Highline Community College received a generous gift to commemorate its 50th anniversary and to conclude the year of celebrations. Highline alumni, Junki and Linda Yoshida, of Yoshida’s Gourmet Sauce, donated the bronze sculpture entitled Spirits Will Protect Me.

The eight-foot tall sculpture depicts a Native American warrior and represents pride, perseverance and overcoming obstacles.

“It is our hope that visitors and students on campus are inspired by (the statue’s) powerful meaning and grow to love it as much as we do,” Linda Yoshida said.

The artist, Jim Jackson, is a Portland resident and member of the Klamath Tribe of Southern Oregon. Jackson studied art at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon. He began sculpting at a very young age, gaining national recognition at just 22 years old.

“The emotions expressed in the faces of my pieces reflect the pride and dignity of Native Americans,” Jackson said. His collection of work has made him one of America’s most respected sculptors.

The dedication took place on June 11 in the Highline Student Union, where the statue will reside. Highline staff, faculty, alumni, community members, as well as Jackson and the Yoshidas, were in attendance.