Mar 17, 2025 | News, Student Success
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Swimming once again proved its dominance on the national stage, with both the men’s and women’s teams finishing as national runners-up at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Championships. This marks the fourth consecutive year for the men and the fifth for the women securing second place overall. As the program continues to grow, the men’s team has seen a remarkable 45.36% increase in total points from 2020 to 2025, and the women’s team has improved by 35.05% over the same period. With such progress, SWOCC Swim remains on an upward trajectory, striving for even greater success in the future.
The team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the meet, earning one national title, 43 runner-up medals, and a total of 142 finals appearances. SWOCC athletes secured 112 A-final swims and 30 B-final swims, showcasing the depth and consistency of the team. The program also celebrated 85 personal bests, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the swimmers.
Among the many highlights, Till Schröder captured a national championship in the 100 freestyle with a time of 43.92, further cementing his place among the top sprinters in the NJCAA. Several program records fell as SWOCC swimmers shattered past bests. Freshman Mie Ankersen made a remarkable NJCAA debut by breaking the women’s 50 freestyle record, proving that SWOCC continues to attract and develop elite-level talent. On the men’s side, freshman Yuta Kosaka made a statement by breaking the program record in the 200 breaststroke, showcasing the strength of SWOCC’s incoming class and the team’s ability to refine and elevate new talent. Additional new Laker records were set in the men’s 400 freestyle relay (J. García Flores, V. Asparria Martínez, J. Roberts, T. Schröder), men’s 100 freestyle (Till Schröder), men’s 200 medley relay (G. Stokholm, J. Roberts, V. Dyrhauge, T. Schröder), men’s 100 backstroke (Till Schröder), men’s 400 medley relay (G. Stokholm, Y. Kosaka, T. Schröder, J. García Flores), men’s 50 backstroke (Till Schröder), and men’s 50 freestyle (Till Schröder).
One of the significant accomplishments of the meet was SWOCC’s dominance in the relay events. For the first time in program history, SWOCC Swim swept every single national runner-up finish in both men’s and women’s relays, proving that consistency and teamwork continue to pay off at the highest level of competition. The team’s depth and ability to perform under pressure were on full display, with swimmers stepping up to deliver in every event.
In addition to the team’s incredible success in the pool, Head Coach, Sandra Bullock, was named NJCAA Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and dedication to the program. This achievement was made even more special as the meet was sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, with Coach Bullock receiving her award from two Coast Guard representatives. It was a meaningful moment, as Bullock is a retired Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Although Coach Bullock was the named Women’s Swimming Coach of the year, she was quick to share that this honor was a team achievement, particularly acknowledging Associate Head Coach Jessie Gill, whose contributions have been essential to the team’s success. “Coach Gill was just as instrumental in this award, and we truly earned it together. Her leadership exceeded anything I could have hoped for,” Coach Bullock said. Gill, recently named Associate Head Coach, has been a driving force as she is the primary distance and IM coach, helping SWOCC Swim reach even greater heights.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the coaching staff, the College, family, friends, and the Coos Bay community. SWOCC Swim continues to build upon its legacy, and with the momentum from this year’s championships, the team looks ahead to even greater achievements in the seasons to come.
SWOCC Swim is not just a program of excellence – it is a program of relentless ambition. Year after year, the team continues to grow, improve, and push the limits of what is possible. With each race, each new record, and each championship meet, SWOCC proves that it is a force to be reckoned with. This team is built on dedication, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. They will not stop. Keep them on your radar, because SWOCC Swim is a team of champions, and they are just getting started.
To learn more about Southwestern’s swimming program go HERE. To contact Head Coach Sandra Bullock email her at: sandra.bullock@socc.edu or call 541-297-2158.
Mar 16, 2025 | News, Student Success
UPDATE (3/16): The Lakers made history in their first-ever NWAC Championship appearance, battling until the final buzzer in a hard-fought 63-67 loss to Lower Columbia. We are immensely proud of these student athletes for their historic run and outstanding representation of SWOCC. Notably, three Lakers were honored as All-Tournament selections, highlighting their exceptional performances throughout the tournament. Congratulations to the entire team on an incredibly successful season!
For the first time in school history, the Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Men’s Basketball team has advanced to the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Championship game! The Lakers secured their spot with a commanding 76-60 victory over South Puget Sound Community College in the semifinals.
The championship game is set for Sunday, March 16 at 4:45 p.m. in Pasco, Washington, where the Lakers will face the Lower Columbia Red Devils.
This historic achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our student athletes. We invite the entire SWOCC community and fans to support the Lakers as they aim to bring home the championship title! Be sure to follow SWOCC Athletics social media channels and check out NWAC Sports for updates and viewing options. GO LAKERS!
Mar 11, 2025 | News, Student Success
The Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Men’s Basketball team has achieved a historic milestone, advancing to the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Final Four for the first time since 2008. This coveted achievement was secured with a hard-fought 61-56 victory over defending champions Green River College, in a defensive battle that showcased the Lakers’ resilience, teamwork, and championship mentality.
The Lakers now set their sights on South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in the NWAC semifinals on Saturday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. The game will take place at Columbia Basin College’s Student Recreation Center in Pasco, Washington. These two teams met earlier this season with SPSCC narrowly securing the win. This time, the Lakers are stronger, hungrier, and ready for the ultimate rematch. Their journey to this point highlights the talent, dedication, and competitive spirit that define SWOCC Athletics—just one of the many reasons students choose to become Lakers.
