Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium’s Faculty Research Award Program has announced it is investing $123,000 in Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Chemistry and Physics/Engineering PRISMS (Providing Research Infrastructure in Space and Material Sciences) project.
This two-year grant will fund faculty and undergraduate research projects, taking advantage of the modern, high-tech laboratories and equipment at Southwestern’s newly opened Umpqua Hall.
“This is a great win for our college. The grant opens the door to top-notch, interactive research opportunities for students at the beginning of their college journey,” said Dr. Aaron Coyner, Associate Professor of Physics/Engineering. “Gaining research experience as an undergraduate shortens the learning curve for science majors as they move on to Southwestern’s partner universities, graduate school or a career in a STEM field.”
Dr. Coyner is a principal faculty coordinator for the PRISMS project, along with Dr. Michael Springer, Associate Professor of Chemistry. They will work do the research side-by-side with their students.
The PRISMS projects creates opportunities for students to do structured, hands-on research and work on publishable discoveries in space physics and material sciences.
The PRISMS projects include research in:
• Modeling and characterization of charged particles that come into the Earth’s interplanetary environment;
• Development and synthesis of new liquid crystal materials for use in flexible solar cells;
• Discovery, analysis and classification of possible micrometeorites found on our coast; and
• Identification and discovery of potential near-Earth asteroids as part of the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC)
Through their research projects, Southwestern’s physics and chemistry students will explore fundamental questions about the origin and composition of matter and radiation that exist in the space between the star systems in our galaxy, and how they interact with Solar wind and Solar energetic events. Students will also get to see and work on analytical studies of micrometeorites and near-Earth asteroid identification. They also will dive into research on liquid crystal photovoltaic cells with the intent of developing self-organizing and self-healing solar cell materials.
Students also are using a state-of-the-art ‘microscope for molecules’ to do university-level, hands-on analysis and research. Special thanks go to Dennis and Janet Beetham who donated the NMR spectrometer for the chemistry department.
“Participating in research is an essential component of learning in a STEM field. Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between student research and success in STEM,” said Dr. Mike Springer.
This grant provides critical support to facilitate publishable STEM research at Southwestern and allows for a stronger outreach connection to K-12 students and teachers on the south Oregon coast, from Brookings to Reedsport. The College science faculty, in collaboration with students, are looking forward to sharing the results of their research with the community in the future.
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to announce the Judith Ann Mogan Foundation has awarded the college a grant to support its Forestry/Natural Resources program.
The Expanding Workforce Training in Forestry grant allows the college to hire a temporary specialist to support current faculty and determine curriculum paths to enhance forestry/natural resources and fire science programs to effectively meet industry needs.
During this two-year pilot project, the college intends to grow and enhance the programs by exploring workforce opportunities and partnerships, and adapting curriculum. The work will include outreach with industry and educational partners, and analysis of trends.
“Our world is fast-changing, from increasing pressures on our ecosystem to the application of advanced technologies in forest management and protection,” said Dr. Ali Mageehon, vice president of instruction. “The college wants to evolve with these changes to ensure our students access the most up-to-date training that helps them excel in college and compete as professionals.”
Southwestern surveyed larger regional forestry/natural resource employers and learned they want to fill at least 282 new and existing positions by 2029. The college is working hard to provide the highest skilled workers to meet these employers’ critical needs. Southwestern’s hands-on, high-skill training in a small class environment prepares these students with both short-term entry-level job skills and preparation for advanced professional training through partner universities. The college further supports students in these programs by linking them with scholarships and real-life experience through internships.
Within 3-5 years, the project’s goal is to create a stronger workforce, support a broad range of necessary living-wage positions and add to the regional economy. Ultimately, the Mogan Foundation grant is helping the college maintain a flexible Career & Technical Education (CTE) system that is better able to meet workforce needs.
Coos Bay, OR – The U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) a $2.75 million grant to modernize two buildings on its Coos Bay campus.
The college will renovate Coaledo Hall to create space for the Forestry and Natural Resources Program, along with cybersecurity/computer science technology-rich classrooms.
With the opening of the new, state-of-the-art Nursing labs, the college is able to modernize Sumner Hall with new classrooms and labs to serve Fire Science, Criminal Justice and Dental Assisting students.
