“This victory belongs to every student, volunteer, and community member who believed in our vision.”
- MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari
MAKE A THIS S SUMMER plas AT MHCC h !
Looking for fun and fitness? MHCC is your ultimate summer destination!
• Dive into excitement at our Aquatic Center with lap swimming and swim lessons
• Conquer the indoor rock wall
• Break a sweat in the gym or on the track
• Get your game on at our racquetball and tennis courts
• Unwind along scenic walking paths
All ages, all levels—everyone’s welcome.
Your summer of energy, adventure, and wellness starts at MHCC.
Thank You Community!
Dear Community,
This spring, our college turned a page in its history—and thanks to your support, we are beginning an exciting new chapter.
With the passage of Measure 26-258, our community has made a bold and heartfelt commitment to the future of Mt. Hood Community College. After more than 50 years since our last bond measure passed, voters have entrusted us with the resources to modernize our campuses, improve safety, and provide learning environments that reflect the excellence of our students and faculty.
This moment is about more than buildings—it’s about belief. You believed that our students deserve access to high-quality, equitable educational spaces. You believed in our mission to serve this region with integrity, vision, and care. And you showed that belief with your voice, your vote, and your advocacy.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the many volunteers, employees, students, and neighbors who walked alongside us in this journey. Your passion and persistence made this outcome possible.
There is much work ahead and we welcome your continued involvement. As bond projects take shape, we are committed to transparency, stewardship, and ongoing dialogue. Together, we will build the future of MHCC—one that honors our past and embraces the potential of every student who walks through our doors.
Read more about the path forward on pages 4-5!
With sincere appreciation,
Lisa Skari, Ed.D. President, Mt. Hood Community College
Head Start Celebrates 50 Years of Impact
Fiesta brings community together for performances, resource fair and food trucks
The 50-year milestone for MHCC’s Head Start program gathered hundreds of community members to the Yoshida Events Center on Saturday, May 3. Brightly-colored dancers from Ballet Folklorico performed for the Cinco de Mayothemed Fiesta event, which also featured a petting zoo, balloon animals, face painting, carnival games and resource booths from 44 area organizations.
Though it was all fun and games—this event marks five decades of educational opportunities, career pathways, and critical support services that the MHCC Head Start program has provided to nearly 1,000 families annually who are at or below the poverty level.
“As someone who grew up in a family that had its share of struggles, I know personally how critical early opportunities can be,” said Oregon State Representative Ricki Ruiz in a written statement he sent to MHCC to read at the event. “And I know this: poverty should never be a barrier to a child’s dreams. Thanks to Head Start, nearly 1,000 families each year don’t just dream—they have a chance to achieve.”
Also showing their support at the event, Gresham City Council President Jerry Hinton presented a City of Gresham Mayoral Proclamation that May 1, 2025 is Head Start’s official 50th Birthday in celebration of its “achievements, impact, and future,” and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson
took the podium to speak to the program’s legacy.
Landra Glover described her journey from a young mother of a 5-year-old in need of assistance to a Head Start Council Policy Chair to being honored in Washington, D.C. as the Head Start Parent of the Year. The author and business owner now volunteers her time offering free financial literacy tutoring for Head Start families.
“What’s especially inspiring is how many of Head Start’s 250-plus employees aren’t just staff—they’re alumni of the program, former parents who know firsthand the power of this work. That’s a beautiful full circle: the ones who once held their babies’ hands at drop-off are now holding the hands of the next generation, guiding them forward,” said Rep. Ruiz in his statement.
Reflecting on the event and the legacy, MHCC Child Development & Family Support Programs Executive Director Hilda Pena-Alfaro says: “Thank you all for celebrating this milestone, and for continuing to be a part of the Head Start legacy. Let’s carry this momentum forward and keep making a difference—one child, one family, and one community at a time.”
“Thanks to Head Start, nearly 1,000 families each year don’t just dream— they have a chance to achieve.”
