Portland Community College

Overview

Portland Community College (PCC) was established in 1961 to provide adult education for the local community in Portland. The first president was Amo DeBernardis, who led the college from its founding until 1979. Today, PCC is a well-known institution for higher education, serving a diverse student body across several campuses.

PCC has four main campuses, with the largest being the Sylvania Campus, which opened in 1968. This campus is located between Lake Oswego and Tigard and has around 23,280 students enrolled each year. It features four student centers, including the Queer Resource Center and the Women's Resource Center. The Rock Creek Campus, opened in 1976, spans 260 acres and serves about 20,000 students annually, boasting 214 permanent art installations.

The Cascade Campus is smaller but is located in the heart of Portland and opened in 1971. The newest addition, the Southeast Campus, opened in 1981 and reflects a rich cultural mix with significant Chinese, Vietnamese, Latino, Russian, and Ukrainian communities. Besides the campuses, PCC operates several centers, such as the CLIMB Center and the Swan Island Trades Center.

PCC offers a wide range of programs across different fields. In Health and Wellness, students can study areas like Nursing, Dental Assisting, and Exercise Science. The Business Department offers degrees in Business Administration and Management, while the Building and Trades Department includes programs in Civil Engineering Technology and Welding.

Notable alumni from Portland Community College include Margaret Carter, the first African-American woman in Oregon's Legislature, and Jon Hill, a former White House Executive Chef. Other distinguished graduates include author Rebecca Skloot and contemporary artist Marie Watt.

Portland Community College has a variety of popular programs, including an Associate in Applied Science in Accounting and certificates in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering Technology. With no application fees and a regular deadline for admissions, PCC makes it easy for students to apply.

Overall, Portland Community College is an excellent choice for students looking to further their education in a supportive environment. With numerous resources and a commitment to diversity, PCC is dedicated to helping students succeed in their academic and career goals.

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