Join us in cheering on the Lakers as they fight for a spot in the NWAC Championship! Watch the game live on the NWAC website, and stay connected with SWOCC Athletics on social media for updates. Let’s rally together and support this incredible group of student-athletes as they represent the Southern Oregon Coast and strive to make history!
Mar 5, 2025 | Curry Campus, News, Student Success
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College announces the names of students who excelled fall term for the 2024-2025 academic school year. These students are being recognized with placement on the College’s Dean’s List (DL), Honor Roll (HR) and Academic Excellence (AE) list.
• Academic Excellence – students must receive a GPA of 4.0 in at least 12 credits
• Honor Roll – students must receive a GPA between 3.5 and 3.99 in at least 12 credits
• Dean’s List – students must receive a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 in at least 12 credits
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!
Feb 19, 2025 | Curry Campus, News, Student Success
Southwestern Oregon Community College takes home the Leah Meyer Austin Award.
Photo left to right: Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways Assistant; Dr. Alisha Lund, Director of Institutional Effectiveness; Dr. Ali Mageehon, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services; Dr. Patty Scott, College President
COOS BAY, OR — Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility, today awarded the Leah Meyer Austin Award, its highest recognition, to Southwestern Oregon Community College as well as Chattanooga State Community College.
The award, given annually, signifies a college’s adoption of practices and strategies leading to a student-focused culture, notable increases in student outcomes, and a reduction of equity gaps. The announcement was made at ATD’s annual DREAM conference, which brought over 2,000 community college leaders, faculty, student affairs staff, and other higher education practitioners to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
“Selection for the Leah Meyer Austin Award is a highly competitive process,” noted ATD President and CEO Dr. Karen A. Stout. “Winners of this award do not just demonstrate pockets of excellence; they employ a holistic approach to student success that permeates their entire institution and results in whole-college transformation. Chattanooga State and Southwestern Oregon community colleges have the bold leadership and the across-the-board commitment of faculty and staff that make them true standouts in their student success efforts. I congratulate them wholeheartedly on their achievements.”
Southwestern Oregon Community College has been an ATD institution since 2012, when it joined the Network as one in a group of nine rural Oregon community colleges. The institution achieved Leader College status in 2015, which it held until 2021 and regained in 2023.
“We are so pleased to be honored with this award. This recognition reflects an unwavering commitment to student success by every single employee of our college,” said Southwestern’s President Patty Scott. “We know our students. We know they have diverse needs and complex lives. We have proven that by putting students first and adapting our programs and services to their individual needs, they will succeed. Ultimately, not only do our students benefit, so do their families, our workforce and our communities.”
Dedicated to Student Success
Southwestern’s dedication to student success has long been rooted in its responsiveness to community needs, and the college has particularly excelled in its recent efforts to engage and support its district’s adult learner population. Recognizing that adult learners are often forced to balance their studies with work and family responsibilities, the college has implemented several reforms that benefit both adult learners and part-time learners — two subpopulations that often overlap. By creating specialized advising and new age- and lifestyle-appropriate student orientations; performing a thorough evaluation of both its communication practices as well as its portfolio of academic and workforce programs; and improving its online services, which are often utilized by adult learners who appreciate the convenience, Southwestern has realized several notable improvements.
For example, in comparing the 2017 cohort to the 2020 cohort, the four-year completion rate among part-time learners improved by 8.7 percentage points, narrowing the equity gap between adult learners and traditional-aged learners by 3.2 percentage points. Between adult learners and traditional-aged learners, the gap narrowed by an impressive 6.7 percentage points, as the rate of completion among the former rose 12.3 percentage points.
With nearly half of the total student body composed of first-generation students — many of whom are also adult learners and many of whom are economically marginalized — great efforts have been made to accelerate the success of this population through financial supports. As a complement to TRIO services, the college introduced the SNAP Training and Employment Program (STEP) to provide students with basic needs assistance as well as support with the costs of books, transportation, and interview clothing. Southwestern also employs a benefits navigator who assists students in finding help with basic needs support in the community. In addition, the college’s foundation supplements these services with scholarships, including emergency scholarships to help with unexpected expenses or utility bills. As the result of these efforts, the equity gap between first-generation and non-first-generation learners in fall-to-fall persistence narrowed by 3 percentage points, from 8.2% in the fall 2019 cohort to 5.2%, in the fall 2022 cohort.
Mandating academic advising, implementing a more robust early alert system that notifies advisors and support staff when a student needs additional assistance, utilizing new placement procedures, and moving to a co-requisite course system, among other innovations, have contributed to overall advances in student success rates for the college. Most notably, from the fall 2017 cohort to the fall 2020 cohort, the overall four-year completion rate grew 6.6 percentage points, and the rate at which students transfer and earn a baccalaureate degree, despite severe geographical hardships, rose 3.7 percentage points from the fall 2015 cohort to the fall 2018 cohort.
A copy of the Case Study recognizing Southwestern, published by Achieving the Dream, can be accessed here.
Achieving the Dream’s Leah Meyer Austin Award
The Leah Meyer Austin Award was established in 2008 to recognize outstanding achievement in supporting and promoting student success through the creation of a culture of evidence, continuous improvement, systemic institutional change, broad engagement of stakeholders, and equity. The annual prize is given in honor of Leah Meyer Austin, former senior vice president for program development and organizational learning at the Lumina Foundation and emerita director of the ATD Board of Directors, whose visionary leadership shaped the development of Achieving the Dream. Chattanooga State Community College and Southwestern Oregon Community College are the 23rd and 24th ATD Network Colleges, respectively, to receive the award. A complete list of past winners can be found here.
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on our expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, we provide institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. We call this Whole College Transformation. Our vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. We know that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers.
