Jun 18, 2025 | Community, Foundation, News
1,500 Miles, 17 Colleges, 50 Days, One Cause
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College will soon welcome a unique visitor as part of a statewide campaign supporting Oregon’s community college students. Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook is in the midst of a grueling 1,500-mile, 50-day run across Oregon to raise awareness for student basic needs. As part of his journey, Dr. Cook is scheduled to arrive in Coos Bay on July 14 for a visit to Southwestern’s Coos Campus.
The Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) campaign highlights the challenges many students face meeting essential needs like food, housing, child care and transportation—all while balancing school, work and family responsibilities. Dr. Cook’s run aims to raise both awareness and funds to directly support students at community colleges across the state.
“As a first-generation college student, I understand the transformative power of education,” Dr. Cook said. “Through ROCCS, I aim to shed light on the significant challenges our students face, rally support to address these critical needs and raise awareness of the valuable role community colleges play in our state.”
Locally, Southwestern leaders see these needs every day. “Too many of our students face daily barriers that go beyond the classroom,” said Southwestern President Dr. Patty Scott. “This campaign shines an important light on these realities, and helps raise funds to directly support our students working so hard to change their lives through education. We’re proud to support this mission and encourage the community to get involved!”
In fact, community college students represent some of the most vulnerable populations in the state. A survey from The Hope Center highlights the pressing needs of Oregon’s community college students showed:
- Approximately 41% of students reported experiencing food insecurity within the previous 30 days.
- About 52% of students faced housing insecurity in the past year, which includes difficulties such as affording rent, utilities, or frequent moves.
- Nearly 20% of students experienced homelessness in the past year, indicating a lack of stable and safe housing.
Donate and Follow Along!
Your support makes a difference! ROCCS donations can go directly to help Southwestern students cover essential needs.
Make a ROCCS Donation!
Follow Dr. Cook’s journey at run4orccstudents.org or on Instagram at @run4orccstudents
The ROCCS campaign is made possible through the generous support of Rivermark Community Credit Union, Johnson RV, and Daimler Truck North America.
Jun 11, 2025 | Community, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – A summer tradition returns this July and August as Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) opens its doors for a limited-time restaurant-style lunch series. It’s a unique opportunity for the community to enjoy exceptional food while supporting the next generation of chefs.
Over the course of 12 select days, guests may order items from a three-course lunch menu, with freshly made desserts available from OCCI’s La Patisserie, the student-run bakery. All items are prepared and served by culinary students, providing hands-on experience in a professional dining setting.
This summer restaurant is more than just a great meal. It’s a vital part of OCCI’s training, helping students practice real-world service, refine techniques, and collaborate as a team in a fast-paced environment.
Lunch Service Schedule
Tuesdays–Thursdays | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Last reservation taken at 1:00 p.m.)
- July 8, 9, 10
- July 22, 23, 24
- July 29, 30, 31
- August 5, 6, 7
Reservations
Seating is limited and reservations are highly encouraged.
Email shawn.warren@socc.edu or call the unstaffed reservation line at 541-888-1540 (leave a message and a staff member will return your call to confirm your reservation).
We hope you join us in playing an active role in helping students build the skills needed in the culinary workforce.
Sample Menu**
**PLEASE NOTE: This sample menu is provided to give a general sense of the offerings. Final selections and pricing will vary and are subject to change without notice.
APPETIZERS (Student Designed)
- ($14) Korean Fried Calamari by Caleb H – With a mix of vegetables and peppers [GFO]
- ($10) White Bean Puree & Crudity by Oliva F – With grilled bread [VGFO]
- ($15) Crispy Crab Cake by Austin R – Selection heirloom tomatoes and basil [GFO] [SF]
- ($14) Grilled Chicken Sticks with Red Curry by Joseph C – Grilled radicchio with peanuts [GF]
- ($12) Face Rock Cheese Plate by Caleb H [GFO]
SOUPS
($6) Cup ($10) Bowl
- Coastal Clam Chowder
- Roasted Tomato [V] [GF]
SALADS
- ($7) House Greens – Mixed greens with vegetable garnish & choice of dressing [GF]
- ($15) Smoked Tuna – Potatoes, tomatoes, French beans, egg, olives, onions, capers [GF]
- ($12) Little Gem Country Salad by Azul G – Dill ranch, tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, crispy onion [GF crouton option]
PIZZAS*
*Gluten-Free Option Available upon request
- ($14) The Meats – Pepperoni, chorizo, sausage & caramelized onion [GFO]
- ($14) CBB – Chicken, bacon, broccolini [GFO]
- ($14) Vineyard – Blue cheese, dates & cranberry topped with fresh arugula [GFO]
- ($14) Ultimate Cheese – Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan & provolone with basil [GFO]
MAIN COURSES (Student Designed)
- ($25) Grilled Pork Chop with Pickled Green Salsa by Elijah M – Corn puree, burnt ends, cheesy potato, zucchini [GF]
- ($28) Seafood Risotto by Kaleb C – Black cod, shrimp, roasted broccolini [GF]
- ($25) Mushroom Pasta by Kiera D – Mushroom demi-glaze and truffle [VGFO]
- ($32) Tamarind Glazed Hanger Steak by Dominic D – Crispy potatoes, tomato jam, chimichurri, vegetables [GF]
About Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI)
OCCI is a professionally accredited culinary institution at Southwestern Oregon Community College located in Coos Bay, Oregon. OCCI offers both degrees and certificates in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. The school is renowned for providing comprehensive culinary training programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the culinary industry. With a focus on hands-on learning, experienced faculty, and affordable programs, OCCI is committed to nurturing culinary talent and shaping the next generation of talented chefs. For more information, visit www.socc.edu/occi.
