{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Why Engagement Matters: A Conversation with COCC\u2019s Zak Boone","description":" Education, Engagement, and the Heart of Bend: A Conversation with COCC\u2019s Zak Boone  In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Zak Boone, Vice President of College Advancement at Central Oregon Community College and Executive Director of the COCC Foundation, for a deep conversation about what keeps Central Oregon thriving\u2014its people, its institutions, and its culture of giving back.  From the origins of Bend\u2019s philanthropic spirit to the transformative role COCC plays across the region, Zak shares insight into:   How education, equity, and access shape Bend\u2019s long-term resilience  The vital connection between community colleges and local economies  Why volunteerism and civic involvement remain Bend\u2019s superpower  The optimism fueling Central Oregon\u2019s next chapter   Discover how community, education, and engagement intersect to make Bend more than a destination\u2014it\u2019s a place defined by people who care deeply about its future.  Sponsored By: &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"BendBEAT","author_url":"http:\/\/bendbeat.libsyn.com\/website","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/38957145\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/195240995"}