-Oregon State Representative Ricki Ruiz
MHCC has empowered more than a million people who’ve walked through our doors since 1966. Alumni currently contribute over $350 million annually to the local economy, our Aquatic Center provides swim lessons to 26,000 residents a year, and thousands of skilled workers are equipped to fill high-demand fields like healthcare and engineering.
Join us now as we are able to take MHCC to new heights and provide environments that reflect the excellence of our students, faculty and community.
1
WORKFORCE READINESS
Lab and classroom renovations and expanded hands-on training opportunities will elevate opportunities for thousands of skilled workers in high-demand fields.
2
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Upgrades to the community pool for year-round use and improved ADA accessibility are just some ways that we will advance community access and support.
1
2
STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE
50-year old buildings are getting ready for the next adventure with much-needed upgrades to their original electrical wiring, heating, and cooling systems.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Increased security with modern lockdown capabilities, fire safety upgrades and seismic retrofits will provide safe passage for our campus community. STUDENT & COMMUNITY
SUCCESS
Modern and accessible facilities, elevated hands-on training and labs, and improved safety will ensure our students are equipped for the road ahead no matter how steep the climb. Follow our
Summer Events Calendar
June
Columbia River Swim Team Summer Blast Swim Meet Series
June 7 • 50-meter pool • Gresham, OR
USA Water Polo Junior Olympic Qualifier Tournament 14 and Under
June 14-15 • 50-meter pool • Gresham, OR
USA Water Polo Junior Olympic Qualifier Tournament 16 and Over
June 20-22 • 50-meter pool • Gresham, OR
Mt. Hood Aquatics Howard Jones Invitational
June 26-29 • All pools • Gresham, OR
USATF Oregon Youth Association Championships
June 26-29 • Earl Klapstein Stadium
US Shorinji Kempo Federation Event
June 26-29
• Yoshida Event Center
Columbia River Swim Team Summer Blast Swim Meet Series
July
Aug
June 5 • 50-meter pool • Gresham, OR
Mt. Hood Aquatics Seth Dawson Invitational Swim Meet
July 11-13 • All pools • Gresham, OR
USA Swimming Western Region Senior Sectionals
July 17-20
• All pools • Gresham, OR
Mt. Hood CC Women’s Basketball Guard Camp
July 19 • Gresham, OR
MHCC JAZZ CAMP
July 23-27 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Gresham, OR • mhcc.edu/jazzcamp
Oregon Swimming 11 And Over Long Course Championships
July 24-27
• All pools • Gresham, OR
Roots Organization Volleyball and Basketball Tournament
July 24-27
Columbia River Swim Team Summer Blast Swim Meet Series
August 2-3
• 50-meter pool • Gresham, OR
Mt. Hood CC Volleyball Camp
August 6-8
Mt. Hood CC Volleyball vs Linfield University
August 27 • 6 p.m. • Yoshida Event Center
Mt. Hood CC Volleyball vs Blue Mountain CC
August 29 • 3 p.m. • Yoshida Event Center
Dates and times may change as a result of weather.
*Indicates League Games
MHCC Hits the High Notes with Annual Jazz Festival
From soulful sets to skill-building sessions, jazz takes center stage on campus
Mt. Hood Community College welcomed 80 high school and middle school jazz ensembles from Oregon and Washington during its largest Jazz Festival to date. From April 25-27, students gathered on campus for a deep dive into jazz culture with master classes and the opportunity to perform alongside some of the genre’s greats.
“This event is a catalyst for future musicians, educators, and consumers of music. It’s an honor to welcome so many people onto our campus for such a vibrant event,” said MHCC Director of Jazz Studies and festival organizer Dan Davey.
Students of the MHCC Jazz program serve as festival staff for six on-campus performance venues, gaining real world experience with running a festival and, for those interested in becoming educators—what it’s like to take student groups to a festival. Some also get a taste of the stage themselves.
