Portland Community College’s 50th Anniversary is “An Evening for Opportunity”

Frank Foti, Roger Hinshaw, PCC President Preston Pulliams and Margaret Hinshaw

Portland, May 19. Portland Community College’s 50th Anniversary Gala raised nearly $300,000. The gala drew close to 500 supporters including: Frank Foti, Roger Hinshaw, PCC President Preston Pulliams and Margaret Hinshaw. (Photo Credit, Vern Uyetake) The funds will be used for student success initiatives and scholarships, including the Future Connect Scholarship Program, established this year in partnership with the City of Portland. These funds will play a critical role in opening the door to college for hundreds of students who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

PCC Future Connect Scholarship recipients Marius Ibuye and Nguyen Nguyen with City of Portland Mayor Sam Adams

Guests came out to celebrate – 1960s style – at Pure Space in the Pearl District. The Honorary Chairs for the evening were Linda and Junki Yoshida. Bank of America was the Diamond Sponsor, and Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

PCC Board Chair Jim Harper presents the Patron Award to Jill Eiland, NW Region Corporate Affairs Manager of Intel, and Eric Parsons, Board Chair of the Oregon Community Foundation

Margaret Kirkpatrick, Robert Frisbee, Preston Pulliams, Congressman Earl Blumenauer and PCC Board Vice Chair Denise Frisbee

Ross Lienhart and Gregg Kantor

Honorary Gala Chairs Linda and Junki Yoshida

Guests enjoyed dinner, heartfelt speeches from PCC scholarship recipients and donors, and a performance by the Swingline Cubs that brought everyone to the dance floor.

About Portland Community College and the PCC Foundation:

Portland Community College is the largest institution of higher learning in the state of Oregon, serving more than 93,000 students in a five-county, 1,500-square-mile district. The PCC Foundation supports student scholarships and educational programs, with the vision that all students in our region have access to an excellent education at PCC and the support needed to succeed, regardless of their ability to pay.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.