May 12, 2025 | Alumni, News
COOS BAY, Ore. – When people describe Southwestern Oregon Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumnus, they speak of a man defined by exceptional character and integrity. He’s a man who exemplifies a relentless work ethic, starting with his first job working in a sawmill on the Coos Bay waterfront and carrying into a 33-year career marked by leadership and innovation.
Southwestern is proud to honor Brian K. Chaney, a 1992 graduate and current Senior Vice President of Wood Products at Weyerhaeuser, with its highest achievement award. This distinction recognizes not only his professional achievements but also his contributions to the wood products industry and to society.
“Brian Chaney has a great story and is a powerful example of how community colleges launch leaders,” said college President Patty Scott. “He embodies the values we hope all students develop. He’s a leader who drives wise business strategy and operational excellence, while empowering his colleagues to thrive.”
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the 2025 SWOCC Distinguished Alumnus. During my time at SWOCC, I not only received an exceptional education, I also developed lifelong learning skills that have helped me grow both professionally and personally,” Brian Chaney commented. “When I was a student at SWOCC, I had no idea what I was going to do next, but my experiences there taught me that I could do more than I thought. I’m thankful to the teachers and staff who inspired me to continue my education and achieve excellence in my career — especially because I know they continue this valuable work today, positively impacting the lives of people on the south coast of Oregon and beyond.”
Chaney began his career with Weyerhaeuser in 1991, working at the company’s former Coos Bay Export Lumbermill on the Coos Bay waterfront. Sam Dickey and Tom Bennett, former Weyerhaeuser staff, mentored Chaney in his first years with the company. They recognized great potential. When Dickey moved on to build a new mill in the Willamette Valley, he made sure he hired Chaney. Over the next three decades, Chaney rose steadily through the organization, holding senior-level roles across the Timberlands and Wood Products businesses. These included vice president of Wood Products Sales and Marketing (2019); VP of Engineered Wood Products and Distribution (2020–2022); and VP of Engineered Wood Products and Innovation (2022–2024). In 2024, he was selected to lead Weyerhaeuser’s largest business segment as Senior Vice President of Wood Products.
“From the start, Brian’s problem-solving style was enhanced by how much he listened and respected the ideas and experience of others on any team he was part of,” Bennett said.
Chaney also listened when, as a high school senior, his parents Keedy and Nancy Chaney encouraged him to consider starting college at Southwestern. He took their advice, earned top grades, and launched a path of lifelong learning and leadership.
In addition to his Associate of Liberal Arts and Science degree from Southwestern, Chaney earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oregon State University and completed the Stanford University Executive Program. Brian Chaney will be a featured speaker at Southwestern’s commencement ceremony at noon on June 13. This year’s graduating class includes 412 graduates from 21 states and 13 countries.
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Since 1992, Southwestern has celebrated former students who have distinguished themselves in professions and innovative efforts to build friendships around the globe. Past recipients have included leaders in education, the arts, Native American tribes, business and finance, research, medicine, and the military.
May 9, 2025 | Curry Campus, News, Student Success
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025, at noon in Prosper Hall on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
Southwestern is proud of the 2025 graduates! This year the College is pleased to honor a total of 412 graduates, from 21 states and 13 countries.
Degrees being awarded are:
143 Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer
110 Associate of Applied Science
50 Associate of General Studies
41 Associate of Science
5 Associate of Science Transfer
127 Certificates of Completion (one year)
Southwestern also congratulates seven local high school students who have completed their associate degrees in a dual enrollment program in partnership with their individual high schools.
Guest attendance at the ceremony is by ticket only. The celebration can be viewed live via the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SouthwesternOR.
Additional information for graduates and their families can be found on the Graduation webpage located at https://www.socc.edu/graduation.
May 8, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) athletics is pleased to host a two-day 2025 Laker Youth Basketball Camp on June 16-17, 2025, at the Recreation Center gymnasium. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, make new friends, and enjoy the game under the guidance of experienced coaches.
The camp schedule for both days is as follows:
- Athletes just completing 1st – 3rd Grade: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Athletes just completing 4th – 8th Grade: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The registration fee for each camper for both days is $60. Payment is accepted at the door and checks should be made out to SWOCC Basketball.
Pre-registration is encouraged (on-site registration will also be accepted). To pre-register, simply:
- Go to the 2025 Laker Basketball Camp athletics page
- Complete the 2025 Laker Basketball Camp Form
- Complete the Basketball Hold Harmless Form
For any additional questions, contact SWOCC’s head women’s basketball coach Heather Weber at 541-391-3494 or email heather.weber@socc.edu.
