UCC is committed to your success in achieving academic goals and providing opportunities to go beyond. Hearing other students’ inspiring stories can help you make the most of your college career.
Learn about a few of the many lives that have been transformed at UCC.
“My UCC teacher was super engaging and knowledgeable and interested me in criminal justice,” Melanie said. She remembers him showing a video for the Reserve Academy, which inspired her to join. “It helped expedite my associate degree by providing college credits, and I made a lot of career connections.”
— Melanie McManus, UCC Police Reserve Academy Alum
Hear how Tom Williams, president of Umpqua Research talks about the company’s contributions to water quality and safety both in local municipalities and beyond in the International Space Station. “It’s hard to overemphasize the value of UCC,” said Tom Williams.
— Tom Williams, President of Umpqua Research and former UCC student
“Imagine looking at a view and seeing all the places where you have worked over the years. There are not many fields where you can do that. We are planting the trees that will be harvested long after our career is over.”
— Isaac Cherry, previous Lone Rock Resources forestry management intern, and UCC graduate
“We met on moving day,” Leilani said with a smile.” Although we didn’t hit it off right away, that quickly changed as we began taking classes and going on road trips together with the wrestling team.” The girls burst into laughter.
— Leilani and Zainab, Riverhawk Wrestlers
“I’m excited to get to work and help others in the community.”
— Tim Kazzee, Human Services Student
“The fact that I was on that pathway and that I was able to show that I would have my Drafting Certificate made me qualified to move into that internship.”
— Josh Corrington, Intern at Pinnacle Engineering, Inc. and UCC Engineering Student
“We just finished disassembling this V-8 engine. I’m potentially wanting to become a mechanic – probably work at a shop.”
— Bryce Eastridge, Career Academy – Automotive
“The professors at UCC want you to succeed,” Luke said. “That’s why I love UCC. Professor Mick Davis helped me discover my career path. He and chemistry professor Sean Breslin created an impactful and highly enjoyable learning environment that grew me.”
— Luke Rethwill, Math, Science, and Engineering Student
“What’s cool here at UCC, that I don’t think you have everywhere, is the community involvement.”
— Jaymen Bendele, Fire Science and EMS Student
“The entire experience was fantastic. Not only did the program provide a firm grounding in law, but it also taught me how to implement those practical skills.”
— Debra Koehler, UCC Paralegal Graduate
“The CIS degree and the IT role equipped me with advanced technical skills that were necessary in preparation for my position at Con-Vey. Without it, my life would probably be a lot different”
— Josh Scott, UCC CIS Alum
“My instructor, Alex, is super cool and helped me along my journey. Her background and the many places she’s worked, including Manhattan, have really inspired me,” said Michael. “She has known me from the beginning and encourages me to take a step back and enjoy my own journey in college. It’s a little different for all of us.”
— Michael Tincher, UCC Sociology Student
“I love UCC because you can tell it’s more than a job for staff and teachers to help students. They really want people to be successful in their lives and that care is really special to me.”
— Mikayla Cooper, UCC Alum, Dental Assisting
“I have two kids, ages 11 and 5 and kids are so refreshing. I want to love on them and inspire them. I grew up in a small community and would like to work in smaller rural communities, such as Myrtle Creek, where there is a need for educators.”
— Samantha Robertson, Early Childhood Education Student
“I think the main reason why I love UCC is just the sense of community. You just belong at UCC no matter who you are or where you are in life and I really love that.”
— Erin Duckworth-Gilley, Program Development Specialist & Alum
“UCC is a great college with a high standard for education and success. The professors were amazing. They were able to teach the courses in a way that was easy to understand and learn.”
— Vani Dudala, Coding Specialist & UCC Alum
“Benjamin Franklin once wrote that ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’ For me, Umpqua Community College has been the best bank I’ve ever used.”
— Nathan Anderson, UCC Instructor & Alum
“The critical thinking that Hal got us all to do. It doesn’t apply just to Engineering… I use it every day… Thanks Hal.”
— Hal Ball, UCC Engineering Program
“I’ve had two careers in my life, one in customer service and the other in IT. I’m really looking forward to starting a third as a paralegal.”
— Steven Szabo, Paralegal, UCC Alum
“…and she is doing amazing things. So it’s those students that we have seen come through and we still get to see where they’re at is just amazing.”
— Jessica Richardson, Recruitment and Advising Coordinator & UCC Alum
“I never would have guessed that I’d be interested in teaching, nor did I expect to find myself back at UCC. Being at UCC has once again opened a new world of possibilities for me. My journey has gone full circle.”
— Leesa Sterner, Clinical Teaching Associate at MMC
“I love how inclusive my instructor is and how she gives us a lot of room for creative expression.”
— Emily Michel, OSU-Cascades Transfer & UCC Alum
“Community College is an excellent launching pad for anyone who wants to continue their education and go much farther into human service work.”
— Alex Jardon, UCC Human Services Professor
“UCC is so accepting of so many people with so many different backgrounds, and they really want to see students succeed.”
— Justina Martin, UCC ABS/GED Instructor & Alum
“I like to call this study room my little bubble,” said T Krone. “People here are like a giant family, and I run into so many friendly people in the community.”
— T Krone, UCC Human Services Student
“I know that I’m not the same person I was when I started here. But that first door is what got me here.”
— Chase Gilley, UCC Digital Content Technologist & Alum
“Being a first-generation college student, I didn’t really know how to start … I found the TRiO Program.”
— Becky Attaway, UCC TRiO Program Assistant & Alum
“The skills I picked up here I still use today even though I am no longer the office manager but the president and CEO.”
— Steve Swanson, CEO of local forest products manufacturer, Swanson Group Inc
“The time that I spent here really changed my life and made me find the career that I have today. I am grateful for it.”
— Josh Arnold, a technician for Toyota
“I love UCC because they want to be inclusive and make it accessible for people with disabilities, queer students and all genders, and everyone to feel included and loved.”
— Melissa Roy, UCC Paralegal Student
“UCC is the place to be and it’s really a stepping stone for much larger careers.”
— Keith & Joanne Longie, Alumni, Class of 1970
“UCC has helped me throughout my journey. The nursing program is really awesome — this is amazing.”
— Analyn McCoy, UCC Nursing Student
“So many people who have gone on to be successful in their lives can trace their start back to Umpqua Community College.”
— Lee & Robin Paterson, Alumni, Class of 1971