Jul 13, 2026 | Community, Curry Campus, Curry News, Foundation, News
The community is invited to tee it up for student scholarships at the 2026 SWOCC Foundation Classic, hosted by Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and the Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Foundation. The tournament will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the renowned Sheep Ranch course, with check-in beginning at 12:00 p.m. and a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.
Registration & Sponsorship Information
The tournament is limited to 20 foursomes. Registration is $300 per golfer or $1,000 per foursome, with all proceeds supporting scholarships for students attending SWOCC’s Coos and Curry campuses. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available:
For questions about becoming an event sponsor, or registering a team, contact the SWOCC Foundation at
foundation@socc.edu or 541-888-7209.
About the Course:
Ranked the No. 13 Best Resort Course in America by Golfweek, Sheep Ranch was designed by the acclaimed team of Coore & Crenshaw and features one mile of Pacific Ocean frontage, breathtaking coastal views from every hole, and nine greens perched along Oregon’s dramatic coastline. The Foundation Classic offers golfers an opportunity to play one of Oregon’s most sought-after courses while supporting scholarships for SWOCC students.
Every registration and sponsorship helps expand scholarship opportunities for students pursuing their educational goals at Southwestern Oregon Community College.
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.
Mar 23, 2026 | Community, Foundation, News, OCCI News
The Southwestern Foundation and Oregon Coast Culinary institute invite the community to an engaging evening of food and wine at the 2026 Winemaker’s Dinner, held in partnership with Abacela Winery on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Hosted at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI), this annual event brings together the community for a thoughtfully curated dining experience. OCCI Executive Chef Randy Torres and his culinary competition team will present a multi-course menu, with each dish paired alongside award-winning wines from Abacela Winery.
Adding to the experience, Abacela Winery CEO Greg Jones will share the story behind the vintages, offering guests a deeper look into the distinct character of their unique wines. The evening is a blending of culinary artistry with firsthand insight from one of the region’s premier wineries.
100% of proceeds from the Winemaker’s Dinner directly support innovation and equipment needs within OCCI’s program, helping ensure students continue to train in a modern kitchen and graduate prepared for careers in the food and hospitality industry.
- Date/Time: Saturday, May 16 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Location: 1988 Newmark Ave. in Coos Bay
- Tickets: $190 per person. Limited seating.
- Visit www.socc.edu/give to reserve your seat or call 541-888-7209.
Reserve Your Winemaker’s Dinner Seat
About the SWOCC 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 or contact the Foundation office at 541-888-7209 or foundation@socc.edu.
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.
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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.
Oct 30, 2025 | Foundation
A first-year diesel mechanic student learns about testing engine components.
Since Southwestern began in 1961, the college has created and adapted programs to train workers to meet local business and workforce needs.
Over the past several years, members of the local trucking, transportation and maritime industries have asked the college to provide students with entry-level skills to enter the diesel repair industry.
In September, the college opened a Diesel Mechanic Training Program with a small class, in a temporary space.
Now we need the community’s help to build a modern shop for the classes.
SWOCC Foundation is helping the college raise $1 million for a new 4-bay diesel mechanic shop to house the training program. A local family has challenged the community to donate to the project and they will match donations $1-for-$1 up to $200,000.
With your help, we can meet that goal by spring 2026.
Why support Diesel Mechanics?
Hi. I’m Terry Cheyne. My wife Sherrie and I own and operate Cheyne’s Trucking & Marine, a mechanic shop on the Coos Bay waterfront. It’s a great business.
Diesel mechanic instructor Terry Cheyne launched SWOCC’s new training program in fall 2025.
I’m also the new instructor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, the person who designed the new diesel mechanic training program.
Why would I do that?
The choice was easy. Our business struggles to hire skilled mechanics. The same is true for every single other shop in the region.
Over the years, I have met young and middle-aged people here who want to work in the industry. They either did nothing because there was no local, affordable training option. Or, they left the region to train elsewhere. They never came back.
I figured if I want to hire skilled, professional mechanics, it’s time to step up and teach.
I left Coos Bay more than 30 years ago to learn through a diesel mechanic training program. It launched me on a career that took me across the country, from turning wrenches to eventually managing a transportation fleet. Corporate work gets to you, though. That’s why my wife and I decided to return to Coos Bay, my hometown.
We started a mobile diesel repair service, which grew into the thriving business we manage today. It now supports several families.
We also enjoy good industry friendships. Thanks to these connections, SWOCC and I were successful in starting the diesel mechanic classes in September in a temporary shop.
Now, we need your help to build a permanent shop
With a full-sized diesel mechanic lab, we will effectively train local people as mechanics for fulfilling careers and to support our regional businesses and industries. Please consider a donation to complete this building. To chat with us about donation opportunities, call 541-888-7209 or email foundation@socc.edu.
Support the Future of Diesel Training!
