Yesterday, Bellevue College began its weeklong homecoming celebration. This event is focused on BC’s core themes of Student Success, Teaching and Learning Excellence, College Life & Culture and Community Engagement & Enrichment. Students are encouraged to show BC spirit and make memories that will last a lifetime during the 2018 Homecoming Week.
Monday, Oct. 8 was BC spirit day. People were encouraged to wear their BC branded swags to be eligible for prizes. There was a prize patrol out during the Golf Cart gave away prizes such as BC stress balls, USB cords and more to students in BC spirit wear. Giant Jenga, Cornhole, Large Connect 4, and 9 Square were available to play in the afternoon in the C Building Cafe Lobby and C Building Courtyard.
On Oct. 9, Building Community Day, there was a Brutus’ Food Drive Challenge, a competition to see which department can collect the greatest number of food items. Student Programs Associate Director, Nora Lance, encouraged students to stop by and donate food to the Bulldog Food Pantry to help those in need. There is a Volunteer Fair in the Cafeteria from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and more than 25 organizations are on campus to share information and answer questions. The LGBTQ Resource Center Coordinator, Zoey Jensen, was excited to have an Open House and Pizza Party in C212 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to showcase the resources the center has for the LGBTQ community along with getting to know students who might not have visited yet.
On Student Success Day, Wednesday, Oct. 10, Arizona State University hosted a transfer lunch in D106 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for students to learn about admission requirements, financial aid and the Arizona State University learning experience, whether they are completing their degrees online or on campus.
Thursday, Oct. 11 is College Life Day. “We planned a lot of activities around the Student Union Building to celebrate coming out as someone in the LGBTQ+ community or someone who supports LGBTQ+ people,” Jensen said. Sustainability at Bellevue College hosts Bike Mobile Repairs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at C Building Courtyard. Erika Lamothe, Outreach Coordinator of Sustainability at Bellevue College, said “people can bring their bikes there and get them fixed for free, and they only have to pay for major repairs.” At the same time, the sustainability group will also present a Fresh Food Stand in the C Building Lobby, which sells local organic food. “Our produce food stand sells out, so get there as early as you can,” says Lamothe. There is an Intro to Yoga class and an Intro to Pilates class; people can sign up at https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/homecoming/yoga/ and https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/homecoming/pilates/.
On Oct. 12, Innovation Day, the Center for Career Connections and the Women’s Center presents Why Not You! Leadership Conference from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in D106, which is open to all. There is a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the breezeway between Buildings A & B. Contact Laura.gettleman@bellevuecollege.edu or call 425-564-2664 if you want to participate. From 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., there is a Seasonal Job Fair in L100; register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bellevue-college-seasonal-job-fair-2018-tickets-48624708813.
Throughout the week, the Office of International Education (OIE) is hosting the International Soccer World Cup Tournament at BC Soccer Field. Participants are divided into four teams, and each team competes on different days. All students are welcome to sign up at the BC OIE, B144 or call 425-564-3185. Noeline Djoko, one of the student Global Leaders works at the OIE commented, “the purpose of having these events during Homecoming is to promote a spirit of unity within BC and to give the students the opportunity to participate in the celebration.” Naomi Yota, International Students Association Coordinator, added, “we try to help people settle in and be more social. BC is not just about academic success; building life-long relationships is also important.”
“Homecoming touches about everyone on campus in some way,” said Katherine Hall, who is in charge of Homecoming. Students can get a Passport to Success and collect official contest stickers to get a BC gift basket. “There are 17 service programs participating in the Passport to Success, which is a fun way to help students connect with the myriad of resources on campus available to them.” Hall also noted that “Our theme this year is focused on the key benchmarks in the college’s strategic plan and collectively express the mission of the college. There has been a lot of positive energy and excitement generated by staff and faculty in the development of this event for students. We hope they have an opportunity to take a break and enjoy themselves, learn more about the college and connect with each other to kick-off a great year, and of course, to help them be successful!”
Visit the Homecoming website at https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/homecoming/ to find more information and sign up for events.