Beginning this month, Bellevue College will launch a yearlong celebration in honor of its 60th anniversary. Through a series of community events, the launch of a new magazine, and the establishment of a Distinguished Alumni Award, the college invites all to take part in recognizing this historic milestone.
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Bellevue College Kicks Off 60th Anniversary in 2026 With Yearlong Celebration
Beginning this month, Bellevue College will launch a yearlong celebration in honor of its 60th anniversary. Through a series of community events, the launch of a new magazine, and the establishment of a Distinguished Alumni Award, the college invites all to take part in recognizing this historic milestone.
Founded on Jan. 3, 1966, the college began with evening classes at Newport High School and faculty and staff working out of portables. Early reports note that nearly 50 people camped overnight to be first in line for registration. Within two days, 295 students had registered, with enrollment growing to about 500 that first year.
By the end of 1967, construction began on what was then Bellevue Community College. The 96-acre, $6 million campus opened in 1969 and has grown into the thriving campus recognized today.
Now the largest open-access college in Washington state, Bellevue College offers 15 applied bachelor’s degrees and enrolls approximately 20,000 students annually. The college is widely recognized for its strong return on investment, academic excellence, and commitment to student success.
To honor its past and look toward the future, Bellevue College has introduced its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award. Nominations are open through Feb. 28, 2026. The recipient will be announced during the college’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration and Fundraiser on April 18, 2026.
Additional events planned throughout the year include:
- President’s Annual Breakfast – Feb. 6, 2026
- Golf Scramble and Athletics Fundraiser – March 30, 2026
- Year-End Celebration and Excellence Awards for Staff and Faculty – June 3, 2026
- W Building Ribbon Cutting – Fall 2026
As part of the celebration, the college will launch the Bellevue College Magazine, an annual publication spotlighting alumni, athletes, faculty, and six decades of history. The first edition will debut at the President’s Annual Breakfast in February and will be available in a limited-edition print format each year.
To learn more and get involved, visit: bellevuecollege.edu/60thanniversary/
Last Updated January 8, 2026