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.
Jan 6, 2026 | Curry Campus, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 pm, for “LEDs: Lighting the Way into the Future” with Frazier Pruett, Engineering Faculty at Southwestern. 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.
About the Lecture:
LEDs: Lighting the Way to the Future explores how light-emitting diodes have transformed modern lighting. Learn the fundamental science behind how LEDs produce light and how they are significantly more efficient and durable than traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Understand how these advantages translate into reduced energy consumption and environmental impact.
About the Presenter:
Frazier Pruett graduated from the University of Florida in 1984 with a degree in Electrical Engineering after spending over a decade as a professional electronic technician and hobbyist. He has worked as a professional design engineer since then in various types of power conversion designs. These power conversion systems have a wide range of applications across many fields and sectors. His specialty is lighting drivers for incandescent, fluorescent, HID, UHP, LEDs, and LASERs. He holds more than 25 patents in various fields. Frazier currently owns Bespoke Power and co-owns Emgen Engineering, two local engineering consulting firms. He is also part-time engineering faculty at Southwestern Oregon Community College.
For more information about the lecture series contact Dr. Aaron Coyner, Associate Professor, Physics and Engineering at aaron.coyner@socc.edu or 541-888-7244.
For more information on upcoming lectures contact Cassie Coyner, STEAM Pathways Assistant, at 541-888-7416, or cassie.coyner@socc.edu.
To learn more about STEM degrees at Southwestern visit: https://www.socc.edu/programs-classes/stem/.
Dec 18, 2025 | Curry Campus, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) is proud to announce the successful approval of its Dual Credit programming by the Oversight Committee for High School Based College Credit Partnerships. This approval, granted on October 20, 2025, follows a comprehensive self-study and peer review process and is valid through 2032.
The committee’s decision affirms the strength, quality, and impact of SWOCC’s partnerships with regional high schools, as well as the college’s commitment to expanding access to higher education for students across its service area. Special recognition is extended to Forrest Akers for his leadership and dedication to the success of the Dual Credit program.
“Forrest Akers’ exceptional leadership in our Dual Credit program is deeply valued by the College. His work strengthens SWOCC’s role as a statewide model and positively impacts our students and community,” said Rachele Lyon, Vice President of Administrative Services at Southwestern.
Peer reviewers highlighted SWOCC’s exceptional practices and student-centered approach, noting that:
“The college demonstrates exceptional practices that support students and foster a sense of belonging within the educational community.”
“SWOCC provides clear and comprehensive evidence of its efforts and excels at keeping high school faculty well-informed and actively engaged.”
As part of the review, SWOCC received a perfect score of 5, the highest possible rating, on 12 of the 28 evaluated standards. Fifteen additional standards were scored between 4 and 5, with only one standard receiving a score below 4. Overall, SWOCC achieved one of the highest ratings in the state, reflecting a strong alignment with best practices and a clear focus on student access and success.
“This approval affirms the academic quality and integrity of SWOCC’s Dual Credit program,” said Ali Mageehon, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Southwestern. “By closely aligning high school instruction with college-level curriculum and supporting teachers through faculty mentorship, we ensure students receive a rigorous, meaningful experience that prepares them for continued success in higher education.”
SWOCC’s Dual Credit Program plays a critical role in removing barriers to higher education by offering college-level courses directly within local high schools. These courses are taught by high school teachers who are mentored and supported by SWOCC faculty, ensuring academic quality while maintaining a familiar and supportive learning environment for students.
Unlike many dual credit programs statewide, SWOCC does not charge school districts or students for participation. This no-cost model significantly expands access to college coursework, allowing students to earn transferable college credits without incurring tuition expenses. Courses offered include Writing, English Literature, Mathematics, History, General Biology, Allied Health, and more.
Through this program, students can complete general education requirements at no cost and carry their earned credits forward – whether they continue at SWOCC or transfer to a four-year university. By reducing financial barriers, supporting instructional quality, and fostering early college success, SWOCC’s Dual Credit Program directly addresses access to education and creates meaningful pathways to postsecondary achievement.
“Dual credit classes allow students to earn real college credit while still in high school, all in a supportive and familiar setting,” said Forrest Akers. “Because SWOCC does not charge students for these courses, we are helping them save money, build confidence, and take a strong first step toward their college and career goals.”
SWOCC remains committed to strengthening educational access, equity, and opportunity for students throughout the region and is proud of the continued success of its Dual Credit partnerships.
For more information about Southwestern’s Dual Credit program, call 541-888-7185, email collegenow@socc.edu, or visit www.socc.edu/get-started/admissions/high-school-partnerships.
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.
