SWOCC Foundation & Alumni

What does it mean when your Geology Prof is jumping with excitement? It means SWOCC received an amazing donation of a fossilized woolly mammoth (mammuthus primigenius) molar with roots and bone attached.

Yes, it looks weird. Here’s why: Mammoths were plant eaters. Instead of chewing, they ground up their food and grew new molars to replace the ones that wore down. Sadly, they got a limited number of molars. Yep, you guessed it – when the molars ran out … they starved.

We are incredibly grateful to the Laird Family for the final donation completing SWOCC’s amazing Dr. William Kean Fossil Collection.

“I’ve worked multiple jobs while attending classes full-time, and I often find myself juggling more responsibilities than seems reasonable. I don’t come from a background where college was expected, and I don’t have a safety net to fall back on. Every dollar matters. Every opportunity matters. And this scholarship? It changes everything. It means I can dedicate time to my practicum experience without worrying about missing work. It means I can show up for my peers as a student ambassador, tutor, and community volunteer—roles that help me grow personally and professionally, and that connect me to the broader mission of supporting others. But most of all, this scholarship is a reminder that someone out there sees me. Someone saw my story, my goals, and my hard work and said, ‘You’re worth investing in.’ That kind of recognition is priceless. It fills me with renewed motivation to keep showing up—no matter how difficult the road may be—and to someday pay this generosity forward.” - Amy, SWOCC Foundation General Scholarship Recipient

“Working hard during the summers as a wildland firefighter, I have been able to stretch my earnings in order to cover my schooling expenses. This being said, any additional support is greatly appreciated as my funds dry up quickly. It is people like you that allow people like me to strive for greatness.” - Blaise (pursuing Forest Engineering), Menasha Legacy Fund Scholarship Recipient

“I plan to use this help to follow my goals in getting my doctorate in psychology and become a therapist for teenagers and young adults. This will help put me in the correct direction to fulfill those dreams.” - Katelynn, SWOCC Foundation General Scholarship Recipient

“Ultimately, I aim to work in Astrobiology research, searching for signs of life in the universe and learning more about our Earth in the process. It is support like this that allows me to move forward with my degree. I would not have made it this far if not for the amazing community at SWOCC, and every step I take further is a blessing from this wonderful community.” - Gabbard, Christine Moffitt Science Scholarship Recipient

“My dream has always been to travel the United States to explore it all, and I believe becoming a traveling radiology technician will help me achieve that dream. I can travel the United States and spend time in the different areas I choose to explore as part of my job.” - Rank, DeArmond CTE Scholarship Recipient

“I want to work locally as an RN for several years, but ultimately want to work in a pediatric specialty. This amazing award will help me achieve these goals by allowing a bit less financial stress on my family, providing me a better frame of mind to bring to class each and every day.” - Jill, Floyd Ingram Scholarship Recipient

“Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for me. I want to take that passion and turn it into something bigger by teaching others. Your support gives me the space to focus on my education without constantly worrying about how I’ll afford it. Thank you again for believing in me.” - Anaya, SWOCC Foundation Culinary General Scholarship Recipient

“My inspiration to work hard comes from my mom, who moved here to give her children more opportunities. She is always working hard for me and my sister to live a comfortable life. My plan after I finish the nursing program is to work here locally for a couple of years and then, after, continue my education so that I can get a higher position. As a healthcare professional, I want to be able to contribute to families in need.” - Angel, Art and Toni Poole Scholarship Recipient

“There is a purpose for my education. It is a steppingstone that will help me accomplish my goals and receive a well-paying job, and it is also a privilege to represent my people outside of the reservation. The sacrifices I make for my education are not only for myself, but it is also for the younger generation of my tribe. I do my best in school to show them going to college is possible and excelling in school is more than achievable. I am majoring in Environmental Studies and Anthropology and [plan to] attend law school to help protect these young minds and our land.” - Lyndsay, SWOCC Foundation Board General Scholarship Recipient