With these funds, the college can modernize 18,000 sq. ft. of space in Coaledo and Sumner Halls. Built in 1965 and 1982 respectively, the buildings house the college’s original science labs and former nursing lab. With the opening of Umpqua Hall, the new health and science technology building, SWOCC is able renovate these now-vacant labs to create modern, technology rich classrooms, faculty offices and flexible student collaboration space.
The U.S. EDA funds will help SWOCC clear out 1965-era former chemistry and biology labs in Coaledo Hall to create flexible, modern spacse for students pursuing careers in forestry, natural resource management and computer science.
The project directly benefits Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Forestry/Natural Resources, Fire Science, Dental Assisting and Cybersecurity/Computer Science certificate and degree pathways.
“We know that with an aging workforce, increasing retirements and the impacts of COVID, our business partners are counting on us to train even more entry-level foresters, dental assistants, firefighters and programmers. This project will help us meet those needs,” said Ali Mageehon, SWOCC’s vice president of instruction. “Investments like this also help the college hire and keep the best instructors, who want to teach in modern environments that improve their efficiency and effectiveness.”
When SWOCC invests in programs, it creates a spin-off effect in the economy. In writing the grant, SWOCC and its business partners estimated the project will create 127 jobs, help retain 314 jobs and lead to $160,000 in private investment.
“We also are preserving one of the college’s original buildings, Coaledo Hall. Over the past 56 years, thousands of people started their career training in Coaledo Hall. We are pleased to save it,” said SWOCC President Patty Scott. “SWOCC staff work hard to make effective use of public funds. Now, we can give this building a new life for decades to come.”
This is the second U.S. Economic Development Administration investment on the Coos Bay campus in the past five years. Previously, EDA provided grant funding for the new Umpqua Hall.
“It is very hard for community colleges in rural Oregon to come up with the money for projects like this. The state of Oregon generously provides 50% matching grants, and still many colleges struggle for years to meet those matches if at all,” President Scott said. “With EDA’s investments, SWOCC and other colleges remain competitive. We can build excellent facilities and continue to provide excellent training to our students.”
Every year, we share many stories from throughout time about the great accomplishments of Southwestern Oregon Community College’s alumni and current students. Some of those stories from past years are put away in files and boxes to be re-discovered in decades to come. Others are yet to be told.
Part of our college’s own story is highlighting and celebrating our alumni who make significant contributions to their professions or society in general. Oftentimes, these folks improve their communities in great ways and sometimes the do inspiring work quietly. Usually, it’s for more than just a paycheck and sometimes with personal sacrifice. While each Distinguished Alumni’s story and accomplishments are unique, all recognize that their educational experience at Southwestern played a very important role in their lifetime achievements.
Here are the Distinguished Alumni we have honored each year (except for 2020 with a pandemic hiatus) and some of their thoughts. Do you know other former students who are inspiring others and making significant contributions that support education and improve our world? Let us know.
2022 – Carolyn Thompson, certified public accountant, SWOCC Foundation trustee 2013-present “The one thing I could always count on in my life was school. It started at 8:30 in morning. It fed me. It nurtured my spirit and my soul.”
Donald Ivy, 2021 Distinguished Alumnus
2021 – Donald Ivy, Historian, Philosopher, Chief of the Coquille Indian Tribe 2014-20 “This honor is a reminder of the great privilege I have to know the people I know. I am thankful for the graces and goodwill of other people more accomplished than me who have allowed me into their space.”
2019 – LaMont Swinson, banking and mortgage industry executive, coach SWOCC “I express to students, it might not have been part of the plan to be at SWOCC, but believe me that everyone here wants you to succeed. All in all, SWOCC allows young people a great opportunity to start their foundation and start learning in a positive environment on what they might want to become.”
2018 – Barbara Eells, Retired social services manager and victims rights advocate “I believe none of us make it to our goals alone, and I feel when we succeed at our goals, we should pay that forward by advocating in our own communities.” I am an activist for the vulnerable and disenfranchised. Whether that’s abused children, battered women or neglected animals, I try to be a voice for those who have no voice.”
