Apr 16, 2026 | Community, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) will host a series of “La Patisserie” sales this spring, featuring freshly prepared baked goods, beverages, and culinary items created by OCCI Baking & Pastry and Culinary students.
The weekly sales take place select Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at OCCI on SWOCC’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay). Each week features a different theme, giving students the opportunity to showcase a variety of techniques and global flavors while providing the community with fresh, student-made offerings.
La Patisserie Sales Schedule & Themes:
- April 23 – Italian
- April 30 – French
- May 7 – French
- May 14 – Tea House
- May 21 – Tea House & Culinary Marketplace
- May 28 – Coffee House & Culinary Marketplace
- June 4 – Final Week Blowout Sale & Culinary Marketplace
Menu items may vary each week and are available while supplies last.
Proceeds from sales support student learning and program activities, including opportunities for OCCI students to gain hands-on, real-world experience in food production and service.
Community members are encouraged to stop by, try a variety of offerings, and support student chefs.
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.
Apr 3, 2026 | Community, Curry Campus, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to our inaugural Oregon Coast Food & Wine Celebration. This is a new community event bringing together exceptional wineries, artisan vendors, and supporters of the culinary arts from across Oregon. This warm and vibrant gathering will take place on July 18th, 2026, at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 1988 Newmark, Ave., Coos Bay, inside the beautiful Umpqua Hall Health & Science Building from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
This year’s celebration holds special significance. We are honoring the memory of our cherished colleague, Chef Instructor Laura Williams, who passed away last year. Laura was passionate about food, wine, and teaching, and it’s fitting to create an event that brings those passions together. In her honor, this inaugural celebration will serve as a fundraiser to establish a scholarship in Laura’s name, awarded annually to a student attending the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. Our hope is to continue this event in the future – growing it into a beloved annual tradition that draws guests from up and down the coast.
This is a ticketed event, with each patron receiving sampling tokens upon entry. Guests may use these tokens for food or wine tastings with the option to purchase additional tokens. All proceeds from ticket and token sales will contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship. Live music, artisan vendors, and a curated selection of Oregon wineries will help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase wine (bottles or cases) directly from participating wineries. A silent auction will offer exciting experiences, fun gifts, and coastal treats going to the highest bidder.
If attendees desire to contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship there will be a drop box at the event to leave a donation, or they may donate online.
SAVE THE DATE – Tickets & Event Details:
- Date/Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Location: Umpqua Hall, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay
- Tickets: $35 per person in advance. $40 at the door.
- 21 and older only
- Service Animals only
- Purchase tickets in advance at: https://oregon-coast-culinary-institute.square.site/
If you wish to donate directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship please go to: https://tinyurl.com/bdcutf8t.
For more information or to inquire about participating as a vendor please contact Lena Chester at 541-888-7309 or lena.chester@socc.edu.
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.
Mar 12, 2026 | Community, OCCI News
Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) will host a pizza pop-up sale (plus more) on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
OCCI culinary students will be serving up some piping-hot pizza pies in honor of Pi Day! Even though we won’t be on campus on actual Pi Day, we still had to celebrate it a day early. Our baking & pastry students will also have macarons and croissants available for purchase.
All proceeds from sales go to support the student Culinary Team travel fund.
Stop by, grab lunch, and support student chefs!
WHAT: Pizza Pop-Up Sale (plus macarons and croissants)
WHERE: OCCI (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay)
WHEN: Friday, March 13, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Feb 23, 2026 | Community, Curry Campus, Curry News, News, OCCI News
Spring Term 2025-26 is quickly approaching! Classes start Monday, March 30, 2026. Below are instructions about how to register. If you are experiencing any issues registering after reading the below, please contact us:
- Coos Campus Students: Call 541-888-7352 or Email
- Curry Campus Students: Call 541-813-1677 or Email
REGISTRATION FOR DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE SEEKING STUDENTS:
If you are already a current/admitted student, below are instructions on registering.
Not a current or admitted student? You’ll need to first complete an Application for Admission to Southwestern** Not sure whether or not you’re an admitted student? Contact us using the information above! (**Note: If you’re a community member simply looking to take a credit class for fun or personal enrichment, you’ll complete the Community Education and Personal Enrichment Form in lieu of the Application for Admission).
Spring Term 2025-26 credit classes begin Monday, March 30, 2026. Registration for credit classes is available February 23, 2026 – April 8, 2026. **IMPORTANT: April 1 is the last day to register for Spring Term without instructor consent. From April 2-8, you will first need instructor consent to register for a class.** To register:
- First clear with your advisor! If you’re unsure who your advisor is, call 541-888-7405 or schedule an advising meeting. Curry Campus students call 541-813-1667.
- Login to myLakerLink using your student ID and password.
- Search for courses to add under the “2025-2026 Spring Term” drop down.
REGISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY CLASSES (COMMUNITY EDUCATION):
Spring Term 2025-26 community education class registration opens Monday, March 9, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. To register, follow the instructions on the top of the community class page. Spring Term community class listings will be updated prior to registration opening.
As a reminder, all academic term dates and other important milestones may be found on the Academic Calendar. Click on the “2025-26 Academic Calendar” button for a .pdf version or click on the “categories” button and filter for “instructional calendar” to view the online version.
Feb 19, 2026 | Community, OCCI News
Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) will host a pizza pop-up sale on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
OCCI students have been sharpening their pizza-making skills and will be serving fresh, handmade pizza along with croissants. The pop-up gives students valuable real-world experience while supporting the OCCI Culinary Team.
Stop by, grab lunch, and support student chefs!
WHAT: Pizza Pop-Up Sale (plus croissants)
WHERE: OCCI (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay)
WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
