May 27, 2025 | OCCI News
Join us for our combined Culinary Market and La Patisserie bake sale this Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at OCCI (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay). Shop pre-made and take-and-bake foods in a farmers market-style setup, and grab lunch from the OCCI Food Truck or other counter-service options. Enjoy fresh pastries, breads, desserts, and coffee drinks crafted by baking students.
Can’t make it this week? CLICK HERE to view the full lineup of Spring 2025 events – there will be just one more event on June 5, so mark your calendar!
We look forward to seeing you.
MENU FOR THURSDAY, MAY 29*
*First-come, first-served counter-service style while supplies last. No pre-orders or phone orders accepted. Menu items subject to change.
OCCI CULINARY MARKET
RETAIL SPOT
- Frozen Proteins
- ($15) NY Strips [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($12) Ground Lamb [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($18) Lamb Roast [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($5) Chicken Breast
- ($5) Chicken Thighs
- ($5) Chicken Legs
- ($7) Whole Chicken
OTHER OFFERINGS
- ($12) Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($5) Buffalo Hummus
- ($5/lb) Fresh Egg Pasta
- ($4/lb) Dried Pasta
- ($8/qt) Meat Sauce [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($4/cup) Pesto [GLUTEN FREE]
WOOD FIRE PIZZAS*
*Gluten Free Option Available
- ($14) The Big Cheese – Tomato, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Provolone
- ($14) CBB – Chicken, Broccolini, Bacon
- ($14) Spicy Pepperoni – Tomato, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Peppers
- ($14) The Fungi – Mushroom, Mozzarella, Truffle, Cream Sauce
FOOD TRUCK
- ($14) Hawaiian Plate Lunch – Plates served with white rice and mac salad [GLUTEN FREE Option Available]
- CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:
- BBQ Chicken – Marinated in pineapple
- Pork Katsu – Pork cutlet breaded and deep fried
- Teriyaki Salmon – Grilled with teriyaki sauce
- SIDES:
- ($7) Spam Musubi
- ($5) Pork Spring Roll
- ($7) Fresh Salad Rolls
- ($5) Loaded Potato Soup
LA PATISSERIE
BREADS
- ($7) Coffee Cake Loaf
- ($5) Baguette
- ($5) Sourdough Boule
- ($5) 6-Pack Bagels
- ($5) 6-Pack English Muffins
SANDWICHES*
*Gluten-Free option available
- ($7) B.L.T. – On sliced sourdough bread
- ($7) Tomato Cheddar w/ Basil Aioli – On sliced sourdough bread
PASTRIES
- ($5) Cinnamon Roll
- ($5) Lemon Berry Danish Swirl
- ($6) Chocolate Croissant
- ($5) Plain Croissant
- ($4) Large Muffin [GLUTEN FREE Option Available]
- ($7) Quiche [GLUTEN FREE Option Available]
DESSERTS
- ($7) 6″ Apple Pie [GLUTEN FREE Option Available]
- ($7) Red Velvet Cake Slice
- ($8) 6″ Cheesecake
- ($7) Angel Food Cake Slice [GLUTEN FREE]
BEVERAGES
- ($5) Latte
- ($5) Cappuccino
- ($3) Espresso
- ($3) Drip Coffee
- ($3) Lemonade
- ($5) Hot Chocolate w/ Whipped Cream & Sprinkles
EXTRAS
- ($5) Chocolate Chip Cookie
- ($5) Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie
- ($5) Brownie [GLUTEN FREE Option Available]
- ($12) 8″ Angel Food Cake
May 23, 2025 | News, Student Success
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 6:00 pm, for our Annual Student Research Symposium. In addition to the student presentations, a poster exhibit will be on display starting at 5:30 pm in the Umpqua Hall Main Lobby. The presentations will take place in the Umpqua Hall lecture room 184 on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. This is a free event; all ages are welcome.
Southwestern’s SPEAR (STEAM, Pathways, Experimental, & Academic Research) Team is actively working on a variety of science research projects. Participation on the team teaches students valuable skills and allows them to gain hands-on experience.
Students within Physics, Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, and Biology will be showcasing their work for the community. Our SPEAR team is led by Krystal Hopper Meyers and mentored by Professors Aaron Coyner, Win McLaughlin, Amy Burgess, Derek Morrelli and Frazier Pruett.
