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Timothy Grassley
17 hours ago


Morgan McCarraher
17 hours ago


Jennifer Childers
17 hours ago


Chiderah Edeh
17 hours ago
SPECIAL


GRAMMY ARTISTS SPEAK OUT ON ICE
Chiderah Edeh The Advocate This year, the Grammys became more than an awards show. Immigration, equality and human rights were central themes of the night. Pins, speeches and statements worked together to ensure artists’ voices were heard. The event reminded viewers that music and activism are often connected, and that small gestures can spark conversation and inspire change. It started on the red carpet: artists wearing “ICE OUT” pins — small symbols carrying a powerful mes
Chiderah Edeh
17 hours ago


MHCC Policies If ICE Were To Potentially Come to Campus
Malikaih Mulloy The Advocate With recent activity in our communities involving ICE, many students, staff and faculty members may be increasingly concerned about the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on campus. While MHCC Public Safety has indicated that there has not been ICE activity on campus to date, the college recognizes these concerns and has provided information on what to do if ICE were to come to MHCC. Illustration by Leo Decklar (
Malikaih Mulloy
18 hours ago


ICE RUN-INS REPORTED IN GRESHAM
Adam Elwell The Advocate In December 2025, three Gresham residents were detained after being lured out of their home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal agents cannot enter a home without a warrant; however, this has not deterred ICE or Border Patrol from using deceptive practices to contact residents. Tactics have included fake license plates, Mexican flag bumper stickers and, most recently, posing as utility workers. Despite multiple reports from resident
Adam Elwell
18 hours ago


STUDENT VOICES REFLECT FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY ABOUT ICE
Malikaih Mulloy The Advocate Reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the Gresham area have drawn increased attention and concern within the Mt. Hood Community College community. Several MHCC students say the presence of ICE, along with uncertainty surrounding its operations, has created a growing sense of fear and distress, even for those who have not directly encountered agents. In interviews conducted by The Advocate, students described a heightened sens
Malikaih Mulloy
18 hours ago
The Latest
Chris Woods
18 hours ago2 min read


Adam Elwell
19 hours ago2 min read


Christian Ilechukwu
Jan 282 min read


Kaung Sat Han
Jan 282 min read
Elijah Santos
Jan 282 min read
News


ICE RUN-INS REPORTED IN GRESHAM
Adam Elwell The Advocate In December 2025, three Gresham residents were detained after being lured out of their home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal agents cannot enter a home without a warrant; however, this has not deterred ICE or Border Patrol from using deceptive practices to contact residents. Tactics have included fake license plates, Mexican flag bumper stickers and, most recently, posing as utility workers. Despite multiple reports from resident
Adam Elwell
18 hours ago


BUDGET REVELATIONS ESCALATE: MHCC to face looming budget cuts, uncertain FINANCES?
Adam Elwell The Advocate Mt. Hood Community College may be between a rock and a $5 million hard place. In an email to MHCC faculty on Feb. 6, President Lisa Skari wrote that “even with careful planning, the college is still facing an estimated gap of nearly $5 million that must be addressed in the coming fiscal year’s budget.” Earlier this week, Oregon released its economic forecast, revealing a $15 billion budget shortfall driven in part by federal cuts to Medicaid and SNA
Adam Elwell
19 hours ago


MHCC Board Appoints Interim Member Ahead of 2027 Election
Morgan McCarraher The Advocate MHCC is unlike most community colleges in the state of Oregon in its geographic reach and unique and specialized programs. However, like the other state community colleges, it is locally governed by an elected board. State laws and policies, along with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission — as defined in ORS 341.015 — guide how Oregon’s community college districts are determined. Because of this, MHCC’s district includes eight high schoo
Morgan McCarraher
19 hours ago


Meet Promise Funchess: A Peer Navigator Helping Mt. Hood Students Put Food on the Table
Christian Ilechukwu The Advocate As many students wonder how to stretch their grocery budgets, one student is making it her mission to lighten the load. Promise Funchess, an MHCC student with a warm smile and a drive to help others, has stepped into the role of peer navigator for the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC). “I became a peer navigator for a few reasons,” Promise said. “Mainly, I enjoy helping and supporting others. Additionally, I believe students—especially at M
Christian Ilechukwu
Jan 28
IMMIGRATION Changes Challenge Students
Kaung Sat Han The Advocate International students, tasked with future planning often face navigating school, finances and strict visa rules. Recently, a proposed U.S. immigration rule could end or restrict Optional Practical Training (OPT) which is a program that allows students to work in their related studies field after graduation to gain work experience. OPT currently allows international students to work in the United States for up to 12 months in their related studies f
Kaung Sat Han
Jan 28


