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.
Dec 5, 2025 | News
How Southwestern is training Oregon’s next generation of firefighters
When a call for help comes, firefighters are the ones who step forward without hesitation. They stand ready to protect the lives and property of the neighbors they proudly serve. In a small close-knit community like ours, their presence brings reassurance, comfort, and a sense of relief when every second counts.
But that readiness doesn’t happen by chance, it’s the result of preparation.
“Preparation is the separation between the average firefighter and the great firefighter,” says Mike Seldon, Assistant Professor of Fire Science at Southwestern. “That’s why students are here: to learn, to grow, and to serve.”
Southwestern’s Fire Science program is one of the proudest examples of how education meets community service. It’s a hands-on, high-impact degree designed for people who want to make a real difference. Every fire station, every volunteer, and every trained responder matters.
A commitment to community
Professional firefighters do more than respond to emergencies. They contribute to the region’s safety, stability, and economic vitality. They’re part of a workforce that supports families, builds trust, and strengthens the bonds that hold communities together.
“No one is perfect,” says Seldon, “but firefighters are looked up to as examples in the community. That fact affects how you live and treat others. My job is to instill that core belief and philosophy in my students – of service to the community every day.”
It’s not just about learning to fight fires. It’s also about learning to lead with integrity.
“SWOCC’s program does more than train firefighters. It keeps people who already know and care about our community here where we need them. At Coos Bay Fire, we stay involved with the program because it’s an investment in our future workforce and in the safety of our community.”
– Coos Bay Fire Chief Jeff Adkins
A degree for every path
For students eager to enter the workforce, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Fire Science provides the hands-on training needed to begin serving their communities right after graduation. Students learn core firefighting skills like operating hoses, performing search-and-rescue, and understanding fire behavior and prevention. All done through a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience. A required internship places them side by side with professional firefighters at local stations, offering real-world learning, confidence-building, and valuable networking opportunities. To strengthen their readiness, students are encouraged to volunteer at their local station or earn EMT certification, adding crucial experience to their resumes.
For those aiming to move into leadership or administrative roles, the Associate of Science (AS) in Fire Science provides a strong academic foundation designed for transfer to a four-year university, emphasizing management, strategy, and the broader operations of the fire service.
Students interested in becoming paramedics can pursue a dual-degree option that combines Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services in just three years.
Both degrees reflect the same guiding principle: that firefighters aren’t just skilled professionals. They’re leaders, role models, and protectors of the public good.
“These partnerships are paying off. The five most recent full-time firefighters hired by the North Bend Fire Dept. are all graduates of Southwestern’s program – and they are outstanding. These firefighters embody the strength, skill, and compassion we strive for in the fire service, and they serve our community with pride every day.”
– North Bend Fire Chief Jim Brown
A calling, not just a career
For anyone who’s ever felt the pull to help others – to step forward when others step back – SWOCC’s Fire Science program is the place to begin your journey.
“Southwestern’s Fire Science program laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished in my career. The education, mentorship, and training I received shaped me as a firefighter and a leader. Partnering with SWOCC to inspire future firefighters is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
– Charleston Fire Chief Mick Sneddon
Is this the career for you?
The right skills include
- Critical thinking
- Coordination with others
- Good judgement & decision-making
Let’s explore ideas: Text or Call 541-240-8227; or email us at SWOCCbound@socc.edu.
Dec 5, 2025 | News, Student Success
For SWOCC alum Caleb Owens, serving the local community started early and close to home. A Coquille native, Caleb got his start with the Coos Bay Fire Department’s student program just after high school. That experience sparked a clear path forward: public service through fire and emergency response.
Caleb enrolled at SWOCC to pursue a dual degree in Fire Science and Paramedicine, a route that allowed him to get hands-on training while continuing to grow in the student firefighter program. Two years into his training, he was hired as a career firefighter with the Coos Bay Fire Department and learned to balance full-time work with an intense course load.
