Oregon City, OR – Dr. Tim Cook, President of Clackamas Community College (CCC), is taking on an extraordinary challenge this summer. An avid runner, Cook has set an ambitious goal: he plans to run to every community college in the state of Oregon, a journey that will cover more than 1,500 miles across 17 colleges. This non-stop, 50-day run aims to raise awareness about the pressing challenges faced by students and to advocate for better state funding to support their basic needs.
Cook’s goal is not just about running. It’s about shedding light on the struggles faced by many community college students across Oregon. In recent surveys, approximately 41% of students reported food insecurity, 52% said they experienced housing insecurity, and nearly 20% faced homelessness in the past year. These alarming figures highlight the barriers many students must overcome to pursue their education.
“As a first-generation college student, I understand how education can change lives,” says Cook. “My lifelong mission has been to help students break down the barriers that stand in their way. Through this run, I hope to raise awareness about the challenges students face and gather support to address these critical issues.”
Cook’s campaign, dubbed “Running for Oregon Community College Students” (ROCCS), will take him through every community college in Oregon, including some of the most rural parts of the state. The run will average 32 miles a day, and Cook hopes to complete it during his summer vacation. His route will pass through various scenic areas of Oregon, but the focus remains on the students who need support.
The funds raised through the ROCCS campaign will go directly to the community colleges, helping students meet their basic needs, including food, housing, and other critical support. The Clackamas Community College Foundation is currently seeking sponsors to support Cook’s incredible effort. Donations will directly benefit students at Oregon’s community colleges and help them succeed in their educational pursuits despite the financial challenges they may face.
“We know that students at community colleges often struggle with things that many of us take for granted, like having enough food or a safe place to sleep. These issues can significantly impact a student’s ability to succeed in school,” said Haley Stupasky, who is helping coordinate the fundraising efforts. “This run is about ensuring that no student has to worry about these things when they are trying to get an education.”
As part of the ROCCS campaign, donations are being accepted online through the Clackamas Community College website. Supporters can learn more about the run and contribute to the cause at www.clackamas.edu/ROCCS.
Cook is calling on the community to join him in supporting this important cause. “We need to come together to help our students thrive,” he said. “By supporting this campaign, we are ensuring that education remains a possibility for all, regardless of their financial situation.”
In addition to raising funds for students, Cook’s run also serves as a reminder of the critical role that community colleges play in shaping the future of Oregon. These institutions provide valuable education and training to students who often face financial or personal challenges. Community colleges in Oregon are key to helping individuals build better futures, and Cook’s efforts aim to ensure that these students have the support they need to succeed.
This is not the first time Cook has taken on a running challenge. A seasoned marathoner, he has completed marathons in nearly every state in the U.S., sometimes even running on consecutive days. However, this summer’s run has a deeper purpose, and Cook is determined to make a difference in the lives of Oregon’s community college students.
Cook’s dedication to helping students is not just about his personal experience as a first-generation college student, but also about his commitment to the mission of community colleges in Oregon. “Community colleges are vital to the success of our state, and we need to make sure that students have the resources they need to succeed,” he said.
How You Can Help:
The ROCCS campaign needs your support. You can help by donating to the cause or becoming a sponsor. For more information on how you can contribute, please reach out to Haley Stupasky at haley.stupasky@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-3421. You can also visit the website to donate and learn more about the run: www.clackamas.edu/ROCCS.
Together, we can make a difference for Oregon’s community college students and ensure that their basic needs are met so they can focus on their education and future.
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