Some of the projects include:
- searching for micrometeorites within local storm drains and investigating if they were significant in supporting early plant life;
- researching the fossils, chronology, and relationship to Cascadia megathrust earthquakes at Fossil Point;
- interplanetary ion population modeling working with a Lead Scientist at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio;
- locating never found before asteroids using data sent to us from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (PAN-STARRS) located at the Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii;
- statistical analysis of King Tide heights, frequencies, working NOAA tidal data, and the impacts of coastal architecture;
- designing smaller tabletop demos for mechanical robotics systems.
Many of these projects are supported by grants awarded through Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium and Oregon Coast STEM Hub.
Please join us and help support these students while learning more about the exciting things happening at the College within our STEAM programs!
For more information contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways, at 541-888-7416, or krystal.hopper@socc.edu.
To learn more about STEM degrees at Southwestern visit: https://www.socc.edu/programs-classes/stem.
May 22, 2025 | News
A New Way to Take Your First-Year Classes
Sign up for the new Community Impact Program (CIP) courses and help build a Virtual Reality escape room while earning credit in required courses!
Want to start your first year at Southwestern doing something hands-on, creative, and useful? The new Community Impact Program (CIP) might be for you!
What is it?
CIP is a program of Innovation and Leadership Labs during Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms for first-year students planning to take courses at our Coos Campus in Coos Bay, OR. It blends core college classes with a real-world project. Instead of sitting through unrelated lectures, your classes connect to a shared project that develops throughout the year. You’ll join a team of students from different majors to take on a meaningful challenge.
This year’s project? Designing and building a Virtual Reality escape room for the local STEAM academy.
Why do it?
You’ll gain practical workplace skills (communication, leadership, and problem-solving) while earning credits in classes like Writing and Communication tied directly to your project. Think: fewer papers just for the grade, and more work that gets used.
What else is in it for you?
You’ll also get support from faculty coaches and mentors, plus a chance to showcase your work and build a digital portfolio. It’s a fun, collaborative way to learn that has the potential to look great on a resume.
Interested?
GREAT! There are limited spots available, reach out to Bob Heath, Southwestern Director of CELT and ask about the “Community Impact Program” or CIP for Fall Term 2025-26:
May 20, 2025 | OCCI News
The OCCI Food Truck is back! Join us for our first combined Culinary Market and La Patisserie bake sale this Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at OCCI (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay). Shop pre-made and take-and-bake foods in a farmers market-style setup, and grab lunch from the OCCI Food Truck or other counter-service options. Enjoy fresh pastries, breads, desserts, and coffee drinks crafted by baking students.
Can’t make it this week? CLICK HERE to view the full lineup of Spring 2025 events.
We look forward to seeing you!
MENU FOR THURSDAY, MAY 22*
*First-come, first-served counter-service style while supplies last. No pre-orders or phone orders accepted. Menu items subject to change.
OCCI CULINARY MARKET
RETAIL SPOT
- Fresh Chicken – Raw [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($5) Breast
- ($5) Thigh
- ($5) Legs
- Frozen Proteins [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($20) NY Strips
- ($12) Ground Lamb
- ($18) Lamb Roast
OTHER OFFERINGS
- ($12) Greek Chicken Salad [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($5) Jeweled Cous Cous Salad – Pint
- ($5/lb) Fresh Egg Pasta
- ($4/lb) Dried Pasta
- ($8/qt) Tomato Basil Sauce [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($4/cup) Pesto [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($10) Clam Chowder
WOOD FIRE PIZZAS*
*Gluten-Free option available
- ($14) The Big Cheese – Tomato, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Provolone
- ($14) CBB – Chicken Broccolini, Bacon
- ($14) Spicy Pepperoni – Tomato, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Peppers
- ($14) The Fungi – Mushroom, Mozzarella, Truffle, Cream Sauce
FOOD TRUCK
Hot Sandwiches*
*Gluten-Free option available
- ($14) The Cubano – Ham, Pork Loin, Pickles, Swiss Cheese
- ($14) Oyster Poor Boy – Cornmeal Crusted Oysters, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Special Sauce
- ($14) The Italian – Sausage, Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Onions, Peppers
LA PATISSERIE BAKE SALE – “Tea House” Themed
BREADS
- ($7) Iced Lemon Loaf
- ($5) Baguette
- ($5) Sourdough Boule
- ($5) Soft Rolls
- ($5) Sliced Sandwich Bread
SANDWICHES:
- ($5) Cucumber & Boursin (on sliced white bread)
- ($7) Egg Salad (on sliced white bread)
- ($7) Chicken Salad (on soft roll)
PASTRIES
- ($5) Cream Puff
- ($5) Scone (with clotted cream & jam)
- ($7) Chocolate Croissant
- ($5) Plain Croissant
- ($3) French Macaron [GLUTEN FREE]
DESSERTS
- ($9) Mini Princess Cake
- ($7) Swiss Roll Cake Slice
- ($7) Chocolate Caramel Cake [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($7) Lemon Meringue Tart
EXTRAS
- ($7) Lemon Madeleines
- ($7) Candied Nuts & Fruit
- ($7) Chocolate Dipped Strawberries [GLUTEN FREE]
BEVERAGES
- ($5) Latte
- ($5) Cappuccino
- ($3) Espresso
- ($5) Lemonade
May 20, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – The Coos Singers, a community choir from Southwestern Oregon Community College, will be presenting “Songs from the Stage” an evening of choruses and solos in the great Broadway tradition. This free concert will be presented June 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm in The Hales Center for the Performing Arts on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).
