Record number of BCC graduates: 2,100 to be awarded degrees tonight

Jennine Matt and hundreds of other students will make Bellevue Community College history tonight when they gather for a commencement ceremony honoring the school's largest graduating class.

Though no one can peg exactly why the number of graduates rose so significantly this year, many guess the economy played a role. Students such as Matt enrolled three years ago in what were considered good times, thinking they were guaranteed a job after graduation. Others came when things got bad.

"When I started, I felt like you could do no wrong," Matt said. "There was an influx of students. Now, I think people are going because they have been laid off."

A total of 2,100 degrees will be awarded to students who completed academic or occupational studies. About 1,500 of the graduates will receive associate's degrees so they can continue at four-year colleges. Others will get certificates to help them get started in careers such as information technology, business, early-childhood education and interior design.

Last year, BCC had 1,700 graduates, and in 2001, there were 1,598.

In addition to the rise in the number of graduates, enrollment went up this year, officials said.

"Every time there is an economic downturn and unemployment is high, education becomes more of an option," said Tika Esler, BCC's dean of student services. "And because of an institutional effort, more students were able to graduate this year because they were aware of what classes they needed to finish."

Esler is speaking of a new computer program that she and other school officials credit in part for the high graduation numbers. It is an audit of credits each student has earned and tells them where they are and what they need in order to graduate. "In the past, people applied for graduation and found out later they didn't meet the requirements," Esler said. "We had the same number of applicants this year, but the end result was higher."

Matt, 40, started at BCC three years ago with plans for a career in communication. The West Seattle woman, a first-generation college student who returned to school after a 20-year hiatus, said BCC teachers and an array of clubs strengthened her commitment and helped guide her career path.

"After my first quarter, I decided my heart was in social work," said Matt, who has applied to bachelor's-degree programs at two local universities. "School has made a huge difference in my life, and I feel fortunate to have gone to BCC."

BCC has transferred more students than any other community college in the state, officials said.

The most popular majors this year were information technology, nursing, ultrasound and interior design.

Leslie Fulbright: 206-515-5637 or lfulbright@seattletimes.com