Your Gift Made an Incredible Difference on PCC’s Big Give Day! 

I’m reaching out to share how your generosity during Big Give Day on October 8-9 has directly helped students at Portland Community College connect with nature and each other in the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center. 

Thanks to your support, we’ve strengthened and expanded programs at PCC. Together we raised $5,225 the following for the goal of connecting students with the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center. Here are some examples of the work your generosity has made possible.

Environmental Studies students created educational brochures with maps and content for a self-guided tour of the 1-mile trail system and suggestions for exploring online resources. Big Give Day funds were used to print color brochures, which will be distributed to students through the resource centers on the Rock Creek campus. These funds will also support an Earth Day Dia de Campo event hosted in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center. Participants will take a mindful nature walk and engage in a photo scavenger hunt, with opportunities to win birdhouses and seed packets as prizes.

Students in the spring term Introduction to Environmental Restoration will monitor the growth of Oregon white oak saplings and replace outgrown protective cages with new, larger wire cages purchased with foundation funds. We are also working with Stephanie Craig of Kalapuyan Weaving to develop and host a native plant gathering and basket weaving workshop for students in partnership with the Native Nations club during the fall term of 2025.

As we build on this momentum, your involvement remains essential. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or continued giving, you play a vital role in removing financial barriers for Portland Community College students. If you’d like to learn more about the impact of your support or ways to stay involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for supporting the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center. We truly appreciate you!

With gratitude,

Dr. Val Brenneis
PCC Environmental Studies instructor & faculty coordinator for the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center
Portland Community College
www.pcc.edu/rcesc

P.S. We have BIG news — our next Big Give Day is moving to March 4-5, 2026. Save the date and stay tuned for more updates.