President’s Message: 60 Years of Transforming Lives

Dear Bellevue College Colleagues,

Next year is a monumental year for Bellevue College. In 2026, we will celebrate our institution’s 60^th anniversary. Whether you started at Bellevue College last month or have been here for 40-plus years, you are part of our history and are essential to our future.

Bellevue College was established on Jan. 3, 1966, holding evening classes at Newport High School, with faculty and staff offices housed in portables. That first year, approximately 500 students were enrolled. Just a year later, construction began on the campus we know and love today, and the passage of the Community College Act placed Bellevue Community College within a growing statewide system designed to expand access to higher education and serve community needs.

Sixty years later, that mission remains the heart of who we are. Today, Bellevue College is the largest open-access college in the state of Washington, enrolling approximately 20,000 students each year. We are consistently recognized for high academic rankings, a strong return on investment, and our far-reaching impact in educating students from around the state. In addition to offering students nine associate degrees, 23 professional/technical programs, and 55 baccalaureate certificates, we also offer 15 bachelor’s degrees and proudly serve as Bellevue College, an institution shaped every day by the dedication of our faculty and staff.

To mark this milestone, we will host a series of 60^th anniversary events throughout 2026. The celebration will begin with a Birthday Bash on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, for all students, faculty, and staff to enjoy. We will also launch our inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award, publish the first issue of the new Bellevue College Magazine, and share a series of videos highlighting the people and stories that define our college. The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient will be announced at the 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Gala on Apr. 18, 2026.

While there will be many opportunities to celebrate throughout the year, a final point of pride will be the ribbon cutting of our new W Building. A complete list of 60^th anniversary events can be found on the 60^th Anniversary website.

As we approach the new year, I hope you have a restful holiday season. I look forward to celebrating Bellevue College’s 60 years of transforming lives with you in the new year.

In community,

Dr. David May