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 ˿����Ƶ.

“I will see what I can do!”: Ann Mills Hyde’s extraordinary legacy of community service and philanthropy

Throughout her 101 years, Ann Mills Hyde has asked herself again and again how she can be of service in her community.

She’s led a nomadic life, putting down roots in Michigan, Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Mexico in her 50s, and finally in Oregon, where she’s made her home in NE Portland for nearly 30 years.

In her youth, Ann attended college for three years but dropped out because she didn’t feel she fit in and had no one she could turn to for advice. Despite the fact that she valued education highly and was an eager student, there were no good education options for her at the time.

She married and began a happy life, raising three children in New England. She never lost her zeal for learning and community service. “People ought to care about their community,” she says. In each place her family landed, she asked herself how she could help.

She became a champion of early childhood education and began teaching nursery school. She served as the vice-president of the League of Women Voters for the state of New Mexico, lobbying for environmental bills. In her 50s, she returned to college to finish her long-deferred degree in Native American Studies, eventually working as a museum docent.

Ann’s passion for education has guided her service and philanthropy. After moving to Portland three decades ago she became involved again in early childhood education, volunteering at Albina Head Start and a local elementary school. Volunteering has tied her to her communities.

A proud mother and grandmother of PCC students, Ann gives to PCC because of the college’s role in combating inequity. Ann directs donations from her donor-advised fund to the Bridges to Opportunity scholarship, which supports students from marginalized communities.

What advice does she have for the next generation? “Keep involved. Care about your community, especially the children. Meet all different kinds of people.”

For more information about how you can support PCC’s Bridges to Opportunity scholarship, contact Christina Kline at christina.kline@pcc.edu.