The MHCC Jazz Ensemble performed onstage this year with guest saxophonist and bandleader Joe Manis, and three student jazz combos performed with faculty at free events in Gresham and Troutdale venues during the festival. MHCC jazz alums also come back for the action—Robert Rodriguez (’22) performed with renowned saxophonist Jaleel Shaw and
Zyanna Melada (’19) led a trio performance at Spinellas in Gresham.
While always prolific, the jazz festival at MHCC has evolved over the years. First imagined as an outdoor summer festival that drew some of jazz’s top names to the region, it left campus in 2006 and signed the naming rights over to the MHCC Music program, which has hosted its own educational festival for the past 47 years. Today, the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival is an amalgam of the two histories.
“It continues to bring the top names of the genre to our community each year and now in addition, participating students experience an educational scaffolding where they can hear the top modern jazz trumpet player perform and then go to a room where they can ask questions and learn about how those musicians do what they do,” said Davey.
“It’s an exciting model that has grown to become the largest festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest!”
Photo credit: Camille Bruya Photography
Learn more about the MHCC Music program: mhcc.edu/musicensembles
Champions Gala Scores Big for Student Success
Our community truly brought their A-game to this year’s MHCC Foundation sports-themed Champions Gala and Auction
With supporters from across the region stepping up to the plate for students, we saw a nearly 50 percent increase in attendance over last year’s event. And the scoreboard didn’t stop there—thanks to the community’s generosity, we raised about 20 percent more than last year, setting a new record to support scholarships and programs that help make college accessible to all.
“That very first scholarship made me realize that there are people out there that were willing to invest their money, their time, and their effort to people like me,” said MHCC alumni Lluanny Martinez during the evening. “People that are so hungry to succeed. People that are so hungry to make a change in the world but we cannot given our financial circumstances, given our employment, given our home lives.”
Martinez shared her inspiring story of going to college in her thirties to realize her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. With kids and a full-time job, achieving this dream seemed impossible until she was pointed to MHCC and available scholarship opportunities. “Nobody’s going to pay me to go
to school,” she thought at the time. Today, with scholarship support and an amazing amount of drive, she not only has her nursing degree, but has just accepted an offer to be a full-time instructor for the next generation of nurses.
“The Champions Gala is a testament to what our community can achieve when we rally together for student success,” said Andrew Wynings, Director of Development and Foundation Operations. “Every dollar raised is a door opened, a future changed. We’re honored to be part of a team that believes so deeply in the power of education to transform lives.”
We look forward to seeing everyone back on the field next year—ready to go even bigger.
Learn how you can support student success: mhcc.edu/foundation
Small Business Development Center
At Mt. Hood Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower our small business community to achieve lasting success. We provide confidential, no-cost business advising, low-cost workshops and seminars, and access to resources needed to be successful. Our office is conveniently located just a few miles from the main campus at 18633 SE Stark Street, Suite 302, Portland, Oregon, and all services are open to the public. ¡Hablamos español! Email OregonSBDC@mhcc.edu or call us at 503-491-7658 today to discover your local SBDC. Let’s work together to turn your business dreams into reality!
Business Workshops
Building Better Businesses Together
June 18, 8 a.m.-1 p.m /W
Free • MHCC Vista Dining Hall/Town and Gown
Business Plan Bootcamp
Available on Demand
$70 (includes training materials) • Register for login information
Real Estate Broker Pre-License
June 26-Aug. 28, 6-9 p.m /Th
Aug. 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m /Sa
$600 • Zoom
Property Manager Pre-License Course
July 8-Aug. 19, 6-8 p.m /Th
$600 • Zoom
Marketing
WebMentor: Complete Business Website in 6
Short Sessions
Available on Demand
$225 (includes training materials) • Register for login information
Create Amazing Business Videos Without a Camera: An Introductory Course
July 22, 1-3 p.m. /Tu
$60
• SBDC Office
How to Get YouTube to Pay for Your Advertising
Aug 19, 1-3 p.m.
