A job weld done
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
It’s an event that celebrates Oregon Coast Community College’s many gifts to Lincoln County. It’s the biggest fundraiser OCCC’s Foundation hosts, raising money for student scholarships and grants for program development, technology and equipment for both students and their instructors. And, it’s a time when donors and community members are introduced to the works of the college.
But when Pearls of Wisdom returns for its third year on Saturday, March 6, it will look a bit different.
“It’s new territory this year,” said Foundation Development Director Andrea Spirtos. “There will be no onsite event, live tours, crowds or parking frustrations. Everything is virtual.”
In fact, Spirtos is excited about the possibilities the hopefully-temporary format will create. It will give the college an opportunity to showcase their Aquarium Science building, the Simulation Nursing Labs with interactive mannequins, the Teacher Education and Early Childhood Development departments and the Toledo Welding Program. Guests will be able to tour, visit and experience — all from the comfort of their own homes.
Spirtos is hoping people will be gracious and generous.
“Our students depend on scholarship opportunities,” she said. “Our faculty rely on the opportunity for skill enhancements. Please support your local college, Lincoln County’s only fully accredited post-secondary educational institution.”
College President Dr. Birgitte Ryslinge promises that this year’s event will be inspiring, fun, informative and a celebration of learning and giving.
“This event celebrates the amazing connections between students and those who help them realize their dreams,” she said.
These connections and the college foundation’s role in providing student opportunities are the real backstory.
Director of Nursing Crystal Bowman talks about how the foundation improves the educational experience for students in the nursing program.
“The foundation provides scholarship opportunities for nursing students and works with donors in the community to provide various means of assistance so that students can stay in school and focus on completing their education,” she said. “The scholarships are truly survival scholarships, providing funds and resources for students to support themselves, their families and their dreams of becoming a nurse. This truly makes a difference between staying in the program or not. The foundation helps secure the future of nursing within Lincoln County.”
Bowman’s comments are echoed by Jennifer Camacho, a second-year nursing student.
“The foundation has been amazing to me,” she said. “Most of my college tuition has been paid by scholarships. The generous donors are the reason why I have been successful in college.”
Helen Combs, also a second-year nursing student, talks about the challenges of balancing school responsibilities with being the mother of two small children. She credits the compassionate and supportive instructors that helped her balance her priorities at home with her education. Combs is a grateful recipient of the Ford Foundation Scholarship, which allowed her to stop working in order to concentrate on her studies.
“This college and nursing program have supported me in every way possible to achieve my nursing degree,” she said. “Instructors are mentors who go above and beyond, supporting each student as we progress through the program.”
Then there is the Teacher Education Program, a “Grow Your Own” teaching degree program developed by the college, the Lincoln County School District and Western Oregon University.
“This is a four-year degree that is meant to help Lincoln County develop and retain K-12 teachers,” said Dave Price, director of Marketing and Community Engagement. “After their two years at OCCC, students transfer to WOU for a year, then return to Lincoln County for student teaching assignments. Successful graduates then receive preferential hiring from the LCSD.”
Theresa Harper, academic advisor for the Pre-Teaching and Early Childhood Education Program, is a fan of the foundation.
“A $750 scholarship from the foundation can be what allows students to feel like they can afford to go to school and also live safely.”
Harper says that 54 Education students received help in funding their academic goals this year.
This year’s Pearls of Wisdom will be live on Zoom, emceed by Dave Price and Oregon Coast TODAY Publisher Patrick Alexander. For a donation of $75, guests choose between two appetizer items from Side Door Café. In addition, each will receive a bottle of wine from renowned vintners, or beer from coastal brewers. Also included with each registration is a decadent dessert from My Petite Sweet.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 6, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Reservations close on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
For more information, go to foundation@oregoncoast.edu/pearls-registration.