News and Stories
We’re making headlines at Bellevue College. Take a look at the latest events, innovations, and student achievements detailed in our news and stories. From alumni profiles to institutional success, we are proud of the stories that make Bellevue College the region's college of choice.

26th Annual Earth Month Events ‘Make Waves’
Commemorate Earth Day all month long with Bellevue College’s Earth Month event series happening now through April 30.
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BC’s Online Classes Get an Upgrade by Providing Training for Faculty
Some faculty members were more prepared for the sudden pandemic switch to online learning than others, and the BC eLearning team stepped up to create the Online Excellence Teaching Academy, a seven-course program giving instructors the tools they need to be successful in the virtual classroom.

425 Business | UW Bothell and Bellevue College Are Collaborating on New Program Offerings
The University of Washington Bothell and Bellevue College are collaborating to integrate the UW Bothell School of Business' former Eastside Leadership Center into new program offerings at the Bellevue College campus, UW Bothell has announced.
Community Colleges are Among the State’s Greatest Assets | Seattle Times
Paul Francis has his work cut out for him. As the executive director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, he is responsible for helping supply Washington with great thinkers, innovators and workers not only for the economy of tomorrow, but for the economy of today. There is, indeed, an immediate need for…

BC Welcomes the Community to Campus on Discovery Day
BC will host Discovery Day on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Success Center (U Building). The event is open to prospective students, parents, community members, and current students looking to transition their course of study. Along with a tour of the campus, attendees are invited to explore…

Geekwire | ‘It changed my life’: Microsoft vet creates mentoring program for tech-focused college students
In 2016, Bellevue became the first community college in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree in computer science. The school, located near the headquarters for Amazon and Microsoft, draws from the tech giants for its educators and student advisors. Last year, Bellevue reported that 70% of its computer science graduates were employed in their field.
Notes from the President
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
This February, Bellevue College celebrates Black History Month, a time to honor the rich heritage of the Black and African American community, and the many contributions they have made to our society. At the same time, we must also recognize the significant, life-threatening challenges they continue to face as the result of systemic racism. The brutal murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police officers on January 7 is just the latest incident that demonstrates we have not done enough to ensure that our Black friends, colleagues, family, and community members are safe during a traffic stop, in their home, or even jogging in the street, and that the culture within police departments—across all racial and ethnic groups—needs reform.
Response to the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the devastating impact of the earthquake and aftershocks that recently struck Turkey and Syria, a disaster that has so far claimed more than 23,000 lives. Such an unimaginable figure. While we celebrate each life saved by the brave first responders who are risking their own to pull victims from the rubble, the death toll is likely to rise even higher as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

Bellevue College Foundation Gala Celebrates Community Connections
There was much to celebrate at Bellevue College Foundation’s gala on Jan. 7, their first in-person major fundraising event since the start of the pandemic. Over two hundred business leaders, corporate partners, donors, and friends of Bellevue College gathered in the campus’ new ballroom to support student success. With a goal to raise $250,000, the gala exceeded expectations by more than $100,000.
7th Annual College Bound Resource Fair Comes to Bellevue College Next Month | 425 Business
Aspiring college students living with disabilities, as well as the families and educators, are invited to attend the 7th Annual College Bound Resource Fair at the Bellevue College campus on Feb. 4.
Notes from the President
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday, Bellevue College observed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday and this week there are events for our community to participate in so we may reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and take action to bring us closer to the realization of his dream. As we rebuild the connections within our own BC community—and deepen our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—I’m reminded of his words: “Our goal is to create a beloved community, and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”