Jan 23, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Psychology Department, Human Services Department, Veteran’s Club, and Psychology Club is hosting “Hope Lives Here”, an evening dedicated to suicide awareness, prevention, and connection. The event will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:00-8:00pm on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, in Empire Hall. This is a free event.
The event will begin with an opportunity for people to ask questions of a speaker panel featuring four expert panelists. The panelists bring unique and differing perspective in suicide prevention and include Ross Acker (Advanced Health Coordinated Care), Lualhati Anderson (Coos Health and Wellness), Kelly Sweeney-Widman and Corey Widman (Widdy’s Work), and Ariana Ryzbol (US Department of Veteran Affairs).
The panel session will run for an hour and will include a mix of pre-determined questions focused on prevention, postvention, and support, followed by a short audience Q&A. This will be an open, compassionate space where students, staff and community members can hear diverse viewpoints, learn about available resources, and feel encouraged to continue the conversation.
The event will include:
- Speaker panel and Q&A with mental-health professionals and community leaders
- Cookie decorating table as a grounding, creative activity
- Raffle to raise funds for students to attend the 2026 Western Psychology Conference in Tacoma, WA
- A short closing mindfulness practice
We would like to thank our sponsors: A Beautiful You, To Write Love on Her Arms, Front Street Community Bike Works, and Coos Head Food Store.
For more information, please contact Cheryl Davies, Professor of Psychology at Southwestern at 541-888-7291 or cdavies@socc.edu.
Jan 23, 2026 | Community, News
Photo Courtesy of NASA: NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Hammock Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s STEAM Pathways program invites community members of all ages to join us February 5, 2026 from 5:00-8:00pm for “Back to the Moon!” Artemis II Mission Prep Event, a celebration of manned spaceflight’s first mission to circle the moon in over 50 years.
Join us in the Umpqua Hall lecture room (room 184) on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. This is a free event; all ages are welcome.
Artemis II is scheduled to launch on February 6th for 10-day manned mission to orbit the moon and safely return a new four-person crew to Earth. Along the way, the mission will lay important scientific and engineering groundwork to move our sustainable return to the moon forward. Our event will include discussions of the mission, current views of the launch site, and hands-on science activities for all ages.
Learn more about the Artemis II launch and what goes into the prep. Join us for an evening of lunar fun.
- Watch the mission prep feed through a NASA TV broadcast from the launch site at Kennedy Space Center
- Learn about lunar cratering with a hands-on demonstration and activity with Dr. Win McLaughlin
- Launch rockets with chemistry faculty Derek Morrelli
- Make coffee filter moons and other lunar themed crafts with our steam pathways coordinator Cassie Coyner.
- Build model lunar habitats with physics/engineering faculty Aaron Coyner
This will be a fun, family-friendly event as we celebrate humanity’s return to the moon.
For more information on this or other STEAM Pathways events please 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/.
Jan 15, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Athletics will host a youth baseball camp for students in Kindergarten–8th grade on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. The one-day camp will take place in Prosper Hall and the Student Recreation Center on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).
Led by SWOCC’s 2025–2026 baseball coaches and players, the camp is designed to help local youth prepare for the upcoming baseball season through skill development and instruction. The camp is free to attend, thanks to the support of anonymous donors.
Participants are asked to bring baseball attire, bat, glove, helmet and water.
Registration Information
Advance registration is encouraged. Families can register online:
Register for Baseball Camp 2026
For additional questions about the camp, contact Coach David Deutschman at david.deutschman@socc.edu.
Jan 13, 2026 | News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Diesel Mechanic Technology program at www.socc.edu/dieselmechanic. Launched in Fall 2025 to meet a need for skilled mechanics, the program is gaining momentum with strong backing from local employers and community partners.
Offered on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay), the program provides hands-on, career-focused training for students preparing for high-demand jobs in trucking, maritime, forestry, and other industries. In its first year, the program attracted strong student engagement and saw early success.
“We’re doing a lot more than just sitting in a classroom. Students get hands-on training with specialized tools and modern diesel systems in a professional shop,” said Terry Cheyne, program lead and longtime diesel mechanic. “They are learning what it really takes to keep trucks, boats and heavy equipment running. There’s real pride in this work, and a big need for it around here. It’s work that matters. This program gives people a shot at a good paycheck and solid future.”
Applications are open now through May 14, 2026. Space is limited, and applicants are encouraged to apply early. SWOCC also offers scholarships and support services to help students succeed, including help for students receiving SNAP benefits through the STEP program:
The College is building a new diesel training shop to support program growth and enhance hands-on lab-based instruction. It is scheduled to open Fall 2026.
Apply to Diesel Mechanic Technology Program
For questions, contact Charline Meyer, LIFT Project Coordinator/Advisor, at charline.meyer@socc.edu or 541-888-1545.
Jan 9, 2026 | Community, Curry Campus, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm, for “Pollinators at the Coast: Supporting Honeybees and Native Species” with Ann Marineau of the Coos Beekeepers Association and Darcy Grahek of Stillwater Natives Nursery. 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.
Explore the vital role that honeybees and native pollinators play in our local ecosystems and food systems. Learn about the unique challenges pollinators face in our region today, including habitat loss, climate impacts, and pesticide exposure. The lecture will highlight how coastal environments influence pollinator health and showcase practical, science-based ways residents can support pollinators — particularly through pollinator-friendly yard and garden choices. Discover how small, local actions can help create healthier habitats where pollinators can thrive.
For more information about this lecture contact DeAnne Varitek, Dean of Career Technical Education at Southwestern at deanne.varitek@socc.edu or 541-888-7312.
To learn more about Southwestern’s Agroecology program visit: https://www.socc.edu/agroecology.
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.
