The end of the 2023-24 academic year marked the end of an era for the Bellevue College Occupational & Life Skills (OLS) program as our beloved Associate Dean, Pilar Lopez, announced her retirement after over a decade of service.
Pilar joined the OLS team in 2014 as the Internship Coordinator, actively forging ongoing relationships with sites and managers and helping OLS students find internships in their chosen career paths. In October 2018, she was promoted to Associate Dean, bringing her creativity, ingenuity and passion for the learning disability community to the larger program.
As Associate Dean, Pilar led the program to new horizons, significantly expanding the degree program and outreach, plus creating additional programming and services within the OLS umbrella. Her thoughtful leadership, dynamic personality and advocacy for learning disabled individuals and communities contributed to her many accomplishments for the program, including:
- Celebrated 93 OLS graduates between 2018 – 2024, nearly doubling the total number of graduates since the program’s inception in 2006
- Admitted 135 first-year students between 2019 – 2023, including 34 in 2023 alone, a record number for the program
- Relocated program from North Campus to Main Campus, increasing program visibility within Bellevue College and OLS students’ engagement on campus
- Created the successful Skills for Work Summer Camps program
- Led successful transition to online learning during COVID-19 pandemic
- Directed partnership with Microsoft for program mock Interviews
- Initiated partnership with Mainstay employment agency for post-graduate support
- Launched the OLS Campus Housing Experience program for first-year students living on the Bellevue College campus
- Forged relationships with other disability-centric college programs and Bellevue College staff and departments
- Expanded program outreach nationally across special education teachers, counselors, administrators, education consultants and service providers
- Re-launched the OLS Alumni Association to engage with students beyond graduation
- Recipient of the2021-22 BC Faculty & Staff Excellence Award – Exempt Staff
In addition to these accomplishments, Pilar vigorously supported the OLS students, staff, and faculty who thrived under her leadership. Pilar was the first one in the office every morning and the last to depart for home. She was present at every student event, and her door was always open to anyone who needed her advice. She saw the potential in every student and believed sincerely in how the OLS program contributed to each of their successes. As a leader, she managed with respect, welcomed the ideas of staff and faculty at every turn and operated with transparency and grace.
In announcing her retirement to students, families and alumni, Pilar said, “For the past decade, it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as a part of this wonderful community here at OLS.” She went on to thank them for their support of the OLS program: “Your unwavering dedication, resilience and unique perspectives have not only enriched my life but have been the driving force behind every moment of joy and fulfillment in my career.”
Pilar also offered some advice to current and future students in the program: “I have no doubt that each of you will continue to shine brightly and achieve incredible things,” she said. “Keep believing in yourselves, advocating for your needs and embracing your unique strengths. Remember that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.”
Praising Pilar’s leadership, longtime OLS instructor Danette Ames said, “Pilar’s work and vision for OLS was always 100 percent student-driven. This promoted and mentored many staff and faculty to emulate Pilar’s dream and want for an inclusive and equitable student experience for all.”
Pilar’s supervisor, Dean of Connected Learning Amy Kinsel, added, “Pilar’s dedication to her students, staff, and faculty was truly inspirational. Her innovative approaches and tireless efforts significantly enhanced the OLS program, positively impacting students, their families and the college community. As we bid her farewell, we commit to carrying forward her work with the same joyful spirit and unwavering commitment that defined Pilar’s tenure at Bellevue College.”
Thank you, Pilar, for everything you have done for the students, staff, faculty and program. OLS has been so fortunate to have you, and this program is better than ever because of your leadership, strength and ingenuity. We will miss you dearly and wish you nothing but the best.
Last Updated July 18, 2024