Barbara Eells of Gold Beach, 2018 Distinguished Alumna
2017 – Shirley MacAdam, Retired certified public accountant “As I continue on my journey, I am often reminded that some of the best instructors I have had were right here at SWOCC. I am just one small bit of proof that the community college experience provides opportunity and is critical to the future of our community.”
2016 – Don Grotting, Superintendent Beaverton School District “I would not be where I am today without the support, academic expertise and high expectations of the Southwestern Oregon Community College teaching faculty, support staff and administration.”
2015 – Dean A. Huard, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel “The positive academic and extracurricular experiences I encountered at SWOCC better prepared me for the leadership challenges that I would encounter in my professional life. A small college life allowed me to accomplish big and meaningful achievements. The memories and friendships I remember from SWOCC will last a lifetime.”
U.S. Army LTC Dean Huard, 2015 Distinguished Alumnus
2014 – Boyd Bjorkquist, Retired Educator, Coach and Athletic Director “The academic and athletic opportunities I enjoyed at Southwestern helped shape my future. Southwestern provided a great experience for me.”
2013 – Stan Goodell, Retired Educator/Retired Cross Country and Track & Field Coach “My instructors, advisors and coaches challenged me during my two years at SWOCC. They didn’t tell me I had to be the best, but to be the best I could be. That challenge opened the door for a career that has endured for more than 37 years.”
2012 – Kathy Laird, R.N. M.N., retired health care administrator “The positive experience I enjoyed while at Southwestern continued well past my role as student and continued for the 11 years that I was employed as nursing faculty (1990-2001).”
2011 – Linda Prefontaine, business manager / Owner, Prefontaine Productions LLC “My intentions are to set up a scholarship program to help young females who have demonstrated a talent in music, arts, or athletics but don’t have the funds to pursue their dreams.”
2010 – Michael “Mick” Sneddon, Fire Chief, Charleston Rural Fire Protection District “My education from Southwestern has meant a world of knowledge and has opened doors, giving me the skills to seek what I need to excel.”
2009 – Mary Stricker, Retired Library Director, Southwestern Oregon Community College “Southwestern gave me confidence to continue my education, which ultimately changed my life.”
Mary Stricker, 2009 SWOCC distinguished alumna
2008 – Fran Worthen, Retired business owner / Retired Track & Field Coach, Marshfield High School “There were so many things offered at the community college that just got you excited; all of them shape the fabric of a person’s mind and emotions and they were all relevant. The community college opened doors for lifelong learning.”
2007 – Peggy Goergen, Former Curry Campus Dean, Southwestern Oregon Community College “Southwestern made it entirely possible for me to do what I wanted to do, which was work in education. Even though I did not obtain a degree from Southwestern, I would not have been able to obtain a degree at all without Southwestern.”
2006 – Chuck McKay, Former President, McKay’s and Price ‘N’ Pride “I don’t think there’s an end to learning for any of us. My goal was not the credential or the diploma so much as the education and I certainly got that.”
2005 – Cynthia Ball, Retired chief financial officer timber industry “At Southwestern, I received more than just an education. I learned how to set goals and then achieve those goals.”
2004 – Karl Kennedy, Communications Industry executive “Some of my fondest Southwestern memories are of science and economics classes, and being on the wrestling team.”
2003 – Robert “Gray” Jones, Poet and English teacher, American International School of Vienna “A large portion of the credit for everything that happened to me at Southwestern I owe to the professors I met there. Coming to the college was like walking into a dream that just kept on going once I left.”
2002 – John D. Breuer, Physical Therapist, Southwest Physical Therapy LLC and John Breuer Rehabilitation Services “Southwestern helped me refocus and become excited about college again. It is where my lifelong interest in science began.”
2001 – Michael Hennick, Sr., Owner, Hennick’s Home Center Inc. “Southwestern allowed me to get a job in the forestry industry with skills that were directly applicable to the job.”
2000 – Peter Ruppe, Athletic sportswear and equipment industry executive “The preparation at Southwestern really helped. The teachers were really outstanding and serious. They helped me focus and master what it took to do well in school.”
1999 – Chuck Knight, Retired Chief of Police, Coos Bay Police Department “The value of the College’s program, whether it’s criminal justice or any other program, is that it’s well-rounded and you get a good education.”