$60 • SBDC Office
Growing Your Business
Planning Your Business Transition
June 12, 1-2 p.m. /Th
$30 • Zoom
SBDC Startup Series - English
Startup Series - Part I: Regulations, Licenses, and Permits
July 8 or Aug. 5, 9-11 a.m /Tu
$50 • SBDC Office
Startup Series - Part II: ABC’s of Business: Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Capital
July 15 or Aug. 12, 9-11 a.m /Tu
$50
• SBDC Office
Startup Series – Part III: Marketing for Startups: 5 Secret Questions
July 22 or Aug. 19, 9-11 a.m /Tu
$50
• SBDC Office
Serie de Lanzamiento – En Español
Serie de Lanzamiento – Parte I: Regulaciones, Licencias y Permisos
Julio 9 or Agosto 6, 9-11 a.m /W
$50
• Oficina de SBDC
Serie de Lanzamiento – Parte II: Los ABC de los Negocios: Accounting (Contabilidad), Bookkeeping (Teneduría de libros), y Capital
Julio 16 or Agosto 13, 9-11 a.m /W
$50
• Oficina de SBDC
Serie de Lanzamiento – Parte III: Marketing para Startups: 5 Preguntas Secretas
Julio 23 or Agosto 20, 9-11 a.m /W
$50
• Oficina de SBDC
Workshop Registration
Scan QR to visit the SBDC course catalog to register. You must register for classes 72 hours before the start date.
Community Education Classes
Our Community Education classes are a convenient and affordable way to learn something new and meet community members with similar interests. Registration is open. Visit learn.mhcc.edu for full class descriptions and registration. For questions, contact Community Education at 503-491-7572.
Arts, Crafts, and Special Interest
Acting
June 24-Aug. 26, 7:30-9:30 p.m. /Tu
$79 ($69 Senior) • THE4UA • Sec. 91 • J. Puukka • GSHM
Advanced Acting
June 26-Aug. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. /Th
$79 ($69 Senior) • THE4UB • Sec. 91 • J. Puukka • GSHM
Beginning Piano
June 24-Aug. 5, 5:30-6:20 p.m. /Tu
$99 ($89 Senior)* • MUS4PP • Sec. 91 • D. Gonzales • Zoom
New! Chess Fundamentals - Mastering the Basics
June 23-July 21, 6-8 p.m. /M
$79 ($69 Senior) • REC4FC • Sec. 91 • R. McNames • Zoom
New! Chess Fundamentals - Intermediate
July 28-Aug. 25, 6-8 p.m. /M
$79 ($69 Senior) • REC4IC • Sec. 91 • R. McNames • Zoom
MIG Welding Basics
July 3 and 10, 6-9 p.m. /Th
$299 ($289 Senior) • GEN4MG • Sec. 91 • J. Manley • WCHS
Aug. 11 and 18, 6-9 p.m. /M
$299 ($289 Senior) • GEN4MG • Sec. 92 • J. Manley • WCHS
TIG Welding Aluminum
July 14 and 21, 6-9 p.m. /M
$455 ($445 Senior) • GEN4AL • Sec. 91 • J. Manley • WCHS
TIG Welding Basics
July 20 and 27, 3-6 p.m. /Su
$349 ($339 Senior) • GEN4TG • Sec. 91 • J. Manley • WCHS
Aug. 7 and 14, 6-9 p.m. /Th
$349 ($339 Senior) • GEN4TG • Sec. 92 • J. Manley • WCHS
Business and Finance
Medicare Basics
July 16, 7-9 p.m. /W
Free • HE4MC • Sec. 91 • B. Earnest • Zoom
Aug. 13, 7-9 p.m. /W
Free • HE4MC • Sec. 92 • B. Earnest • Zoom
Retirement Intelligence
July 8 and 15, 6-7:30 p.m. /Tu
$49 ($39 Senior) • FIN4PR • Sec. 91 • J. Coffee • Zoom
Computer and Technology
Beginner’s Guide to Starting a FREE Blog
July 15, 3-5 p.m. /Tu
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4BL • Sec. 91 • L. Krusemark • Zoom
Don’t Throw it Away - Sell it Online!
