Chris Molinar reflects on finding his place şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą — and helping the next generation find theirs

When I started at şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą, I was 18 years old and a first-generation college student. I came from Benson Polytechnic High School, where I studied building construction. I’d been interested in architecture since middle school, but college was a big unknown.

My mom and I had been through a difficult financial period, and there wasn’t much room for college in our budget. So when I heard about scholarships, I paid attention.

That’s where Future Connect came in. I met Tobias Sherwood, a Future Connect success coach, at a summer event şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą. He thought I would be a great fit and mentioned that it included a scholarship. That definitely caught my attention. I applied nervously. And I got in.

The scholarship eased the financial pressure. But what I didn’t realize at the time was how much I would also gain from the people around me.

Finding my footing

Tobias became my coach and helped me understand parts of college I didn’t yet know how to navigate. We mapped out my classes and talked about the transition from high school to college. He showed me around campus and helped me discover resources I didn’t even know were available, from tutoring and financial aid to the Multicultural Center and therapeutic services.

I was a full-time student with a few part-time jobs, so some days I was on campus from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Having someone I could turn to made a difference.

I also asked Tobias about my class map. A lot. I probably asked him five times a week, “Am I still on the right track?” He always took the time to reassure me. That support helped me feel more confident in my choices.

I was pretty quiet when I started şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą. Over time, I became more comfortable talking to people and speaking up. Future Connect encouraged me to take on leadership opportunities and join events and activities.

I started to realize that I had something to contribute. More importantly, I became more comfortable being myself. Tobias was a huge part of that. He was like a big brother to me. He believed in me and encouraged me to be a little bolder.

Finding a community

Some of my favorite memories of Future Connect weren’t about classes at all. I remember hanging out with other students in the Future Connect office after class. We’d study, talk about what we were experiencing, and figure things out together. There was always a cup of noodles nearby.

Those little moments mattered. They helped me meet people and gave me a sense of camaraderie. For someone who wasn’t always sure where he fit, having that kind of community şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą meant a lot. It gave me a home.

Finding my path

My time şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą eventually led me to Portland State University, where I transferred on a full-ride scholarship to study architecture. I had originally planned to study civil engineering, but after spending long nights working through engineering, physics, and calculus, I realized I wanted something more creative. I switched to architecture and graduated from PSU in 2022.

Today, I work with Oh planning+design, architecture, a firm focused on human-centered and sustainable design. One of the parts of my work that means the most to me happens outside the design studio. Through our Oh Academy program, I mentor high school students interested in architecture and design. We introduce them to the field, talk about college pathways, and give them hands-on experience with design projects and modeling software.

Sometimes I meet a student who reminds me of myself. They have an idea or a dream, but they’re not quite sure they belong in that space yet. And I get to tell them: Be patient. You can do this.

I know what it feels like to hear those words. I know what it meant to have someone believe in me before I completely knew how to believe in myself. Now I get to offer that to someone else.

Passing it on

Looking back, I can see how much Future Connect shaped me. The scholarship opened the door. The people in the program helped me find my way through it. Tobias and the other coaches gave me support, encouragement, and the confidence to take chances and discover strengths I didn’t know I had. Now I get to pass some of that support on.

Being a mentor carries a lot of responsibility. I think about what it means to be a supporter for someone who may not know what they need yet. I understand where those students are coming from because I’ve been there. I know how meaningful it can be to have someone reach back and offer a hand.

That’s what makes Future Connect so powerful. Its impact doesn’t end when a student leaves PCC. It continues in the careers we build, in the people we mentor, and in our families and our communities.

I’m one example of what can happen when a student has a dream and people in their corner.

Proposal submissions are now closed.

Submissions are under review. Please see the timeline below for more information.

