Jan 9, 2026 | Community, Curry Campus, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm, for “Pollinators at the Coast: Supporting Honeybees and Native Species” with Ann Marineau of the Coos Beekeepers Association and Darcy Grahek of Stillwater Natives Nursery. This is a free event; all ages are welcome.
Coos County residents can join us in-person in the Umpqua Hall lecture room (room 184) on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
Curry County residents can join us for a watch party on the Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings.
For those not able to attend in person the lecture will be streamed live on the College’s YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/@southwesternOR/streams.
Explore the vital role that honeybees and native pollinators play in our local ecosystems and food systems. Learn about the unique challenges pollinators face in our region today, including habitat loss, climate impacts, and pesticide exposure. The lecture will highlight how coastal environments influence pollinator health and showcase practical, science-based ways residents can support pollinators — particularly through pollinator-friendly yard and garden choices. Discover how small, local actions can help create healthier habitats where pollinators can thrive.
For more information about this lecture contact DeAnne Varitek, Dean of Career Technical Education at Southwestern at deanne.varitek@socc.edu or 541-888-7312.
To learn more about Southwestern’s Agroecology program visit: https://www.socc.edu/agroecology.
Jan 8, 2026 | Community, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – High school students with an interest in the culinary and baking arts are invited to a special evening of exploration at Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) on Thursday, February 5th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. This free event offers a unique opportunity to experience the world of cooking and learn about a future in the culinary field.
Attendees will enjoy live cooking demonstrations, participate in an engaging Q&A session, and meet OCCI’s talented chefs, instructors, and staff. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in the culinary arts or just curious about the craft, this is your chance to get hands-on insights in a fun and focused setting.
Event Details
- What: OCCI Experience Event for High School Students and their Families
- When: Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Where: Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay
- Cost: FREE
- RSVP: Email lena.chester@socc.edu or call 541-888-7309 to reserve your spot
Space is limited, so RSVPs are highly encouraged! Don’t miss this chance to discover your culinary potential at OCCI.
Can’t make it to the event? Learn more about OCCI’s Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs at
www.socc.edu/occi, where you can also schedule a personalized campus tour. OCCI offers scholarships, financial aid, and nationally recognized culinary education to help you achieve your career goals.
About Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI)
The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (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.
Dec 22, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus
Brookings, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Curry Campus invites the community to join us on Thursday, January 8, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for a presentation by Rick Serman, Retired Superintendent of the Redwood National and State Parks: Stories of the Redwood Parks.
Rick Sermon worked more than fifty years among the forests and redwood parks along the California coast and has stories about the majestic giants that you will not want to miss. Rick will present the natural history of the redwoods and the cultural history going back to the gathering at the Bohemian Grove in 1917 that was instrumental in saving the redwoods.
Only 5% of the old growth redwoods still exists. Rick will tell us about how these remaining trees were saved and discuss their future.
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. Bring a friend and a brown bag lunch.
Stay tuned for upcoming talks in our speaker series. Talks during winter term will focus on the nature all around us. For more information contact the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667.
Dec 17, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus, Curry News, Foundation, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – Students planning to attend Southwestern Oregon Community College during the 2026–27 academic year can begin applying for Southwestern Foundation scholarships starting January 1, 2026.
Thanks to the generosity of donors across our communities, the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships annually, helping students pursue education, training, and career pathways at Southwestern.
The scholarship application period runs from January 1 – March 1, 2026. All students considering enrollment for the 2026–27 academic year are encouraged to apply, including both full-time and part-time students. Applications submitted by February 1, 2026, will be eligible for a $1,000 “Early Bird” Scholarship.
To learn more and apply, visit www.socc.edu/scholarships.
The Foundation and Financial Aid Office will host a series of drop-in Scholarship and FAFSA workshops to provide additional help and everyone is welcome to swing by:
Coos Campus (Coos Bay) – Tioga #301
- Wednesday, January 21 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.
- Monday, February 9 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- Friday, February 13 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 25 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Curry Campus (Brookings) – Room #232
- Wednesday, February 4 | 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Have additional questions about Southwestern Foundation Scholarships? Email foundation@socc.edu or call 541-888-7209.
