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Advocate
Briscodia Cherotich
Dec 8
Christian Ilechukwu
Dec 8
Jennifer Childers
Dec 8
The Latest
Briscodia Cherotich
Dec 8
Christian Ilechukwu
Dec 8
Jennifer Childers
Dec 8
Kaung Sat Han
Dec 8
Briscodia Cherotich
Dec 8
Christian Ilechukwu
Dec 8
Chiderah Edeh
Dec 8
Kaung Sat Han
Nov 24
Adeola Ade-Serrano
Nov 24
News
MHCC BOND OVERSIGHT
The Mt. Hood Community College District Board of Education approved two high-value contracts and appointed seven community members to the newly formed Bond Oversight Committee during its Nov. 19 meeting. These decisions move the college into the next phase of work connected to the $136.4 million general obligation bond measure approved by voters earlier this year. Project management contract approved MHCC completed a competitive solicitation for project management firms to su
Briscodia Cherotich
Dec 8
TRIMET SERVICES CUTS IMPACT RIDERS
Including Mt. Hood Students TriMet, the Portland metro area’s public transit agency, is facing a $300 million gap between expected revenues and expenses in the next few years. The agency is trying to close that gap by cutting back some services and laying off employees to avoid more severe service cuts in the future. But the impact on many riders, including MHCC students, has already come. “We are facing a fiscal cliff in 2030, so we must act now to balance our budget for the
Kaung Sat Han
Dec 8
Events from Around MHCC: Barney's Boo Bach Look-Back and More
Marisa Engelhard The Advocate One of the tables at Barney’s Boo Bash - Photo by Marisa Engelhard Halloween has now passed – with the leaves brown and falling, the wind picking up, and the rainfall more frequent. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, Barney’s Boo Bash was hosted at the MHCC Main Mall. The annual event featured people of all ages dressed up for Halloween tricks and treats. Tables were set up by various Mt. Hood clubs and departments, offering a variety of treats includi
Marisa Engelhard
Nov 12
TRIMET CUTS FORCE STUDENTS TO LOWER THEIR ASPIRATIONS
As TriMet grapples with a massive budget deficit of hundreds of millions of dollars, the resulting service cuts currently planned are creating a hostile environment for student success. The reduction of bus frequency on key routes, particularly during early mornings and late evenings, starting Nov. 30, directly undermines student punctuality and academic efforts. For students at Mt. Hood Community College who rely heavily on public transit to reach the Gresham campus, these c
Chiderah Edeh
Oct 29
Halloween at MHCC: Barney’s Boo Bash - haunting campus oct 31st
It’s coming up on that time of year again – the leaves are turning shades of red and yellow, the daylight hours are getting shorter, and the wind is getting colder. It’s the season of pumpkins, corn mazes, and sweet treats. Fall is truly here, and the end of October is approaching. That means that Halloween is just a few days away. For many years now, MHCC has held a Halloween event on campus for people of all ages. This year, the Halloween event is Barney’s Boo Bash, which w
Marisa Engelhard
Oct 29
Community
MHCC BOND OVERSIGHT
The Mt. Hood Community College District Board of Education approved two high-value contracts and appointed seven community members to the newly formed Bond Oversight Committee during its Nov. 19 meeting. These decisions move the college into the next phase of work connected to the $136.4 million general obligation bond measure approved by voters earlier this year. Project management contract approved MHCC completed a competitive solicitation for project management firms to su
Briscodia Cherotich
Dec 8
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION – AN INTERVIEW WITH TAEYA HILLMAN-JOHNSON
Photo by Aung Pyae Lin MHCC’S NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SPECIALIST In this feature, The Advocate interviews Taeya Hillman-Johnson, who in August became Mt. Hood Community College’s new International Student Recruitment and Engagement Specialist. With a background in event planning, community building, and student support, Hillman-Johnson brings creativity, warmth, and a deep commitment to helping international students thrive. Advocate : Tell us about yourself, please. Hillma
Christian Ilechukwu
Dec 8
SWEET & SAVORY STAFF FAVORITES: RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
A STAFF FAVORITE YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE ALL SEASON LONG Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowballs, are a delightfully buttery, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that has been a holiday staple in our family for at least six generations. We do a lot of baking around the holidays, but these are hands down my favorite. I grew up making them with my mom and my great-grandmother. I made them with my children when they were growing up (the ones who were interested, anyway), and now we
Jennifer Childers
Dec 8
TRIMET SERVICES CUTS IMPACT RIDERS
Including Mt. Hood Students TriMet, the Portland metro area’s public transit agency, is facing a $300 million gap between expected revenues and expenses in the next few years. The agency is trying to close that gap by cutting back some services and laying off employees to avoid more severe service cuts in the future. But the impact on many riders, including MHCC students, has already come. “We are facing a fiscal cliff in 2030, so we must act now to balance our budget for the