Don’t miss this opportunity for your athlete to learn basketball skills from SWOCC basketball coaches and players! Sign up today and join us for two days of learning, skill-building and a lot of fun on the court.
May 7, 2025 | OCCI News
Join us for a French-themed La Patisserie bake sale this Thursday, May 8, 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 8*
*First-come, first-served counter-service style while supplies last. No pre-orders or phone orders accepted. Menu items subject to change.
BREADS & SANDWICHES
- ($5) Brioche Braided Loaf
- ($5) Baguette
- ($5) Sourdough Boule
- BAGUETTE SANDWICHES:
- ($7) Jambon Beurre – A jambon–beurre also known as a Parisien, is a French ham sandwich made of a baguette sliced open, spread with butter and filled with thin slices of ham
- ($7) Salami Cornichon – French salami sandwich made of a baguette sliced open, spread with herbed butter and filled with salami and cornichons
- ($5) Nutella Candied Orange – French sandwich made of a baguette sliced open, spread with Nutella and filled with candied orange slices
PASTRIES
- ($5) Plain Croissant
- ($7) Chocolate Croissant
- ($7) Chocolate Raspberry Bow Croissant
- ($5) Éclair
- ($7) Fruit Tartlette
- ($3) French Macaron
DESSERTS
- ($7) Gateaux Saint Honoré – Different this week! A pastry lover’s dream, this gateau St. Honoré is made with golden puff pastry, cream puffs, raspberry, chocolate and marscapone
- ($7) Opera Cake – This classic French Opera Cake is made with layers of almond sponge, potent coffee syrup, coffee flavored French buttercream, and chocolate ganache
- ($7) Fraisier Mini Gateaux [GLUTEN FREE] – This delicate French gateau handmade out of two layers of fluffy gluten free vanilla sponge filled with whipped cream and visible delicious strawberries
- ($7) Strawberry Pavlova [GLUTEN FREE] – Strawberry pavlova is a meringue-based dessert traditionally topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries
EXTRAS
- ($7) Palmiers
- ($7) Chocolate Coated Pistachios & Almonds
- ($7) Chocolate Truffles [GLUTEN FREE]
- ($5) Chocolate Pot De Crème [GLUTEN FREE]
BEVERAGES
- ($5) Latte
- ($5) Cappuccino
- ($3) Espresso
- ($5) Café Noisette – French coffee drink consisting of a shot of espresso with a small amount of hot milk or cream
- ($5) Café Viennois – A single or double shot of espresso topped with whipped cream
- ($5) Chocolat Chaud – A rich and thick Parisian Hot Chocolate made with top-quality chocolate and whole milk – no cream! (Just like they do in Paris)
May 5, 2025 | Curry Campus, Curry News, News, OCCI News
Summer Term 2025-26 is quickly approaching, and Fall Term will be here before we know it!
- SUMMER TERM: Classes start Monday, June 23, 2025
- FALL TERM: Classes start Monday, Sept. 15, 2025
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).
SUMMER TERM: Credit classes begin Monday, June 23, 2025. Registration for credit classes is available May 5, 2025 – June 25, 2025 (Starting June 26, 2025, you will first need instructor consent before registering for a class).
FALL TERM: Credit classes begin Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. Registration is available May 5, 2025 – Sept. 17, 2025 (Starting Sept. 18, you will first need instructor consent before registering for a class).
To register:
- First, clear with your advisor! If you’re unsure who your advisor is, you may 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 appropriate term drop down. **Be sure you filter for credit classes (NOT community education classes)**
REGISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY CLASSES (COMMUNITY EDUCATION):
Summer Term 2025-26 community education class registration opens Wednesday, June 4 at 8:00 a.m. To register, follow the instructions on the top of the community class page. Classes offered for the term will post on the page prior to registration opening.
Stay tuned! Information about Fall Term 2025-26 community education class registration will become available later this summer.
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.
May 1, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus, News
COOS BAY, OR – Join the Southwestern Oregon Community College Swim Team for SWIM CAMP! Whether you’re just learning to swim or looking to sharpen your technique, this event is open to all skill levels. Join SWOCC’s talented swim team and experienced coaches for a day of expert instruction and fun at the North Bend Municipal Pool (2455 Pacific Street, North Bend) on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
All Level Camp – For all skill levels, ages 3 to 18 years old. Parents of small children are encouraged to stay and participate.
