ROSEBURG, Oregon – Nearly 60 students at Umpqua Community College (UCC) were chosen by faculty and staff to be honored at the annual Outstanding Student Reception. These students were honored for their academic success, classroom achievements, and campus involvement in an event held on May 23.

One of the students recognized at the reception was Shanna McMahan; a proud wife, mother, and grandmother who returned to school after 21 years.

“I cried like a baby in the parking lot at the post office when I found out I was awarded Outstanding Student,” she said. “I have been working very hard in school and it feels so overwhelmingly awesome that it is noticed. I so very much appreciate it.”

When McMahan isn’t doing homework with her children at their kitchen table, she is spending time with friends and family.

“Getting into a career that was going to allow me to provide for my family, maximize my time with my children, and allow me to do what I love—instead of just having a job—was what motivated me to go back to school,” she said.

McMahan will be receiving her Associate of Applied Science in Business Technology: Entry Management degree, along with a certificate in Business Technology: Entrepreneurship, from UCC this spring.

“I graduate in three weeks,” she said. “It’ll be bitter sweet as I love going to school and ‘growing my brain,’ but it will be nice to settle down a little and focus on my new career as an office manager at my kid’s school.”

A big congratulations goes out to all the outstanding students who were honored at this annual event.

Story by Katelyn Barry, Student Writer

About Umpqua Community College

Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.

Contact

Toni Clough – Contact
Chair, Associate Professor, Business
Phone: 541-440-7790