Mar 31, 2024 | Curry News, Foundation, News, OCCI News
COOS BAY, OR — Experience an evening of culinary excellence and exquisite wines as the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute and Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation present the 2024 Winemakers’ Dinner on Saturday, May 4.
OCCI chefs present at the winemakers dinner.
The Winemakers’ Dinner immerses guests in an evening of conversation and storytelling with premier Oregon winery Willamette Valley Vineyards. Scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., at OCCI, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, the menu will pair six wines with the fine cuisine of award-winning OCCI Executive Chef Randy Torres and his student chefs. This multi-course meal will feature carefully crafted food and wine pairings that highlight the unique and complimentary attributes of spectacular Northwest cuisine.
Sit down among friends and listen as the storytelling starts relating the tale of Willamette Vineyards’ creator Jim Bernau’s dream to develop an old orchard overcome with blackberry vines into a world class winery known for producing the finest Pinot Noirs. The conversation will touch on propagation, terroir and the art of fermentation. Today, Willamette Valley Vineyards grows grapes in five regions and has assembled a team of winemakers who bring experiences from throughout the West Coast wine industry to create a wide array of award-winning wines.
The event is a collaborative fundraiser to showcase the skills of the college’s Culinary Competition Team and assist the college’s culinary program with investing in equipment. Having participated in the World Culinary Olympics this year, Chef Torres and his student chefs will talk about their experiences and their creative thoughts in creating the menu.
OCCI executive chef Randy Torres demonstrates plating to student chefs.
“It’s important to know that we invest 100% of the funds raised from tickets to this event directly into top-quality equipment for our kitchens,” said Chef Torres. “Likewise, being able to hire the finest chef instructors and inspire excellence in our students is a direct result of the college and community’s commitment to our students.”
Tickets for this fundraising event are $190 per person. Seating is limited. “We are grateful for this support and ultimately being able to support the local economy and provide excellent chefs for the tourism and culinary industries,” Torres said.
For more information or to purchase seats, please contact the Southwestern Foundation at (541) 888-7209, email foundation@socc.edu. or go to www.socc.edu/give.
Jan 17, 2024 | Alumni, Curry Campus, Foundation, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is seeking the community’s help to honor graduates who have gone on after college to improve their professions, education, communities, and the world. Each year since 1992, the College has requested nominations for a distinguished alumni.
The College is accepting nominations for 2024 through April 1. To be eligible, nominees must have graduated with a degree or certificate, or have completed a minimum of 60 credits from Southwestern.
Past recipients have included leaders in education, the arts, Native American tribes, business and finance, research, health care, and the military. Today, Southwestern’s graduates continue to distinguish themselves in professions and innovative efforts to build friendships around the globe. The College wants to celebrate these individuals who have contributed selflessly to improving society. Please consider nominating alumni for the recognition they deserve.
To read more about past recipients, go to Alumni News at www.socc.edu/alumni-news/.
To download the nomination form, go to:
https://www.socc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/dist_alumni_nom_fillable.pdf
Please submit nomination forms by April 1 to: alumni@socc.edu
Or mail them to:
Southwestern Oregon Community College
c/o President’s Office
1988 Newmark Ave.
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Jan 9, 2024 | Community, Curry Campus, Foundation, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – The Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the annual scholarship application period is now open. Any credit-seeing student thinking of attending Southwestern during the 2024-25 academic year is encouraged to apply January 1 – March 1, 2024, at www.socc.edu/scholarships.
With just one application, both part-time and full-time students can apply to more than 100 scholarships offered. Applications submitted by 11:59 pm on February 1, 2024, will be eligible to qualify for a $1,000 “early bird” scholarship. All scholarship applications are due by 11:59 pm on March 1, 2024. There are no exceptions to this strict deadline.
Thanks to generous donors in our local communities, the Southwestern Foundation awards more than $250,000 in scholarships annually to support students pursuing their education at Southwestern.
