Running for Students: College President’s Fundraiser Coming to SWOCC – July 14, 2025

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.

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.

Southwestern Uncorking Opportunity Scholarship Fundraiser – Jan. 31, 2025

Jan 2, 2025 | Community, Foundation, News

Coos Bay, OR – The Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation in collaboration with the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) invites guests 21 years and older to attend Uncorking Opportunity! on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. The event featuring fantastic food, fun and friends takes place from 6-8 p.m., at OCCI, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.

This is the Foundation’s annual scholarship fundraiser and biggest event of the year. Enjoy an evening of conversation and delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared by student chefs and specially paired with Oregon wines provided by well-known wineries from the Rogue, Umpqua and Willamette Valleys. The event also features both a silent and small live auction of adventures and fun learning opportunities.

Tickets are $95 per person, available at www.socc.edu/give. Thanks to sponsor support, 100 percent of ticket proceeds and funds raised go to scholarships for culinary students and others pursuing degrees and training at Southwestern’s Coos and Curry campuses.

This year’s sponsors to-date include: Al Peirce Co., Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Coos Bay Vision Center, Umpqua Bank, NW Natural, Scott Partney Construction, Bradford McKeown Financial Advisor and The Mill Casino-Hotel. Participating wineries include: Elk Cove Winery, Kriselle Cellars, Abacella Winery, Dobbes Family Winery, Willamette Valley Vineyards and King Estate.

Examples of some of the auction adventure items include:

• Tickets to an exclusive Winemaker’ Dinner featuring King Estate Vineyards and the college’s culinary competition team in April 2025
• Private OCCI Group Cooking Class
• Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
• A night at the Ashland Springs Hotel with a Shakespeare play
• One-Week Stay in Hawaii
• “Name Your Own” Scholarship

…and so much more!

Space is limited! It is highly recommended people secure tickets in advance. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To purchase tickets, go to www.socc.edu/give. For more information, contact the Southwestern Foundation at 541-888-7209 or email foundation@socc.edu.

SWOCC Foundation Uncorking Opportunity! Event Overview:

**Important: Guests must be 21+ years old**

• Date/Time: Friday, January 31, 2025 from 6-8 p.m.
• Location: OCCI, 1988 Newmark Ave. Coos Bay, OR
• RSVP: Reservations are highly encouraged as space is limited. Secure your spot by purchasing at socc.edu/give. Call 541-888-7209 or email foundation@socc.edu.
• Cost: $95 per person – Includes 6+ wine & hors d’oeuvre pairings; access to silent/live auction and an evening of fun conversation with OCCI student chefs. 100% of ticket proceeds goes directly to student scholarships.

About the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation

Since 1962, the Southwestern 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.