College to Celebrate 60 Years of Transforming Lives 

In January 2026, Bellevue College will launch a yearlong celebration in honor of its 60th anniversary. Through a series of community events, an alumni award, a new magazine, and a look back at the history that built Bellevue College, all are invited to share this momentous occasion.  

“Bellevue College’s 60 years reflect generations of dreams realized and lives changed through higher education,” said Sean Marsh, Bellevue College’s vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the Bellevue College Foundation. “I’m excited to be part of this transformational college and look forward to learning its history so that we can continue building something meaningful for those who come next. The best chapters of our story are still being written.” 

Opening on Jan. 3, 1966, the college got its start with evening classes located at Newport High School, and faculty and staff offices were housed in portables. Early accounts claim about 50 people camped out overnight to be first in line to register. In the first two days, 295 students were registered for classes, enrolling approximately 500 students that first year. 

Now the largest open-access college in the state of Washington, offering 15 applied bachelor’s degrees, Bellevue College enrolls approximately 20,000 students each year and is consistently recognized for its strong return on investment, high academic rankings, and its far-reaching impact in educating students from around the state. 

To recognize the past and honor the present, Bellevue College has established its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award, in which nominations are being accepted now through February 28, 2026. The award will recognize Bellevue College graduates, and the award recipient will be announced at the college’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration and Fundraiser on April 18, 2026.  

“As we celebrate 60 years of Bellevue College, there’s no better time to recognize the extraordinary alumni who carry our mission forward every day,” said Thomas Duke, director of Alumni Relations at Bellevue College. “This award represents our commitment to honoring graduates who exemplify the transformative power of education — those who are not only achieving excellence in their fields but also using their talents to strengthen communities and inspire the next generation.” 

In addition to the 60^th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee, the college will celebrate the President’s Annual Breakfast on Feb. 6, 2026, the Golf Scramble and Athletics Fundraiser on March 30, 2026, the Year-End Celebration and Excellence Awards for Staff and Faculty on June 3, 2026, and the W Building Ribbon Cutting in fall 2026. View a list of 60th anniversary events.

The college will also commemorate the 60^th anniversary with the launch of the Bellevue College Magazine. The first edition of this annual magazine will include stories and photos of alumni, athletes and teams, faculty, and 60 years of history. It will debut at the President’s Annual Breakfast in February and will be published and distributed in a limited-edition capacity each year. 

“Bellevue College’s 60^th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to learn about its rich history, speak to those who lived it, and document those stories in a magazine that brings forward the heart of the college – its people,” said Anna Sherwood, director of Marketing and Communications at Bellevue College. “I strongly believe that, through storytelling, we can bring people together. What better way to do that than through a magazine that commemorates that history?” 

Get involved and learn more about Bellevue College’s 60^th anniversary.