All information is available at www.socc.edu/scholarships. For additional help, join one of our drop-in Financial Aid and Scholarship workshops. Representatives will be on-site, readily available to address questions and walk students through various aspects of applying.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Drop-In Workshop Dates:
- Coos Campus, Tioga 301 (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay):
- January 26th @ 2 – 4 pm
- January 29th @ 11 – 1 pm
- January 31st @ 5 – 7 pm
- February 9th @ 4 – 6 pm
- February 14th @ 11 – 1 pm
- February 28th @ 2 – 4 pm
- Curry Campus (96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings):
- January 25th @ 10:30 – 2:30 pm
- February 12 @ 10:30 – 2:30 pm
Guided by a board of community volunteers, the Southwestern Foundation organized as a nonprofit organization in 1962, the year after the college started. Since then, thousands of students have attended the college using Foundation scholarships. These awards help students achieve their goals, by breaking down barriers and cultivating the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators in local communities, the state and around the world. If you are interested in donating to Southwestern Foundation scholarships visit www.socc.edu/give or call 541-888-7211 for additional information.
For any additional inquiries about the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation scholarships, please reach out via email at foundation@socc.edu or by phone at 541-888-7209.
Jan 8, 2024 | Community, Foundation, News, OCCI 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, February 23, 2024. The event takes place 6-8 p.m., at OCCI, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
This is the Southwestern Foundation’s annual scholarship fundraiser. It will be an exciting evening full of fun conversation and delectable hors d’oeuvres 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 celebrating food, fun and friends.
Tickets are $95 per person, available at HERE. Thanks to sponsor support, 100 percent of ticket proceeds go to scholarships at the culinary institute and students pursuing degrees and training at Southwestern’s Coos and Curry campuses.
This year’s sponsors to-date include: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Banner Bank, Coos Bay Vision Center, Northwest Natural, Pacific Power, The Mill Casino Hotel and The Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission among others.
Examples of some of the auction adventure items include:
- Tickets to an exclusive Winemaker’ Dinner featuring Willamette Valley Vineyards and OCCI taking place May 2024
- Private OCCI Group Cooking Class
- Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
- 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, February 23, 2024 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.
Aug 30, 2023 | Foundation, News, OCCI News, Student Success
The Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation is proud to congratulate the 2023-24 scholarship recipients. Thanks to generous donors, the organization awarded nearly 200 scholarships totaling more than $270,000 for students attending Southwestern for the upcoming academic year.
“Scholarships often make the difference between students pursuing their education or not,” said Elise Hamner, Southwestern Foundation Executive Director. “A scholarship is not just financial aid. Our students tell us that receiving a scholarship inspires them, because they know someone cares about their future and wants them to succeed. That’s powerful.”
Guided by a board of community volunteers, the Southwestern Foundation organized as a nonprofit organization in 1962, the year after the college started. Since then, thousands of students have attended the college using Foundation scholarships. These awards help students achieve their goals, by breaking down barriers and cultivating the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators in local communities, the state and around the world.
In addition to Foundation scholarships, the college can potentially assist families of current high school graduates with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 or higher with a free two-year tuition waiver worth more than $9,800 to attend Southwestern. This past year, 44 students from the 10 high schools in the college district took advantage of the GPA award opportunity. In total, they saved their families nearly $150,000 in tuition costs.
If you are interested in donating to Southwestern Foundation scholarships visit www.socc.edu/give or call 541-888-7211 for additional information.
