Bellevue College will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2016. Here’s a Top Ten Timeline of highlights from our history.
1957: A college planning committee forms, made up of school district officials and citizens.
1965: In September, the college begins accepting applications for Winter Quarter, 1966. Fifty people camp out overnight to be first in line, and 464 students register.
1966: In January, Bellevue Community College opens at its temporary home at Newport High School. Dr. Merle E. Landerholm is appointed president.
a headline in the Bellevue American reads “College Construction 85% Complete”.
1967: In June, the first graduation has 10 students earning degrees and certificates and 15 earning high school diplomas.
1969: Fall Quarter begins on the new campus, with 2,200 full-time students.
1972-75: Carlson Theatre opens, KBCS goes on the air, Geer Planetarium opens, The College Channel goes on the air.
1989: B. Jean Floten assumes the Presidency and will serve until 2011.
2001: Annual enrollment reaches a high of 39,300 students.
2009: Bellevue Community College becomes Bellevue College and begins offering Applied Bachelor’s degrees.
2013: David L. Rule selected as BC President.
Want to be a 50th Anniversary volunteer?
We plan to celebrate for one year in a variety of ways and then have a grand celebration on the 2016 anniversary date, so we need lots of ideas and lots of help! If you would like to help a little – or a lot, please email evan.epstein@bellevuecollege.edu.
Are you a Bellevue College alum?
If you have:
1. Taken any type of class at Bellevue College
2. Earned a degree
3. Completed a program
4. Earned a certificate
5. Transferred BC credits to a university then you are a BC alum!
Please post your BCC/BC memories and photos on our 50th Anniversary Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BellevueCollege50thAnniversary
– by Bart Becker
Last Updated October 3, 2016