July 15, 6-9 p.m. /Tu
$59 ($49 Senior) • GEN4EC • Sec. 91 • K. Boyd • Zoom
Monetize Blogs, Social Media with Affiliate Marketing
July 24, 4-6 p.m. /Th
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4BG • Sec. 91 • L. Krusemark • Zoom
Health, Fitness, and Recreation
Adult Ballet
July 3-Aug. 14, 4:15-5:45 p.m. /Th
$59 ($49 Senior)* • REC4AB • Sec. 91 • L. Fairchild • GSHM
Advanced Tai Chi Chuan & Broadsword
June 30-Aug. 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m. /M
$53 ($43 Senior) • REC7TC • Sec. 91 • B. Newman • FRVW/GSHM
July 1-Aug. 19, 6-7 p.m. /Tu
$53 ($43 Senior) • REC7TC • Sec. 92 • B. Newman • GSHM
July 11-Aug 29, 1:30-2:30 p.m. /F
$53 ($43 Senior) • REC7TC • Sec. 93 • B. Newman • GSHM
New! Balance, Mobility, and Strength for Over 40
June 24-July 31, 8:30-9:30 a.m. /Tu,Th
$89 ($79 Senior) • REC5BS • Sec. 91 • T. Yamamoto • GSHM
Beginning Tai Chi Chuan & Qigong
June 30-Aug. 18, 12:30-1:20 p.m. /M
$53 ($43 Senior) • REC5TC • Sec. 91 • B. Newman • FRVW/GSHM
July 1-Aug. 19, 5-5:50 p.m. /Tu
$53 ($43 Senior) • REC5TC • Sec. 92 • B. Newman • GSHM
July 11-Aug. 29, 12:30-1:20 p.m. /F
$53 ($43 Senior) • REC5TC • Sec. 93 • B. Newman • GSHM
Belly Dance Fitness
July 5-Aug. 23, 2-2:50 p.m. /Sa
$69 ($59 Senior) • REC4WB • Sec. 91 • K. Miller • GSHM
Introduction to Fly Fishing
Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. /Sa
$95 ($85 Senior) • REC4FF • Sec. 91 • C. Olson • GSHM
Introduction to Modern Country Swing Dance
June 24-Aug. 5, 7:15-8:15 p.m. /Tu
$50 ($40 Senior) • REC4SW • Sec. 91 • P. Thomas • GSHM
Qigong for Women
July 17-Aug. 21, 6-7 p.m. /Th
$50 ($40 Senior) • REC5QW • Sec. 91 • B. Newman • GSHM
Tai Chi Adapted for Better Balance
June 30-Aug. 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. /M
$59 ($49 Senior) • REC5TA • Sec. 91 • S. Hartwell • GSHM
July 3-Aug. 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. /Th
$59 ($49 Senior) • REC5TA • Sec. 92 • S. Hartwell • GSHM
Tap Dance
July 5-Aug. 23, 3-3:50 p.m. /Sa
$69 ($59 Senior)* • REC3TP • Sec. 91 • K. Miller • GSHM
Tap Dance for Beginners
July 5-Aug. 23, 4-4:50 p.m. /Sa
$69 ($59 Senior)* • REC4BT • Sec. 91 • K. Miller • GSHM
Home, Garden, and Family
Backyard Birdwatching
July 30, 6-8 p.m. /W
$26 ($16 Senior) • HOM4BD • Sec. 91 • R. Lexa • Zoom
New! Birdwatching Walk
Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. /F
$26 ($16 Senior)* • HOM4WA • Sec. 91 • R. Lexa • PBNB
Concealed Handgun Permit Class
Aug. 4, 6-9 p.m. /M
$59 ($49 Senior) • GUN4CH • Sec. 91 • S. Curtain • GSHM
First-Time Home Buyer Workshop
July 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. /W
$10 ($0 Senior) • HOM4FT • Sec. 91 • N. Walsh • GSHM
Garden with Edible Natives
July 12, 10-11:30 a.m. /Sa
$25 ($15 Senior) • HOM4EN • Sec. 91 • C. Hines • Zoom
New! Just a Cocktail
June 26, 6-7 p.m. /Th • Historical Grog & Royal Negroni
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4JC • Sec. 91 • J. Crosby • JTRM
July 10, 6-7 p.m. /Th • Valley Rose & Blue Hawaii
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4JC • Sec. 92 • J. Crosby • JTRM
July 24, 6-7 p.m. /Th • The Hurricane & Mai Tai