2023-24 Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation
Scholarship Recipients |
| SCHOLARSHIP |
RECIPIENT |
| Adam Bower Scholarship |
Aurora |
Duff |
| Andy Toribio Scholarship |
Brooklyn |
Culver |
| Ann Lansing Scholarship |
Viridiana |
Penaloza |
| Art and Toni Poole Scholarship |
Raiya |
Estupinian |
| Dezi |
Hazzard |
| Ryuto |
Hiramatsu |
| Matt |
Howard |
| Melanie |
Nielsen |
| Skylee |
Pettit |
| Cadence |
Wilstead |
| Barbara Dodrill Scholarship |
Heather |
Beaird |
| Ruby |
Cardoso |
| Anonymous* |
|
| Barbara Emily Knudson Scholarship |
Katherine |
Alcober |
| Barbara Reynolds Scholarship |
Marcela |
Mendoza |
| Baughman Memorial Apprenticeship Scholarship |
Julia |
Willis |
| Bay Area Sportsman’s Association (BASA) Scholarship |
Ethan |
Pounder |
| Bechtold-Laird Health Care Scholarship |
Vanessa |
Cardoso |
| Asa |
Crusoe |
| Davey |
Gayler |
| Laresa |
Rowden |
| Cherie J. Mitchell Scholarship |
Benjamin |
McQuaid |
| Cherish Pride Scholarship |
Alexandra |
Graves |
| Christine Moffitt Science Scholarship |
Hunter |
Ciarabellini |
| Boe |
Clayson |
| Harli |
Crossman |
| Amanda |
McDonald |
| Ashley |
Pimentel |
| Chuck Hanners Scholarship |
Antonio |
Gallagher |
| Clyde and Jackie Cherry Memorial Scholarship |
Nicole |
Hamby-Freund |
| Natasha |
Holmes |
| Coos Bay Vision Center Scholarship |
Raynee |
Woodworth |
| Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary Scholarship |
Kendle |
Langley |
| Coos County Cultural Coalition Genesis Scholarship |
Astrid |
Hesson |
| Coos County Realtors Scholarship |
Amber |
Moodenbaugh |
| Coquille Indian Tribe Scholarship |
Minami |
Miyauchi |
| CTE Training Scholarship |
Damon |
Lynch |
| Curry Campus General Scholarship |
Marshall |
Dickson |
| Jayme |
Larson |
| Rosemarie |
Springer |
| Anonymous* |
|
| Anonymous* |
|
| Curry Health-Related Scholarship |
Regina |
Alvarez |
| Samantha |
Mellow |
| Dean and Jane Muffett Memorial Scholarship |
Kyla |
Bailey-Wilson |
| DeArmond CTE Scholarship |
Alannah |
Gee |
| Sonia |
Haro |
| Paige |
Hoene |
| Joshua |
Theis |
| Adrianna |
Thode |
| Dennis and Janet Beetham Family Scholarship |
Derell |
Augustine |
| Aubrey |
Brooks |
| Cesarea |
Haller |
| Aleczander |
Hardy |
| Cameron |
Miller |
| Kari |
Morales |
| Luke |
Norris |
| Shane |
Sundberg |
| Ian |
Wakeling |
| Anonymous* |
|
| Donald Ivy Memorial Scholarship |
Amanda |
Kapsner |
| Dorothy Heagy Education Scholarship |
Erika |
Smith |
| Early Bird Scholarship |
Bailey |
Ward |
| Ernest L. Frye-Keizer Memorial Scholarship |
Alissa |
McCord |
| Estella Morgan Memorial |
Nicole |
Lehto |
| Flaxel Family Scholarship |
Mia |
Knight |
| Floyd Ingram Scholarship |
Archal |
Devi |
| Brooklyn |
Garrigus |
| Haley |
Reeves |
| Forty & Eight Bobby L. Fraser Memorial Nursing Scholarship |
Jessica |
Edmundson |
| Hales Family Scholarship |
Godfred |
Amonoo |
| Jayden |
Felton |
| Savannah |
Smith |
| Henry F. and Elva H. Hansen Memorial Scholarship |
Kaitlyn |
Dubisar |
| ILWU Local 12 Scholarship |
Cambree |
Messner |
| Jack & Margaret S. Dean Scholarship |
Natalie |
Vincent |
| James Montalbano Scholarship |
Serenia |
Church |
| Heather |
Howell |
| Kayla |
Johnson |
| Samantha |
Lucero |
| Maria |
Medina |
| Bailey |
Pederson |
| Alan |
Prater |
| Carley |
Sjogren |
| James Reed VanDuzer IV Scholarship |
Zachary |
Warner |
| John C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship |
Joane |
Arzalluz Garzon |
| John W. Burles Memorial Scholarship |
Mike |
Marchetti |
| Shjon |
Petersen |
| Keiser Scholarship for Culinary Excellence |
Julia |
Conolley |
| Maddison |
Valdez |
| Erin |
Williams |
| Kyle Trust Scholarship |
Micheline |
Score |
| Laker Legacy Alumni Scholarship |
Avineet |
Devi |
| Leonard C. Farr Community Service Scholarship |
Ryan |
DeVore |
| Liberal Arts Scholarship |
Daniel |
Messing |
| Linda Bufton Culinary Scholarship |
Azul |
Garcia Ruiz |
| Linda L. Kallgren Nursing Scholarship |
Braydon |
Snoddy |
| Lisa G. Wampole Memorial Scholarship in Criminal Justice |
