JULIE PARRISH

OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE DISTRICT 37

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Rep. Julie Parrish
March 20, 2012	503-432-9707

REP. JULIE PARRISH NAMED ONE OF PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 50 DIAMOND ALUMNI

WEST LINN - Rep. Julie Parrish (R-Tualatin/West Linn) will be honored Wednesday, March 21as one of Portland Community College’s 50 Diamond Alumni.  Portland Community College is celebrating its 50th anniversary by recognizing 50 outstanding alumni who are shining examples of what it means to be a PCC Diamond.

“I am extremely honored to have been nominated and awarded a Diamond Alumni Award,” Rep. Parrish said. “Attending PCC provided the foundation for educational success which eventually led me to a graduate degree, as well as success in business and professional endeavors.”

PCC President Preston Pulliams will recognize Rep. Parrish and the other Diamond Alumni at the Oregon History Museum. This event will both celebrate the winners of the Diamond Alumni Awards and kick-off a new exhibit at the museum commemorating PCC's 50th anniversary.

“Portland Community College is a model example of how Oregon’s 17 community colleges are meeting the needs of students for whom a traditional college path is not an option.  Whether it’s a returning war veteran, a single mother, or a professional who lost a job in the recession and is retraining in a new career, PCC is meeting the demand of an ever-growing student population and doing so with limited resources.  The college works well with community partners to provide its students with a top-notch education,” Rep. Parrish said.

Rep. Parrish attended Portland Community College’s Sylvania campus from 1993 to 1994, and again in 1996.  She was active in campus activities including the Associated Students of PCC and the Oregon Student Lobby, now the Oregon Student Association.  Rep. Parrish transferred to Southern Oregon University in Ashland where she received her Bachelor’s in Communication in June, 2000.  In December, 2008, she received her MBA from Marylhurst University, located in Rep. Parrish’s own House district.

“People shouldn’t discount the value of a community college experience,” Rep. Parrish said.  “I couldn’t afford to go to a traditional four-year institution, so I started at a community college. The instructors were high quality, and the classroom learning environment was on par with my experience in the Oregon University System.  I’m grateful for the time and attention I received at PCC. It has made a tremendous difference in my life.”

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