SWOCC Selects Boyd Bjorkquist as 2014 Distinguished Alumnus, April 24

Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) is honored to announce the selection of Boyd Bjorkquist as the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus.  Boyd has distinguished himself throughout his career in education.  He continues to demonstrate leadership, a strong commitment to community, and dedication to educational advancement for himself, his colleagues, and most importantly the students he works with.  Boyd is highly respected by both colleagues and students around the state and nation.  Tom Nicholls nominated Bjorkquist and shared, “The characteristics that Boyd embodies are what attract people to him.  He is a man of character.  He’s genuine, honest, creative, inspiring, and articulate.”  Having discovered his passion early on – athletics and teaching, Boyd became a member of SWOCC’s tennis team in the early ‘70s before continuing his education at Southern Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University, and Lewis and Clark College where he completed a master’s in social studies and received his administrative license.  As a teacher, coach, student activities director and athletic director for more than 35 years, Boyd has helped shape the character of many young men and women and empowered those around him to advance their careers.  He has had a profound impact on education and athletics both locally and around the State of Oregon.  In addition to his daily responsibilities, he has chaired or was a member of the North Bend Stadium Committee, Oregon Activities Advisors Association, Midwestern League Athletic Directors, Oregon Association of Student Councils Executive Board, Far West League Athletic Directors, Oregon Athletic Coaches Association, Oregon Athletic Directors Association, Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, and National Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association.  His tireless efforts as chair of the North Bend Stadium Committee led to the building of new grandstands and other related buildings, installation of an artificial turf field, and resurfacing of the track resulting in a successful $2.5 million remodel for which he received the 2008 Oregon Athletic Directors Association Best Facility Remodel Award.  In 2005, Boyd was named the Oregon 3A Athletic Director of the Year. In 2010, he was named North Bend Citizen of the Year, Oregon 4A Athletic Director of the Year, and received the prestigious National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Award of Merit for his demonstrated outstanding leadership and meritorious service and achievements.  Even after officially retiring, he continues to be involved today.  He was instrumental in returning the Oregon Boys and Girls 3A Basketball Tournaments to the Bay Area, providing a more intimate experience for student-athletes and their families while benefiting the local economy greatly.  Currently, Boyd is overseeing the Marshfield Heritage Hall Project which will serve as a multi-purpose meeting area and also display the history of Marshfield Athletics.  This past Winter he taught SWOCC’s Sociology of Sport class at North Bend High School where he took students to the University of Oregon to meet senior athletic administrators and view the Jaqua Center for Academics, Matthew Knight Arena, and the Autzen Stadium facilities, helping students understand some of the social issues and impacts of sport at the major college level and exposing them to a variety of careers available in athletics and education.  Boyd is an unbiased supporter of education, athletics, students, and the community.  He doesn’t see city boundaries – he only sees potential.  A Marshfield graduate, Boyd started his career teaching at Neah-Kah-Nie High School, became North Bend High School’s athletic director for 15 years, and then co-athletic director at Marshfield High School during 2012-13.  He was instrumental in obtaining the funding and overseeing the completion of the North Bend Hall of Champions building which serves as a multi-purpose meeting facility and displays historical school memorabilia.  The milestones achieved through his countless hours organizing school and athletic related activities, special functions, and spear-heading campus renovations are evident.  North Bend is the only secondary school in Oregon with a state-of-the art video scoreboard and advanced technologies allowing video replays at football games.  All of which are student-produced. Through his commitment and pride, North Bend High School facilities have become some of the best in Oregon.  “The students and community will enjoy the results of his hard work for many years to come,” North Bend High School Principal Bill Lucero shared.  A life of dedication, commitment, and support is natural for Boyd.  He, his wife Barb, and his parents Rudy and Joyce can be found at various sporting and community events on any given night.  Boyd was fortunate enough to work in a field for which he was passionate and many have benefited greatly because of it…students… schools…and most of all the communities he has been involved with.  SWOCC is proud to select Boyd Bjorkquist as the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus!