Mar 5, 2025 | Alumni, Community, News, Student Success
SWOCC Business Program Shapes Future Leaders
At Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC), students aren’t just filling seats—they’re shaping their futures. With unique goals and diverse ambitions, each one is committed to making a meaningful impact on the world. SWOCC’s business programs are designed to nurture those aspirations, providing a solid foundation for future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who think big!
Whether you aim to start your own business, advance in your current role, or transfer to a four-year school, our program provides you with the knowledge and tools to reach your goals. With small classes, expert instructors, and a comprehensive curriculum, SWOCC business students graduate equipped with real-world skills that help them succeed and give back to their communities.
Take LaMont Swinson, for example. A 2000 graduate, LaMont’s story is one of resilience, determination, and giving back. Originally from Wasilla, Alaska, he was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. At SWOCC, he excelled both on the basketball court, leading the Lakers to a regional championship, and in the classroom, earning an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree. LaMont continued his education at the Oregon Institute of Technology, where he helped lead his team to the national Elite Eight.
LaMont’s career has been equally impressive. After spending 13 years as assistant vice president and branch manager for First Community Credit Union, he is now branch manager for Directors Mortgage. But LaMont’s connection to SWOCC doesn’t end there. He continues to serve as the assistant men’s basketball coach, mentor young people, and is a member of the SWOCC Foundation board. LaMont was honored as SWOCC’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2019. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities or education. LaMont was chosen for the award for a multitude of reasons, but especially because he is a person who continuously helps young people navigate the world and always gives back to students in an uplifting way.
“I tell students that SWOCC offers a great foundation for your future,” says LaMont. “It doesn’t matter where you start from, where you come from. You’ll find those people at SWOCC that I found. The ones that opened their hearts to me. Held me accountable and had expectations for me. That built in me a foundation that allowed me to go on and grow and succeed. Believe me. Everyone here wants you to succeed.”
Misha Whittaker’s journey also began at SWOCC, where she earned Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Business Management and Accounting in 2019. She credits her success to the hands-on learning and personal guidance she received at SWOCC, including her internship with Cardinal Services, which ultimately led to a full-time job.
“I would not be where I am now without the SWOCC Business Program and Professor Jessica Engelke,” Misha shares. “She not only connected me with the job but also inspired me to keep pushing myself.”
After starting as a part-time payroll support specialist, Misha transitioned to a full-time customer service manager and eventually into her current role as a payroll specialist. In addition to professional growth, Misha has established a life in Coos Bay with her husband and their son. “SWOCC gave me the support and opportunities to start my career, and now I’m able to give back to my family and community. As I think about the future and raising my son, I’m motivated to keep pushing forward — knowing each step not only builds my life and my family’s but contributes to a stronger community for those to come.”
SWOCC offers a variety of pathways tailored to students’ diverse career goals. The Business Transfer Degree prepares students to enter bachelor-level business programs at public Oregon universities, providing a strong foundation in business principles. For those looking to specialize, there are certificates in areas such as Accounting/Bookkeeping, Business Management/Entrepreneurship, Retail Management, and Supervision. Plus, programs can be completed entirely online or part-time, offering flexibility to fit the busiest schedules.
SWOCC’s business program isn’t just about getting a job — it’s about making a difference. With opportunities for experienced-based learning, internships with local businesses, and specialized certificates, students like LaMont and Misha gained the knowledge and skills they needed to thrive in their careers.
The College’s mission is to “inspire innovation, lifelong enrichment, and contribution to global society.” Through its business program, SWOCC empowers students to do just that — think bigger than themselves and go on to lead successful, impactful lives.
Where are we now?
Are you a SWOCC Alum, or do you know one who’s making a difference in their community?
We’d love to hear your story!
Whether it’s your own journey or someone you admire, share how a SWOCC alum is creating positive change.
Email us at alumni@socc.edu with your name, contact information, and a brief description of what you (or your nominee) are doing. If selected, we’ll follow up to learn more and, with your permission, share your story to inspire others in our community!
