Southwestern Oregon Community College is honored to announce the selection of Shirley MacAdam as 2017 Distinguished Alumna. MacAdam is a partner in Hough, MacAdam, Wartnik, Fisher & Gorman LLC of the North Bend/Coos Bay area, and a longtime community volunteer and education advocate. The Southwestern Distinguished Alumni Award is given in recognition to individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to their profession, community, or academia. MacAdam has demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to community, and service to others. “Shirley is an inspiration to many people in our community,” said Dr. Patty Scott, Southwestern president. “While raising a son and working, she enrolled in GED classes through Southwestern and embarked on a highly successful college path that led to her becoming a certified public accountant. Through her volunteerism, she has made it possible for many women of all ages in our community to go to college, gain the job training they need and make positive changes in their lives.” Born in Pittsburgh, PA, MacAdam grew up in Southern California and moved to the south Oregon coast in 1980, living near Reedsport for 25 years. For many years, she worked in restaurant and catering management, contract administration for the software company CBSI, and operations and lending in the banking industry. In 1991, MacAdam enrolled in Southwestern to earn a GED and soon completed her Associate of Arts degree. She went on to study at the University of Oregon and then earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting at Linfield College in 1998. “Education does not end with a degree in hand and will be a part of my life forever,” MacAdam said. “As I continue on my journey, I am often reminded that some of the best instructors I have had were right here at SWOCC. I am just one small bit of proof that the community college experience provides opportunity and is critical to the future of our community.” MacAdam’s community involvement and advocacy over the years has included working as an ASPIRE volunteer, and serving as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. She is past president of the Women’s Safety & Resource Center board, and past president and a very active member of the Zonta Club of Coos Bay Area. “Anyone who has worked hard to accomplish their goals knows it was not done alone. It is important we support and encourage one another along the way always to strive for excellence and personal growth. Our local and global communities depend on it!” MacAdam said. Southwestern is proud to select Shirley MacAdam as the 2017 Distinguished Alumna. For more information on the College’s Alumni Association visit https://www.socc.edu/alumni.
