This content was published: May 17, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
LIVE UPDATES: All-college picnic honors Preston Pulliams
Photos and Story by James Hill
Today, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., everyone is invited President Preston Pulliams’ retirement send-off! Join students, staff, faculty, retirees and alumni at the All-College Picnic at the Performing Arts Center Courtyard, Sylvania Campus. Enjoy tributes to Pulliams, live music, and lunch with the PCC family. Cost is $5. if you can’t make it, enjoy live updates from the event!
If you want to relive the Founders’ Week to date, visit the CCP at PCC recap page, PCC Birthday Photo Gallery, the Spirit Day blog or check out what happened at PCC’s Day at the Capitol.
Update – 3:36 p.m.
It was a great crowd today. Thanks to everyone who attended. Tomorrow is the “Evening for Opportunity” PCC Foundation Gala where Pulliams will say “goodbye” one last time to PCC supporters, donors and special guests. And thanks for following along on our daily blogs detailing Founders’ Week. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
2:48 p.m., Friday, May 17
A running theme for Preston’s party was “socks.” Chris Chairsell gave him a nice batch and also sported colorful ones for today’s picnic. And Poppe the Panther wished him well with his usual flair.
1:08 p.m., Friday, May 17
Our retiring president got a great gift from the PCC Foundation – a replica of a similar rocking chair that was owned by John F. Kennedy. I think Preston liked it.
11:45 a.m., Friday, May 17
It’s started. Our guest of honor is enjoying music and the festivities. Come on down!
11:03 a.m., Friday, May 17
Twenty-seven minutes until the party starts. Plenty of parking (if you’re at another campus) and our awesome dining services folks have just delivered the food, including two special cakes for Preston. Things are coming together!
10:48 a.m., Friday, May 17
The first member of his family to attend college, Preston has always been passionate about creating opportunities for students who would not otherwise have the chance to earn a college degree. Under his leadership, annual contributions to the PCC Foundation increased significantly, and scholarship awards to students tripled.
10:29 a.m., Friday, May 17
One hour out! Here’s a quote from Preston Pulliams: “Being president of Portland Community College has been the best job I have ever had. I am passionate about the role PCC plays in helping students achieve their dreams, and how the college supports economic development and enhances the quality of life in our region. It’s been an honor to lead this amazing institution.”
10:05 a.m., Friday, May 17
Stage is ready and so is the cake. In 90 minutes staff, and faculty get to say “farewell” to Preston.
9:43 a.m., Friday, May 17
Dozens of hard-working staff have finished setting up the tables, chairs and various staging. Thank you to them! We’re ready to rock and roll for Preston Pulliams’ retirement picnic. It starts at 11:30 a.m.!
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »
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Wish I had gone!
Dr. Pulliams has had a supportive word for our work at CLIMB every time we have met. I have also seen firsthand how he cares about the students and will give of his time to help them succeed. Portland Metro area has been blessed to have his leadership at PCC and I’m only one of thousands who will miss him.
Dr. Pulliams is the best, he have done amazing work for Portland Community College, students, and Oregon. I wish him the best and we will miss him.