Former RCC Student Paves New Path after Graduation

Desirae Buracker has lived in Grants Pass for the past 11 years and is a first-generation college student. She started her higher education journey at Rogue Community College in the fall of 2017. “I’m a late-in-life college student, but energetic and young at heart,” she said with a chuckle. During her time at RCC, Desirae explored different general education classes and eventually settled on psychology...

Nick Johnson

RCC Graduate Overcomes Challenges in Pursuit of Higher Education

Education has the power to change the trajectory of someone’s life. Nick Johnson, who graduated from Rogue Community College in June 2023 with two associate degrees, experienced firsthand the positive impact of a community college education. Nick lives in Talent and moved to Southern Oregon in March 2012. As a teenager, he struggled and had some legal troubles. “Once I got to Oregon, things improved,”...

In Memoriam: Student-Athlete Victor Martinez

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Victor Martinez. Back in March, Victor was diagnosed with cancer and we learned that he passed away on Friday of last week. Victor was a high school superstar on the soccer field for Phoenix and had transferred that skill to Rogue for the Ospreys — a charismatic, charming and hard-working man who had developed an...

invent oregon

Invent Oregon: A Metamorphosis of Ideas into Inventions

Seventeen colleges and universities from across Oregon are participating in Invent Oregon — an event where the brightest and most innovative minds bring their ideas to life.   Invent Oregon provides a platform for students to create, build, present and market their creations, all while vying for $30,000 in cash prizes. After a year of workshops and semifinal competitions, the 2023 Invent Oregon Collegiate Challenge Finals...

RCC Graduate Weaves a Path Toward Teaching

After graduating from Rogue Community College and taking their next steps in the world, RCC alumni spread their osprey wings near and far. Alumna Noel Rapley, born and raised in Grants Pass, attended RCC from 2015-2017 and received her associate degree. She completed her university prerequisites at RCC and pursued her lifelong love of art. “I had a great experience at RCC,” said Rapley. “I...

Honors Night Celebrates Outstanding RCC Students

The 43rd Annual Honors Night Ceremony was held at the Redwood Campus on Friday, April 28, 2023. The evening began with a beautiful Debussy piece played by a trio with Dr. Chiharu Sai on piano and two RCC students playing violin and cello. Thirty-seven students and three clubs were recognized for their outstanding contributions to RCC and its mission, and the event was followed by...

Oregon Community College Association logo

Four RCC students receive All-Oregon Academic honor

Four students from Rogue Community College have been named to the Oregon Community College Association’s 2023 All-Oregon Academic Team. This honor recognizes high-achieving two-year college students from around the state who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and community service.  Teri Evans, Desiree Remick, Mackenzie Shirley and Caroline Tinker are among 52 students statewide who will be recognized April 21 at the 2023 All-Oregon Academic Team Luncheon at Chemeketa Community College...

CTE programs spark student’s passion for learning

Megan Capp has been a farmer for years. With Rogue Community College, she’s taking it up a notch. Actually, three notches. “I’m triple majoring,” Megan says with a smile. She tells the story — “mechatronics, electronics and manufacturing/engineering technology.” It all started with a welding class in 2018. “I wanted the skill, and then it snowballed. When I realized what I could do at RCC,...

Soccer lover doesn’t let pandemic block her goals

Kaloa Neukan loves soccer. It’s always been her passion — and she’s good at it.   She played soccer in high school and was offered a scholarship by Rogue Community College to attend classes and play for the Ospreys. Just days before tuition was due, the coach left and Kaloa’s scholarship fell through. Kaloa was living with a host family at the time and they helped her...