LWTech News
LWTech Celebrates 35 Years as a Part of Washington’s Community and Technical Colleges
Oct 1, 2026
It has been a season of celebrations at LWTech this fall. Following the grand opening of the new Center for Design and Event Center and the reopening of the Early Learning Center in June, LWTech is now celebrating another important milestone: 35 years as part of Washington’s Community and Technical College system.
In 1991, five vocational colleges - Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Bates Technical College, Bellingham Technical College, Clover Park Technical College and Renton Technical College - became part of Washington’s public community college system.
To commemorate this milestone, Governor Bob Ferguson signed a proclamation declaring October 1 as Technical College Day. The day recognizes the contributions of Washington’s technical colleges and their role in preparing students with the skills and education needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

“As we celebrate 35 years as a technical college, we’re grateful for the dedicated colleagues and inspirational students who have helped shape LWTech along the way. We are excited to continue building on that work and supporting our students for years to come,” says LWTech President, Dr. Amy Morrison.
Founded in 1949, LWTech has continued to evolve alongside the needs of students, employers, and the region. Today, the college offers more than 100 degree and certificate options, providing students with hands-on education and career-focused pathways designed to prepare them for today’s careers and tomorrow’s opportunities.
As LWTech celebrates 35 years as a technical college, the milestone is also an opportunity to look ahead to the next generation of students, programs and possibilities.