Aneyai |
Smith |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship |
Tatiana |
Edmonds |
| Nevaeha |
Florez |
| Mary, Kate and Cap Sharples Scholarship |
John |
Capps |
| Maxine Smith Scholarship |
Alyssa |
Skillett |
| May Virginia Smith VanDuzer Scholarship |
Jessica |
Rivera |
| Maybelle M. Olson Scholarship |
Aeryn |
Jones |
| Menasha Legacy Fund Scholarship |
Brandi |
Anderson |
| Christopher |
Gray |
| Andria |
Johnson |
| Ethan |
Pounder |
| Paige |
Speakman |
| Kimberly |
Webster |
| Mike Groben Scholarship |
Levi |
Clow |
| Steven |
Scruggs |
| Nancy Douglas Memorial Scholarship |
Davis |
Wright |
| New Beginnings for Tribal Students Scholarship |
Karli |
Daugherty |
| Allie |
DeShazer |
| Katelyn |
Jensen |
| Tamira |
John |
| Cassidy |
Orr |
| Opportunity Links! Bandon Dunes Scholarship |
Liam |
Trapold |
| Opportunity Links! Banner Bank Scholarship |
Bobbi |
Rangel |
| Opportunity Links! Johnson Controls Scholarship |
Jackson |
Rasmussen |
| Opportunity Links! Lil’ Bogey Scholarship |
Abigail |
Warrick |
| Opportunity Links! North Point Development Scholarship |
Ashlee |
Tims |
| Opportunity Links! Roseburg Forest Products Scholarship |
Citlali |
Gonzalez |
| Opportunity Links! Scholarship |
Eduardo |
Penaloza |
| Opportunity Links! The Mill Casino-Hotel Scholarship |
Peyton |
Kidd |
| Opportunity Links! Three Rivers Casino Scholarship |
Trynly |
Haack |
| Pacific Orchid Society Scholarship |
Aurora |
Parsons |
| Patricia Benetti Memorial Scholarship |
Michelle |
Villalobos |
| Anonymous* |
|
| Patricia D. and William B. Smullin Scholarship |
Garrett |
Bushnell |
| Michele |
Ingle |
| Presbyterian Church of Coos Bay Memorial Scholarship |
Kiefer |
Allen |
| Summer |
Jake |
| Jack |
Prater |
| Pringle/Cunningham Scholarship for Curry Student |
Amy |
Vick |
| Roderick H. Morris Scholarship |
Kalista |
Bochart |
| Sandra Martinez & Carrie Kralicek Selfless Act Nursing Scholarship |
Sarah |
Williams |
| Sharon Barnett Scholarship |
Andrea |
Pedrini |
| Sharon Kolkhorst Memorial Nursing Scholarship |
Natasha |
Campbell |
| Karli |
Kinney |
| Sheryl Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship |
Lee Anna |
Saunders |
| Shirley Barton Nursing Scholarship |
Viridiana |
Penaloza |
| Sickels Family Rural College Technology Scholarship |
Daisy |
McAfee |
| Slaney Family Human Services Scholarship |
Heather |
Edwards |
| Slaney Family Scholarship |
Guadalupe |
Trujillo |
| Stephens Family Scholarship |
Gabe |
Dresser |
| Nathan |
Ward |
| Steve Shirtcliff CASA Scholarship |
Brandy |
Griffin |
| Student of the Year Scholarship |
Jessica |
Pardo |
| SWOCC Foundation Board General Scholarship |
Bryce |
Bales |
| Kaytlin |
Burdett |
| Saron |
Cruz |
| Brooke |
Gray |
| Melissa |
Keyes |
| Hailey |
Knedel |
| Kylie |
Shaw-Kamehaiku |
| Gabrielle |
Zellmer |
| SWOCC Foundation Culinary General Scholarship |
Christa |
Jolley |
| Kale |
Levanger |
| Abigail |
Madsen |
| Jupiter |
Nyberg |
| Mckenzie |
Palacios |
| Michelle |
Riley |
| SWOCC Foundation General Nursing Scholarship |
Julie |
Carr |
| SWOCC Foundation General Scholarship |
Julia |
Anzaldua |
| Amy |
David |
| Emilia |
Eaton |
| Claire |
Eilers |
| Tori |
Goodell |
| Celeste |
Le |
| Noa |
Quintana |
| Connor |
Spindler |
| Rune |
Van Den Bosch |
| Emily |
Walters |
| SWOCC Foundation: Donna Nichols Scholarship |
Madelyn |
Ford |
| SWOCC Foundation: James Turner Scholarship |
Emily |
West |
| SWOCC Foundation: Judy Ann Mogan Scholarship |
Miriam |
Glasband |
| The Friends of the Curry Public Library James Boyle Memorial Scholarship |
Samantha |
Mellow |
| TymByr Culinary Scholarship |
Kelsie |
Thurston |
| Erin |
Williams |
| Uncorking Opportunity! Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Scholarship |
Autum |
Burford |
| Uncorking Opportunity! Carol Holden Memorial Nursing Scholarship |
Aria |
Woodruff |
| Uncorking Opportunity! DB Western Scholarship |
Monica |
Thompson |
| Uncorking Opportunity! Janet Rose Kramer Scholarship |
Amanda |