Dec 10, 2025 | Community, Foundation, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – The Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Foundation, in partnership with the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI), invites community members aged 21 and older to the 2026 Uncorking Opportunity! scholarship fundraiser, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. This annual event brings the community together at OCCI to support scholarships that help local students pursue transfer degrees, workforce training, and career advancement.
Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres prepared by OCCI student chefs, paired with premier Oregon wines from respected wineries across the Rogue, Umpqua, and Willamette Valleys. The evening also includes a silent auction and a small live auction featuring a variety of “adventure” themed items and experiences that reflect the spirit of community, enrichment, and support for SWOCC students.
Tickets & Event Details
- Tickets: $95 per person, available at socc.edu/give. All ticket proceeds go directly to scholarships. Guests must be 21 years or older.
- Date/Time: Friday, January 23, 6-8 p.m.
- Location: Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, 1988 Newmark Ave in Coos Bay
Purchase Uncorking Tickets
About the SWOCC Foundation
Since 1962, the SWOCC Foundation has supported the College to improve people’s lives – socially, culturally, economically and educationally – through friend-raising and fundraising. The College serves Curry, Coos and western Douglas county residents’ needs for transfer degrees, high-skill job training and community classes. For more information about the foundation, visit www.socc.edu/foundation or contact the Foundation office at 541-888-7209 or foundation@socc.edu.
Dec 9, 2025 | Community, Foundation, News
Coos Bay, OR — The Judith Ann Mogan Foundation awarded an $80,000 grant to Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation to support construction of a new Diesel Mechanic Technology building. This investment will help the College expand workforce training for students pursuing careers in diesel mechanics and heavy equipment maintenance.
“For more than a decade, local industry partners have told us they need trained diesel mechanics,” said Foundation Chairman Arnie Roblan. “With the right people, at a critical time and with strong business support, we are going to make a local training program a reality.”
That’s why the SWOCC Foundation and the College are partnering to raise $1 million to construct the new Diesel Technology building, aiming for completion in fall 2026 on the Coos Bay campus.
Diesel mechanics are in high demand across Oregon. The state projects nearly 430 annual job openings over the next eight years, but training programs graduate only enough newly trained diesel mechanics to fill a third of those jobs. This facility will help close that gap by preparing more students to move into diesel mechanic jobs locally.
The new diesel shop will provide expanded lab and classroom space equipped with industry-standard diagnostic and repair tools. Students will gain practical training in the technologies used by employers in transportation, manufacturing, global trade and natural resource industries across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
“The new diesel mechanic program aligns with the Judith Ann Mogan Foundation priority of supporting business and economic development here in the South Coast. The program provides new opportunities for our high school graduates and individuals looking to change careers by training the next generation of mechanics, ensuring long-term availability of these types of services locally,” said Executive Director Marjorie Crook.
In September, 30-year diesel industry expert and business owner Terry Cheyne stepped in to lead the program in a temporary shop with 9 students currently enrolled. To support the program and get ready for the new shop, regional businesses have donated more than $200,000 in equipment.
“A lot of people think teaching diesel technology is just about engines. It is much more that – it’s about building confidence, skills and a future for every student who walks into my classroom,” Cheyne said. “I believe in being straightforward because in this industry, clarity and precision matter.”
The Diesel Mechanic Technology building is part of SWOCC’s larger commitment to invest in career-technical education programs that meet local workforce needs and open doors for students into high-demand, stable careers.
“Our region depends on skilled trades professionals,” said Dr. Patty Scott, Southwestern President. “In a rural, isolated area like ours, industries that rely on diesel technology are vital to our economy. By expanding this program, we’re helping local employers remain competitive while preparing students for high-skilled, well-paying careers.”
To learn more about the Diesel Technology at SWOCC, visit www.socc.edu/dieselmechanic.
———-
Over the past five years, the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation has invested more than $1.2 million in scholarships and an additional $1 million in equipment and capital improvements to support the College and its students. These investments strengthen academic programs, expand hands-on training opportunities, and help ensure students have access to the teaching, tools and facilities they need to succeed.
