facebook-pixel
Physics & Astronomy Lecture Series – Expecting the Unexpected: Astro-Serendipity in the Cascadia Meteorite Lab

Physics & Astronomy Lecture Series – Expecting the Unexpected: Astro-Serendipity in the Cascadia Meteorite Lab

Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is excited to present a lecture by Dr. Alex Ruzicka, Director of the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory and Professor of Geology at Portland State University, who will discuss the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory. Please join us on Thursday April 25, 2024, at 6:00 pm. This is a free event; all ages are welcome.

Coos County residents can join us in-person in the Umpqua Hall lecture 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.

 

About the lecture:

The Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory (CML) at Portland State University started in 2003 and now hosts one of the largest public collections of meteorites in the United States. Join CML Director and Professor Alex Ruzicka as he reviews the start and growth of the lab, its goals, and the techniques used for specimen analysis. The talk will focus on serendipitous discoveries made by students and lab personnel.

About the presenter:

Dr. Ruzicka is a Professor in the Department of Geology at Portland State University, and the Director of the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory. Dr. Ruzicka studies the origin and evolution of the solar system and the bodies within it. His research specialty is the geochemistry, petrology, and cosmochemistry of meteorites.

 

For those unable to attend in-person, the talk will be streamed live through Southwestern’s YouTube channel.

For more information about the lecture series contact Dr. Aaron Coyner, Associate Professor of Physics, at 541-888-7244, aaron.coyner@socc.edu.

For information about studying physics at Southwestern visit our Physics webpage.

 

Southwestern honors Koontz Machine and Welding as Industry Partner of the Year

Southwestern honors Koontz Machine and Welding as Industry Partner of the Year

Pictured left to right: Samantha Fry, Welding Student; Chelsea Clemens, Associate Professor of Welding/Manufacturing; Andy Grotzke, Koontz Machine & Welding; SWOCC President Patty Scott; Kobe Greene, Koontz Machine & Welding; Kristen Mayer, SWOCC Welding Graduate and Koontz Employee; Ali Mageehon, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services; Daniel Koopman, Dean of Instruction – Career Technical Education.

 

Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to honor Koontz Machine and Welding with the 2024 Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Partner of the Year Award.

Southwestern recognizes our CTE partner, Koontz Machine and Welding, whose steadfast support of our programs has been integral to our students these past nine(+) years.

“We have been fortunate to have Koontz Machine and Welding as a partner on our advisory committee, giving us feedback and helping us keep our curriculum aligned with the welding industry. Koontz not only collaborates with SWOCC but they have employed several students over the years. We hope to continue working with Koontz to help educate and employ future generations of welders and ironworkers. Thank you for your support,” said Chelsea Clemens, Associate Professor of Welding and Manufacturing at Southwestern.

Koontz Machine and Welding is an Oregon based company that was established in 1906 and has been in the same location since then. Koontz was founded by John Koontz and has seen numerous changes over the years. It was always a machine shop, but other ventures have also come and gone: an automotive garage, Packard dealership, gas and diesel station (sold to boats on the bay) and a tire shop. Koontz also manufactured and patented the Koontz hydraulic press. Bruce Thompson bought Koontz Machine and Welding in 2007, after being foreman and employed by Koontz for over twenty years.

Koontz Machine and Welding serves on our Welding/Manufacturing advisory committee, and they provide internship and employment opportunities for our students. It is with great pleasure that we present them with our CTE Partner of the Year Award.

To learn more about Southwestern’s career technical training programs call 541-888-7405 to make an appointment with an advisor. You can learn more about Koontz Machine and Welding at their website: http://www.koontzmachine.com/.

Southwestern’s STEAM Pathways Presents “Pros & Cons of Living with a Star” 2024 Annual Student Art Exhibit

Southwestern’s STEAM Pathways Presents “Pros & Cons of Living with a Star” 2024 Annual Student Art Exhibit

COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s STEAM Pathways Presents “Pros & Cons of Living with a Star” the 2024 Annual Student Art Exhibit. The exhibit will be on display from Friday, March 22, 2024 until Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2024 in the Eden Hall Gallery of Southwestern’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay). The gallery will be open 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Science faculty encouraged students to investigate the many impacts the Sun has on aspects of our academic and non-academic life. From eclipses and solar activity in astronomy, the impacts on biological cycles, facilitation of chemical reactions, involvement in geologic processes, solar power, weather patterns, clothing design, even space propulsion. The Sun impacts lives across all fields and at all levels. Enjoy a wide range of artistic views on our closest stellar companion.