Kaung Sat Han
Dec 8
SWEET & SAVORY STAFF FAVORITES: KENYAN BEEF SAMOSAS
A STAFF FAVORITE YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE ALL SEASON LONG Holiday traditions often start in the kitchen. Whether you’re keeping old traditions or creating new ones, nothing brings people together like good food. So, we’ve pulled two of our staff’s favorite traditional recipes – one sweet, one savory – to help you bring a little extra flavor and festivity to your holiday season. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Wait Time: 30 minutes Ready In: 1 hour 30 minutes Serv
Briscodia Cherotich
Dec 8
Features
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION – AN INTERVIEW WITH TAEYA HILLMAN-JOHNSON
Photo by Aung Pyae Lin MHCC’S NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SPECIALIST In this feature, The Advocate interviews Taeya Hillman-Johnson, who in August became Mt. Hood Community College’s new International Student Recruitment and Engagement Specialist. With a background in event planning, community building, and student support, Hillman-Johnson brings creativity, warmth, and a deep commitment to helping international students thrive. Advocate : Tell us about yourself, please. Hillma
Christian Ilechukwu
Dec 8
SWEET & SAVORY STAFF FAVORITES: RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
A STAFF FAVORITE YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE ALL SEASON LONG Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowballs, are a delightfully buttery, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that has been a holiday staple in our family for at least six generations. We do a lot of baking around the holidays, but these are hands down my favorite. I grew up making them with my mom and my great-grandmother. I made them with my children when they were growing up (the ones who were interested, anyway), and now we
Jennifer Childers
Dec 8
SWEET & SAVORY STAFF FAVORITES: KENYAN BEEF SAMOSAS
A STAFF FAVORITE YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE ALL SEASON LONG Holiday traditions often start in the kitchen. Whether you’re keeping old traditions or creating new ones, nothing brings people together like good food. So, we’ve pulled two of our staff’s favorite traditional recipes – one sweet, one savory – to help you bring a little extra flavor and festivity to your holiday season. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Wait Time: 30 minutes Ready In: 1 hour 30 minutes Serv
Briscodia Cherotich
Dec 8
BARNEY'S PANTRY SOLANA SONNIER: Fueling MHCC Students for Success
At Mt. Hood Community College, a small room filled with shelves of food and care helps students meet one of life’s most basic needs. Known as Barney’s Pantry, it’s a place where no student is turned away, and no one has to face hunger alone. Making sure every visitor feels welcome, Pantry clerk Solana Sonnier helps to keep the space running with empathy and dedication. “When a student comes to the Pantry for the first time, all they need to bring is a physical copy of their s
Briscodia Cherotich
Nov 24
A TALK WITH CHARLES GEORGE: FACILITIES DIRECTOR’S VISION ON THE BOND
Last May, Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) voters approved a $131 million facilities bond measure, the college’s first successful bond effort in more than 50 years. The measure funds necessary campus upgrades, including $23.3 million for repairing old infrastructure and $28.5 million for accessibility and community improvements. With bond-funded projects now beginning to take shape – including repaving of several parking lots, a new surface for Mt. Hood’s running track, and
Christian Ilechukwu
Nov 12
Sports
MHCC VOLLEYBALL - Interview with Taylor Young & Peyton Ochoa
This 2025 season was quite a journey for Mt. Hood volleyball team. After training hard the whole year and giving everything they had on the court, the Saints finished their year with a thrilling 3 sets to 1 win against visiting Chemeketa Community College on Nov. 5. Both teams battled, point after point, but the Saints showed great teamwork and energy in their final home game. The whole season was full of growth, great moments and a strong effort put in by each and every play
Kaung Sat Han
Nov 24
NWAC Track & Field Championships
On May 19-20, Mt. Hood Community College served as the host site for the 2025 Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Track & Field Championships. The event brought together top collegiate athletes from across the region for two days of intense competition. While I was not able to photograph every Mount Hood athlete in action, I was fortunate to capture moments from a few standout performers and highlight their achievements through the images below. In the women’s discus throw,
Catherine Green
Jun 5
MHCC Softball Dethroned
Last year, the Mt. Hood Community College softball team had an incredible championship season. I’ll admit – I knew nothing about softball at the time. But when I heard the Saints had a shot at another title run this year, I knew I had to be there to see it for myself. Photo by Ken Perez On the first day of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) championship tournament – played in north Portland’s Delta Park – I was hooked. The energy coming from the Saints’ dugout was elect