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4JC • Sec. 93 • J. Crosby • JTRM
Aug 14, 6-7 p.m. /Th • Just a Dream & The Marauder
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4JC • Sec. 94 • J. Crosby • JTRM
Aug 28, 6-7 p.m. /Th • Halekulani & The Lost Lake Act 2
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4JC • Sec. 95 • J. Crosby • JTRM
Motorcycle Training for All Levels
Learn more: team-oregon.org • Prices vary • GSHM
Mushroom Foraging for Beginners
July 24, 6-8 p.m. /Th
$26 ($16 Senior) • HOM4MF • Sec. 91 • R. Lexa • Zoom
Navigating Genealogy Chaos: Techniques for Staying Organized Amidst Your Research
Aug. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. /Th
$40 ($30 Senior) • HOM4OG • Sec. 91 • J. Lava • Zoom
North Indian Cooking
July 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. /Tu
$40 ($30 Senior)* • HOM4IN • Sec. 91 • P. Khunisorn • Zoom
New! Pierogi: Polish Dumplings
Aug 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. /M
$40 ($30 Senior)* • HOM4PO • Sec. 91 • P. Khunisorn • Zoom
Roots Revealed: The Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy
July 10 and 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. /Th
$50 ($40 Senior) • HOM4GJ • Sec. 91 • J. Lava • Zoom
Unlock the Mysteries of Ancestry.com: A Beginner’s Guide
July 24 and 31, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. /Th
$50 ($40 Senior) • HOM4AN • Sec. 91 • J. Lava • Zoom
GSHM | MHCC Gresham
26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, OR
FRVW | Fairview Community Center
300 Harrison St., Fairview, OR
Language, Travel, and Culture
Explore the World as a Travel Writer
July 15, 1-3 p.m. /Tu
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4TW • Sec. 91 • L. Krusemark • Zoom
Guide to Using FREE Chat GPT (AI) for Writers
July 24, 2-4 p.m. /Th
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4CH • Sec. 91 • L. Krusemark • Zoom
Introduction to Journaling: A Beginner’s Guide
July 22, 1-3 p.m. /Tu
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4JO • Sec. 91 • L. Krusemark • Zoom
Writing for Online Blogs, Magazines and Websites
July 16, 2-4 p.m. /W
$45 ($35 Senior) • HOM4WO • Sec. 91 • L. Krusemark • Zoom
New! Writing Gothic Romance
July 12-Aug. 30, 5-7 p.m. /Sa
$95 ($85 Senior) • LAN4GR • Sec. 91 • S. Ford • Zoom
Online Learning for Professional and Personal Development
In partnership with Education2Go, MHCC offers online learning and professional development opportunities for in-demand workforce skills as well as personal enrichment courses. Courses may be instructor-moderated or self-guided. Instructormoderated courses are available with a mid-month starting date. Self-guided courses begin after registration.
Education2Go courses include the following and more: Accounting and Finance, Business, College Readiness, Computer Science, Digital Photography, Foreign Languages, Health and Fitness, Information Technology, Legal Studies, Teaching and Education, Website Design, Writing and Publishing
See more courses and register at ed2go.com/mhcc
We want to hear from you!
