Introduction
Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college located in Pasco, Washington. Founded in 1955, it has been serving the Tri-Cities area for more than 65 years. CBC offers a wide range of programs, including transfer degrees, professional-technical degrees, and certificates. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about CBC that you may not have known before.
Fun facts about Columbia Basin College
The origin of the school’s name
CBC’s name is derived from the Columbia Basin Project, a massive irrigation project that began in the 1930s and transformed the arid region of central Washington into fertile farmland. The project was a collaboration between the federal government and local farmers, and it involved the construction of several dams, canals, and reservoirs. The irrigation water from the project helped to establish agriculture as the main industry in the region. When CBC was founded in 1955, it was named in honor of the Columbia Basin Project, which had a significant impact on the local economy.
Despite being located in Pasco, CBC’s name reflects its connection to the larger Columbia Basin region. The Columbia Basin covers a vast area that includes parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The region is known for its diverse landscapes, from the rugged Cascade Mountains to the fertile agricultural valleys. CBC’s name is a testament to the importance of the Columbia Basin in the history and development of the Pacific Northwest.
Notable alumni
Over the years, CBC has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their fields. Here are just a few examples:
- Alexi Casilla: Casilla is a former MLB second baseman who played for the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles. He attended CBC in 2003-2004 before transferring to Chipola College in Florida.
- Efraín Escudero: Escudero is a professional mixed martial artist who has fought in the UFC, Bellator, and other organizations. He attended CBC in the mid-2000s and was a member of the college’s wrestling team.
- R. Michael Rich: Rich is a prominent attorney who specializes in employment law and civil rights. He attended CBC in the early 1970s before transferring to the University of Washington.
- Colleen Walker: Walker was a professional golfer who won nine tournaments on the LPGA Tour. She attended CBC in the early 1980s and was a member of the women’s golf team.
These are just a few examples of the many successful individuals who have walked the halls of CBC. The college has a long tradition of providing high-quality education and training to its students, and its alumni are a testament to its success.
Campus expansion
CBC has undergone several major expansion projects in recent years to meet the growing demand for its programs and services. In 2017, the college completed a $40 million renovation of its Pasco campus, which included the construction of a new student center, science building, and health science center. The renovation also included upgrades to the college’s athletic facilities, including a new baseball field and softball field.
In addition to the Pasco campus, CBC has satellite locations in Richland and Prosser. The Richland campus, which opened in 2018, houses the college’s aviation program, which offers degrees in aviation maintenance technology and professional pilot. The Prosser location, which opened in 2019, is home to the college’s viticulture and enology program, which prepares students for careers in the wine industry.
The significance of CBC’s mascot
CBC’s mascot is the hawk, and it has special significance for the college and the Tri-Cities community. The hawk was chosen as the mascot in 1960, and it has been a symbol of pride and tradition ever since. The hawk represents strength, agility, and resilience, all qualities that CBC strives to instill in its students.
In addition to its symbolic significance, the hawk has a practical role to play at CBC. The college is located near the Pasco airport, which is home to many hawks that nest in the surrounding hills. CBC has partnered with the Blue Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center to provide a safe haven for injured hawks that are brought to the center for treatment. The college’s mascot serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.
Community outreach and partnerships
CBC has a strong commitment to community outreach and partnerships, and it works closely with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies to provide educational opportunities and promote economic development. The college offers a variety of workforce training programs that are designed to meet the needs of local employers, and it collaborates with the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and other groups to promote entrepreneurship and small business development.
In addition to its partnerships with local organizations, CBC is also active in international education and exchange programs. The college has partnerships with several universities and institutions in China, South Korea, and other countries, and it offers study abroad programs for its students. These programs help to promote cultural exchange and diversity, and they provide students with valuable opportunities to learn about other countries and cultures.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have explored some of the fun facts about Columbia Basin College. From its origins as a tribute to the Columbia Basin Project to its commitment to community outreach and environmental stewardship, CBC has a rich history and a bright future. Its alumni, facilities, and partnerships all attest to the college’s dedication to providing students with high-quality education and training. Whether you are a current student, a prospective student, or a member of the Tri-Cities community, CBC has something to offer.