Jan 23, 2025 | Alumni, Community, Curry Campus, News
Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Hall of Fame Committee to honor former athletes, teams, coaches, and those that have had a large impact on the school and its athletic program. Two teams covering a wide range of Laker history will make up the Southwestern Oregon Community College Hall of Fame’s class of 2025.
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Prosper Hall on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay) Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 3:00pm during the annual sports awards.
This year’s inductees are the First Women’s and Men’s Soccer teams (1996-1997) coached by Shaun Kohn and assisted by Uele Hunkin*.
The women’s soccer team consisted of:
- Tara Orme*
- Hollee Scott*
- Heather Olson*
- Nicole Webber*
- Jamie Brock*
- Jamie Churchill*
- Aloha Yoshinaga*
- Robin Hughes*
- Shawn Darnell*
- Janet Johnson*
- Monica Butler*
- Brenda Horlacher*
- Mandy Perkins*
The men’s soccer team consisted of:
- Tuan Tran*
- Josh Beauchamp*
- Paul Sell*
- Larz Richardson*
- Kevin Hunt*
- Brandon Cranford*
- Jay Delateur*
- Jamie Flanagan*
- Tom McCullough*
- Dan Whaley*
- Nick Carapreso*
- Jeremy Smith
- John Hoshall*
The Hall of Fame committee is seeking help in locating team members designated with an asterisk (*). Anyone having information on the inductees can contact the Hall of Fame Committee at hof@socc.edu or call 541-888-7452.
Dec 9, 2024 | Alumni, News, Student Success
Southwestern’s newest degree program, Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, will graduate its first cohort of students this spring. Already, they are planning their future careers and how they want to serve the community. What draws people into the Human Services field? Some answers might surprise you.
Anna (Carder) Perry – Coos Campus
Anna Perry once thought she’d like to be a teacher. She tried college in 1989 enrolling in fall term at SWOCC. But life just didn’t cooperate for her to continue. It was after working for many years in the school districts, assisting children dealing with disabilities and behavior challenges, that she took the leap. Those years spent at the South Coast Educational Service District and the North Bend School District fueled her hunger to figure out what a child needs. “Behavior became my curiosity!” Perry said.
Born in Japan to an American dad and Japanese mother, at 10 Anna immigrated to Oregon. She ended up in the foster care system. She would spend the next seven years bouncing between eight different homes. Sometimes she was removed from a living situation without any explanation. A case worker would pick her up from school and take her to a new home. “I felt a lot of embarrassment. Wondering what was wrong with me that people didn’t want me,” she remembers. “But as I matured, I tried to take with me one positive lesson learned from each home situation and use it in my life.”
Ultimately, these experiences led Anna into a career working to understand and help children.
“My degree is a goal I finally see coming to light. Now I want to go back to working with kids locally and bringing all that I’ve learned to the community I love.”
“I’ve been really impressed with how my schoolwork and classes have organically complimented each other. From my Interpersonal Communications class with Dr. Ali Mageehon to Psychology with Cheryl Davies, and my Human Services classes with Dr. Lewis. They really have this curriculum figured out! They have the right people with the right experience sharing their knowledge.”
“My education at SWOCC has given me confidence. I understand so much more, and I have grown with new skills, knowledge, and experience all centered around mental health and behavioral issues.”
Ashley Cook – Curry Campus
The day we interviewed Ashley Cook for this feature coincidentally happened to be a significant milestone in her life. Nine years ago, she got clean, after spending more than half of her life struggling with addiction. To get away from a bad situation in California, family members helped her start over in Brookings.
Homeless, with only a backpack and a skateboard, it’s here she found St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church – which proved to be a pivotal connection for her. She started engaging at the church, getting meals, showers, and volunteering for whatever needed to be done. Eventually, she landed a job cleaning hotel rooms.
