PCC Earns First-ever AASHE Stars Gold For Sustainability Efforts (Photo) -04/16/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College has reached the gold standard for sustainability.

 

PCC recently learned that it was awarded AASHE Stars Gold for the first time.

The AASHE STARS report evaluates institutions on their sustainability across academics, engagement, operations and planning. PCC’s strong performance—especially in student engagement and climate action—resulted in the college achieving STARS Gold for the first time after reaching STARS Silver for many years.

 

“Achieving STARS Gold is monumental for PCC because it validates the college’s extremely collaborative and holistic approach to sustainability and climate action,” said PCC’s Associate Dean of Sustainability Strategies Briar Wray. “We are a leader due to our innovative programming and long-standing commitment. We would not be where we are today without the support from our partners in Operations, Student Engagement, Academic Affairs and Administration. We are thrilled to have this recognition and continue modeling what is possible for sustainability leadership in higher education.”

 

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS is intended to engage and recognize the full spectrum of higher education institutions, from community colleges to research universities.

 

The news comes as PCC is closing in on major milestones in its commitment to sustainability. As the 2026 deadline for its current Climate Action Plan approaches, the college’s Sustainability Program is well on its way to meeting several key goals—ranging from emissions reductions and waste diversion to community education and carbon neutrality.

 

One major advancement has been in construction waste diversion. Thanks to collaboration with the PCC’s Planning & Capital Construction office, the college has implemented policies to keep waste from building projects out of landfills. The effort has paid off: approximately 75%, and sometimes as much as 90%, of this waste is now diverted away from landfills.

 

“It’s a huge partnership,” said Jade Menchaca, PCC sustainability coordinator. “A lot of waste comes from those construction projects and they’re really working hard to divert that.”

 

The push toward renewable energy has also gained significant ground. Since the Climate Action Plan went into effect, PCC has installed solar arrays, secured renewable energy contracts and expanded its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to a dozen, bringing the college to 50% carbon neutrality.

 

Additionally, the college has grown its sustainability course offerings to nearly 150 across 46 subjects and supports unique hands-on learning through programs like learning gardens and habitat restoration.

 

While the current Climate Action Plan nears its endpoint, the work is far from over. PCC updates its climate strategy every five years, and preparations for the next version are already in motion. PCC will publish a report on the results of the plan by 2026 with the aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

 

PCC will celebrate the news during its Earth Week festivities from April 21-25. Students, staff and community members are invited to join in the weeklong celebration, which highlights environmental awareness, education and engagement.

 

A key feature of the festivities is a series of daily tabling fairs, taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each of PCC’s main campuses. Attendees can explore a variety of booths offering giveaways, hands-on activities, and resources centered on sustainability and climate action.

 

The full calendar of events can be viewed at pcc.edu/earthweek.

 

 

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 53,000 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/

 

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

 

PCC's Spring Trades Career Fair Features Employers Showcasing Top Local Jobs (Photo) -04/01/25

HILLSBORO, Ore. – Portland Community College will host its Spring Trades Career Fair from 12:30-3 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center (241 SW Edgeway Drive) in Hillsboro.

 

More than 50 local employers will attend to meet job seekers interested in careers in fields such as manufacturing, bioscience, shipfitting, welding, ironwork, machining, construction, microelectronics, and other skilled trades. Attendees can explore union apprenticeships, industry internships, and direct job openings.

 

“This fair is ideal whether you're experienced, new to trades, or considering a career change,” said Michelle Parr, business and industry liaison for PCC’s Career Pathways & STEP program. “It’s a great chance to connect directly with employers hiring now.”

 

PCC’s Career Pathways Program offers more than 50 short-term certificates, each designed to quickly lead students into employment and further education. Students receive personalized coaching to navigate college and identify career options.

 

The event is free and open to PCC students, staff, community members, and partner agencies. Free on-site parking is available. Attendees can also reach the center via TriMet bus lines 52 and 88, or the MAX Blue Line.

 

More information is available at pcc.edu/career-pathways or interested employers can email michelle.parr@pcc.edu.

 

 

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 53,000 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/

 

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

 

PCC's 'fairy Job Mother' Named NKBA/KBIS National Educator Of The Year (Photo) -03/25/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College interior design instructor Robin Rigby Fisher is known to her students as the “fairy job mother” for her ability to guide them to employment success. However, her students can now call her something else -- national educator of the year.

 

In March, the Milwaukie (Oak Grove) resident was awarded the inaugural 2025 NKBA/KBIS Educator of the Year award at the National Kitchen and Bath Association's prestigious Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. She accepted the trophy before a wide audience that included 11 of her current students, underscoring her impact as both an educator and mentor.

 

“Being awarded the first-ever NKBA Educator of the Year is such an honor,” Fisher said. “The design industry has been so good to me over the years, and I feel it's my responsibility to give back to the next generation. It's an incredible honor to be recognized for doing something I love.” 

 

Fisher’s recognition at the industry-leading event attended by professionals nationwide highlights her contributions to kitchen and bath design education. According to the NKBA, Fisher combines "award-winning creativity with a deep passion for education, mentorship, and innovation," qualities that have made her an influential figure in her field.

Since starting her design career in 1989, she has successfully launched both a residential design-build remodeling company and an independent residential design firm. Her contributions to the industry earned her a spot among Kitchen & Bath Design News' Top 50 Innovators in 2017.

 

Fisher’s dedication extends well beyond the classroom. For five years, she has brought PCC design students to the conference, offering invaluable exposure to the industry’s premier professionals. This year, Fisher hosted a special VIP event at the show to spotlight her students, describing the experience as "off the charts" for those in attendance.

“I really get jazzed when I hear about students’ successes after graduation,” she said.

 

Fisher, who is the faculty chair of the Interior Design Program, joined PCC in 2003. Currently, she is working with industry leaders to establish a cutting-edge lighting and cabinetry lab at PCC's Sylvania Campus. This effort will further elevate interior design and allow partnering with other college programs to create a collaborative lab experience, she said.

 

This all part of her bigger plan for her program.

 

“We have students coming from all over the U.S. and Japan,” Fisher said. “I want our program recognized as the best two-year residential design program in the U.S.”

 

This year, two of her students were named to NKBA’s "30 Under 30," an exclusive group of rising stars in kitchen and bath design. This accomplishment brings the total to five PCC graduates earning this distinction—a testament to Fisher’s impact. Members of the NKBA's selection committee stated she instills confidence in students who often lack it upon entering the professional world and actively connects them with industry leaders. Many continue seeking her mentorship long after graduation.

Peers and industry colleagues also praised Fisher's dedication to realism and creativity in design education. Here is a sampling of comments by the selection committee:

• “She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of the industry. Instead, she prepares her students for real-world experiences.”

• “She encourages students to explore their unique voices, fostering a creative and inclusive learning environment.”

For more information on PCC’s Interior Design Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/interior-design/

 

  

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 53,000 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/