For more information contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways Assistant, at 541-888-7416, or krystal.hopper@socc.edu.

For more information regarding science programs at Southwestern visit the STEM Pathways & Degrees page of our website.  (https://www.socc.edu/programs-classes/stem/).

Ballin’ In The Bay Showcase Basketball Tournament – June 20-22, 2024

Ballin’ In The Bay Showcase Basketball Tournament – June 20-22, 2024

Girls High School 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 inaugural Ballin’ In The Bay Showcase, a premier varsity girls basketball tournament set to take place June 20-22, 2024, at the College’s Coos Campus located 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 $400 by registering online HERE. Furthermore, teams registering and submitting their rosters by May 31, 2024, will receive complimentary t-shirts. Hurry, as the tournament will cap at 16 teams.

Tournament Details:

  • Dates: June 20-22, 2024
  • Location: Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay)
  • Registration: $400 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 the 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.

Culinary students excel on USA Olympic team

Culinary students excel on USA Olympic team

From Coos Bay USA to Stuttgart Germany, eight student chefs and Executive Chef Randy Torres brought the award-winning spirit of Southwestern’s Oregon Coast Culinary Institute to the IKA/Culinary Olympics in February.

OCCI students joined other aspiring chefs from across the country on the USA Junior National Team. The excitement was intense with this being the first major competition for most students. “This event is amazing! It connects young chefs with people who can help further their careers for the rest of their lives,” OCCI student chef Brooklyn Hansen said. 

image of a plate of desserts

The 26th international culinary sport competition featured teams from 55 nations and more than 1,200 participants. It’s the oldest, largest, and most international culinary competition in the industry. 

The USA National Team, comprising professional chefs from across the nation and coached by OCCI Executive Chef Randy Torres, brought home an overall Silver Medal.

“It’s wonderful being involved in the camaraderie that IKA fosters. This competition is a unique adventure for students and SWOCC is proud to be a part of it. It’s a pivotal experience that changed the direction of my life when I participated on a team in 2008.”  – Chef Torres

image of three chefs working in a commercial kitchen with plates on a counter in front of them

The USA Junior Team, all 25 or younger, participated in two competitions. They earned a Bronze Medal in the “Restaurant of Nations,” a three-course menu for 110 people, and brought home Silver in the “Junior Chef’s Table,” a five-course menu for ten people.

OCCI hosted both teams’ practice sessions as they prepared for Stuttgart. It was extremely valuable training for our students to work alongside and learn from the finest professional chefs from around the country.

Congratulations Chef Torres and OCCI students!

 

 

 

Pictured front row: Elena Smith, Liam T. O’ Brien, Jesone Khantikone, Brooklyn Hansen, Oliver Cowan, Chef Randy Torres

Back row: Maxwell R. Smith, Maddison Valdez, Paige Hoene

Friends of Curry Campus Speaker Series Presents: The Odd Creatures in Our Tide Pools – April 11, 2024

Friends of Curry Campus Speaker Series Presents: The Odd Creatures in Our Tide Pools – April 11, 2024

Brookings, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Curry Campus invites the community to join us on Thursday, April 11, 2024, 12:00 to 1:00 pm for: Odd Creatures in Our Tide Pools.

Bill Gorham, a marine biologist who’s lived and dived around the world from Alaska and Australia to Hawaii and the Virgin Islands retired to Brookings with his wife, Vicki, in 2017. Bill’s passion for the ocean started as a kid in Illinois (huh?). In this talk, he’ll share stories and images from decades of diving, teaching, beach combing, and tide pooling. Discover what you can find when you slow down and look closely at the things on the beach, whether they live in or on it, traverse through it, or simply get washed up. Explore the weird animals and plants, both common and hidden, that find unique ways to make the intertidal home.

