BBCC math & science building to receive name Oct 18

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College is excited to announce the naming and dedication of its math and science building on October 18. The building is set to be named after a couple who have made a lasting impression on Big Bend and the Moses Lake community over the last 50 years. At 11 a.m. that day, a cover will be removed to unveil the new building sign: Barbara & Ken Jacobs Math & Science Building.  

“I feel very fortunate to show my deep respect for both science and math,” said Barbara. “They have enriched my life and I am happy to have a hand in enabling future generations to study them.” 

Barbara and Ken met as young adults in Pasco when Barbara moved in next door.  

After high school, Barbara attended Washington State University to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology before working as a Medical Technologist (ASCP) with the Swedish Hospital School of Medical Technology. During this time Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and began student teaching in Moses Lake. 

Barbara and Ken were married in 1964 and settled in Moses Lake. 

For the next few years, Barbara worked as a Laboratory Director for the Doctors Clinic in Moses Lake before returning to WSU to complete her Master of Science in Zoophysiology. At the same time Ken attended Central Washington University to earn his master’s in social science. Once Barbara gained her degree, she became the Laboratory Director at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake until 1972. 

The following 48 years she spent wearing many hats at Big Bend Community College. Until her retirement in 2020, Barbara taught Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Medical Laboratory for Nurses, Mathematics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology. 

“It has been my honor to work with almost all the math and science faculty here and I have seen their dedication and hard work,” Barbara said. “I am so proud of them and the work that goes on here at Big Bend.”  

Ken worked for the Moses Lake School District and taught grades 4 through 12 in History, social studies and civics over the course of 40 years. He also spent time coaching boys’ and girls’ basketball, football and golf. He retired from MLSD in 2006.  

After such a dedicated career in education – teaching variations of math and science – Barbara and Ken wanted to support those pursuing math and science degrees by financially contributing to Big Bend’s math and science departments. 

“Ken and I wanted to honor those who choose math and science as professions – it is certainly not the easy path, but it is so worth it,” Barbara said.  

They hope that their contribution will not only support students’ math and science education but also inspire them to understand the importance of education. 

“The value of an education stretches far beyond employment: self-reliance, self-respect, and hopefully, a world view based on respect for others,” said Barbara.