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, 2025
Community


THEATRE SWINGS INTO NEW PRODUCTION
Timothy Grassley The Advocate MHCC’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is taking Shakespeare to new heights—literally—as actors lift the classic comedy off the stage with use of aerial choreography. The Advocate had the opportunity to speak with MHCC’s aerial director and choreographer, Andee Fischer, who shared insight into the process behind both dance and aerial work for the actors participating in the upcoming production. What makes this play stand out is how A Mi
Timothy Grassley
17 hours ago


COMMUNITY ISN’T AN AUDIENCE; IT’S A RELATIONSHIP
Morgan McCarraher The Advocate Community is a word used often but rarely examined. It appears in mission statements, donor appeals and analytics reports, usually as a vague abstraction—an audience to reach, a group to engage or a set of numbers to grow. But community is not a metric. It’s a relationship built on trust, care and continuity. A community isn’t simply a group of people living near one another. It’s a network of shared concerns, histories and responsibilities, bu
Morgan McCarraher
17 hours ago


THE QUIET PATH TO CHANGE: What Activism Really Looks Like
Jennifer Childers The Advocate It has become increasingly clear that the world we live in is not what many of us once believed. The idea of stable, righteous, benevolent systems quietly working to keep people safe has proven to be a carefully constructed fiction — an illusion collapsing under the weight of lived experience. The programs and institutions we were conditioned to trust are not only failing; in many cases, they are actively causing harm. We’ve been taught that if
Jennifer Childers
17 hours ago


GRAMMY ARTISTS SPEAK OUT ON ICE
Chiderah Edeh The Advocate This year, the Grammys became more than an awards show. Immigration, equality and human rights were central themes of the night. Pins, speeches and statements worked together to ensure artists’ voices were heard. The event reminded viewers that music and activism are often connected, and that small gestures can spark conversation and inspire change. It started on the red carpet: artists wearing “ICE OUT” pins — small symbols carrying a powerful mes
Chiderah Edeh
17 hours ago


MHCC Policies If ICE Were To Potentially Come to Campus
Malikaih Mulloy The Advocate With recent activity in our communities involving ICE, many students, staff and faculty members may be increasingly concerned about the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on campus. While MHCC Public Safety has indicated that there has not been ICE activity on campus to date, the college recognizes these concerns and has provided information on what to do if ICE were to come to MHCC. Illustration by Leo Decklar (
Malikaih Mulloy
18 hours ago


ICE RUN-INS REPORTED IN GRESHAM
Adam Elwell The Advocate In December 2025, three Gresham residents were detained after being lured out of their home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal agents cannot enter a home without a warrant; however, this has not deterred ICE or Border Patrol from using deceptive practices to contact residents. Tactics have included fake license plates, Mexican flag bumper stickers and, most recently, posing as utility workers. Despite multiple reports from resident
Adam Elwell
18 hours ago
Features


NEW YEAR, NEW NEWSPAPER
Faithful readers, This winter marks a new chapter for The Advocate—and, unexpectedly, a new chapter for me as well. When I returned to MHCC after a decade-long hiatus, I did so with the practical goal of learning the technical skills needed to stay relevant in my field. I never imagined that journey would lead me to serve as editor-in-chief of a paper I’ve been reading, on and off, for nearly 30 years. It’s an honor and an opportunity I don’t take lightly. I’ve always been a
advocate19
Jan 27


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
Christian Ilechukwu
Dec 8, 2025


MEET THE ADVOCATE - Adeola Ade-Serrano
Hello!, I’m the writer behind the “Frugal Living” column for The Advocate. I share practical money tips, budget-friendly hacks, and everyday strategies to help students stretch their dollars and still enjoy life.
Adeola Ade-Serrano
Nov 24, 2025
Funding for Student Support Program: TRIO at Risk
The TRIO program was established by the federal government as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue and succeed in higher education. Originally launched with three programs – Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services – TRIO was created in response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. It aimed to provide academic support, college access, and retention services for low-income, first-generation
advocate19
Jun 6, 2025


