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.
Bellevue College to Host 8th Annual Japan Week
The greater Eastside community is invited to attend Bellevue College’s eighth annual Japan Week, a series of events in which students will learn about Japanese culture and history, followed by a matsuri (festival) day open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 5.
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Community Colleges Are the Unsung Heroes of American Education
In an era of rising tuition costs and unmanageable student debt, higher education faces intense scrutiny. Debates about whether a college degree is worth the investment are commonplace, as the job market continues to evolve faster than higher education can keep up. As president of Bellevue College, I share these concerns.
Notes from the President
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
I have long been concerned about the growing socio-economic stratification within our society and evidenced within large companies and organizations in our region—largely along racial/ethnic lines. So many of these large companies and organizations are starving for talent and thus recruiting out-of-state to meet their needs.
Notes from the President
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
In case you haven’t heard yet, the Washington State Legislature’s budget for 2023-2024 approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for higher education employees. Both classified and exempt employees will receive a COLA of 4% on July 1, 2023 while full- and part-time faculty will receive COLAs of 8.9% and 9.5%, respectively.
Notes from the President
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
As the weather has finally transitioned to spring, I find myself enjoying the warmth of the sun and the vibrant colors of nature blooming all around. It's a refreshing change from our cold winter and fills me with a sense of joy and renewal.
Notes from the President
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to Spring Quarter! I want to start off my Note today with a big thank you to our colleagues all across the campus who contributed to the newly designed Bellevue College website! The new website offers a more intuitive layout, increased accessibility and usability measures, and an enhanced user experience for our students. Staff have worked for years on this website redesign and it’s great to see the fruits of their labor!
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.
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.”
Notes from the President
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear Colleagues,
This Friday, November 11, the College will be closed in observance of Veterans Day, a time to honor and pay tribute to military veterans – including members of our own BC community – who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This day is not only an opportunity for us to honor our veterans, but also a time for us to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices veterans have made on behalf of this nation. Our freedoms and democracy must never be taken for granted.
Response to Tragedy in Colorado
Interim Bellevue College President Gary Locke:
Dear BC Community,
On Nov. 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance, which memorializes transgender lives lost to violence, our nation was rocked by the news of another mass shooting that targeted an LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and injuring 17 more. Were it not for the heroism of two patrons, certainly more lives would have been lost.