This content was published: May 27, 1997. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC Announces 1997 Commencement at Memorial Coliseum
Photos and story by Mark Evertz
The spotlight will shine on hundreds of graduates at Portland Community College’s commencement ceremony on June 14. A PCC graduation is a community celebration: Graduates of all ages, walks of life and ethnic backgrounds take center stage at the Memorial Coliseum, 3 p.m.
Portland Community College, the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon, celebrates its 35th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 14, 3 p.m., at the Memorial Coliseum. Friends, family members and community college supporters will come together to celebrate students’ academic achievement.
Commencement speaker this year is U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who was a member of the Portland Community College Board of Directors from 1974 to 1981. The student speaker is James Parker, who, despite a hearing impairment, is a successful competitor on the PCC debate team. Parker is a returning student, attends classes on the Sylvania Campus, and believes PCC has given him a second chance at career success. Sylvania Campus Executive Dean Alice Jacobson will emcee, Board chair Dana Anderson will introduce Rep. Blumenauer. Tim Greenidge will sing the national anthem and music will be provided by PCC’s Monday Night Big Band, directed by Greg McKelvey.
This year, 1,952 students will be earning associate degrees, certificates, high school diplomas and GED’s. "A Portland Community College graduation symbolizes the hope and promise we have for our community," said President Dan Moriarty. "Many of our students have overcome tremendous hurdles to walk out of the coliseum with diploma in hand."
For many PCC graduates, the road to a diploma or certificate is marked by personal sacrifice and extraordinary dedication. Many juggle jobs, families and other commitments to stay in school and succeed.