My Friend, a Three Time Stand-Up-Paddleboard World Champion, Fiona Wylde
A few words shared from a 3x SUP World Champion, Wing Foil Champion, Waterwoman, Student, Coach, Wylde Wind & Water Founder, and Type 1 Diabetic. Surely each of us has experienced feeling adrift and lost in the sea of life, moments when it seems the last drops of our motivation are drained, making room for weariness and a gnawing sense of frustration. What do you do? Do you allow yourself to rest by letting go of everything and surrendering to the waves of worries and anxieti
advocate19
May 23, 2025


Crawling from the Depths
HOW MHCC ARTIST OVERCOMES HER DEMONS While steadily powering through the arts program in my second year here at MHCC, one particular artist has caught my eye. While seeming to be a bit timid when you first meet her, seeing her art shouts prominently of Megan Albertine’s journey through life.Pursuing art has been intertwined with Megan ever since she could collect memories. She became entranced by the freeing sensation art brought with how many ways you could tackle it, and gr
advocate19
May 9, 2025
Sports


Cougars Claw Past Saints
The perennial grudge match leaves the saints teetering at 7-7 Clif Wegner, FORMER coach OF MHCC AND CLACKAMAS, Remembered SeaJay McConville The Advocate The evening of Jan. 7 was chilly with light rain outside, but inside Yoshida Events Center, the Mt. Hood Community College men’s basketball team was warming up for a heated rivalry against the Clackamas Cougars. The game was special for both colleges as they played in honor of Clif Wegner, who died July 22. Wegner coached at
SeaJay McConville
Jan 28


LEGENDARY SEASON RECOGNIZED AT LAST: 2014 Softball Team Inducted into the NWAC Hall of Fame
Adam Elwell The Advocate The 2014 MHCC Saints softball team was one of the most dominant in program history, and this year the NWAC Hall of Fame committee voted to recognize their accomplishments. Alongside the entire team, standout athlete Teauna Hughes is also being inducted for her exceptional performance during the 2014 season. The Saints went 40-3 that year and captured the championship. It was possibly the high-water mark of then-head coach Meadow McWhorter, who has al
Adam Elwell
Jan 28


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, 2025


MHCC Softball Team Eliminated Before Championship Round
Photo by Catherine Green 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. 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
advocate19
May 23, 2025


Basketball is Coming
Women’s Basketball Preview The MHCC women’s basketball season has started off swiftly: The team has a handful of games under its belt so far, while its first Northwest Athletic Conference league game is still roughly a month away, on Jan. 4 at home against Umpqua Community College. Saints team captains – sophomores Savanah Burke, a forward, and Laci Pentzer, a guard, and freshman center Joselyn Scammell – all had positive things to say about the young season. Asked how they f
advocate19
Dec 6, 2024


Cross Country Goes For Distance
Photo by Jeff Hinds It’s been a while, but the Saints cross country men’s team has MHCC back in the running in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC). Head coach Fernando Fantroy hasn’t been able to field a full squad for competitions since before COVID hit – it takes five runners for a team to record a qualifying score in NWAC events – until this fall. The year 2019 “was the last strong team we had,” said Fantroy, who also is head coach of the Saints track and field team.
advocate19
Nov 15, 2024
STUDENT LIFE & Culture


THEATRE SWINGS INTO NEW PRODUCTION
Timothy Grassley The Advocate MHCC’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is taking Shakespeare to new heights—literally—as actors lift the classic comedy off the stage with use of aerial choreography. The Advocate had the opportunity to speak with MHCC’s aerial director and choreographer, Andee Fischer, who shared insight into the process behind both dance and aerial work for the actors participating in the upcoming production. What makes this play stand out is how A Mi
Timothy Grassley
17 hours ago


Big Studios Swipe Golden Globes
Leydi Perez The Advocate On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2026, the Golden Globes returned as one of Hollywood’s biggest stages. From my perspective as a college student watching from home, this year’s ceremony felt like a mix of celebration, reinvention and genuine emotion. The night’s biggest winners reflected that shift. Streaming-backed projects and fresh voices were front and center, reinforcing how much our own viewing habits as students — binging shows between classes, watching
Leydi Perez
Jan 28
Events Calendar: February
Hannah NEWMAN ART Exhibit Location: MHCC Visual Arts Gallery Exhibit Display: Feb. 2nd - 29th Opening Reception: Feb. 5th, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. No RSVP needed Coffee Hour Presented by ISP x MDRC Location: MDRC, 1050 (Student Union) Feb. 5th | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Valentine day candy heart keychains Feb. 5th | 12PM-1:30PM Location: MHCC Ceramic Studio (VA 06) FREE OF CHARGE Wildside Kayaking Feb. 9th | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Mt. Hood Community College Aquatic
Elijah Santos
Jan 28