Ken Perez
May 23
Photos
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Culture
‘STRANGER THINGS’ - The Final Quest for Answers Across Dimensions: Vecna, Destiny, and the Characters Who Carry the Story
As “Stranger Things” enters its long-awaited final chapter starting Nov. 26, the anticipation isn’t just about seeing monsters fall or worlds collide. It’s about finally uncovering the answers that have been waiting in the shadows since the very beginning. This season feels like the moment where every question finds its place: The truth behind the Upside Down, the origin of Vecna’s power, the connection between dimensions, and the personal destinies of the characters who have
Brian Kipkoech
Nov 24
ONIGIRI ACTION - Japanese Culture and Food at MHCC
On Nov. 6 in the MHCC Student Union, the Japanese Culture Club hosted its first big event of the term: Onigiri Action. Onigiri Action is an annual charity event hosted by the JCC, where members showed students how to make onigiri, a Japanese rice ball, and serve tea and took photos. If participants wished, they took a photo of each with their onigiri and submitted the photo to the Onigiri Action program. Each photo of onigiri submitted to the campaign website or on social m
Alma Perez
Nov 24
Faculty Arts at MHCC: Visual Arts Gallery Exhibit
Paintings by Nathan Orosco, prominently 'The Spill', being observed by a student - Photo by Marisa Engelhard Alma Perez The Advocate The annual Faculty Art exhibit was held in the MHCC Visual Arts Gallery from Sept. 22 through Oct. 30. All of the art presented in the showcase was created by our talented faculty members here at Mt. Hood.The individual faculty got the opportunity to present their hard work and passion for their art with different forms of art – including call
Alma Perez
Nov 12
BLACK PHONE 2 rings again and this time it’s worth answering
For me, “Black Phone 2,” a sequel to the original “Black Phone” movie, is either you love it or you don’t. The film brings Finn (played by Mason Thames) and Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) back into a world of nightmares, family secrets and supernatural chills. It is a sequel that not only honors the original but also builds on top of it. This time, the two siblings ventured to uncover the unsettling truth about their mother and the mysterious figure named “the Grabber.” I'll try
Aung Pyae Lin
Nov 12
NEED A STRESS RELEASE AFTER MIDTERMS
HERE ARE TWO ANIME TO CHILL Midterms got you questioning your life choice? Whether you are drowning or not in the unlimited assignments and exams, sometimes the best medicine is just zoning out with a good show. And so here are the two-anime guaranteed to help you scream your stress away. ‘MyHeroAcademia’(PlusUltra!!) Results are coming out of the midterms and if you are feeling like your GPA is in danger, watching a quirkless kid fight his way toward becoming the greatest he
Kaung Sat Han
Nov 12
Opinion
RE:MIND – RECLAIMING THE SEASON: What if everything we thought we knew about winter is wrong?
I keep seeing posts and memes online about how “all things in nature hibernate or die back during the winter,” or how “winter is a time of rest, and therefore we need to refrain from activities and social events so we can reset.” And while I absolutely agree that we need to allow ourselves more time and space for rest, I can’t help but feel like we’re missing the point. If growing up in the temperate rain forest of the Pacific Northwest has taught me anything, it’s that winte
MEET THE ADVOCATE - Aung Pyae Lin
Aung Pyae Lin came to MHCC from Myanmar as a computer science major with no plans to become a photographer. Last spring he walked into The Advocate with nothing but an old childhood camcorder and curiosity. One assignment later, everything changed. “I didn’t expect to love it,” he says. “But framing a shot started feeling like debugging – except the result is something people actually want to look at.” What began as a side gig quickly turned into passion. His photos sharpened
THE MEANING AND VALUE OF HOLIDAYS
Holidays: Time to Rest, Reflect, and Rejoice Have you ever counted down the days to a holiday and felt like the world finally slowed down? Holidays are more than just a break, they are special times that give us a chance to rest, connect with others, explore new experiences, and reflect on the things we are grateful for. In our busy lives, filled with schoolwork, jobs, and daily responsibilities, these special days allow us to pause, slow down, and focus on what truly matters
THANKSGIVING ON A BUDGET
Between travel, groceries, and the temptation to “celebrate properly,” it’s easy for college students to spend money they don’t really have. But being broke doesn’t mean you have to skip the fun.
RE:MIND – FROM BLACK FRIDAY TO A PEACEFUL HEART: Finding Authentic Joy Beyond the Holiday Rush
I’ll be the first to admit I was a little jealous of the bonds and the laughter they shared on those bargain-blitz battlefields, but I also knew myself well enough to realize it was more than I could handle. I mean, let’s be honest: Holiday shopping in general was more than I could handle, and Black Friday was in a league of its own. Nowadays, the holiday shopping season hits a bit differently. Instead of waiting in line for hours to brave the crowds in physical stores, intro
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