Every year, we share many stories from throughout time about the great accomplishments of Southwestern Oregon Community College’s alumni and current students. Some of those stories from past years are put away in files and boxes to be re-discovered in decades to come. Others are yet to be told.
Part of our college’s own story is highlighting and celebrating our alumni who make significant contributions to their professions or society in general. Oftentimes, these folks improve their communities in great ways and sometimes the do inspiring work quietly. Usually, it’s for more than just a paycheck and sometimes with personal sacrifice. While each Distinguished Alumni’s story and accomplishments are unique, all recognize that their educational experience at Southwestern played a very important role in their lifetime achievements.
Here are the Distinguished Alumni we have honored each year (except for 2020 with a pandemic hiatus) and some of their thoughts. Do you know other former students who are inspiring others and making significant contributions that support education and improve our world? Let us know.
2022 – Carolyn Thompson, certified public accountant, SWOCC Foundation trustee 2013-present
“The one thing I could always count on in my life was school. It started at 8:30 in morning. It fed me. It nurtured my spirit and my soul.”
2021 – Donald Ivy, Historian, Philosopher, Chief of the Coquille Indian Tribe 2014-20
“This honor is a reminder of the great privilege I have to know the people I know. I am thankful for the graces and goodwill of other people more accomplished than me who have allowed me into their space.”
2019 – LaMont Swinson, banking and mortgage industry executive, coach SWOCC
“I express to students, it might not have been part of the plan to be at SWOCC, but believe me that everyone here wants you to succeed. All in all, SWOCC allows young people a great opportunity to start their foundation and start learning in a positive environment on what they might want to become.”
2018 – Barbara Eells, Retired social services manager and victims rights advocate
“I believe none of us make it to our goals alone, and I feel when we succeed at our goals, we should pay that forward by advocating in our own communities.” I am an activist for the vulnerable and disenfranchised. Whether that’s abused children, battered women or neglected animals, I try to be a voice for those who have no voice.”
2017 – Shirley MacAdam, Retired certified public accountant
“As I continue on my journey, I am often reminded that some of the best instructors I have had were right here at SWOCC. I am just one small bit of proof that the community college experience provides opportunity and is critical to the future of our community.”
2016 – Don Grotting, Superintendent Beaverton School District
“I would not be where I am today without the support, academic expertise and high expectations of the Southwestern Oregon Community College teaching faculty, support staff and administration.”
2015 – Dean A. Huard, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel
“The positive academic and extracurricular experiences I encountered at SWOCC better prepared me for the leadership challenges that I would encounter in my professional life. A small college life allowed me to accomplish big and meaningful achievements. The memories and friendships I remember from SWOCC will last a lifetime.”
2014 – Boyd Bjorkquist, Retired Educator, Coach and Athletic Director
“The academic and athletic opportunities I enjoyed at Southwestern helped shape my future. Southwestern provided a great experience for me.”
2013 – Stan Goodell, Retired Educator/Retired Cross Country and Track & Field Coach
“My instructors, advisors and coaches challenged me during my two years at SWOCC. They didn’t tell me I had to be the best, but to be the best I could be. That challenge opened the door for a career that has endured for more than 37 years.”
2012 – Kathy Laird, R.N. M.N., retired health care administrator
“The positive experience I enjoyed while at Southwestern continued well past my role as student and continued for the 11 years that I was employed as nursing faculty (1990-2001).”
2011 – Linda Prefontaine, business manager / Owner, Prefontaine Productions LLC
“My intentions are to set up a scholarship program to help young females who have demonstrated a talent in music, arts, or athletics but don’t have the funds to pursue their dreams.”
2010 – Michael “Mick” Sneddon, Fire Chief, Charleston Rural Fire Protection District
“My education from Southwestern has meant a world of knowledge and has opened doors, giving me the skills to seek what I need to excel.”
2009 – Mary Stricker, Retired Library Director, Southwestern Oregon Community College
“Southwestern gave me confidence to continue my education, which ultimately changed my life.”
2008 – Fran Worthen, Retired business owner / Retired Track & Field Coach, Marshfield High School
“There were so many things offered at the community college that just got you excited; all of them shape the fabric of a person’s mind and emotions and they were all relevant. The community college opened doors for lifelong learning.”
2007 – Peggy Goergen, Former Curry Campus Dean, Southwestern Oregon Community College
“Southwestern made it entirely possible for me to do what I wanted to do, which was work in education. Even though I did not obtain a degree from Southwestern, I would not have been able to obtain a degree at all without Southwestern.”
2006 – Chuck McKay, Former President, McKay’s and Price ‘N’ Pride
“I don’t think there’s an end to learning for any of us. My goal was not the credential or the diploma so much as the education and I certainly got that.”
2005 – Cynthia Ball, Retired chief financial officer timber industry
“At Southwestern, I received more than just an education. I learned how to set goals and then achieve those goals.”
2004 – Karl Kennedy, Communications Industry executive
“Some of my fondest Southwestern memories are of science and economics classes, and being on the wrestling team.”
2003 – Robert “Gray” Jones, Poet and English teacher, American International School of Vienna
“A large portion of the credit for everything that happened to me at Southwestern I owe to the professors I met there. Coming to the college was like walking into a dream that just kept on going once I left.”
2002 – John D. Breuer, Physical Therapist, Southwest Physical Therapy LLC and John Breuer Rehabilitation Services
“Southwestern helped me refocus and become excited about college again. It is where my lifelong interest in science began.”
2001 – Michael Hennick, Sr., Owner, Hennick’s Home Center Inc.
“Southwestern allowed me to get a job in the forestry industry with skills that were directly applicable to the job.”
2000 – Peter Ruppe, Athletic sportswear and equipment industry executive
“The preparation at Southwestern really helped. The teachers were really outstanding and serious. They helped me focus and master what it took to do well in school.”
1999 – Chuck Knight, Retired Chief of Police, Coos Bay Police Department
“The value of the College’s program, whether it’s criminal justice or any other program, is that it’s well-rounded and you get a good education.”
1998 – Tsianina Means, 1997 ESPN Fitness America Champion/1993 Miss Coos County
“I received a strong education, enjoyed the highly competitive athletic scene and made true, lifelong friendships.”
1997 – Mark Nightingale, Computer industry engineer and executive
“Southwestern can prepare you for anything, because it’s really the person, not the job. I encourage every student to follow his or her dream.”
1996 – Don Hall, Retired certified public accountant
“The counselors and professors really care about the students and take a sincere interest in them. It really made a difference to me.”
1995 – Dr. Annette McGregor, Former theater and arts professor
“I look back on my experiences at Southwestern as critical to my development as an artist, a teacher and a human being.”
1994 – Peter Sorenson, Eugene attorney and former Oregon State Senator
“I took a geography class and ended up getting a BA and MA in geography because of the good start I got at Southwestern.”
1993 – Mary Miller, Retired nonprofit foundation executive
“Southwestern has become a Miller family tradition.”
1992 – Steve Greif, Author, Historian, retired teacher, North Bend High School
“I am proud of the fact that I’ve come back to the community from Southwestern and that I’ve made my contributions here.”