How to Build a Vision Board That Works
Adeola Ade-Serrano The Advocate I didn’t grow up with vision boards. I only started using them two years ago, after moving to another country for school and noticing people creating collages of their future. I wondered whether they worked or if it was just Pinterest being Pinterest. It turns out they do work — but only when you build them with intention rather than aesthetics. If you’re ready to shape your year, stay disciplined and put in the effort, you may be surprised by
Adeola Ade-Serrano
Jan 28


“This-Worldly” Art exhibit Servilio’s artistic mediums on display until Jan. 29
AlmaPerez The Advocate This display begs you to look and touch The MHCC Visual Arts Gallery is presenting “This‑Worldly” by artist Sharon Servilio from Jan. 5 to 29. Servilio was born in New Jersey and has lived and worked in Portland, Oregon, since 2020. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and an MFA from American University. She works in painting, drawing and ceramics. Her work combines scientific research with multiple artistic mediums to highlight th
Alma Perez
Jan 28


A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: MHCC's Theatre Department Revs Up For Their Spring Term Production
Timothy Grassley The Advocate MHCC’s upcoming theatrical performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is shaping up to be one of the most exciting productions for theater majors on campus. The show intrigued us so much that The Advocate scheduled interviews with several of the cast members and directors. As we dug deeper, conversation after conversation made it clear that this production is more than just another Shakespearean masterpiece — it’s a journey into what defines love,
Timothy Grassley
Jan 28
Opinion


COMMUNITY ISN’T AN AUDIENCE; IT’S A RELATIONSHIP
Morgan McCarraher The Advocate Community is a word used often but rarely examined. It appears in mission statements, donor appeals and analytics reports, usually as a vague abstraction—an audience to reach, a group to engage or a set of numbers to grow. But community is not a metric. It’s a relationship built on trust, care and continuity. A community isn’t simply a group of people living near one another. It’s a network of shared concerns, histories and responsibilities, bu


THE QUIET PATH TO CHANGE: What Activism Really Looks Like
Jennifer Childers The Advocate It has become increasingly clear that the world we live in is not what many of us once believed. The idea of stable, righteous, benevolent systems quietly working to keep people safe has proven to be a carefully constructed fiction — an illusion collapsing under the weight of lived experience. The programs and institutions we were conditioned to trust are not only failing; in many cases, they are actively causing harm. We’ve been taught that if


The Weight of Constant Comparison
Morgan McCarraher The Advocate Comparison has always existed. People have long measured themselves against neighbors, coworkers and peers. But in recent years, comparison has shifted from an occasional habit into a constant background condition of modern life. It is no longer something people do from time to time; it is something many people live inside. And in some cases, it becomes a need. Everywhere we turn, we are presented with curated versions of others’ lives. Achievem


The Vanishing Art of Compromise
Morgan McCarraher The Advocate When it comes to problems and disagreements—whether something small, like deciding what color a living room should be, or something as consequential as geopolitical tensions—there was once an approach that felt both ordinary and essential: the art of compromise. It was understood as a skill, even a virtue. To compromise required the ability to see the full picture, to acknowledge multiple perspectives, and to approach disagreement with a measure


Exhausted, Overworked, Unpaid: The Reality of Student Teaching
Adam Elwell The Advocate I’m tired. I’m taking 19 credits this term. I bartend on the weekends, and I work on the student newspaper, time permitting. I would like to see my family and my dog and clean my house and keep up with my friends, and not have to bump every doctor’s appointment because I double-booked it, time permitting. In just a little while, though, I’ll be expected to put in more than 40 hours of labor every week. Is it paid? No. I’m actually paying for it. I’m t


Re:Mind PRESENCE UNDER PRESSURE: MINDFUL MOMENTS TURN THE TIDES ON STRESS
Jennifer Childers The Advocate It’s easy to get discouraged, angry or downright terrified when watching the news or scrolling our feeds these days. It’s a legitimately scary time, and there are so many things to feel worried, angry or discouraged by that it can be difficult to find a thread of hope and possibility to grasp. I think we sometimes forget just how powerful we are. I know I do. The past few weeks have been particularly challenging as I’ve found myself not only ad
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