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OREGON CITY, Ore. — Clackamas Community College has received a second landmark $5 million donation from longtime career and technical education (CTE) supporters Terry and Cheryl Holden, further strengthening the college’s commitment to workforce development and hands-on learning.
The gift will support the college’s planned Natural Resources Center, a major project included in the voter-approved 2024 bond measure. In recognition of the donation, the new facility will be named the Terry and Cheryl Holden Natural Resources Center.
The center is designed to provide modern learning spaces for students pursuing careers in natural resource fields, including horticulture and wildland fire management. The facility will feature updated indoor and outdoor instructional environments aimed at enhancing practical training and preparing graduates for careers in high-demand industries.
This latest contribution follows the Holdens’ historic $5 million donation in 2021, which established the Holden CTE Capital Projects Funds. That gift helped fund construction of the Holden Industrial Technology Center and provided scholarships for students enrolled in CTE programs, as well as support for student veterans.
The Holdens have consistently invested in Clackamas Community College programs over the years. Their support has included donations to the college’s Health Sciences Department, funding an ambulance simulator and a complete renovation of the Medical Assistant program’s teaching space. In 2025, they contributed $150,000 to the Automotive Department to purchase vehicles for student training.
Both Terry and Cheryl Holden have deep roots in Clackamas County. Cheryl grew up in Estacada, while Terry was raised in Molalla.
Terry Holden has often cited the impact a scholarship had on his own educational journey after graduating from Molalla High School. The financial assistance made college accessible and inspired his lifelong commitment to supporting educational opportunities for others.
“The Holdens understand that when we invest in students, we invest in the future of our communities,” said Clackamas Community College President Tim Cook. “Their extraordinary generosity will create opportunities for generations of students pursuing careers in career and technical education. Their commitment to affordable education and to the communities they call home will have a lasting impact on students and our region.”
College officials said the new Natural Resources Center will expand educational opportunities while helping address workforce needs throughout Oregon’s natural resource sectors.
For information about Clackamas Community College scholarships, visit Clackamas Community College Scholarships. Information about the 2024 bond projects, including the Natural Resources Center, is available at Clackamas Community College 2024 Bond Information.
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