Alumni News
Welcome to the Alumni News Hub – Here you will find stories, features and updates about Southwestern alums, highlighting their diverse accomplishments and contributions. Join us in celebrating the inspiring journeys of our alumni, as we showcase the remarkable impact they continue to make in their respective fields and communities.
Southwestern honors Carolyn Thompson as 2022 Distinguished Alum
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to announce the selection of Carolyn Thompson of North Bend as the 2022...
Southwestern Celebrates Peace Tree Planting
Southwestern Oregon Community College has many trees on its Coos Bay campus. There are native firs, pines, maples, alders and a majestic coastal...
Southwestern honors Donald Ivy as 2021 Distinguished Alumnus
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to announce the selection of Donald Ivy of Coos Bay as the 2021 Distinguished...
On a journey of inspiration
Yesterday's drop-out. Today's teacher When Lou Rushton hiked into Coos Bay looking for a bus to take south, the 50-state traveler had never heard of...
‘None of us makes it to our goals alone’
Celebrating Barbara Eells, 2018 Distinguished Alumna If there's one word that best describes Barbara Eells, it is "determined." That mindset has...
Alum returns to build Health and Science center
If you’d asked Jesse Schade when he was a basketball playing student here from 1995-97 if he’d ever come back to SWOCC, it’s likely he would have...
Veteran finds path forward
It’s not easy for veterans to come back to regular life at home. When Eric Gleason left the U.S. Navy in 2007, he went to work in a casino. Then he...
College honors LaMont Swinson
COOS BAY, Ore. – How do you honor a person who continuously helps young people navigate the world and always gives back to students in an uplifting...
Drew Jones: Inspiring students
Soccer ruled Drew Jones’ life in high school and ultimately led him on a path to teaching. He came to SWOCC to play soccer, have fun – and learn. He...
Dr. Sarah Kidd: Saving salmon
Meet Research Scientist Dr. Sarah Kidd. She started her journey at SWOCC and fell in love with science. Sarah went on to earn a doctoral degree at...