Moulton |
| Uncorking Opportunity! Reid/Carter Scholarship |
Alleyna |
Rohde |
| Uncorking Opportunity! The Mill Casino-Hotel Scholarship |
Kimber |
Privetts |
| Verena Matthews Nursing Scholarship |
Alexis |
Marino |
| Spencer |
Spini |
| Vernon Brecke Memorial Scholarship |
Jakob |
Crowder |
| Vernon C. and Jean G. Sorenson Scholarship |
Anonymous* |
|
| William Lansing Scholarship |
Erica |
Evers |
| Hanalei |
Warren |
| William McGuire Scholarship |
Joane |
Arzalluz Garzon |
| Woolridge Myrtle Point Scholarship |
Allison |
Storts |
| Yellow Cab Taxi Scholarship |
Tia |
DeLorto |
| *Note: Some scholarship recipients request their award(s) not be listed publicly. The Foundation respects their privacy by not including them on this list. |
Aug 28, 2023 | Community, Foundation, News
Coos Bay, OR – Pacific Power Foundation has awarded the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation a $7,500 grant to support the development of a new instructional food production garden complex.
The garden on the Coos Bay campus is an essential learning component of the College’s new Agroecology career pathway program. Funds also will purchase equipment for students’ use in the garden.
“We are thrilled to get this grant from the Pacific Power Foundation. The garden is a lab for Agroecology students to learn about growing food and food systems. Students also will collaborate with the College’s culinary program, learning how sustainable food production links with business and the food industry,” Assistant Professor Maria Farinacci said.
Agroecology is an interdisciplinary study of the ecology of the entire food system, encompassing ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Teaching focuses on the holistic approach to agriculture that considers not only crop production and yield, but the sustainability of the ecosystem and community. The Agroecology curriculum includes business training for students who want to work in small businesses and farming. Classes and short-term training are designed to assist the region’s farmers and land managers in gaining knowledge and techniques, including enrichment classes for community members.
“The Pacific Power Foundation is honored to support the new Agroecology program and the opportunities it will provide to students. The program aligns well with the foundation’s mission to support the growth and vitality of the communities that we serve.,” said Sam Carter, Pacific Power’s regional business manager.
This instructional garden demonstrates to students how to increase access to healthy food, reduce food insecurity and promote self-sufficiency. Students will gain hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative practices, and how to create community gardens, or start their own businesses.
“Pacific Power Foundation stepped up quickly to partner with us on this project and turn a wish into reality,” said Elise Hamner, executive director of SWOCC Foundation. “We appreciate their commitment to excellence in education and ensuring faculty and students learn together in a high-quality outdoor classroom.”
For more information about the Agroecology program, go to www.socc.edu/pathways or contact Maria Farinacci at maria.farinacci@socc.edu.
Pictured: Sam Carter, Pacific Power Regional Business Manager; Maria Farinacci, Agroecology Instructor; Dr. Patty Scott, President of Southwestern
About the Pacific Power Foundation
The Pacific Power Foundation is one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created in 1988 by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 1.8 million customers in six Western states as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation
About the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation
Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation exists to benefit the College and provide adequate resources to improve every student socially, culturally, economically, and educationally. For more information, visit www.socc.edu/foundation.