Executive Summary

The şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą Foundation (the Foundation) seeks proposals from qualified independent consulting firms interested in becoming a strategic partner for the Foundation’s second comprehensive fundraising campaign. Specifically, the Foundation is seeking a collaborative partner to conduct an internal readiness assessment and an external feasibility study to assess the Foundation’s readiness to launch a major philanthropic campaign. And, if the Foundation is deemed ready, to recommend the appropriate scale, focus, and structure of such a campaign.

The selected consultant will work with Foundation leadership and key stakeholders to assess:

• Philanthropic potential and leadership within the Foundation’s donor community;
• The Foundation’s organizational capacity and readiness for a campaign;
• Potential campaign focus areas and case for support.

Following completion of the feasibility study, the Foundation may elect to proceed with a campaign. The Foundation may invite the selected consulting firm to provide ongoing campaign planning and counsel services. However, the Foundation reserves the right to conduct a separate procurement process.

The Foundation appreciates your consideration of this RFP and looks forward to receiving your proposal.

Background

şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą (PCC) is the largest, most accessible institution of higher education in Oregon. The college serves more than 50,000 students annually, who go on to become our community’s nurses, firefighters, welders, web developers, teachers, and more.

As the only nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting PCC, the Foundation helps students access education by awarding scholarships and building the capacity of PCC to provide vital educational opportunities for our community.

The Foundation serves as a catalyst, optimizing individual, foundation, corporate, and public support to provide scholarships, essential wraparound services, and vital programs for PCC students. The Foundation has set a bold goal that by the year 2072, it will provide for 100% of unmet need for all PCC students.

The Foundation has a team of 16 full-time staff members and four part-time staff members focused on development and operations, including the distribution of scholarships to students. Currently, annual fundraising revenues range between $7-9M. Net assets for the Foundation are more than $45M, and its endowment is at $40M. In its most recent fiscal year, the Foundation provided more than $3.5M in direct aid to 2,100 students.

OUR MISSION: Removing barriers to education at şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą through the power of partnerships.

OUR VISION: A community where anyone can thrive through education.

OUR VALUES: Every person deserves the opportunity and support necessary to achieve their educational goals.

• We actively seek out and invest in prospective and current students, especially those who experience systemic barriers.
• We boldly and creatively respond to address the needs of our students and community.
• We are transparent, fiscally responsible, and ethical in our communication, interactions, and intentions with our collaborators.

Campaign History

In December 2015, the Foundation launched our first comprehensive campaign: The Campaign for Opportunity.

The Campaign for Opportunity started as a seven-year campaign with a $25M fundraising goal. Due to its overwhelming success, raising more than $46M for equitable student success, the campaign was completed in five years. In total, 6,800 unique supporters gave during the campaign, including 3,000 first-time donors. And the Foundation’s endowment grew from $7M to $17M, ensuring access to a PCC education for generations to come. During the campaign, the Foundation was able to double scholarships to students, from $1.1M a year to more than $2.2M a year by the campaign’s close.

Scope of Work

The Foundation is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to conduct an internal campaign readiness assessment and feasibility study to determine if it is ready to embark on its second comprehensive campaign. The focus of this next campaign is to position the Foundation as a premier philanthropic partner in increasing educational and economic opportunity in the region. We anticipate that this campaign’s key themes/priorities will include: 1. expanding access to a PCC education, 2. strengthening supports for students, and 3. igniting the workforce to enhance regional vitality. The campaign will engage a community of partners, including staff, volunteers, and more, and will raise funds for a variety of needs – capturing multiple priorities, creating a strong case for support, and elevating excitement around goals. Additionally, this campaign will lift the profile of the Foundation.

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct an integrated assessment and strategy process that will enable leadership and governance bodies to make informed decisions regarding a potential comprehensive, multi-year fundraising campaign.

Specifically, the engagement will:

• Evaluate the organization’s internal capacity and readiness to execute a multi-year comprehensive campaign.
• Assess external feasibility in light of a changing funding landscape, including shifts in institutional funding, donor confidence, and philanthropic appetite.
• Develop recommendations for next steps on creating a risk-award campaign strategy and recommend a campaign goal, aligned with current organizational capacity, market conditions, and institutional priorities.