Slowly, slowly she got her life back: a driver’s license, a place to live, her kids! Narcotics anonymous was her main support resource. One of their mottoes resonated with her, “we only keep what we have by giving it away.” After losing both her father and brother in drug-related deaths, Ashley gained a new perspective and felt compelled by a desire to give back and be of service to others.
So, she signed up for school. “I knew I wanted to do something useful, but I was scared to change. I’m too old. It’s too hard, I would think.”
“I want to be the person for struggling teens that I wish I had when I was their age.”
Eventually Ashley met with Val Cowan, the Curry Campus Academic Advisor. When Val learned about Ashley’s background, and desire to become a drug and alcohol counselor, she knew the Human Services degree would be a perfect match.
Have there been challenges? Of course. “I would be feeling down on myself. This is hard. I’m not doing well . . . then I’d turn in a paper and get an A and think, ‘Wow, I can do this.’ I also struggled with using technology. I wasn’t tech savvy, so I had to learn all of that, too. But John and Val at the Curry Campus were always there for me. And Dr. Lewis is amazing!”
“Now I’m addicted to learning and I want to keep going, perhaps earn my bachelor’s so I can work with young adults or at-risk teens. I’m ready!”
Whether working with individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, families in crisis, or marginalized communities, social workers and counselors play a crucial role in supporting and empowering people to overcome obstacles and build better futures. Southwestern is committed to educating these future professionals!
To learn more about the Human Services degree contact Dr. Jenn Lewis at 541-888-7249 or by email at jennifer.lewis@socc.edu.
Read what our featured students have to say about their instructor Dr. Lewis:
“Professor Lewis is the heart and soul of my decision to continue my education. Her kindness, caring heart, and dedication have surpassed my expectations. I want to thank her for her compassion as we’ve navigated many challenging subjects.” – Anna Perry
“She’s an amazing teacher bringing tons of experience with her. She’s very supportive and understanding. She’s always there encouraging me when I am struggling with an assignment or just in general. She makes everyone feel included and doesn’t want to leave anybody behind.” – Ashley Cook
Nov 12, 2024 | Alumni, Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is excited to announce the acquisition of a ‘new to us’ Fire Truck generously donated by the Charleston Rural Fire Protection District under the leadership of Chief Mick Sneddon, 2010 Southwestern Distinguished Alum.
The Charleston Rural Fire Protection District donated a 1991 Pierce Arrow Fire Engine to Southwestern’s Fire Science Program, replacing a similar engine owned by the College.
The newer engine is in superior condition and has several upgrades such as LED exterior lighting, enhanced access to the interior pump assembly, aluminum wheels, and new tires. The engine has been maintained and tested to industry standards throughout its years of operation. The staff at Charleston Fire worked hard to clean and polish the engine, replaced some of the valving, and cleaned up the piping around the fire pump.
Charleston Fire has been providing maintenance and repairs to the current Fire Science Program engine since it was purchased through grants from local fire agencies and fire associations. We’re happy to confirm that Charleston Fire has agreed to continue this invaluable servicing of the new engine.
The upgraded engine from Charleston Fire & Rescue gives the Southwestern Fire Science program a functional and appealing vehicle. It will serve as a key training tool and help attract and retain students. This engine exchange is a win-win. An increase in students in the Southwestern Fire Science program provides local fire agencies with more resources for their firefighter training programs.
You’ll find more information about our Fire Science program in our eCatalog. To learn more about becoming a student call or text 541-240-8227.
Photo left to right: Dean Daniel Koopman, Chief Mick Sneddon, Captain Russell Shield, President Patty Scott, Fire Science Instructor Mike Seldon, Vice President of Instruction Ali Mageehon.
Aug 19, 2024 | Alumni, Community, News, Staff & Administration
Inspiring tomorrow’s firefighters, paramedics, food producers, and dental professionals
Southwestern is pleased to deliver year after year on our 64-year commitment to provide our students with exceptional teaching and learning environments.
Come fall term, we will celebrate completion of a $5.5 million project to modernize 18,240 sq. ft. of space in historic Coaledo Hall and nearby Sumner Hall on the Coos Campus. This project culminates five years and $43 million of infrastructure investment to update buildings, energy systems and teaching space on both the Coos and Curry Campuses.
