Fall 2015 Contents

Pursuing a Lifelong Dream

Whitney King, named a 2015 Terry O’Banion Student Technology Champion

Data Analytics major Whitney King received a big surprise at the end of spring quarter: she was one of two students in the nation to be named a 2015 Terry O’Banion Student Technology Champion.


Wellness Center Brings Experiential Learning to the Great Outdoors

Peter Prescott stands near the entrance to the BC Challenge Course

During spring quarter 2015, 14 Bellevue College students enrolled in a hiking and orienteering course led by Peter Prescott, BC’s Wellness Center program manager and Bill Hawley, the Pacific Crest Trails Association (PCTA) North Cascades regional representative, headed out to the Snoqualmie Pass ski area for a day of trail maintenance.


BC Autism Program Replicated

Wendy Holden, CWU’s director of student Disability Services, Sara Gardner, BC’s ASN program sirector, and Dr. Steven Martel, BC’s Counseling Center Program

As our culture has begun to gain a better understanding of the autism spectrum, educational institutions have come to realize the importance of serving this population beyond the lip service of an awareness month. Where institutions can stumble however, is in treating autism like something that needs fixing as opposed to something that needs understanding and navigating.


91.3 KBCS More Than Just a Voice on the Radio

Sonya Green, news and public affairs director at 91.3 KBCS (left), Sue Popma, marketing director of the Crossroads Shopping Center, Roz Liming, Crossroads marketing manager, and Bruce Wirth, KBCS program manager.

At 91.3 KBCS, the station takes the phrase “community radio” far beyond on-air programming. From farmer’s markets to art fairs to concerts to a musical book club, the FM station on the Bellevue College campus has made the support of community events an integral part of its mission.


Take 5 with Jenn Pang: Keeping kids on track with science & math

Dr. Jenn Pang

We live hectic lives these days; between duties at home and at work, it can be difficult to take a moment to catch up. With Take 5, we’re making it easy for you to learn something new in five minutes about Bellevue College. In this edition of Take 5, we’re talking to Dr. Jennifer Pang about the current issues facing science and math education and what BC is doing to keep Puget Sound kids on track.


Faculty Fanned Flame of Writing Passion for Novelist and BC Alumna

Deb Caletti, novelist and BC alumna

Novelist Deb Caletti has fond memories of two Bellevue College English faculty members for their strong support of her work while a student here: Joan Kotker and Pauline Christiansen. Caletti is best known for her dozen Young Adult novels, which have garnered her numerous awards and a National Book Award nomination for her first adult novel, “He’s Gone.”


Bike-Friendly Campus: BC encourages two-wheel transportation

Bellevue College’s team for the Cascade Bicycle Club’s Bike Month Challenge

Cycling programs and infrastructure are necessary tools for a commuter campus. Throughout the 2015-16 school year, BC’s Office of Sustainability will build its biking community with educational programs and new facilities. In concert with programs, infrastructure, and community building, BC continues to work to improve the safety and “bike-friendliness” on campus, creating an inviting place for bike commuting.


After Star Turn at BC, Richard Lee finds PGA success

Richard Lee has parlayed his collegiate start at Bellevue College into success on the PGA Tour, including a spot in the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay

Richard Lee’s path to golf success wasn’t always down the middle of the fairway, but the journey from GED to the PGA definitely made the turn at Bellevue College.


New Degree Pathways at BC

Students enrolled in the Moleular Bioscience bachelor’s program will learn industry-relevant procedures such as visualizing DNA samples

Students entering Bellevue College now have two additional degree pathways to consider. The Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities approved bachelor of applied sciences degrees last spring in Molecular Biosciences and Applied Accounting at Bellevue College.


Telling Better Stories with CE Art & Design Instructor David Perry

Image by digital photography instructor, David Perry

David Perry’s life’s work has been focused on capturing those perfect moments that encapsulate a world of meaning in just one photograph. He has brought his knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to his classes for all aspiring or seasoned photographers to experience.