Groundswell Conference returns to Cascade Campus to celebrates student voices
Story by Misty Bouse. Photos submitted.
Groundswell Conference, 2024.
In a time of uncertainty, Portland Community College students are finding connection, hope and possibility through the Groundswell Conference, which is a half-day, free event showcasing original creative and academic work from across the district.
Set for Friday, June 6, the event returns for its sixth year with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. in the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building auditorium on the Cascade Campus. Students will present their work to peers, families, faculty and community members. The event is free and open to the public.
The 8:30 a.m. keynote in the Moriarty Auditorium will be followed by student panels that run from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Terrell Hall.?
Groundswell features presentations that have been carefully selected from across the college’s campuses during the fall and winter terms. Attendees can expect engaging perspectives on subjects such as street art, gentrification, justice, mental health, climate change, social media, higher education and military service, among others.
“While AI and large language models are changing the academic landscape, and the world at large, Groundswell reminds us of the value of original human expression,” said Melissa Manolas, English instructor and event organizer. “Listening to, interacting with and celebrating human thought makes each panel and conversation more meaningful, and hopefully not rare.”
Opening ceremonies feature keynote speaker Chan Jans sharing her experience of immigrating in 2005 from Vietnam where they had worked toward reconstruction, building rural schools post-war.
“I am at PCC to find my voice and share my perspective with the world,” Jans said.
For the full schedule of student panels see more at pcc.edu/groundswell.