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.

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Courtyard by the BC planetarium

BC Awarded National Science Foundation Grant

Bellevue College has been awarded a four-year, $1,970,027 grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program. The grant project, titled Engaging Educators, Strengthening Practice, will design and facilitate workshops and virtual communities for community and technical college educators nationwide on how to create and sustain industry partnerships. “Industry relationships are critical…

NASA's jet propulsion laboratory

NASA Engineer’s Career Was Launched by BC

It was in the mid-1990s when Al Fenkner enrolled at Bellevue College (then-Bellevue Community College) and entered the Information Technology (IT) program. Before he even graduated, he was offered a job that would open the door to others in the IT field, and eventually land him in a role at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory via…

Exterior of the T Building

BC Recognized for Excellence in Marketing and Communications

Bellevue College’s Marketing and Communications team, part of Institutional Advancement, was recently recognized by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) for excellence in design and communication. NCMPR’s annual Medallion Awards competition is exclusive to marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges.   Bellevue College earned five awards: three silver medals, and…

Pension Kalkbreite, described in caption

Alum Explores Impact of Design on Homelessness Abroad

When Elizabeth Mahan moved to Seattle 14 years ago, she was struck by what has become an increasingly prevalent issue: the large number of people experiencing homelessness. “You can’t walk down the street and not see the impact of the lack of affordable housing. You can’t have dinner with friends without it coming up,” said…

Exterior of the T Building

BC Awarded Title III Grant

Bellevue College (BC) has been awarded a Title III, Strengthening Institution Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. BC will receive $2,094,323 over the course of five years.   In year one of the grant, approximately 66% of the planned student support improvement efforts will be funded by the Title III grant. An additional $222,000 has been allocated by Bellevue College and…

Professor Drak and a student in the nematode lab

Studying Small Worms Produces Big Results

In 2013 the state of Washington estimated that there were 25,000 unfilled jobs because of a lack of qualified candidates, and 80% of those jobs were in the health care and STEM fields. Bellevue College stepped up to the plate and began the Bachelor of Applied Science in Molecular Biosciences program, which saw its second…

Adam Brehm

Finding the Path to a Successful Second Act

Adam Brehm found an exit strategy, just not one that he would recommend to anyone else. After working in construction for almost 20 years, he and his body were starting to feel the effects. A seemingly inconsequential fall on a job site ended up leading to five knee surgeries and a surgeon who confirmed what…

Sara Gardner

Neurodiversity Navigators Program Educates the Eastside, and Beyond

Now in its fourth year, the Autistics Present Symposium was held Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Bellevue College campus. This year’s symposium focused on autistic youth, with seven speakers aged 13 through 22, an autistic youth Mistress of Ceremonies and an autistic youth closing speaker. The idea of holding a…

BC students at the UN hold their awards

From the Classroom to the United Nations

Last spring in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations, Bellevue College (BC) student Latasha Palmer addressed 5,000 student delegates on the importance of U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The experience itself was a learning opportunity for Palmer,…

Inaugural BC Athletics Hall of Fame to install 13 members

Friends and fans of the intercollegiate athletic programs may now help celebrate these former BC athletes at the inaugural BC Athletic Hall of Fame event on Oct. 10 at the Red Lion Hotel, Bellevue. The induction ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served. Cost to attend is $70.