Three sessions available:
[1] 8:30am-9:15am
[2] 9:45am-10:30am
[3] 11:00am-11:45am
Pricing: $25 per attendee, per session
To register: https://swoccathletics.com/sb_output.aspx?form=27
Competitive Swimmer Camp – Training for competitive swimmers ages 9 to 18 years old.
Two sessions available:
[1] 8:15am-9:30am – starts and turns clinic
[2] 10:15am-11:30am – stroke technique/filming
Pricing: Advanced swimmers may pick one session for $25, or attend both sessions for $50 without the video package. The underwater swimming and data analysis package price includes the 2nd session at 10:15am-11:30am for $75, plus $25 for each additional stroke you would like to have filmed/analyzed; $150 for all four strokes.
To register: https://swoccathletics.com/sb_output.aspx?form=20
What to Bring: Swimsuit, Towel, Swim Goggles (preferred), hair must be tied up or use a swim cap if you have long hair.
Payment by cash or checks only, made payable to SWOCC Swimming. Customizable camp t-shirts will be available to design as well as SWOCC swimming swag for purchase during the camp.
For more information please contact Sandra Bullock, Head Swim Coach at Southwestern at 541-297-2158 or sandra.bullock@socc.edu.
Apr 30, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 pm, for “The Science & Art of Making Beer, Wine, & Rum” with Annie Pollard and Carmen Matthews of 7 Devils Brewery, Richard Stillwagon of Stillwagon Distillery, and Veronica Viramontes with Gallo Winery. 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 in the Community Room 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:
This lecture series event features a panel discussion focusing on the chemistry challenges and processes involved in the arts of brewing, distilling, and winemaking. Each of our guests has followed a unique path to their respective challenge in beverage science and are eager to share their lessons learned with the community.
About the Presenters:
Annie Pollard, Brewer/Artist/Marine Biologist, is fueled by a desire to combine all of her loves — sustainability, science, art, and community. As co-owner and CEO of 7 Devils, she opened the Coos Bay brewery in 2013. Before taking on the role of entrepreneur, Annie earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in science from the University of Oregon. She began studying biology and later honed in on marine bird nesting ecology. Between rehabbing endangered songbirds in Hawaii and researching Antarctic penguins, Annie picked up home-brewing as a hobby straight out of her Eugene apartment — an interest that brought her and 7 Devils co-owner Carmen Matthews together. Their passion for not only conserving and restoring the coast but celebrating it led the pair to open 7 Devils Brewery as a gathering place for the Coos Bay community.
Carmen Matthews, co-owner and head brewer of the 7 Devils Brewing Co., began his tenure in the beverage industry as a barista for locally owned Dutch Bros. Coffee. Trading in caffeination for fermentation, Carmen developed a passion for the art of craft brewing and all things pub culture. Carmen and his wife/co-owner, Annie Pollard had a common interest in home brewing when they first met, and began crafting recipes together. Their shared love of beer and community culminated in the duo opening the 7 Devils Brewery and Tap Room in their home base of Coos Bay, OR. Carmen grew up on the coast in a surf-loving family of artists. His deep love and respect for the coast and its inhabitants inspired the ethos behind 7 Devils; peace, love, music, and beer.
Richard Stillwagon is an artist, maker, and tinkerer. Self-educated in all professional pursuits, his formal education includes about two years of community college. Richard’s professional history includes: cabinet, furniture, yacht fixtures, light metal fabrication, greenhouse construction, aqua culture and aquaponics, martial arts instructor, distillation of spirits, and most recently opening an arts and trades school. Personal pursuits are art, history, tinkering, upcycling of industrial byproducts, water issues, and gardening.
Veronica Viramontes was born and raised in the Central Valley. Her family has been growing grapes in the Lodi area for 40 years. After growing up in the wine industry, she decided to make a career of it and enrolled at California State University, Fresno, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in enology. She says she is living her dream where she is a winemaker at Gallo, the largest winery in the world.
For more information about the lecture series contact Derek Morrelli, Assistant Professor, Chemistry at derek.morrelli@socc.edu or 541-888-1507.
For more information on upcoming lectures contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways Assistant, 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/.
Apr 28, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – The Southwestern Oregon Community College Library is now showing One World, Eight Billion Faces, a sketchbook exhibit by artist and author Shinan Barclay. The display runs through June 30, 2025.
