Everyone has been so welcoming, kind and helpful. It’s been amazing!

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

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

Taking advantage of College Now is one of the smartest decisions I made. It allowed me to enter my four-year degree with so much more flexibility in my course load that other students don’t normally have. It also allowed me to dive straight into degree specific courses, which has really helped me in the STEM field.

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.

“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 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 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

Southwestern was the perfect choice for me. From the attentive staff to the beautiful and safe surroundings, I felt at home. The lifelong friendships that I have made are priceless.

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.