URGENT UPDATE: Student leaders from Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) made headlines today as they were recognized on the floor of the Oregon Senate during Community College Day on February 18, 2023. Katheryn Gomez, President of the Associated Student Government, and her Vice President, Katelyn Demianew, visited the Capitol to advocate for increased access to higher education and career technical programs.
The event comes at a crucial time when access to education is more important than ever for rural communities in Oregon. Gomez and Demianew met with state legislators to emphasize the vital role that community colleges play in workforce development and community partnerships. Their advocacy aims to ensure that students from all backgrounds can benefit from educational opportunities.
During the Senate session, Senator Todd Nash of District 29 welcomed Gomez to the Senate floor and requested a special courtesy in her honor. A second courtesy followed, allowing Gomez to share her inspiring story as a first-generation college student. She detailed her aspirations to graduate with a degree in business administration this year, followed by pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
As the daughter of immigrant parents, Gomez expressed her desire to give back to her family, stating, “It was an incredible honor to represent BMCC and our students at the Capitol. Community college has opened doors for me, and I’m proud to share that story.”
Demianew also played a key role during the day, engaging in legislative discussions that reinforced the importance of student leadership in shaping Oregon’s community college landscape.
In conjunction with legislative meetings, Community College Day featured a showcase of career technical education programs in the Capitol lobby. BMCC highlighted its innovative Meat Science Program, providing educational materials and samples of student-produced jerky, showcasing the hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for successful careers.
Jordan Monaco, director of College Relations at BMCC, emphasized the significance of community colleges, stating, “Seeing our students recognized on the Senate floor while also showcasing our career technical programs reflects the full scope of what community colleges provide — opportunity, leadership development, and direct pathways to careers.”
This recognition and advocacy effort marks a pivotal moment for BMCC and its commitment to enhancing educational access for all students. The presence of Gomez and Demianew at the Capitol not only highlights the importance of community colleges in Oregon but also serves as an inspiration for others in the pursuit of higher education.
As the conversation around educational access continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the outcomes of these legislative discussions and the potential impact on future policies surrounding community colleges in Oregon.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