As part of the exhibit, the public is invited to a free drawing workshop with Barclay. It’s called FACE IT and takes place Thursday, May 8, from 2–4 p.m. at the Southwestern Library. The event is open to all. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
“Sketching helps me value our diverse community and see each person’s unique beauty,” Barclay says. “Pen to paper is a conversation without words.”
A teacher at heart, Barclay spent her first year of teaching in a remote Inuit village in Arctic Alaska. She later taught in Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Arizona. Sketching and writing stories of multicultural peoples became her passion. Her memoir stories have been translated into French, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, Czech and Mandarin.
Wherever she went, she brought her sketchbooks. She sat down with people and drew their faces. Over 40 years, she filled more than 30 sketchbooks with scribbled notes, landscapes and portraits—each one a quiet moment of connection.
The exhibit features photocopies from her sketchbooks and simple text. Together, they reflect the heart of her idea: One World, Eight Billion Faces.
Barclay’s approach is simple: drawing faces doesn’t have to be hard. “It’s as easy as scribbling an egghead,” she says. The workshop is meant to be fun and low-pressure—a chance to slow down, try something new, and connect with others.
Southwestern’s library is offering this program to bring people together through art. It’s free and open to the community.
Apr 28, 2025 | Community, News
Coquille Rotarian Lee Van Pelt reads a book of Haiku poetry “Climbing the Volcano” to first-graders at the Gift of Literacy event at SWOCC.
COOS BAY, OR – “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”— Dr. Seuss
More than 600 first-graders from throughout Coos County gathered at Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) for a celebration of books and reading on April 24, 2025. The event marked the culmination of the Gift of Literacy Program, a six-month initiative designed to encourage a lifelong love of reading among young children.
Reading is fundamental. It develops young children’s brains, provides a window into the world around them and helps them do better in all school subjects. Even so, 800 million people around the world cannot read or write. And many families (and some schools) have no books for children to read.
With the idea of improving children’s access to fun books and reading, the Rotary Clubs and school districts of North Bend, Coos Bay, Reedsport, Bandon, Coquille, Myrtle Point and Powers, along with South Coast Education Service District (ESD), and SWOCC have partnered for the past eight years on the Gift of Literacy Program.
Modeled after the Springfield Gift of Literacy, this well-established, time-tested, award-winning program supports reading and inspires thousands of young children.
Each year, Coos County librarians and teachers choose the books. First-grade classrooms receive a set of the books in November, giving teachers or guest readers an opportunity to read the books in the classroom and build excitement.
The Gift of Literacy Program culminates in the festive celebration at the college with music, guest book readers and a play put on by youth actors with The Little Theatre on the Bay. First-graders receive a bag filled with fun swag, a careers coloring book and the year’s featured brand-new books!
“Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and it’s a privilege to support that journey from the very start,” said Southwestern President and local Rotarian Dr. Patty Scott. “This event reflects our deep commitment — not just to education, but to empowering every child in our community to thrive.”
The Rotary Clubs, ESD and the College also special thanks to Yellow Cab, First Community Credit Union, McDonald’s and Northwest Community Credit Union for their generous support of the Gift of Literacy Program.
Apr 22, 2025 | Community, News
Girls High School Varsity Basketball Tournament at Southwestern Oregon Community College
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College athletics invites high school basketball teams from across the region to participate in the annual Ballin’ In The Bay Showcase—a premier varsity girls basketball tournament set to take place June 19-21, 2025, at the College’s Coos Campus in Coos Bay, Oregon.
With a seven game guarantee, the Ballin’ In The Bay Showcase promises a fun tournament for high school girls basketball teams that includes a skills competition, memorable camaraderie and an event barbeque for participants. Teams interested in on-campus housing accommodations can arrange for them at an additional fee.
Registration for the Ballin’ In The Bay Showcase is now open. Teams can secure their spot for $500 by registering online HERE. Furthermore, teams registering and submitting their rosters by June 1, 2025, will receive complimentary t-shirts. Hurry, as the tournament will cap at 16 teams.
Tournament Details:
- Dates: June 19-21, 2025
- Location: Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay)
- Registration: $500 per team, register online HERE
- Game Guarantee: 7 games
- Officiating: OSAA Certified Officials
- Additional Events: Skills competition & BBQ
- Accommodations: Teams have the option to stay in on-campus housing for an additional fee (details in registration link)
For more information, including specific inquiries about accommodations and tournament details, please contact Southwestern’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Heather Weber at 541-391-3494 or via email at heather.weber@socc.edu.
Join us for this opportunity to compete, connect, and celebrate basketball at the Ballin’ In The Bay Showcase.