The selected consulting partner will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study that includes the following components.

Internal Capacity and Readiness Assessment

The consultant will conduct a rigorous assessment of the Foundation’s organizational readiness to undertake a multi-year campaign. The assessment should be a review of the Foundation’s fundraising history, donor pipeline, development capacity, and institutional readiness for a campaign. It should include, at a minimum:

• Analysis of donor data quality, giving trends, pipeline strength, and stewardship practices.
• Evaluation of readiness across key leadership bodies and functions, including board and PCC engagement.
• Review of staff capacity; checking if current Foundation staff and leadership have the skills and bandwidth to run a campaign.
• Assessment of communications and brand readiness for campaign-level storytelling and visibility.
• Analysis of data and technology infrastructure: including but not limited to the donor database system.
• Review of financial and legal governance: examining internal accounting procedures, gift acceptance policies, and standard operating processes.

External Feasibility & Funding Landscape Assessment

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive external feasibility analysis that must include:

• Confidential interviews with selected major donors, Board members, campaign-level prospects, and other key stakeholders, testing potential campaign priorities, purposes, financial ambition, and case themes.
• Assessment of donor perceptions of the Foundation and appetite for supporting a multi-year campaign.
• Analysis of data-driven competitive funding landscape, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities specific to the Foundation’s donor mix.
• Critical evaluation of the Foundation’s emerging case for support.
• Identification of campaign leadership: uncovering champions and volunteers.

Deliverables

Provide a written report summarizing:

• Key findings from interviews;
• Donor sentiment and philanthropic potential;
• Organizational readiness assessment;
• Recommended campaign goal range;
• Recommended campaign focus and structure;
• A range of viable campaign approaches or scenarios;
• The implications, risks, and opportunities associated with each option;
• A recommended path forward based on the study findings; and
• Key risks and opportunities.

The consultant will present findings and recommendations to the Foundation within five months, including a range of potential campaign approaches, the implications, risks, and opportunities associated with each option, and a recommended path forward to support informed decision-making.

RFP Timeline

• Requests for Proposals issued: July 1
• Questions due: July 17
• Responses to questions shared: July 24
• Proposals due: August 5
• Interviews conducted with finalists: August 17-20
• Consultant selection: by September 1
• Project kickoff: September
• Findings Presentation: January 2027

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

• Firm overview and relevant experience, including experience with campaign feasibility studies for organizations of similar size, complexity, and mission.
• Bios of key team members, including roles and relevant experience.
• Feasibility study methodology, including approach to stakeholder interviews, donor analysis, and organizational assessment.
• Proposed work plan, timeline, and deliverables, including key phases of the study and expected outputs.
• At least three client references.
• Detailed budget and proposed payment schedule.
• Disclosure of any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including prior or current relationships with the Foundation, PCC, or related stakeholders.
• Description of how findings will be translated into actionable recommendations for campaign strategy and decision-making.
• Description of confidentiality and data security practices, including how the firm will protect sensitive donor and organizational information.

Potential for Future Engagement

The Foundation anticipates that the consulting firm selected to conduct the readiness assessment and the feasibility study may be invited to provide additional campaign planning or counsel services should the campaign proceed. However, the Foundation reserves the right to conduct a separate procurement process.

Submission Instructions

Due: August 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT
Email: pccfoundation@pcc.edu
Subject: RFP Submission – PCC Foundation Campaign
Medium: PDF

Request for Proposal [PDF]

PCC Veterinary Technology student and scholarship recipient Kianalia Towle shares how scholarships and community şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą helped make her educational journey possible:

They say the smell of a barn isn’t for everyone, but for me, it has always smelled like home. 

Animals have been a constant in my life. They ground me and comfort me, and caring for them gives me purpose. That’s why becoming a veterinary technician means so much to me. I love this work.