The performance will feature selections from Oklahoma, Wicked, Les Mis, and more! The 70+ members of The Coos Singers will showcase talented soloists, small ensembles, and a performance by the cast of Little Theatre on the Bay’s local production, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”. The audience will even be invited to join in on a song or two!
Please make plans to join The Coos Singers, Monday June 2nd, at 7 pm, to share in this wonderful evening of music.
May 19, 2025 | Curry Campus, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering free GED® and Adult Basic Education classes summer term 2025. These classes prepare individuals to take the GED® exam and update skills to enroll in college or career training programs. Students enrolled in these classes can build a pipeline to enter college, training programs, and jobs in high-demand career areas.
GED® and Adult Basic Education classes summer term:
- Monday through Thursday, 1pm-3pm
All classes will be live and in person on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay) and in person on the Curry Campus (96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings).
For students who cannot make it to either campus, classes will also be offered via Zoom.
Summer term starts June 23, 2025 and ends August 14, 2025. To register for orientation and classes go to https://swoccapce.org/ and click GET STARTED. For questions, please email Adult & Pre-College Education at apce@socc.edu or call 541-888-1593.
May 16, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus
Photo by Gretchen Kay Stuart
BROOKINGS, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Curry Campus invites the community to join us on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 pm (New Time!) for: Sea Otters: Once More on Our Shores?
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.
Join Kyle Motley, Coastal Community Coordinator with the Elakha Alliance, for an in-depth exploration of sea otters, their ecological role, and their historical significance along the Oregon Coast. Kyle will share the fascinating history of these iconic marine mammals, discuss the vital ecological functions they serve in coastal ecosystems, and outline the considerations involved in their potential reintroduction to Oregon. This presentation highlights the intersection of science, culture, and community in restoring balance to our coastal waters.
Kyle has an extensive background working with endangered species, threatened ecosystems, stakeholder engagement, and watershed restoration projects on private and public lands. He received his Master of Science degree in natural resources from the University of Vermont, where he focused on forest ecology. He has worked on monitoring, restoration, and forestry projects with the United States Forest Service, the National Park Service, and several local government agencies around the country. Since moving to the south coast six years ago, Kyle has worked with local non-profit groups to successfully implement habitat restoration projects focused on coho salmon and oak woodlands. He is excited to be able to use his stakeholder engagement and community outreach skills for the Elakha Alliance.
Explore, grow, and create with the Friends of Curry Campus on the second Thursday of every month during the school year. Stay tuned for upcoming talks in our speaker series. For more information contact the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667.
May 13, 2025 | OCCI News
Join us for a Tea House-themed La Patisserie bake sale this Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at OCCI (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).
Enjoy fresh, handcrafted pastries, artisan breads, coffee drinks, and more—made by OCCI’s baking and pastry students.
Can’t make it this week? Click here to view the full lineup of Spring 2025 events.
We look forward to seeing you!
MENU THURSDAY, MAY 15*
*First-come, first-served counter-service style while supplies last. No pre-orders or phone orders accepted. Menu items subject to change.
