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.

First-generation Alum Learns English, Earns Transfer Degree
Francine Ribeiro Myles originally found Bellevue College through English as a second language classes. Now, she’s a graduate with an Associate in Arts and Sciences degree and is currently a junior student of Economics at the University of Washington.
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McKinstry names Bellevue College “Champion of Sustainability”
McKinstry, a design-build-operate-maintain firm focused on efficiency in the built environment, recently named Bellevue College a “Champion of Sustainability” for their contributions to sustainability in the built environment.

Inslee Names Richard Leigh to Bellevue College Board of Trustees
Bellevue College (BC) announced that Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Richard Leigh to its board of trustees. The six-member board’s duties include setting the college’s strategic direction, establishing policy for the college, and approving budgets. Leigh currently acts as general counsel for SEIU 775 Benefits Group, a non-profit healthcare entity, serving on their senior leadership…
Fulbright Scholar teaches virtual reality at BC — other side of the earth — simultaneously
James Riggall, a Fulbright Scholar and founder of the Tasmanian startup Bitlink, is introducing students to the virtual world, live in the collaboratory at BC and live-streamed to innovation hubs on the other side of the earth.

Tasmanian Fulbright Scholar Teaches Virtual Reality at BC
James Riggall, a Fulbright Scholar and founder of the Tasmanian startup Bitlink, is introducing students to the virtual world, live in the collaboratory at Bellevue College and live-streamed to innovation hubs on the other side of the earth in Tasmania. One class offered for Winter Quarter, Virtual Reality Design and Communications, is geared for anyone…
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.