Bob's ID badge.

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND, Ore. – No matter the season, it's always the “dog days” at Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus Veterans Resource Center (VRC).

Therapy dogs bring big benefits to mental health, and the Sylvania VRC is experiencing this firsthand. Matt Blankenship has served as the Sylvania VRC coordinator since 2019, and his fluffy partner named Bob—a 20-pound miniature Australian Labradoodle—has been a beloved presence on campus for nearly two years.

Bob is Blankenship’s emotional support animal that has been specifically trained to be a therapy dog. More than 20 years ago, Blankenship enlisted in the U.S. Army at a young age but his military career ended abruptly when he was injured and the Army ultimately medically separated him.

“My service experience was a bit non-traditional,” said Blankenship, who also opened the college’s first VRC at the Cascade Campus from 2011 to 2014. “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to join the military, so I enlisted in the Army just before 9/11, at 17, and shipped-off right after graduation. I’ve always wanted to serve a purpose greater than myself and to be part of a team–and was certain I’d serve for 20 years.

“That process (the medical separation) was really difficult, but it inspired me to do the work I do now at PCC, helping veterans transition from the military to civilian life and support them through their journey,” he added.

Every Wednesday and Thursday, Bob accompanies Blankenship to the VRC, where his role is to interact with students to provide them with comfort, joy and stress relief. Unlike service dogs, who focus solely on their handler, therapy dogs like Bob engage openly with others, offering snuggles and emotional support. Currently, he is only available at the Sylvania Campus VRC.

For veterans like Blankenship or anyone needing comfort, the VRC provides an open, inclusive space, welcoming all students to stop by, enjoy the “Best free coffee on campus,” and connect. Also, Tuesday, Nov. 12, the VRC hosted refreshments and a “Staff Wall of Honor” in the CC Building's Upper Mall to celebrate Veterans Day.

The Veterans Resource Centers (VRCs) focus on providing veteran and military-affiliated students, their families, and the surrounding veteran community with advocacy, resources, programming and cultural engagement. The college has centers located on Cascade, Rock Creek, Southeast, and Sylvania campuses. Last year, PCC was named a Military Friendly School, a designation recognizing schools that invest in programs to recruit, retain and advance veterans as employees, entrepreneurs and students.

Blankenship and Bob share a special bond as do the students who utilize PCC's veteran resources.

“He’s the youngest of three I have from the same line of dogs,” said Blankenship. “Bob’s temperament has always been ideal for this role—he's not vocal or aggressive and is incredibly gentle with everyone, including children and people with disabilities. I noticed around six months old that Bob had the perfect temperament for this work, so I started training him for the therapy role at the VRC.”

He said Bob intuitively senses when someone needs extra attention, sitting close or curling up beside them. Many students now visit the VRC just to see Bob, who creates a welcoming environment for most. Blankenship shared a recent and moving experience involving a new student who was clearly distressed but not able to converse and near tears. After sitting with Bob for a while, her mood lifted, a testament to the dog’s comforting impact.

“Bob did what I couldn’t,”  said Blankenship.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

###

Kuykendall working in the shop.

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College Automotive Service Technology Program instructor Jay Kuykendall of Molalla has been named the 2024 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year by the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT).

The Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year award recognizes excellence in automotive education and requires recipients to excel in ASE automotive tests A1-A8, which include categories like engine repair, brakes and engine performance. Recipients must also pass the L1 Advanced Engine Performance exam. Kuykendall received a one-year subscription to Mitchell 1’s ProDemand auto repair information software, an NACAT membership and an all-expenses-paid trip to the NACAT conference.

“I'm just starting my 10th year here at PCC," he said. "Being awarded educator of the year was a very humbling experience. I work with a great group of talented instructors and staff in the program, all of whom are just as deserving. My hope is that it results in additional exposure to our program, allowing us to help more students who want to be part of the automotive industry.”

Initially, Kuykendall thought the award was too good to be true.

“When I was first contacted, I thought it was a scam," he chuckled. "Why would they pick me when there are so many great automotive instructors out there? Now I feel like I need to work harder to live up to the award, not for myself but for the students here at PCC.”

In his role, Kuykendall oversees the auto shop lab and teaches engine performance classes, along with elective courses like Subaru U, electrified vehicles and light-duty diesel. Outside of teaching, he owns and operates Green Flag Auto Repair in Molalla and co-founded the Northwest Automotive Technicians Society. He is also a certified ASE Master Technician. He said teaching within a career technical education program is very rewarding. 

“We are lucky in CTE programs because we often get to spend much more time with our students than in a traditional academic program," he said. "It's nice to get to know a lot more about the individual students while they are here."

Kuykendall’s passion for the automotive industry should not be a surprise. As a kid, he was immersed in the world of racing and getting the most out of race cars and automobiles.