Today, Caleb has worked his way up to Lieutenant within the department, where he now coordinates the same student program that launched his career.
“I have been inspired by watching successful firefighters who enjoy their jobs,” he says. “Now, I get to help the next generation start that same journey.”
Balancing the demands of emergency response with a full class load wasn’t always easy, but Caleb says the understanding and flexibility of his instructors helped him stay on track.
“Sometimes I had to leave class for an emergency or show up late,” he recalls. “But my instructors worked with me. They knew we were training for a real career, and they supported that.”
Also, Caleb is a new dad and enjoying his growing family. His wife, Shaylynn, is a registered nurse who also graduated from SWOCC’s Nursing Program and works locally in the medical field. Together, they remain dedicated to serving and strengthening our community.
“My beautiful wife and I plan on raising our growing family here in Coos County and being involved,” he says.
Caleb hopes to retire from a long and enjoyable career with CBFD filled with great friendships and unforgettable memories.
“Because of SWOCC, I have the necessary education to work and enjoy the best career I could ever want,” he says.
Dec 4, 2025 | Community, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – Celebrate the holiday season while supporting a great cause! Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) invites the community to purchase festive stollen, handmade by OCCI chefs, from December 6–22, 2025. Proceeds will benefit the culinary competition team, helping these aspiring chefs showcase their skills on a national stage.
What is stollen?
Stollen is a traditional German holiday bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and almond paste, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish. Known for its rich, slightly sweet flavor, it’s a perfect addition to your holiday table!
Meet-and-Greet Kickoff Event
Join OCCI chefs on December 6 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for a special kickoff event:
- When: December 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Past to Present Emporium, 281 South Broadway, Coos Bay
- What: Meet OCCI’s chef instructors, sample holiday treats, and shop for pastries by Chef Alison Murphy and, of course, stollen.
Sales will continue through December 22nd, so there’s plenty of time to grab delicious handmade treats for your holiday celebrations.
For more information and to purchase stollen, call 541-808-9553.
Dec 3, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus, Curry News, News
Brookings, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Curry Campus invites the community to join us on Thursday, December 11, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for: Christmas Traditions Around the World.
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!
The theme of the December lecture at Curry Campus is “Christmas Traditions Around the World.” This is a two-part program. A group of women of Danish heritage will display a variety of Danish-based Christmas decorations and food. “Danes are in love with Jul” says Karen Morton, one of the presenters.
For the second part, Marilyn Hart will bring photos of her recent trip to the “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This display, which takes place annually in November, is a must see of 50+ countries displaying the art of each country on a tree. As one participant said, “It delights the senses with its sheer beauty, but also enriches the spirit by fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.”
The museum’s holiday exhibit is a beloved tradition dating back to 1942, during the height of World War II. It began humbly, with a single Christmas tree dedicated to the war allies, adorned with ornaments made by local children.
Examples of trees include an Irish tree with ornaments made of lace, or traditional Celtic knots, small cottages, sheep, shamrocks, and miniature St. Brigid’s crosses.
The tree from Mexico is a burst of vibrant colors with perforated paper banners, elaborate straw stars, figures of angels and the Virgin Mary, and perhaps even some piñata-inspired ornaments.
Hart will also present some traditions and foods from her Polish and Slovakian heritage.
Christmas is a favorite time of year for Hart, and each trip has been a learning experience, that is, learning about ethnic Christmas traditions, food, art and architecture. Hart’s travel includes seven trips to London as well as travel to all 50 states.
Hart is a Professor Emeritus of University of Wisconsin and teaches Statistics at Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Curry Campus.
All attendees will be encouraged to share their holiday traditions.
Stay tuned for upcoming talks in the Friends of Curry Campus speaker series. Winter Term lectures will feature coastal ecology and conservation. Watch for these lectures in the community education publication form the college coming to you soon in your mailbox. For more information contact the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667.