Bill wants to motivate the audience to take care of the ocean and all its resources whether from discarded trash, overfishing, marine heat waves, or acidification. And, he’ll provide some words of wisdom for safe beach combing or tide pooling by reminding you about slippery rocks, rogue waves, mean crabs, spiny fish, and other surprises.

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. Bring a friend and a brown bag lunch.

Stay tuned for upcoming talks in our speaker series. For more information contact the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667.

 

Friends of Curry Campus Speaker Series Presents “Curry County Watersheds and You!” – March 14, 2024

Brookings, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Curry Campus invites the community to join us on Thursday, March 14, 2024, 12:00 to 1:00 pm for “Curry County Watersheds and You!”.

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. Bring a friend and a brown bag lunch.

The Curry Watersheds Partnership is a group of non-regulatory organizations working together to help local landowners and communities keep our shared lands and rivers healthy and sustainable. The Curry Watersheds Partnership includes the Curry Soil and Water Conservation District, the South Coast and Lower Rogue Watershed Councils, and the Curry Watersheds Nonprofit. Our staff and dedicated network of volunteers are focused on improving our watershed health through community-based restoration efforts, scientific monitoring, and educating the public through local schools and community presentations.

Guest Speakers Kelly Timchak, Robie Lascheck and Liesl Coleman:

Kelly Timchak always knew she wanted to work in creeks and rivers. She previously worked for the Port Orford Ocean Resource Team and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Science in Fisheries from the University of New Brunswick, Canada. Kelly is the Lower Rogue Watershed Coordinator.

Robie Lascheck has a passion for mountain lakes and crystal-clear rivers. He received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Oregon, and Master of Environmental Management from Portland State University. He has worked on a variety of natural resource monitoring projects. His tool set includes natural resource monitoring, data analysis, and GIS. He is the South Coast Watershed Council Coordinator.

Liesl Coleman is a happy and hardworking Manager at Curry Soil and Water Conservation District. One of the things she loves most about the work of the Curry Watersheds Partnership is building relationships that endure and create respectful stewardship of the watershed.

 

Stay tuned for upcoming talks in our speaker series. Talks this spring will focus on travel and tourism and the Wild Rivers Film Festival. For more information contact the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667.

“Laker Day” invites prospective students to discover the campus, programs, and more – April 20, 2024

“Laker Day” invites prospective students to discover the campus, programs, and more – April 20, 2024

Coos Bay, OR – Prospective students, families and community members of all ages are invited to join Southwestern Oregon Community College for the inaugural “Laker Day” at the College’s Coos Campus. This free, in-person event promises a day filled with informative activities, engagement, and opportunities to discover all Southwestern has to offer. Anyone eager to explore higher education possibilities is encouraged to RSVP and attend:

Date/Time: Saturday, April 20 from 10 am – 2 pm (check-in starts at 9:30 am)

Location: Check-in at Umpqua Hall (1988 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420); Activities will take place all-around campus

RSVP: RSVP for Laker Day HERE

“For anyone even remotely considering attending college, this is an excellent opportunity to connect and see what Southwestern might offer them,” said Katie Sifford, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Southwestern. “It provides a firsthand look into campus life, academic offerings, and the supportive atmosphere we provide to assist students in achieving their goals.”

Highlights of Laker Day include:

Note: Programming for the day is subject to change up until the day of the event

  • Meet Our Faculty and Staff: Engage with experienced and dedicated educators and staff who make Southwestern a dynamic learning environment.
  • Learn More About the College: Discover the diverse academic programs, extracurricular activities, and resources that contribute to the college community.
  • Free Lunch: Enjoy lunch prepared by our Oregon Coast Culinary Institute students.
  • Tour the Coos Campus: Check-out the campus surroundings with guided tours showcasing some of our renovated facilities and beautiful landscapes.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore, connect, and envision your future at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Be sure to RSVP today!

For more information, contact Katie Sifford, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Southwestern via email (katie.sifford@socc.edu) or by calling 541-888-1595.

We hope to see you there!

 

OCCI hosts 2024 Winemaker’s Dinner with Willamette Valley Vineyards – May 4, 2024

OCCI hosts 2024 Winemaker’s Dinner with Willamette Valley Vineyards – May 4, 2024

COOS BAY, OR — Experience an evening of culinary excellence and exquisite wines as the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute and Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation present the 2024 Winemakers’ Dinner on Saturday, May 4.

