I am attending the Brookings campus of Southwestern Oregon Community College. I maintain a high grade-point average of 4.0, and I am an active community member that participates in community service and community involvement. I also work part time at a local business in my newly sought profession, Business and Accounting. Thank you again so much for this gift and wonderful opportunity to follow my dreams and obtain a college degree to help me find a higher paying job in the profession that I love. - Donna Miller-Crabtree, Bezzarides Scholarship

I came to SWOCC to play basketball and study Criminal Justice, yet I have come out of my first year with more than only those two things. SWOCC gave me the chance to learn from wonderful professors, play basketball, and also live in a beautiful place.

On the academic end of it, SWOCC let me be interactive in all my classes with small class sizes and a large variety of people from different steps in life. On the athletic end of it, they have wonderful sports facilities with a very prideful program.

SWOCC also gave me the chance to live and experience the beautiful west coast. The lake on campus, vast beaches, and endless hikes add something special to your experience.

I had a very fulfilling life at Southwestern! I felt close to my instructors and was always able to ask them questions. It was easy to make friends so I was able to improve my English and learn about American culture.

There aren’t many places where education and nature are so closely intertwined. Southwestern has both in spades.

Southwestern inspired me to get a jump on my degree and is an ideal location for forestry students like myself. Plus, I received strong support in pursuing research opportunities.

I would like to thank the Mike Groben Scholarship donor who has honored me with the gift of this scholarship. This generous gift will ease financial burdens which will, in turn, help me achieve a dream that started 27 years ago - to further my education and earn my Associates degree in Digital Design. It is often hard to ask for help. I am touched and very thankful to people who are willing to help people succeed. I hope I may be able to pay it forward to a student like myself one day and honor them. My family and I thank you for this scholarship. - Anthony Williams, Mike Groben Scholarship

I am hoping to get an associates degree in nursing here at the Curry Campus before transferring to a 4-year college to get a bachelor's degree in nursing. I promise to work hard and make your investment worthwhile. I hope to eventually be able to give back to students and my community as you have helped me. - Bethany Beer, SWOCC Foundation Curry Campus Scholarship

I was born here in Coos Bay and have lived here for practically my whole life. I come from a Hispanic household. Although we are not extremely wealthy, we work hard to meet our goals. I have two loving parents that have supported me from the beginning. They are always making sure I accomplish and complete my life goals. I am pursuing an associates degree in Nursing and I’m hoping to make it into the nursing program next year. - Adolfo Rodriguez, Art and Toni Poole Scholarship

“The SWOCC University Center provided me with a roadmap not only to assist with my educational needs, but provided the resources to connect with various opportunities such as scholarships and career opportunities. The University Center opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities that I can do with my degree. Jaimee is very helpful and knowledgeable. Now, I'm on track to graduate with my MBA in Business Administration. What is next for me is doctoral school, where I want to obtain a DBA in Business Marketing.”

I am 24 years old and will be a second-year nursing student next year. I live in Brookings and attend the Curry campus. SWOCC has given me the education to progress toward my goals of becoming a well-rounded nurse. I have always believed in compassionate care for individuals and have practiced this as I go throughout my clinical rotation. I love being able to care for people and create an atmosphere of kindness. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. - Lauren Cotten, DeArmond CTE Scholarship