SWOCC Foundation & Alumni

09/02/2026

"In my teen years, I discovered my deep love for education, and my passion to instill in children the love of learning. My mother, who homeschooled me, showed me the best example of how to be a good teacher, as she devoted her life to her children’s education. Since then, I have had the amazing chance to shadow many elementary school teachers, giving me the opportunity to see my dream play out right in front of me." - Hadassah Tanner, Dorothy Heagy Education Scholarship Recipient

09/01/2026

"My path to nursing has not always been straightforward — like many who are drawn to this profession, it was shaped by personal experiences with healthcare, a deep respect for those who care for others in their most vulnerable moments, and an unmistakable calling to serve. I have always been someone who finds meaning in showing up for others, whether in quiet everyday moments or in times of real need. It is that drive that led me here, to nursing school, and to the kind of purpose-driven work I know I am meant to do." - Elizabeth, Sandra Martinez & Carrie Kralicek Selfless Act Nursing Scholarship Recipient

08/19/2026

Congrats to these amazing Oregon Coast Culinary Institute students!

Congrats to this outstanding group of students on all their hard work and growth-- we'll continue to cheer you on as you complete your directed practice and pursue your goals!

08/17/2026

A big "CONGRATS" to our 2026-27 SWOCC Foundation scholarship recipients!

Nearly 200 students will receive more than $380,000 in scholarships this year, helping them pursue their education, career training, and future goals at Southwestern.

This is all made possible by the incredible generosity of our donors. Thank you for investing in our students!

Read more about this year's scholarship recipients: https://www.socc.edu/southwestern-foundation-congratulates-2026-27-scholarship-recipients/


Southwestern Oregon Community College
SOUTHWESTERN Oregon Community College Curry Campus
SWOCC Athletics Laker Nation
SWOCC STEAM Pathways

08/12/2026

⛳ Play one of Oregon's most iconic golf courses while making a difference for local students.

Registration is now open for the 2026 SWOCC Foundation Classic at Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes. Every golfer and sponsor helps fund scholarships for students at SWOCC's Coos and Curry campuses.

Learn more and register: https://www.socc.edu/2026-swocc-foundation-classic-sheep-ranch-at-bandon-dunes-oct-24-2026/

07/02/2026

Check out the new high-quality equipment for Baking & Pastry students at OCCI. SWOCC Foundation is pleased to have donated a new oven thanks to the success of our popular Winemaker Dinner fundraisers.

Big cheers also go to the two wineries who partnered with us – Abacela Winery and King Estate Winery in 2025 and ’26.

06/15/2026

What does it mean when your Geology Prof is jumping with excitement? It means SWOCC received an amazing donation of a fossilized woolly mammoth (mammuthus primigenius) molar with roots and bone attached.

Yes, it looks weird. Here’s why: Mammoths were plant eaters. Instead of chewing, they ground up their food and grew new molars to replace the ones that wore down. Sadly, they got a limited number of molars. Yep, you guessed it – when the molars ran out … they starved.

We are incredibly grateful to the Laird Family for the final donation completing SWOCC’s amazing Dr. William Kean Fossil Collection.

06/03/2026

“I’ve worked multiple jobs while attending classes full-time, and I often find myself juggling more responsibilities than seems reasonable. I don’t come from a background where college was expected, and I don’t have a safety net to fall back on. Every dollar matters. Every opportunity matters. And this scholarship? It changes everything. It means I can dedicate time to my practicum experience without worrying about missing work. It means I can show up for my peers as a student ambassador, tutor, and community volunteer—roles that help me grow personally and professionally, and that connect me to the broader mission of supporting others. But most of all, this scholarship is a reminder that someone out there sees me. Someone saw my story, my goals, and my hard work and said, ‘You’re worth investing in.’ That kind of recognition is priceless. It fills me with renewed motivation to keep showing up—no matter how difficult the road may be—and to someday pay this generosity forward.” - Amy, SWOCC Foundation General Scholarship Recipient