Top Stories of 2024: Partnerships and student success highlight best articles
Photos and story by James Hill
And a drum roll, please! We reveal the top-five, most-read Portland Community College stories of 2024.
No. 5: PCC Celebrates Class of 2024
In the fifth spot, is our annual graduation preview. PCC’s Class of 2024 celebrated their graduation on June 14 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The event featured College President Adrien Bennings, keynote speaker Executive Vice President Katy Ho, and student speaker Vladislav Kirilov, an international student inspired by ophthalmology. We also highlighted special 2024 graduates and their inspiring stories. Read more.
No. 4: Graduation A Family Affair
Continuing the commencement theme is our special spotlight of the graduation ceremony. PCC’s 62nd commencement celebrated 900 graduates, including father-daughter duo Sean and Mackenzie Hotchkiss. Sean, motivated by the loss of a loved one, earned a marketing degree, while Mackenzie pursued psychology. Their journey symbolized perseverance, balancing grief, education and family. Read more.
No. 3: A Dream Job That Saves Lives
Brianna Mascaro, a 2022 graduate, works as a biomedical equipment technician at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, maintaining life-saving devices. A mother of three, she pursued PCC’s Biomedical Engineering Technology Program, balancing family and education. Mascaro encourages women to join the rewarding, hands-on field, emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving. Read more.
No. 2: Jade Market Night Returns
The Jade International Night Market returned to the Southeast Campus last August, celebrating Southeast Portland’s cultural diversity. The popular event featured local artisans, global cuisines, kids’ activities, and performances like Portland Taiko and Bollywood Dreams. The family-friendly event supports community connections and economic growth, with PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings welcoming attendees. Read more.
No. 1: PCC, LAIKA Join Forces
And the top story of the year was our coverage of PCC and LAIKA Studios partnership to foster diversity in animation. LAIKA pledged $60,000 to fund scholarships and develop the college’s Animation & Motion Graphics Program. The collaboration includes new courses, industry mentorship, internships and portfolio reviews, supporting students’ career readiness while advancing equitable access to creative arts education. Read more.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »