MHCC through their eyes
Steve Michener
Since 1988
A long-time instructor at Mt. Hood recalls fondly the programs he’s had a big part in bringing to the college.
Faculty adviser Steve Michener has been a full-time employee at Mt. Hood for 25 years. Before coming to MHCC, he worked as an automotive technician at various dealerships (Toyota, Nissan, Chrysler) and an independent service shop.
“I have stayed at MHCC because I enjoy what I do and I have invested so much of my personal time and energy into the Chrysler CAP, Honda PACT and IMPORT programs,” he said.
Michener, and a former colleague, no longer with the college, created those programs together. “These are articulated programs with the vehicle manufactures and local repair shops providing 100 percent of our graduates with top-level training and full-time employment,” he said.
Michener said there are only a handful of colleges in America with these kinds of programs. There are even fewer with more than one.
“The value for Mt. Hood is that we (receive) literally millions of dollars’ worth of (donated) tools, training materials, and vehicles every year. For the students this means they are provided cutting-edge training, at the highest level,” Michener said.
– Danny Perez-Crouse
Chris Maier
Since 1988
Graphic Design instructor Chris Maier is starting her 26th year at Mt. Hood and has great things to say about the students, human resources and the college courses.
Maier has a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design, which she earned at Arizona State University. Her graduate studies were at the University of Kansas, and Kent State University in Ohio. She also has contributed to the award-winning editorial layouts in Plazm Magazine.
Over the years, Maier has contributed to the graphic design division in a variety of ways, including the role of department chair and management. But her students are what keep her coming back to Mt. Hood, she said.
“I love seeing how my students’ lives have been changed through my Graphic Design program,” she said. “I’ve made it a point to keep in touch with most of my students over the years. I know where they work, how their families are doing, and how their careers have evolved.”
Maier said that the human resources at Mt. Hood are what really make it special – “plus, the fact that it’s in Oregon. Yay!”
Asked what her favorite thing about Mt. Hood, she responded, “I think it’s cool that MHCC trains students to learn something specific. In less than two years, you can become a fish biologist, a hairdresser, a potter, a mortician, a filmmaker, a jazz musician, a dental hygienist or a welder.
“Mt. Hood offers way more than just your typical college classes,” she said.
– Danny Perez-Crouse
Court Carrier
Since 1987
Court Carrier started working on campus in 1987 and hasn’t left since. Carrier is the program director and lead instructor of the Hospitality and Tourism program, a career field he has enjoyed much of his life.
Carrier began in the industry as a lifeguard at Glacier National Park in Montana. Later, he worked as a hotel bellman, greeting guests and helping them to their rooms, all while making $1.10 per hour.
During his last summer before heading to graduate school at Cornell University, Carrier was hired again at Glacier National Park, but this time as resort general manager, at the age of 23. “My goal all along was to be in management and running hotels and resorts,” he said.
Upon returning to Portland after working a long list of different hotel jobs over the course of 20 years, Carrier became the first full time Hospitality and Tourism program director at Mt. Hood.
“It’s a fantastic field, and I love sharing that with students,” said Carrier. “I love it when people take care of other people.”
In 1987, there were just eight students in the program. Today, there are more than 100 enrolled each term. There were only four classes offered that first year, while today there are nearly 40.
Students who have graduated from the program hold jobs all over the world, running hotels, restaurants, and other parks and recreation jobs, Carrier said. “In my industry, there are 350 different job classifications. We aren’t trying to teach people to be just one thing,
“I have stayed at MHCC because I want to share my passion for the industry with as many students as possible, hoping that they will also fall in love with the business,” he said.
– Rebecca Gaulke
Garie Zordich
Since 1995
Garie Zordich has been at MHCC for 18 years, owing largely to her appreciation for her colleagues and students, she said.
Zordich has spent 13 years as the instructional administrative assistant for the Humanities Department. Prior to that, she was a Title III secretary, a secretary to research and planning, and secretary for the MHCC business department.
Previously, she worked for IBM, where she earned several certificates of certification for specialized courses. She also attended Fresno State University and Glendale Community College in California.
Zordich had several ties to the Mt. Hood campus, with a friend being an employee and her own daughter a former student here.
She said what makes MHCC special is its sense of community. Over the years, she said, the “dedication of the staff and their commitment to students” has remained a constant.
On the flip side, “I think there’s been a real difference in the types of students we serve,” Zordich said. After being exposed to so much technology today, “I think they expect so much more,” she said.
– Katelyn Hilsenbeck
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