But getting here hasn’t been easy. The past few years have tested my husband and me in ways we never expected. There were moments when it felt like every part of life was demanding more than I had to give.  And underneath it all was this constant fear that one unexpected setback could derail everything. 

Kai shared her story with attendees of the PCC Foundation’s ‘Together for Tomorrow’ event, 2026.

What made the difference was community. My time at şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą has taught me that resilience isn’t built alone. It grows when people show up for each other. When life felt difficult, there were so many people şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą who helped me keep going. My classmates became a lifeline. They knew what it meant to struggle and keep moving forward. My instructors saw me as a whole person – not just a student sitting in a classroom. When I was overwhelmed, they didn’t make me feel ashamed. They reminded me that asking for help is not weakness, it’s part of being human and getting through. And when I needed support, they connected me with resources that kept food on our table, and helped my family stay afloat.

The scholarships I received gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: Relief. They meant I could stay in school. I could focus on learning, instead of constantly calculating what bill could wait another week.

But more than that, those scholarships told me something I desperately needed to hear: That my future was still possible. That someone believed in me. And that kind of belief can change a person.

When I graduate from PCC, I’ll finish my clinical rotations, prepare for my national exam, and continue building a career caring for animals and supporting the people who love them.

And while that means the world to me, the impact goes beyond just my own future. My sons are watching. They’ve seen me keep going when things were hard. They’ve seen people step in and help us through. And because of that, they’re learning something I hope they carry with them for the rest of their lives: That people matter. That community matters. And that dreams are possible.

Related:

şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą supporters gathered on Saturday, May 30 at the Sylvania Campus Performing Arts Center for an evening of connection, celebration, and fundraising at the annual “Together for Tomorrow” event hosted by the PCC Foundation and presented by Comcast. The event raised $340,420 to support student scholarships.

“It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many people who care deeply about creating opportunities for PCC students,” said Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline. “The funds raised will help more students succeed by removing financial barriers and providing critical support when they need it most.”

Attendees arrived to find the Performing Arts Center courtyard transformed into a vibrant pavilion, where they mixed and mingled while enjoying delicious food, handcrafted beverages, and exuberant music from PCC student before moving to the theater auditorium for an inspiring program of storytelling and collective support.

Kianalia Towle, a PCC veterinary technology student and scholarship recipient, shared her story of overcoming numerous challenges to pursue her dream career through a and personal message to the audience.

“My time at şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą has taught me that resilience isn’t built alone. It grows when people show up for each other. The scholarships I received gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: Relief,” explained Towle. “But more than that, those scholarships told me something I desperately needed to hear: That my future was still possible. That someone believed in me. And that kind of belief can change a person.”

A number of prominent PCC supporters and community leaders contributed additional remarks throughout the evening, including Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs for Comcast, Tim Goodman; PCC Acting President Dr. Katy Ho, Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline, and Foundation Board President Jans Dykhouse. Josh Laurie, dean of college success programs, served as emcee, and benefit auctioneer Kelly Russell led the special appeal.

The night ended with desserts, dancing, and a brighter future ahead for more PCC students.

View Photo Gallery

Continue Creating Opportunity

The need for scholarship support continues long after the event ends. Every gift helps students access education, navigate challenges, and build the futures they envision for themselves and their families.

Together, we shape what comes next.

The annual PCC Patron Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose sustained commitment to education transforms lives. This year’s honorees embody that spirit in powerful and lasting ways.

From left: PCC President, Dr. Adrien L. Bennings; PCC Foundation Executive Director, Christina Kline; PCC Foundation Board of Trustees President, Jans Dykhouse; Jeff Rippey; Robin Holman, Melissa Rippey, Doug Holman

The James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation, represented at the event by Jeff Rippey, has invested in Oregon students for decades with a clear and steady purpose: to support youth services and education. A partner of PCC for more than 15 years, the Foundation has committed more than $1.2 million to the college since 2010, with a strong focus on Career Pathways and scholarships for students pursuing career technical education. Most recently, a $450,000 grant to PCC’s Pathways to Opportunity initiative is strengthening the combination of skills training and wraparound supports that help students not only enroll, but persist, complete, and thrive. Guided by integrity, long-term thinking, and a deep belief in opportunity, the Foundation’s investments create impact that extends far beyond any single student.