1998 – Tsianina Means, 1997 ESPN Fitness America Champion/1993 Miss Coos County “I received a strong education, enjoyed the highly competitive athletic scene and made true, lifelong friendships.”
Dr. Annette McGregor, 1995 SWOCC Distinguished Alumna
1997 – Mark Nightingale, Computer industry engineer and executive “Southwestern can prepare you for anything, because it’s really the person, not the job. I encourage every student to follow his or her dream.”
1996 – Don Hall, Retired certified public accountant “The counselors and professors really care about the students and take a sincere interest in them. It really made a difference to me.”
1995 – Dr. Annette McGregor, Former theater and arts professor “I look back on my experiences at Southwestern as critical to my development as an artist, a teacher and a human being.”
1994 – Peter Sorenson, Eugene attorney and former Oregon State Senator “I took a geography class and ended up getting a BA and MA in geography because of the good start I got at Southwestern.”
Steven Greif, SWOCC’s first distinguished alumnus, 1992
1993 – Mary Miller, Retired nonprofit foundation executive “Southwestern has become a Miller family tradition.”
1992 – Steve Greif, Author, Historian, retired teacher, North Bend High School “I am proud of the fact that I’ve come back to the community from Southwestern and that I’ve made my contributions here.”
Sometimes names are arbitrary. They sound cool. They might be popular at that moment in time. Other times, names hint of history and change.
When it comes to Southwestern Oregon Community College, there is a story behind the name.
The college opened temporary classrooms and administrative offices at the North Bend airport, while searching for a permanent site. The college’s first president Wendell Van Loan, right, and founder Henry Hansen guided discussion in the first years.
In the beginning
You know us as Southwestern, right? Or, maybe SWOCC, or even obscurely as SOCC.
The idea for Southwestern started back in 1922 in one young man’s mind, but that’s another story. By 1958 others believed in the idea. Community members went to work, filling a petition full of signatures in support of forming a college district. Voters officially created Southwestern Oregon Education Service District in May 1, 1961.
That year, we got our first name – Southwestern Oregon College.
Change is always certain
‘Round about August 1961, the college heard complaints about the name. Did you know not all of Oregon’s public universities began with “university” in their original names? In those days, people were concerned our college’s name was infringing upon the rights of “Southern Oregon College” in Ashland. Mostly, they did not like that both colleges shared the same initials S.O.C. (Ironically, that school now known as Southern Oregon University has gone through many name changes, too.)
College students and leaders rolled around the idea for months. Should we make Southwestern two words? Would the acronym then become S.W.O.Co.?
Finally, on April 9, 1962, student representatives went before the Board of Education and asked members to change the name to South Western Oregon College. The board agreed and made it official.
That same meeting the Board adopted the name of “Lakers” for the college’s athletic teams. They finalized the school colors of navy, blue and red. “SWOC” then showed up in student publications.
Architects created modular graphics with the college’s name and acronym on blueprints for the Phase 1 building designs. The graphics were reminiscent of the “modernist” style of the campus design and building architecture.
Two words or one?
Life moved on. The college established a campus and constructed buildings. Faculty were teaching. Grammarians were thinking.
In May 1964, faculty sent a recommendation to the board that the “spelling of the college name be corrected to read, ‘Southwestern Oregon College’.”
Never to be pushed into quick action, board members wanted to think on it for a month. Come June 8, 1964, the man known as the “founder” of the college, Henry Hansen, made a motion to change the spelling of the name to Southwestern Oregon College. The other board members agreed. There was no mention in the board minutes of whether that might rile the college to the southeast.
The community’s college
In spring 1965, the state department of education notified the college that it needed to change its name. The Oregon Legislature passed a bill requiring every community college to have the words “community college” in their official names by July 1, 1966.
Looking back on history, those lawmakers had a lot of foresight. Oregonians established their colleges with a vision of connecting all people to career training, and also lifelong learning and culture.
On June 14, 1965, someone reminded this college’s Board of Education about the state mandate. Members talked briefly and made the final official name change that carries on to this day. As of July 1, 1965, this college became Southwestern Oregon Community College.