OCCI chefs present at the winemakers dinner

OCCI chefs present at the winemakers dinner.

The Winemakers’ Dinner immerses guests in an evening of conversation and storytelling with premier Oregon winery Willamette Valley Vineyards. Scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., at OCCI, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, the menu will pair six wines with the fine cuisine of award-winning OCCI Executive Chef Randy Torres and his student chefs. This multi-course meal will feature carefully crafted food and wine pairings that highlight the unique and complimentary attributes of spectacular Northwest cuisine.

Sit down among friends and listen as the storytelling starts relating the tale of Willamette Vineyards’ creator Jim Bernau’s dream to develop an old orchard overcome with blackberry vines into a world class winery known for producing the finest Pinot Noirs. The conversation will touch on propagation, terroir and the art of fermentation. Today, Willamette Valley Vineyards grows grapes in five regions and has assembled a team of winemakers who bring experiences from throughout the West Coast wine industry to create a wide array of award-winning wines.

The event is a collaborative fundraiser to showcase the skills of the college’s Culinary Competition Team and assist the college’s culinary program with investing in equipment. Having participated in the World Culinary Olympics this year, Chef Torres and his student chefs will talk about their experiences and their creative thoughts in creating the menu.

OCCI executive chef Randy Torres demonstrates plating to student chefs, prepping for the winemaker dinner.

OCCI executive chef Randy Torres demonstrates plating to student chefs.

“It’s important to know that we invest 100% of the funds raised from tickets to this event directly into top-quality equipment for our kitchens,” said Chef Torres. “Likewise, being able to hire the finest chef instructors and inspire excellence in our students is a direct result of the college and community’s commitment to our students.”

Tickets for this fundraising event are $190 per person. Seating is limited.  “We are grateful for this support and ultimately being able to support the local economy and provide excellent chefs for the tourism and culinary industries,” Torres said.

For more information or to purchase seats, please contact the Southwestern Foundation at (541) 888-7209, email foundation@socc.edu. or go to www.socc.edu/give.

SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Hosts Open Houses – March 21 (Curry) & 22 (Coos), 2024

SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Hosts Open Houses – March 21 (Curry) & 22 (Coos), 2024

Coos Bay, OR  – Southwestern Oregon Community College is excited to announce open house events for those who would like to learn more about our new SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

CURRY COUNTY RESIDENTS: Join us Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Curry Campus, Room 232 (906082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings).

COOS COUNTY RESIDENTS: Join us Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Coos Campus, Tioga Hall, Fourth Floor, Rooms 409 and 410 (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).

These events are free and will run from 12:00pm to 7:00pm.

The open house provides an opportunity for anyone who is interested in obtaining entry-level construction skills to try out heavy equipment simulators, meet the instructors, and find out more about how to prepare for a career in the trades. We will also be set up to help people apply to the program.

The SWOCC Works program is tailored for individuals 16+ years old who are seeking the transferrable skills needed to enter apprenticeships, or to apply to jobs that may include operating equipment such as forklifts, loaders, bulldozers, graders, and cranes. In just two terms, participants will undergo 120 hours of FREE training under the guidance of industry-experienced instructors and earn a certificate of completion issued directly from the Bureau of Labor and Industry.

SWOCC Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Highlights:

  • No experience required
  • High school juniors and seniors eligible
  • Classes available at SWOCC’s Coos and Curry campuses
  • Earn a BOLI-approved certificate
  • Gain entry-level construction skills
  • Obtain OSHA 10 certification
  • Preparation for a career in the trades

For more information and to apply, please contact us via email at swoccworks@socc.edu or call 541-888-1545.

 

Athletics

Student Housing

Recreation Center

Curry Campus

Parents & Families

Visit

Campus Store

Pathways & Degrees

Culinary

GED & Pre-College Education

Job & Workforce Training

Maritime Classes

Community Classes

Small Business Dev. Center

CARE Connections

Admissions

International Students

Veterans

High School Partnerships

Pay For College

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Calendar & Events

Library

Tutoring

Advising & Counseling

Accessible Education Services

SNAP/STEP

TRIO Programs

Transcripts & Forms

Graduation

Career Coach

Skip to content