Built in 1965, Coaledo Hall served as the College’s science lab building until it was taken out of service in 2021 with the opening of advanced laboratories in Umpqua Hall. Today, Coaledo will become a new flexible learning space with technology-rich labs for Forestry and Agroecology.
The development closes the loop on creating a holistic center for Forestry and Agroecology students. They now can move with peers between collaborating in the classroom environment to working in the campus’ urban forest/wetland environment and food production gardens.
A renovated Sumner Hall nearby, the site of former nursing labs, remains dedicated to training tomorrow’s allied health professionals. It will serve as the home for a re-envisioned Dental Assisting program and an ambulance simulation lab and classrooms to serve students pursuing careers in Fire Science, EMS and Paramedicine.
Overall, this work helps the College hire and retain highly skilled faculty. It ensures residents from the south coast have access to more affordable college education and high-skill job training equivalent to that offered in metro areas. Ultimately, the result is a more stable workforce, and economically healthier communities and families.
This current project was funded with a $2.75 million capital grant from the Oregon Legislature matched with $2.75 million in grant funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Julie Ryan
Julie Ryan returns to Southwestern as the EMS Program Director and Assistant Professor of Paramedicine. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Linfield University and is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and an Oregon Licensed Paramedic. Previously she was a member of the Reach and Treat Team, providing advanced life support and technical rescue in wilderness environments, and holds Rope Rescue Technician and Advanced Swift Water Rescue certifications. Ryan served as a Flight Paramedic, a Paramedic for Bay Cities Ambulance, and most recently as a Firefighter/Paramedic for Cascade Locks Fire and EMS. With thirty years of EMS experience, she brings invaluable knowledge and lived experience to the table.
Madi Ogle
Madi Ogle grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho, and attended Boise State University earning an Associate of Science degree. In 2020 she enrolled in SWOCC’s Dental Assisting Program. Madi deepened her love for dental health, excelling in the program, and working as a licensed Oregon Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. While working in the field she was inspired to pursue other career opportunities and progressed through various roles at Southwestern: Campus Store, Student Success Center, and then to the Financial Aid office as the Student Employment Coordinator. Now in her new role as the Dental Assisting Instructor she brings a unique perspective and commitment to the education of dental professionals.
Michael Seldon
Michael Seldon brings over thirty years of career experience in emergency services disciplines including structural/municipal firefighting with the Coos Bay Fire Department, hazardous materials team technician, emergency room trauma technician, and ambulance-based emergency medical technician. He holds certifications in firefighter 1 and 2, fire officer, fire instructor, incident safety officer, vehicle extrication, heavy rescue systems and practices, pumper and aerial apparatus operator, and SCBA maintenance and repair. Seldon earned an Associate of Science degree in Public Fire Service and graduated from the fire academy at Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Communications – Radio/TV/Film from Long Beach State University.
Jun 5, 2024 | Alumni, News, Student Success
Southwestern Oregon Community College’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024, at noon in Prosper Hall on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
WATCH A LIVE STREAM OF THE CELEBRATION ON SOUTHWESTERN’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE.
Southwestern is proud of the 2024 graduates! This year the College is pleased to honor a total of 401 graduates, from 24 states and eight countries.
Degrees being awarded are:
- 163 Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer
- 96 Associate of Applied Science
- 48 Associate of General Studies
- 52 Associate of Science
- 100 Certificates of Completion (one year)
Southwestern also congratulates 15 local high school students who acquired their associate degrees at the same time they were completing their high school diplomas.
Guest attendance at the ceremony is by ticket only. The celebration can be viewed live via Southwestern’s YouTube channel.
Additional information for graduates and their families can be found on the Graduation web page.
Graduating Class of 2024
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GH = Graduating with Honors, 3.75 GPA PK = Member Phi Theta Kappa V = Valedictorian, 4.00 GPA
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