with workshops, exemplifes her commitment to giving back to the community. She also takes time to guide new students around campus, sharing information about available resources such as the library, tutoring centers, and Barney’s Pantry.

In refecting on her experiences at MHCC, Owens acknowledges the warm and welcoming atmosphere that sets the campus apart.

“Everybody is just always there with a big smile and open hands, really warm and welcoming. You can feel that as soon as you walk through the doors,” Owens said. As Owens approaches the completion of her degree in June 2024, she leaves a trail of inspiration for others thinking about their educational goals. To those on the fence about attending MHCC, Owens ofers this advice: “Come over here and try it out. Don’t give up on the frst day. Things will be hard sometimes, but there are a lot of great and awesome people on this campus willing to help out.”

Spring Art Events at Mt. Hood Community College

Nature, Once Removed

Auditions: “Everybody”

High School Art Exhibit

MHCC Visual Arts Students Art Exhibit

Spring Theatre Production: “Everybody”

MHCC Art Gallery

MHCC Art Gallery Studio Theatre

Spring Athletic Events at Mt. Hood Community College

March 23, 12 p.m.

March 23, 2 p.m.

March 30, 12 p.m.

March 30, 2 p.m.

April 4, 2 p.m.

April 13, 2 p.m.

April 13 and 14

April 25, 2 p.m.

April 27, 12 p.m.

April 30, 3 p.m.

May 4, 2 p.m.

May 9, 2 p.m.

May 10, 3 p.m.

May 11

May 11

May 18 and 19

May 20 and 21

June 2, 9:30 a.m.

June 8

Softball

Baseball

Softball

Baseball

Baseball

Baseball

Southwestern Oregon Community College

Umpqua Community College

Lower Columbia College

Linn Benton College

Lane Community College

Clackamas Community College

Blue Crush Tax Day Water Polo Tournament

Baseball

Softball

Softball

Baseball

Baseball

Softball

Chemeketa Community College

Grays Harbor College

Clark College

Southwestern Oregon Community College

Umpqua Community College

Centralia College

Southern Region Track and Field Championships

Columbia River Swim Team Summer Blast Swim Meet

Blue Crush May Water Polo Tournament

Northwest Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships

Special Olympics Oregon Track and Field

Portland Masters Track and Field

Spring Term 2024

Degree and certifcate programs are ofered 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 frst appointment.

Starting Your Business Marketing

Building Better Businesses Together

June 21, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., $15

Vista Dining Hall/Town and Gown

How to Start Your Business

4/1 or 5/1 or 6/5, 8:30-10:30 am, $29

SBDC Ofce

Business Plan Bootcamp

Once you register, you will receive login information. $70

Available on demand

Real Estate Broker Pre-License

April 4-June 6 Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., and

June 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $600

Zoom meeting

Property Manager Pre-License Course

April 9-May 21

Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., $600

Zoom meeting

WebMentor: Complete Business Website in Six Short Sessions

Once you register, you will receive login information

$225

Available on demand

Marketing for Startups

April 9, 1-3 p.m., $60

SBDC Ofce

Lights, AI, Action: Transform Your Business on YouTube

Without a Camera

April 30, 1-3 p.m., $60

SBDC Ofce

Skyrocket Your Business: Anybody Can Be an SEO Expert

May 21, 1-3 p.m., $60

SBDC Ofce

AI Revolution: Harnessing Free Tools for Business Growth and Innovation

June 11, 1-3 p.m., $60

SBDC Ofce

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, staf 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.

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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.