BREADS
- ($7) Iced Lemon Loaf
- ($5) Baguette
- ($5) Sourdough Boule
- ($5) Soft Rolls
- ($5) Sliced Sandwich Bread
SANDWICHES:
- ($5) Cucumber & Boursin (on sliced white bread)
- ($7) Egg Salad (on sliced white bread)
- ($7) Chicken Salad (on soft roll)
PASTRIES
- ($5) Cream Puff
- ($5) Scone (with clotted cream & jam)
- ($7) Chocolate Croissant
- ($5) Plain Croissant
- ($3) French Macaron [GLUTEN FREE]
DESSERTS
- ($9) Mini Princess Cake
- ($7) Swiss Roll Cake Slice
- ($7) Chocolate Caramel Cake [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($7) Lemon Meringue Tart
EXTRAS
- ($7) Lemon Madeleines
- ($7) Candied Nuts & Fruit
- ($7) Chocolate Dipped Strawberries [GLUTEN FREE]
BEVERAGES
- ($5) Latte
- ($5) Cappuccino
- ($3) Espresso
- ($5) Lemonade
May 13, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is hiring people this spring for the SWOCC Trail Crew to build hiking and biking trails. The project will involve restoration and construction of trails and bridges through SWOCC’s Coos Campus forest beside Empire Lakes and connecting to Coos Bay’s John Topits Park. This is a partnership between the College, SOWIB, and Port Orford-based Ptarmigan Trails.
Trail Crew members will be full-time and get to work outside. They will get training in hands-on tool use and learn trail-construction skills that can be used in recreation, forestry, landscaping and other outdoor career pathways. This is the first phase of a project to build more than 4.5 miles of natural surface trails on the Coos Campus for walking, hiking and mountain biking.
All necessary gear for the crew including boots, gloves, and safety equipment is provided.
Interested individuals can call (541) 888-7211, or email foundation@socc.edu.
May 13, 2025 | Community, News
[Photo: Southwestern’s Assistant Professor of Biology, Amy Burgess, instructs students at the Cape Arago tide pools. Students in Southwestern’s new Marine Biology Program will study coastal ecosystems like these before transferring to OIMB.]
Partnership ensures students transfer seamlessly into the University of Oregon’s Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB)
COOS BAY, OR – Students now have a direct path to earning a bachelor’s degree in marine biology without leaving Oregon’s South Coast, thanks to a new partnership between Southwestern Oregon Community College and the University of Oregon’s Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) in Charleston.
The new Associate of Science in Marine Biology at Southwestern allows students to complete the first two years of their bachelor’s degree and seamlessly transfer to the University of Oregon to finish their upper-division coursework at OIMB.
“It just makes sense,” said Dr. Doug Goodwin, Dean of Instruction – Transfer, Arts, & Community Education at Southwestern. “With a nationally renowned marine research institute in our backyard, this collaboration opens the door for students to complete their entire marine biology degree—start to finish—right here on the South Coast, in one of the most beautiful and biologically rich environments on the Pacific Coast.”
This is the only associate degree program of its kind in Oregon. Southwestern’s location near Charleston, where OIMB is based, allows students to immerse themselves in coastal ecosystems from the very beginning of their college journey.
“We’re excited for SWOCC’s new Associate of Science in Marine Biology and the opportunity to collaborate on a more accessible pathway for Oregon students,” said Maya Watts, Education Program Coordinator at OIMB. “This program allows students to immerse themselves in marine biology for four consecutive years on our two coastal campuses. It helps students integrate into the coastal community and the many opportunities it offers.”
Students in the program will take foundational courses in biology, chemistry, oceanography, and mathematics at Southwestern. The curriculum also emphasizes critical thinking, ecosystem understanding, and global environmental awareness. After completing a two-year degree at Southwestern and transferring, students will complete hands-on, field-based courses at OIMB in subjects including marine ecology, deep sea biology, and invertebrate zoology.
Ultimately, students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology could pursue careers as marine biologists, in research, ocean engineering, archaeology, marine aquarium work, and environmental and energy specialties.
See below for a complete listing of classes associated with this pathway:
Course List – Marine Biology Pathway
Fall term registration for the 2025-26 academic year is now open!
CLICK HERE for information about how to register for Summer and Fall Term classes.
To speak with an advisor or learn how to enroll, contact Southwestern Admissions at 541-240-8227 or swoccbound@socc.edu.
