News and Stories

BC Instructor Jim Sisko Mentors Emerging Jazz Stars Of Bothell High School

From their perch in the suburbs just northeast of Seattle, the jazz program at Bothell High School is producing some powerhouse musicians. This all-star ensemble’s performance with mentor Jim Sisko was a bold statement that these teens can keep up with anybody.

Bitlink Founder James Riggall Steps Into the World of Virtual Reality at BC

While many people still see virtual reality as nothing more than a tool for video game immersion, Bitlink founder James Riggall sees the emerging technology as the future of many industries around the world. The Fulbright Scholar is completing his eight-month appointment at Bellevue College, where he is delving deep into the technology that drives…

Veteran Using Fellowship to Foster Peace, Promote Women in Politics

Christina Sciabarra had a chance to witness firsthand the consequences of failed diplomacy during her tour of duty in Iraq as a member of the Navy Reserve in 2010. The experience inspired her to serve her country in a different way—through public service and scholarship in the field of peacebuilding.

Important DACA Message and Board Resolution

Dear College Community,

Yesterday’s announcement that the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be ended is deeply troubling and a step backward for our nation. This phasing out of DACA will go forward over the next six months unless federal legislation intervenes.

Response to the tragedy in Charlottesville

The tragedy that took place over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, serves as a stark reminder of the danger of white supremacist ideology, and the work that still lies ahead in fostering inclusive communities that value the strengths of diversity and equity.

An affirmation of support for our LGBTQ community

Last Friday, the Department of Justice filed a brief arguing that the Civil Rights Act does not protect members of the LGBTQ community from employment discrimination. This is deeply troubling. As I begin my work as president, I would like to firmly assert Bellevue College’s continued support of our LGBTQ community.

We Are Allies Against Hate

Greetings,

It has come to my attention that with the heightened tensions regarding the recent incidences of hateful writing on campus, that there has been a corresponding increase in less than civil discourse. As we, a college community, engage in these difficult conversations it is important to remember that we are allies, not adversaries, when it comes to not only finding out who (plural or singular) is responsible for the recent incidences of hate speech, but also building the type of communal climate that we all want for the college. Accusing one another – student to student, student to faculty, faculty to staff and administration, and administration to faculty and students – is not helpful.

Addressing The Increased Violence In Our Country

Our college and country have been faced with yet another devastating mass shooting. Mass shootings, involving four or more victims, happen about every two weeks in our country.

Annual Review of the Bellevue College Strategic Plan

The Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC) has completed an Annual Review of the BC Strategic Plan for Academic Year 2014-2015.

Growing our International Programs

In October, I travelled with our Dean of International Education and Global Initiatives, Jean D’arc Campbell, to Japan and South Korea where we signed Memorandum of Understanding agreements with three institutions to begin exchanging students and offering opportunities for faculty and staff beginning in spring 2016.