Jun 6, 2025 | Community, News
Trail crew ready for action: Wyatt, Kenny, Kaya, Mhina, and Joseph
The College is moving forward with phased construction of a multi-use, pedestrian-friendly trail system through its Coos Campus and forest, alongside Upper Empire Lake. Our goal is to create a welcoming, nature-connected experience for our students and community members of all ages and abilities who love the outdoors.
In line with SWOCC’s vision to lead and inspire lifelong learning, the College partnered with Ptarmigan Ptrails LLC (PTRAILS) to design the trail network. The nationally known Port Orford-based professional trail development firm identified optimal routes tailored to the terrain. Plans include a mix of natural and improved surface trails, with options for universal access, walking paths, and mountain bike-friendly routes. The trail system will also provide training grounds for the College’s cross country team and connect students in forestry, natural resources and agroecology programs with outdoor labs right on campus.
The College is planning to phase the development as funding becomes available. The first phase of the project started in April, restoring the once-popular decades-old trails on the north side of campus connecting to the city of Coos Bay’s John Topits Park. It’s a partnership between the College, SWOCC Foundation, PTRAILS and the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board, which is funding a youth construction crew. The crew consists of SWOCC students and other youth who want to work and someday have outdoor careers.
The project came about after the College completed its 2020-30 comprehensive facilities plan. Students and community members told us they wanted to be a part of a vibrant learning ecosystem – inside and outdoors. The other benefit is the College also expects the trail system to provide additional local tourism opportunities, as people discover the natural beauty of the south coast.
Many generations of people have walked on this land and around the lakes, even before the College campus was built. With this trail system, SWOCC will ensure people are connected for many more generations to our outdoor career programs, the land, lake and forest.
Jun 2, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus, News
Coos Bay, OR – In celebration of Juneteenth, Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the public to a free presentation “Juneteenth: Americanism Reclaimed” by Taylor Stewart, founder of the Oregon Remembrance & Sunrise Projects. The presentation will be held at Southwestern’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay) at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Umpqua Hall, Room 184. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.
Stewart’s presentation will offer a powerful reflection on emancipation, the meaning of Juneteenth, and the ongoing pursuit of truth, justice and reconciliation in America.
Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery. For the past four years, Taylor Stewart has been at the forefront of Juneteenth celebrations across the state of Oregon, lending his expertise and passion to the cause. Stewart’s first time working on a Juneteenth celebration was in 2021 in Coos Bay.
Stewart founded the Oregon Remembrance Project in 2018 to memorialize Alonzo Tucker, Oregon’s most widely documented African American victim of lynching, which occurred in Coos Bay in 1902.
For more information contact Forrest Akers, Director of International Recruitment and Academic Partnerships, at 541-888-7185, forrest.akers@socc.edu.
May 20, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – The Coos Singers, a community choir from Southwestern Oregon Community College, will be presenting “Songs from the Stage” an evening of choruses and solos in the great Broadway tradition. This free concert will be presented June 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm in The Hales Center for the Performing Arts on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).
The performance will feature selections from Oklahoma, Wicked, Les Mis, and more! The 70+ members of The Coos Singers will showcase talented soloists, small ensembles, and a performance by the cast of Little Theatre on the Bay’s local production, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”. The audience will even be invited to join in on a song or two!
Please make plans to join The Coos Singers, Monday June 2nd, at 7 pm, to share in this wonderful evening of music.
May 16, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus
Photo by Gretchen Kay Stuart
BROOKINGS, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Curry Campus invites the community to join us on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 pm (New Time!) for: Sea Otters: Once More on Our Shores?
This is a free program sponsored by the Friends of Curry Campus and will be held in the Community Room on Southwestern’s Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway (off Highway 101), Brookings.
Join Kyle Motley, Coastal Community Coordinator with the Elakha Alliance, for an in-depth exploration of sea otters, their ecological role, and their historical significance along the Oregon Coast. Kyle will share the fascinating history of these iconic marine mammals, discuss the vital ecological functions they serve in coastal ecosystems, and outline the considerations involved in their potential reintroduction to Oregon. This presentation highlights the intersection of science, culture, and community in restoring balance to our coastal waters.
Kyle has an extensive background working with endangered species, threatened ecosystems, stakeholder engagement, and watershed restoration projects on private and public lands. He received his Master of Science degree in natural resources from the University of Vermont, where he focused on forest ecology. He has worked on monitoring, restoration, and forestry projects with the United States Forest Service, the National Park Service, and several local government agencies around the country. Since moving to the south coast six years ago, Kyle has worked with local non-profit groups to successfully implement habitat restoration projects focused on coho salmon and oak woodlands. He is excited to be able to use his stakeholder engagement and community outreach skills for the Elakha Alliance.
Explore, grow, and create with the Friends of Curry Campus on the second Thursday of every month during the school year. Stay tuned for upcoming talks in our speaker series. For more information contact the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667.
