MHCC Achieves GFOA’s Triple Crown Award for Financial Excellence

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) has become the only public college in Oregon to earn the prestigious Triple Crown Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award is given to organizations that achieve all three of GFOA’s top honors: the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

MHCC received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award on September 11 for its budget document for the fiscal year starting July 1. This followed the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, awarded on August 16 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. These, combined with the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, culminated in the college receiving the Triple Crown Award, a distinction shared by only a few government entities nationwide.

MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari highlighted the significance of the award, noting it reflects the college’s dedication to financial stewardship. “Being the only public college in Oregon to receive this honor speaks to the hard work and expertise of our finance team,” she said. “It demonstrates how we manage resources to support student success and community growth.”

The GFOA created the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program in 1984 to encourage excellence in government budgeting. MHCC’s award-winning budget document was evaluated on its effectiveness as a policy document, financial plan, operational guide, and communication tool.

For more information on MHCC’s fnancial transparency, visit the Budget and Finance Ofce page at mhcc.edu.

MHCC Partners with College Housing Northwest to Open Abigail Court: A New Student Housing Community in Gresham

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is proud to announce the opening of Abigail Court, a new student housing community developed in collaboration with College Housing Northwest (CHNW). Located near downtown Gresham, Abigail Court offers 75 studio units that provide safe and affordable housing for MHCC students.

Formerly the Pony Soldier Inn, the site has been transformed into modern student apartments, offering residents utilities and Wi-Fi included at no extra cost. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from MHCC’s Gresham campus, Abigail Court gives students easy access to grocery stores, job opportunities, and other local amenities.

Fifty of the units are reserved for the Affordable Rent for College Students (ARCS) program, offering no-cost housing to students referred through the college’s Student Basic Needs office. This initiative aims to support students experiencing housing insecurity, providing them with a stable environment as they focus on their education.

MHCC leadership at the grand opening of the Abigail Court housing community

“Abigail Court represents an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to student success,” said MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari. “We’re not just offering a place to live, but a place where students can thrive.”

Students began moving in on September 25, just in time for the fall term. Abigail Court is part of MHCC’s continued partnership with CHNW, which began in 2020, to address the need for affordable student housing.