From left: PCC President, Dr. Adrien L. Bennings; PCC Foundation Board of Trustees President, Jans Dykhouse; PCC Foundation Executive Director, Christina Kline; Evan Madden; Paul Madden; Caroline Madden; Jennifer Madden; Reece Scotch; Kelsey Scotch; (front) Ken Madden; Peyton Scotch; Cindy Madden

The PCC Foundation also honored Ken Madden, the Madden Family, and Madden Industrial Craftsmen, whose partnership with PCC reflects the powerful connection between education and industry. More than 30 years ago, Ken and his family built a company dedicated to quality and craftsmanship — and along the way, they recognized the strength and preparation of PCC students entering the trades. That belief turned into action. The Madden family established an endowed scholarship supporting students in the Building Construction Technology program, created an annual scholarship to provide immediate assistance, and has been a steadfast supporter of the Foundation’s signature event and past galas. Together, they have contributed more than $200,000 to PCC students. Ken’s service has also been extraordinary, including leadership on the PCC Foundation Board, the PCC Board of Directors, and as co-chair of The Campaign for Opportunity, which raised more than $46 million to support students and programs across the college.

Both honorees demonstrate what is possible when philanthropy, industry, and education work in partnership. Their investments help students gain real skills, earn family-wage careers, and build stronger futures — for themselves and for our entire community.

The PCC Foundation celebrates the 2026 PCC Patron Award recipients and extends its appreciation for their enduring belief in the power of şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą.

Wendy Wright (foreground) with (from left) Foundation’s Christina Kline, PCC Dean Josh Coleman, Horizon Air’s Archie Vega and Aviation Maintenance Faculty Tom Laxson.

That’s a wrap! Literally.

şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą has taken to the skies in style with the debut of a brand-new livery on its Bombardier Q400 aircraft, just in time for the Oregon International Air Show. But this isn’t just any plane. This is the training aircraft for students in PCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program—gifted by Horizon Air and transformed by alumna and PCC Foundation senior graphic designer Wendy Wright.

What started as a commercial aircraft crisscrossing the Pacific Northwest skies is now a bold, branded beacon of hands-on education, strategic partnerships, and some serious graphic design magic.

A Plane, A Vision, A PCC Dream

When Horizon Air donated the retired Q400 to PCC in 2022, it wasn’t just donating a plane—it was giving students a flying classroom. Stationed at the Hillsboro Airport, the Q400 will now serve as a real-world training ground for tomorrow’s aviation maintenance professionals. And thanks to Wright, it’s looking sharp while doing it.

Visitors to the Oregon International Air Show on May 17-18 will have the chance to tour the newly wrapped aircraft, hosted by both PCC and Horizon Air. And while the gleaming blue tail and sleek fuselage design will no doubt steal the spotlight, it’s the story behind the wrap that truly soars.

Designer, Project Manager, Weather Watcher

Wendy Wright didn’t just design the wrap—she livedĚýľ±łŮ.

From her first sketches in June to the final vinyl installation in May, Wright juggled multiple hats: designer, project manager, partner liaison, and logistics wizard. Altogether, she clocked more than 150 hours on the project, often navigating a tricky blend of creative challenges, weather constraints (vinyl doesn’t do well with rain, hot, or cold), and scheduling puzzles.

“This wasn’t just an ordinary print job,” she said. “It was like solving a giant, three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle—with wings.”

Wright’s design journey was no straight line. The Q400 still bore visible remnants of its Alaska/Horizon branding, and because PCC chose a partial wrap to save costs, Wright needed to cleverly camouflage those marks without sacrificing visual impact. Add in the challenge of aligning PCC’s turquoise branding with the plane’s existing color striping, and suddenly, this wasn’t just a design job—it was an exercise in problem-solving on a massive scale.

