Feb 13, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm, for “Sea Otters in Oregon: Road to Return” with Kyle Motley, Coastal Community Coordinator, Elakha Alliance. 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:
Join us for an in-depth exploration of sea otters, their ecological role, and their historical significance along the Oregon Coast. As the Coastal Community Coordinator for the Elakha Alliance, Kyle Motley will share the fascinating history of these iconic marine mammals, discuss the vital ecological functions they serve in coastal ecosystems, and outline the considerations involved in their potential reintroduction to Oregon. This presentation highlights the intersection of science, culture, and community in restoring balance to our coastal waters.
About the Presenter:
Kyle has an extensive background working with endangered species, threatened ecosystems, stakeholder engagement, and watershed restoration projects on private and public lands. He received his Master of Science (MS) degree in natural resources from the University of Vermont, where he focused on forest ecology. He has worked on monitoring, restoration, and forestry projects with the United States Forest Service, the National Park Service, and several local government agencies around the country. Since moving to the south coast six years ago, Kyle has worked with local non-profit groups to successfully implement habitat restoration projects focused on coho salmon and oak woodlands. He is extremely excited to be able to use his stakeholder engagement and community outreach skills for the Elakha Alliance.
For more information about the lecture series contact Amy Burgess, Assistant Professor of Biology at amy.burgess@socc.edu or 541-888-7496.
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/.
Photo by Gretchen Kay Stuart
Feb 13, 2025 | Community, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College athletics is hosting a Baseball Clinic during spring break on March 24, 2025. It will take place on Southwestern’s baseball field and will be taught by current SWOCC baseball coaches and players. The clinic will run from 10am to 1pm and is open to K-8th grade.
Participants are asked to bring baseball attire, bat, glove, helmet, and water. There is no cost for the clinic due to generous donations made by GrayGuns, Reedsport Youth Sports, and anonymous donors.
Clinic Details:
- Date: March 24, 2025; 10am-1pm
- Location: Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay); Baseball Field
- Cost: FREE
- Registration: Please register ahead of time HERE.
Baseball Clinic 2025 Registration
For more information email Head Baseball Coach David Deutschman at david.deutschman@socc.edu or swoccathletics@socc.edu.
Feb 10, 2025 | News, Student Success
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Swim Teams have made history, achieving the highest GPA for both the men’s and women’s programs in the NJCAA. Both the men’s and women’s swim teams have received the Scholar All-America Team award with 3.74 and 3.78 GPAs respectively. This recognition, awarded by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence in both the classroom and the pool.
SWOCC Swim has long been known for its high standards, but this year’s achievement is particularly remarkable. Under the leadership of head coach Sandra Bullock, the team has continued to raise the bar every season, proving that academic and athletic success go hand in hand. The women’s team has been NJCAA runner-up champions for four consecutive years, while the men’s team has secured the runner-up position for the past three years.
This recognition is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of these student-athletes. The team not only competes at the highest level in the pool but also strives for excellence in the classroom.
This year, SWOCC Swim recorded the most 4.0 GPAs in program history, with the following student-athletes earning a 4.0 for fall term: Chenoa Baurer, Isabelle McCabe, Dido Toornend, Suzanne Vesseur, Taylor Hagedorn, Lindsey Tatakis, Maison Alexander, Rami Escure, Lars Knudsen, Luke Norris, Jack Roberts, Sergio Rodríguez Rodríguez, and Till Schröder.
The team has two more regular season meets before heading to the NJCAA National Championship in Buffalo, NY, from March 5-8, 2025. They competed at home in Coos Bay on February 9, at the North Bend Municipal Pool, followed by the Tualatin Hills Swim Club Last Chance Meet in Beaverton, OR, on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
This achievement speaks volumes about the culture of the SWOCC swim program. These athletes push themselves in every aspect of their lives, and we are excited to see what they achieve at Nationals this year.
More information can be found here: https://www.cscaa.org/news/2022117/fall2024scholar-2p79k-637p6.
Feb 3, 2025 | Community, Curry Campus, News, Student Success
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 6:00 pm, for a special presentation by Oregon State University’s branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA). 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.
In 2012, a group of students had a goal: to introduce aerospace and aviation to a campus with no formal program for such studies. Oregon State University’s (OSU) branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) was created to fill that void. OSU AIAA is a student-led organization. Since their humble beginnings, they have grown to be one of the largest groups on the OSU campus, serving over 200 members in the Beaver Nation. We invite you to explore their vision and the incredible network of students that fuel their success. The presentation will involve a detailed description of all eight teams housed within OSU AIAA. They will have segments explaining who they are, what they do, and many of the benefits students get by being part of this organization.
About the Presenters:
Brayden Haldezos: Brayden is a senior in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Oregon State University. He is the President of OSU’s AIAA student chapter and is passionate about rocketry, human spaceflight, and aviation. He has served as a Command and Data Handling Engineering Mentor for the NASA L’SPACE Program and has interned at NASA Johnson Space Center as a Payload Systems Engineer for human research onboard the International Space Station. He enjoys providing students with resources and opportunities for success, specifically within the aerospace field.
SWOCC SPEAR Alumni, Damian Lilienthal: Damian is a senior at Oregon State University, pursuing a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He is the lead of the High-Altitude Rocket Team (HART), where he manages a team focused on designing a two-stage rocket with a goal of reaching an altitude of 100,000 feet. Damian also went through NASA’s NCAS (National Community College Aerospace Scholars) program that ultimately cued his interest in the field. Damian has experience in various aerospace projects with his position in HART, including hands-on expertise in rocket propulsion and structural systems. Passionate about advancing the field, he actively engages in both academic and extracurricular projects to promote the program through presentations and career fairs.
