OCCC Foundation Welcomed Running College President on Statewide Student Support Tour

The Oregon Coast Community College Foundation and the OCCC community joined together on Thursday, July 24, at the College’s North County Center in Lincoln City, to welcome Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook, who is running across the entire state of Oregon to raise funds and awareness for student basic needs.

Dr. Cook is undertaking a more-than-1,500-mile route connecting all 17 of Oregon’s community colleges this summer. Averaging 32 miles per day, the effort will take about 50 days. His visit to Oregon Coast Community College marks a key stop along the coast, and he’ll be joined for the first leg of his run that day by OCCC President Dr. Marshall Mease Roache, as the pair heads north toward Tillamook Bay Community College.

“Dr. Cook is running to raise awareness about the many challenges faced by Oregon’s community college students,” said Jeanette Campagna, Director of Advancement for the OCCC Foundation. “And he’s also running to raise funds to help overcome those same challenges.”

Oregon’s community colleges serve more than 200,000 students statewide – more than half of all students enrolled in public or private higher education in Oregon. Many of these students face significant barriers to success, including housing and food insecurity, transportation limitations, and lack of access to childcare.

Donations inspired by Dr. Cook’s run can be designated specifically to support Oregon Coast Community College students, and will be directed to programs that provide immediate, tangible support – including the Shark Shack student resource closet. Operated by students and supported by the OCCC Foundation, the Shark Shack provides free groceries, toiletries, clothing, and other essentials to students at both the Central County Campus in Newport and the North County Center in Lincoln City.

“The OCCC Foundation Board encourages community members to consider honoring Dr. Cook’s herculean effort by making a contribution of any amount,” said Campagna. “The event’s donation page makes it easy to ensure your support goes directly to students here at OCCC.”

For details and to donate, visit the event webpage at:
https://www.givecampus.com/schools/ClackamasCommunityCollege/running-for-oregon-community-college-students-roccs

The Foundation extends sincere thanks to Chinook Winds Casino Resort for supporting this effort by providing lodging for Dr. Cook and his support team during their time in Lincoln City.

Oregon Coast Community College serves Lincoln County at four locations: the Central County Campus in Newport, the North County Center in Lincoln City, the South County Center in Waldport, and the OCCC Welding Laboratory in Toledo. Learn more at oregoncoast.edu, and follow OCCC on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @occcsharks.