Inspiration: Mechanical Meets Modern

Wright wanted the final livery to reflect both complexity and simplicity, echoing the hands-on precision of aviation maintenance without overwhelming the eye. Her final design featured a mechanical-inspired texture, clean lines, and a bold “Aviation Maintenance” headline alongside the PCC logo and iconic diamond.

“I knew I wanted the diamond on the tail from the beginning,” she said. “It gives us visibility, recognition, and pride.”

To integrate PCC’s signature turquoise in harmony with the existing striping, she created a gradient from navy (PCC’s darker brand color) at the base to turquoise at the top. The result is both subtle and striking—one that wraps seamlessly around the aircraft and avoids the dreaded “white mohawk” that sometimes mars unfinished top panels.

She even considered placing “pcc.edu/aviation” on the top of the plane for aerial visibility, but after examining the clutter of rooftop hardware and antennas, she opted to keep it sleek and streamlined.

Mission Accomplished

So, what does Wright think of the final product?

“LOVE IT!” she says, with a smile that needs no gradient.

She credits the installation team at Premier Press for their flawless execution, as well as the collaborative spirit of the project—from the PCC Foundation and Aviation Maintenance team to Horizon Air and everyone in between.

“This plane is more than just a tool for one program,” Wright said. “It’s a gift to the whole college. It keeps PCC front and center, both visually and symbolically.”

And for Wright, a graduate of PCC’s Graphic Design Program, this was a full-circle moment.

“To be able to give back to the college that gave me so much—that’s what this means to me. It’s my way of paying it forward.”

Together for Tomorrow 2025: A New Era of Community Support

On May 17, 2025, Together for Tomorrow raised $326,640 for student success!

şŁĚÄÖ±˛Ą supporters came together in a powerful show of generosity on Saturday, May 17, raising $326,640 at Together for Tomorrow, a new celebration hosted by the PCC Foundation at the Sylvania Campus and presented by Comcast. The funds will directly support Bridges to the Future scholarships and other critical student needs.

This lively event marked a fresh chapter for PCC’s annual fundraiser, replacing the traditional gala with a vibrant, on-campus celebration designed to foster connection, expand access, and ground the experience in the heart of PCC’s community. Festive party tents transformed the Performing Arts Center courtyard into a full-scale celebration where attendees enjoyed an expansive spread of delicious fare, custom cocktails, and an endorphin-pumping soundtrack from , a PCC student and DJ for several of Portland’s pro sports teams.

At the heart of the evening were powerful student stories that illustrated the real-world impact of scholarship support. Jonathan Bennett Watson, a PCC alum now studying engineering at Oregon State University, spoke about his experience of how his scholarship helped him prioritize his studies:

“The Bridges to the Future scholarship allowed me to reduce my work hours and focus on my education. That time — that space — changed everything for me. No longer were assignments just tasks to complete. They were puzzles to solve. Challenges to embrace. This shift in mindset pushed me to reach my full potential.”

Additional moments of inspiration came through video storytelling. shared how she overcame a difficult childhood to thrive with the help of scholarship support. In another video, showed how the PCC Foundation expands access to education, strengthens student supports, and ignites workforce opportunities across the region.

The evening opened with a rousing performance by the Rex Putnam High School Indoor Percussion, and featured remarks from PCC President Dr. Adrien L. Bennings, Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline, Foundation Board President Kim Morgan, and Rebecca Brown, Senior Director of Community Impact at Comcast, the event’s presenting sponsor. Sama Shagaga, Foundation Trustee, served as emcee, and benefit auctioneer Kelly Russell led the special appeal.

“The funds raised will have a transformative impact for students,” said Christina Kline. “It’s truly inspiring to be in community with so many people who believe in the power of education to change lives — people who understand that the future we want is one we build together.”

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