OCCI was the key to so many doors!

I learned the true definitions of discipline, sacrifice and humility, and then put them into practice. I had the honor of not only representing my school but my country in the IKA Culinary Olympics in Eurfurt Germany. Without the umbrella of OCCI none of that would have ever been possible. Now I feel like no challenge is unreasonable and nothing is unattainable in the culinary field.

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

In high school, college was a dream I was so determined to turn into reality. But, as a small human in the midst of everything, it almost felt impossible. Now that my first year of college is coming to a close, I have never felt more determined and empowered to keep going and furthering my college career to come closer to finishing my academic education. Thank you, thank you, thank you!  - Jorda Harlow, Bob and Debra Main Scholarship

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.

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 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 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

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.

Coming to Southwestern was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Everyone was kind and thoughtful. They made me feel at home.

The College Now program greatly expanded the curriculum I had access to during my high-school education and prepared me for college classes. It also allowed me to finish my bachelor's degree in three years and to do so while accruing only half of the debt that accompanies the average bachelor's degree.

Cayce attended Marshfield and graduated from Portland State University in 2020.