Nicholas Alves: Nick is a junior majoring in electrical engineering at Oregon State University. He serves as the Social Media Coordinator for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) club at OSU and as the avionics co-lead for the High-Altitude Rocket Team (HART). His passion lies in aerospace and advancing humanity’s future in space exploration.
Quade Stiansen: Quade is a senior pursuing a dual Bachelor’s degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering at Oregon State University. He is on the executive board for the AIAA club and assists the Student Competition Rocket Payload Team. Quade’s passion began in high school after he was introduced to the FIRST Robotics Competition. He hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace industry, potentially working for companies like SpaceX and NASA.
Lukas Knipple: Lukas is in his second year at OSU pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. As an avid fan of aerospace, he joined AIAA’s Solar Plane Team and HALE Liquid Rocketry Team when he began at Oregon State. In addition to being the Chief Treasurer of AIAA, he works on design, instrumentation, and control of HALE’s flight vehicle and mobile launch pad electrical systems. All things programming and electrical are his interest, and he hopes to take that passion into the aerospace industry after he graduates.
For more information please 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/.
Feb 3, 2025 | OCCI News
Join us for a Winter Term 2025 Pop-Up Bakery Sale!
Start your morning right with freshly made croissants and a selection of coffee drinks.
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Location: OCCI, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay
No pre-orders—first come, first served. Don’t miss out!
Jan 29, 2025 | Curry News
Brookings, OR – Learn the fundamentals of grant writing in the Introduction to Grant Writing workshop, offered in February 2025 at the Curry Campus of Southwestern Oregon Community College. This course provides a basic understanding of grant writing and the foundations of project development.
Learn how to prepare your organization to apply for grants and how to identify local sponsors and small grants to consider. This course is open to everyone, but is specifically designed for small nonprofits. Join instructor Alisa Green for two Saturday sessions on February 8 and 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. at the Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings. The cost for this class is $75.
For more information or to register, contact the Student Success Center at the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667. For information about other community classes taking place on the Curry Campus this winter click here.
Southwestern Oregon Community College leads and inspires lifelong learning through its campuses on the Southern Oregon coast. For more information, visit www.socc.edu/curry.
Jan 27, 2025 | News, OCCI News
Join us for the second Winter Term Pop-Up Bakery Sale of 2025!
Start your morning right with freshly made croissants and a selection of coffee drinks.
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
📍 Location: OCCI, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay
No pre-orders—first come, first served. Don’t miss out!
Jan 24, 2025 | Community, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – This Valentine’s Day, treat your loved ones—or yourself—to something truly special. Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) is offering an array of handcrafted desserts, all prepared with care by talented pastry chefs and students. Proceeds from the sales will directly benefit the culinary competition team, helping these talented students showcase their skills on a national stage.
Order a variety of treats from this year’s menu, including:
Chocolate Covered Strawberries (GF): $5 each or $25 for a box of 6
Chocolate Bon Bon Assortment (GF): $12 for a box of 4 (1 of each flavor) or $36 for a box of 12 (3 of each flavor)
- Yuzu Ganache Strawberry Jam
- Sea Salt Caramel
- Hot Honey Milk Chocolate Ganache
- Hazelnut Baileys and Cream
Mini Frosted Sugar Cookie Hearts: $20 for a bag of 12
French Macaron Assortment (GF): $18 for a box of 6 or $36 for a box of 12
Mini Dessert Assortment (Gluten Free Options Available): $45 for one of each assortment…
- Love Letter – Vanilla Caramel Bourbon Crunch
- Tiramisu – Coffee Mascarpone Chocolate
- Berry Lovely – Strawberry Raspberry Vanilla
- I’m In Deep – Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate
ORDERING DETAILS:
Place your order by Friday, February 7, 2025, to ensure availability! Pick-up orders on Friday, February 14, 2025. Call 541-888-7309 or Email. In-person orders also accepted at the following locations. Pick up your order from the same location you place your order:
- OCCI (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay | 541-888-7309)
- Past to Present Emporium (281 S. Broadway, Coos Bay | 541-808-9553)
Don’t miss out on these handcrafted desserts! Order today and join us in making this Valentine’s Day extra sweet.
For more information about OCCI, visit www.socc.edu/occi.
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.
Jan 22, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Help us celebrate National Whale Day! Southwestern Oregon Community College invites 3rd to 6th grade students to join us for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) FOR KIDS: “Whales Tales!” on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. This science-immersion event will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Umpqua Hall, on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
Students will engage with professors in hands-on activities in physics and engineering, chemistry, geology, biology, art, and more. This includes working alongside the College’s student research team SPEAR (STEAM Pathways Experimental & Academic Research), who are involved in various exciting STEAM projects.
There will also be an opportunity to experience the film “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants” in our Discovery Dome Planetarium. This digital theater space immerses students in a presentation that takes them on an adventure. “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants” explores the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction. Following two scientific expeditions—one to find a missing population of blues off the exotic Seychelles Islands, the other to chronicle whale families in Mexico’s stunning Gulf of California—the film is an inspirational story that transforms our understanding of the largest animal ever to have lived.
STEAM education projects help students visualize career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math. The “A” adds in the arts, such as humanities, dance, drama, visual arts, and design. When people learn in all these areas together, they gain soft skills that can help grow ability in out-of-the-box thinking and collaboration.
Cost is $25 per person. Spots are limited. Scholarships are available. For more information on this event, registration, and scholarships contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, STEAM Pathways Assistant, at 541-888-7416, or krystal.hopper@socc.edu.
