Bellevue College Foundation Diamond Jubilee Raises $415,200 for Student Success

About 200 donors and community members gathered at Bellevue College this past weekend to raise funds for student success and celebrate the announcement of the college’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awardee – all in celebration of 60 years of transforming lives.  

Hosted on Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Bellevue College Foundation’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee fundraiser brought in a total of $415,200, approximately $30,000 more than the Foundation’s fundraising gala in 2024 – making the jubilee the Foundation’s most successful night of giving yet. The funds raised will support the educational experiences of Bellevue College students through scholarships, program grants, emergency funding, and more for years to come. 

“The success of this event speaks directly to who we are as a community and what we value,” Bellevue College President David May said. “As our students navigate increasingly complex challenges, philanthropic support like this is not only meaningful — it is transformative. I am deeply grateful to everyone who believes, as we do, in the lasting power of investing in higher education and student success.” 

The night began with a student showcase, where guests mingled and learned about academic programs, student organizations, and college services. Attendees then heard from May and Bellevue College’s Sean Marsh, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Bellevue College Foundation, before engaging in the excitement of a live auction. The collective goodwill of attendees was on display as they showed their unwavering support for transforming students’ lives. 

The “Raise the Paddle for Student Success” activity alone brought in $191,750, representing a commitment to the future of education, innovation, and the students at Bellevue College. 

“The Bellevue College community really showed up for our students and institution,” said Marsh. “These dollars impact lives. Donor funds tell our students that not only do their educational and career goals matter, but that they matter, and that’s huge. We are all better because of it.” 

Student speaker Morgan Burke was a prime example of how donations can shape lives. She shared her own personal story of how she learned she has ADHD, which led to her becoming a Bellevue College nursing student and seeking the Bellevue College Foundation’s help through their annual scholarships.  

“This scholarship has been and continues to be life-changing for me thanks to donors like you,” Burke said to the crowd at the fundraiser. “Not only has it helped me understand myself better, but it’s removed the barriers to really see what I’m capable of. This scholarship has allowed me to be proud of myself again so my kids can see that we can do hard things and love what we do. Even as a single mom, we can start over at any age and follow our dreams.” 

The Diamond Jubilee ended with the announcement of alum Brandon Ting as the recipient of the college’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award. Ting began at Bellevue College as an English language learner and graduated as a business transfer student in 2009. He went on to become the founder and CEO of Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya and Supreme Dumplings – a multi-brand, nationally-recognized restaurant chain.  

“I still remember my first ESL speech class,” Ting recalled at the fundraiser. “I still remember my teacher’s name was Jay. If he were here tonight, seeing me complete my speech… I believe he would feel proud of me and maybe a little emotional. Thank you, Bellevue College, for giving me the start.” 

Ting said accepting the Distinguished Alumni Award is meaningful not just because it recognizes his educational journey but because it represents the opportunity he was given and how it taught him to give back to his community.  

Funds raised at the Diamond Jubilee will go toward many initiatives, including the Foundation’s scholarship programs, which will award over $885,000 in the 2025-26 academic year. Additionally, the Safety Net program will continue to offer crucial short-term aid to students in need, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic success. 

The Bellevue College Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all attendees, donors, and volunteers who made Diamond Jubilee an unforgettable night of fun, philanthropy, and hope. 

About the Bellevue College Foundation: The Bellevue College Foundation connects the college with the community to support students, advance teaching and learning, and help educate a workforce that sustains a healthy economy. The Foundation manages grants, endowments, and gifts to aid the college in various projects and scholarships, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds can achieve their academic goals. 

For more information on the Bellevue College Foundation or how to contribute to future initiatives, please visit the Bellevue College Foundation’s website.