“I grew up with my family racing at the local short track," he said. "I helped my dad and brothers work on the race cars, and in high school my sport was drag racing." 

After attending trade school, he began working in the automotive field immediately after graduating from college and the rest is history.

His program is critical for the local automotive service industry. PCC-trained automotive service technicians are in high demand due to a national shortage of skilled workers. Graduates of the program find employment opportunities across dealerships, independent garages, service stations, and specialty shops, with jobs available in virtually any location. Having recognized and talented instructors in the program is key to its continued success.

"Jay teaches a full course load each year, while also taking on the responsibility of teaching all three of our elective courses, coordinating industry training for working technicians, and leading a group of industry professionals to address current challenges," said Russ Jones, automotive service instructor and program chair. "I am incredibly proud of Jay for earning this recognition—he truly deserves it. His dedication to both our students and the industry is remarkable."

For more information, visit pcc.edu/programs/auto-service/.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

###

Left to right, Betty Woods, Barry Bennett and Trina Gaynon.

PORTLAND, Ore. – There is a little known organization that is proving that learning and education knows no age limit.

Portland Community College's Senior Studies Institute (SSI) offers a program tailored to older adults who are eager to continue learning, connect with others and share their passions. SSI, which has nearly 250 members, is built on a model that fosters lifelong learning without the traditional pressures of grades, exams or mandatory attendance. Instead, the program emphasizes community-driven learning, with members playing a central role in designing, leading and participating in classes and activities. In addition, PCC gives residents 62 and older free or discounted tuition toward general classes as they pursue lifelong learning.

“SSI is a conduit for mature adults to feed their curiosity, experience new things, explore areas of interest, and connect and establish new friendships in a non-pressured, no risk environment,” said Senior Studies participant Betty Woods. “However, members choose to do so either from the comfort of their home, via Zoom, or in-person gatherings or both.”  

Programs for older adults have sprouted up all across the country at community colleges and universities. For example, the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement offers more than 120 courses annually, all developed and led by its senior members in a liberal arts setting. In addition, Temple University has the Senior Scholars initiative, Rutgers provides continuing education to those 50 and older, and the California State University system provides senior citizens with free tuition, applications, health services and instructional-related activities.

PCC’s SSI stands apart from many educational programs with its member-led structure. There is no formal faculty, and class proposals are entirely generated by the membership. Members are encouraged to share their knowledge through two-hour presentations on a variety of subjects. They can moderate discussions, facilitate streaming educational courses, or form friendship circles that extend beyond the classroom. This member-driven approach allows for a more personal and passionate learning environment where everyone benefits.

One of Senior Studies’ most active advocates is Woods, a member since 2015. A lifelong learner, she holds an associate degree in Business Management from Chemeketa Community College and has had a varied professional career across multiple industries. Upon joining SSI, she quickly took on leadership roles, currently serving as the membership administrator and regularly presenting classes. Woods views SSI as a perfect platform for older adults to explore new areas of interest and connect with others in a supportive, no-risk environment.

Barry Bennett is a retired lawyer and educator with an extensive background in law, both in the U.S. and internationally. Since joining in 2015, Bennett has been an active participant, serving as a past chair and currently co-managing the “Nonfiction Book Group.” According to Bennett, SSI fosters both lifelong learning and relationships. 

“We’re all learning now just for the fun of it, so be sure to bring your sense of humor,” said Bennett, who had a varied career in law (private practice, assistant attorney general with the Oregon Department of Justice, administrative law judge and United States attorney). “We have a lot of interesting members with all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. And our dual mission includes education and the expansion of social relationships.”

Bennett said the value of SSI extends beyond the educational offerings. SSI has initiated “Friendship Circles,” where members with shared interests can form independent groups to socialize and engage in activities like board games, photography, or luncheons. This new initiative is part of SSI’s broader aim to strengthen its community and attract more members.

Poet Trina Gaynon is another member who has found a fulfilling outlet in SSI. Leading the group “Poetry Reading Fun,” Gaynon has been instrumental in keeping Senior Studies' poetry community vibrant, even transitioning the group to remote platforms like Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts allowed poetry lovers to continue sharing and discussing their favorite works, a testament to the adaptability and resilience of members. Gaynon has started leading writing salons (places for mutual encouragement and dialogue) for the SSI group.

“At each salon, a visual prompt and related samples of writing will be provided and group members will spend time writing,” she said. “Each writer will be given the opportunity to share work in progress or the process of writing. Members of SSI have many stories to tell. This is one way to start to do that.”

SSI’s adaptability was further proven during the pandemic. The all-volunteer organization made a successful leap to online meetings, ensuring that learning and connection continued, even when in-person gatherings were not possible. Despite the challenges, Senior Studies remains a thriving, member-led organization that continues to provide dynamic learning opportunities and build meaningful relationships, Gaynon said.

To join or learn more about SSI, visit pcc.edu/senior-studies.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/