Why I give:

Megan Miller-Morgan

Megan Miller-Morgan, OCCC Faculty

Megan Miller-Morgan teaches part time at OCCC helping students prepare for the GED examination.  Read why Megan is passionate about contributing through the OCCC Employee Giving program.

I grew up in the state of Washington and after high school attended University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. I had a music scholarship but eventually earned a BA degree in Asian Studies instead of music. The scholarship was important for me to be able to afford college. In addition, I took out student loans. I met my husband Tim in Tacoma and we moved to Pullman where we both attended Washington State University. Tim also took out loans to be able to attend Veterinary School.

Tim had a job offer at Hatfield, so we moved to the Newport area and eventually purchased a home in Toledo. My first job in Newport was Oceana Coop. After this, I worked in the Lincoln County Extension Office through the AmeriCorps/University of Oregon Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) Program.  This program helped pay off some of my student loans.

In 2004, I began working as a Volunteer Tutor Coordinator at OCCC. I matched volunteer tutors with people studying for their GED or wanting help with English. At the same time, Oregon State University offered a master’s degree in adult education. It was a hybrid program, mostly online, but meeting with classmates monthly. Eventually, I began teaching GED preparation courses at OCCC. My work with students has made me especially aware of the financial and personal challenges they face in pursuing an education.

I receive calls all the time from several alma maters asking for donations.  I know students need money at these colleges. I want to give to OCCC students. I know our students really struggle and can see the direct benefits of the foundation. I benefitted from scholarships and student aid because of the gifts of others.  My message to OCCC students, “Don’t give up.  Keep going forward even if you have to take breaks in between.”

The OCCC Foundation Mission is to “advance educational opportunities at Oregon Coast Community College by raising funds for College needs and increasing public awareness of the College and its many benefits.”

I have heard it said that a rising tide lifts all boats.  Giving even a little bit each month through the Employee Giving program is pretty easy.  You select the amount that is right for you.  The result benefits students, faculty, staff and the greater Lincoln County community.

Thank you, Megan, for your monthly Employee Giving donation.  For more information about how you can help rise the tide and lift all boats, email Andi in the Foundation office at andrea.spirtos@oregoncoast.edu.