Visit mhcc.edu/ce or scan the QR code to take a survey on which community education classes MHCC should offer in the future.
* Additional fees, supplies or books are required.
CANCELLATION POLICY: We do not like to cancel classes; however, sometimes it is necessary to cancel before the first meeting when enrollments do not reach a minimum. If we do not have enough students registered for a class prior to its start date, it will be canceled two days beforehand. Every effort is made to notify registered students of the cancellation, by email and/or by phone. Your registration might be the one that enables the class to be held, so please REGISTER EARLY!
IN-PERSON LOCATION KEY
MAY | MHCC Maywood Park Center
10100 NE Prescott St., Portland, OR
WCHS | Wildcat Hobby Shop
3611 NE 50th Ave, Portland, OR
JTRM | Just Rum
17020 Ruben Lane, Sandy, OR
PBNP|Powell Butte Nature Park
16160 SE Powell Blvd., Portland, OR
MHCC in the Community
1. MHCC Gains National Exemplary Leadership Recognition
Big congratulations to MHCC’s Board of Education and President Lisa Skari for receiving the 2025 Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship Award from the American Association of Community Colleges in April! This national honor celebrates a shared commitment to student success, advocacy, and strong governance. We’re proud to see MHCC leadership recognized on a national stage!
2. Coming Together Over Breakfast
More than 500 people gathered for this year’s MHCC Global Breakfast on April 29 - our biggest turnout yet! Amazing performances, cuisine, and traditional dress made up this vibrant celebration of culture and community. Proceeds will support the Ali Modabber ESL Emergency Fund, helping ESL students facing financial hardship. Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable morning possible!
3. MHCC Featured in Gresham State of the City Address
MHCC was proud to be recognized for our workforce partnerships - especially in the semiconductor industry - during Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall’s inspiring State of the City Address on March 18. Congratulations to Alyson Huntting, Community Member of the Year, and former Mayor Shane Bemis, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and a park renamed in his honor. We’re grateful to be part of a community dedicated to growth, opportunity, and collaboration.
4. MHCC Joins HSI Summit
MHCC staff and faculty attended the 4th annual Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit at Western Oregon University in April. This important gathering brought together campus, community, and national partners to celebrate and explore what it means to be an HSI. We’re honored to be part of this ongoing conversation and committed to advancing equity and support for all of our students.
5. MHCC Celebrates National Small Business Development Centers Day!
To celebrate National Small Business Development Centers Day on March 19, MHCC’s own SBDC hosted a vibrant open house filled with community connection and local flavor. Guests enjoyed delicious treats from local small businesses, networked with fellow entrepreneurs, and met MHCC expert advisors. We’re proud to support local business growth and empower entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive!
6. Advocating for Accessible, Affordable, HighQuality Higher Education
MHCC welcomed the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways and Means to campus on March 22 for a powerful session about state community college funding. Filled with heartfelt testimonials from students, faculty, and community members, the event emphasized the critical role community colleges play in expanding access to high quality education and workforce training. Thank you to our legislators for engaging with us, and to all who showed up in support of shaping a brighter future for Oregon.
Follow MHCC in the community:
Mt. Hood Community College
@mthoodcommunitycollege
Mt. Hood Community College
@mt.hoodcommunitycollege8272
26000 S.E. Stark St., Gresham, OR 97030
Don’t miss Mt. Hood Community College Small Business Development Center’s FREE Entrepreneur and Small Business Fair—your one-stop shop for turning ideas into action!
Your business journey starts here — let’s grow together!
Event Details
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Mt. Hood Community College Vista Dining Hall/Town and Gown 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham OR 97030
• Discover powerful programs and services
• Get expert advice in one-on-one sessions
• Join dynamic business + industry panel talks
• Network with fellow go-getters
• Enjoy food, drinks, and fresh connections
Thank you to our event sponsor!
