The Meaning of Our Name

You can learn a lot about Chemeketa Community College by understanding the meaning of our name. Chemeketa means "gathering place" in the local Native American language of the Kalapuya. We translate that as "place of peace." We interpret it to mean "you are welcome here."

Soon after the formation of the new college district, a contest was held to choose a new name. Entries were solicited from students, as well as from all the district high schools. Some of the names chosen as finalists were Green Valley, Mid-Valley, Mid Willamette, Cascade Foothills and Jason Lee (Methodist missionary and founder of Willamette University).

The winning entry came from Susan Blum, a student in the dental assisting program, who received as her award two years tuition. In her submission Blum wrote, "Long before the white man came to this area, all of the Willamette Valley Indians would gather at a place they called Chemeketa (now Salem) to conduct their councils and to make new and renew friendships to share old ideas and cultivate new ones. Many who will come to Chemeketa Community College will do just that." She also noted that, literally translated, Chemeketa means "place of peace." In December 1969, the Board of Education approved the name Chemeketa, a name that seemed ideally suited to the new college. On July 1, 1970, Chemeketa Community College officially began as a district-wide community college separate from the Salem School District.

The college continued to find inspiration in its name, and on Sept. 11, 2002, Chemeketa dedicated a new Peace Garden in response to the tragic events that occurred one year earlier. Students, staff, alumni and members of the community helped raise the funds to build the garden near the Student Life Center, Building 2, on the Salem Campus. No college funds were used for this project; the entire $15,000 necessary was raised by private donations.

In 2005, the college requested permission from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz to continue using the name “Chemeketa.” Both tribes graciously granted their blessing. A naming ceremony was held on May 6, 2005, with Tribal Council members from both tribes in attendance. During the event, the college formally acknowledged and honored the heritage of its name.

Chemeketa Key Facts

• Each year, thousands of high school students use our College Credit Now program to save their families millions in tuition
• Our Chemeketa Press publishes low-cost textbooks which saves students hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Clients of the Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry have added hundreds of jobs through our small business management program

Connect with Chemeketa

• Find out about Chemeketa job openings
• Earn a contract to do business with Chemeketa
• Cheer for your Chemeketa Storm athletes
• Enjoy an exhibit at the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery
• Help students pay for college with a gift to the Chemeketa Foundation

Hispanic Serving Institution

Chemeketa Community College is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as defined by the Higher Education Act. It requires that two- or four-year colleges enroll a significant number of low-income students, and have at least 25 percent of their full-time undergraduate student body identify as Hispanic. There are more than 500 Hispanic serving institutions in the United States and six in Oregon (2020), including Chemeketa Community College, which received the HSI designation in 2017.

Title V Grants

Colleges with HSI designation are eligible to apply for federal grants under the Title V and Title III, Part A, Programs. These grants assist HSI colleges to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the attainment of, Hispanic and low-income students. Some grants also enable HSIs to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, institutional infrastructure, and facilities.

Chemeketa Accelerated Pathways to Success

In October 2018, Chemeketa was awarded a 5-year, $2.4 million Developing Hispanic Serving Institution Title V grant. Chemeketa is the first college in Oregon to be awarded a developing HSI grant. The grant targets degree-seeking Hispanic and low-income students, providing support throughout the student lifecycle and improving institutional efficiencies within student support services. The project is called Chemeketa Accelerated Pathways to Success (CAPS).

General Education Outcomes

You'll gain competency in six key areas for career and life success in General Education courses:

• Curiosity
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Compassion
• Communication
• Competence

Learn more about General Education Outcomes.