Name: Seattle Shakespeare Company Presents Romeo & Juliet (for HU Campus)
Start: 2025-04-23T13:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-04-23T14:30:00-07:00
Location: Smith Family Hall

All Nations Student Social Powwow returns to Heritage University on April 19, 2025

Heritage University Powwow on April 19, 2025, featuring dance, drumming, vendors, and a salmon bake.

Heritage University All Nations Student Social POWWOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

All Nations Student Social Powwow returns to Heritage University on April 19, 2025

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University’s All Nations Student Social Powwow is returning to Heritage University on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Hosted by the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC), the powwow celebrates Indigenous culture. This social gathering is a free event and open to all.

The powwow will highlight dancers and drum groups. Dancers will perform traditional, fancy, jingle, and grass dancing, with youths to seniors participating. The first ten participants in each category including men, women, teen girls, and teen boys will receive bundles of traditional foods and medicines and HUNAC regalia. Tiny tot dance participants will receive gifts. Drum groups are welcome. Vendor set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and have first come first serve access to electricity. Dancer and drummer registrations open at 10:00 a.m., with the Grand Entry occurring at 11:00 a.m.

HUNAC President and lead event organizer Anany Scott is thrilled for the return of the powwow to Heritage University. “We are excited for this event which has turned into an annual tradition of sharing our culture with the campus community and beyond. Our event has continued to grow, and we hope to see many more people at the powwow this year. Year after year, our vendors have contributed so much to the spirit of our event, and we are looking forward to their return. We are also grateful to our sponsors, the Presenting sponsor, Johnson Scholarship Foundation and South Central Workforce which is a substantial underwriter of the event. We thank them for their support,” said Scott.

Other highlights will include a Missing and Murdered Indigenous (MMIW) Dance Special, an Easter Egg hunt for kids ages one to 10 and a salmon bake. Organizers invite vendors to sell food, arts and crafts, and general merchandise during the event. Yakama Nation agencies and non-profit organizations are also invited to participate in a community resource fair. Student clubs from Heritage, area high schools or other colleges and universities are welcome to host informational or fundraising booths. To learn more about vendor requirements or to apply to be a vendor, please visit please visit heritage.edu/powwow.

For more information or help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Dr. Shelby Clark named Gaye and Jim Pigott Endowed Chair of Nursing at Heritage University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Shelby Clark appointed as the Gaye and Jim Pigott Endowed Chair of Nursing
at Heritage University

Dr. Shelby Clark

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University administrators have announced that effective March 1, 2025, Dr. Shelby Clark will become the new Gaye and Jim Pigott Endowed Chair of Nursing at Heritage. Dr. Clark replaces Dr. Christina Nyirati who founded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Heritage University in 2014. Dr. Nyirati retired from Heritage University after the spring 2024 semester.

Dr. Clark is a distinguished alumnus of that mission, graduating with one of the first cohorts from the BSN program at Heritage in 2019. In 2022, Clark earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Population Health & Systems Leadership at the University of Washington. Growing up on the Yakama Indian Reservation and an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, Clark always knew she wanted to be a nurse like her aunt and grandmother, having a deep passion for service to her community and other tribal communities. Clark began her nursing education wanting to specialize in critical care. However, a year of clinical rotations in an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility during nursing school (where Native American patients appreciated having a nurse who was like them) changed her focus to improving public health through systems and policy changes. She can make strides towards those goals in her new role at Heritage.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to advance the mission of our BSN program. What sets our program apart is its focus on addressing the healthcare needs of our community through active patient participation. We believe that patients should be partners in their care, not just recipients of instructions on improving their health,” said Dr. Clark. “My connection to this program gives me a unique perspective—I am a product of it myself. I am passionate about inspiring our students to strive for excellence in their nursing careers and to pursue further education, whether through a master’s or doctorate. In the future, some of these students may return as faculty, sharing their expertise and experiences with the next generation of nurses.”

The endowment supporting the chair of the department was created by a $2,000,000 gift to Heritage University by Gaye and Jim Pigott, in 2023. The Pigotts have been champions of the University, supporting numerous programs including student scholarships, academic programs and capital construction projects on campus such as the dining commons on campus which bears their names. “We are delighted by the appointment of Dr. Clark and know that she will continue to advance the health of multicultural families and communities in rural environments through excellence in nursing education, service, practice, and community-based research established for the program by Dr. Nyirati” stated Jim Pigott.

Heritage University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Melissa Hill said Dr. Clark is just the right person for the chair of the Nursing department. “Dr. Clark brings a unique perspective to the position of chair. She personifies the nursing program’s emphasis on cultural inclusivity and its sensitivities to our Native communities,” said Dr. Hill. “Shelby is one of 80 skilled and capable nurses who have graduated from our B.S.N. program. We see great things to come from the program under Dr. Clark’s leadership.”

For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University Announces the Appointment of Its Fourth President

Dr. Christopher Gilmer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Announces the Appointment of Its Fourth President

Toppenish, WA – The Board of Directors of Heritage University is pleased to announce the appointment of its fourth president, Dr. Christopher Gilmer, effective July 1, 2025.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Chris as the next President of Heritage University. He brings a wealth of valuable experience in serving historically-underserved, rural, first-generation students. Chris has served as president of two Appalachian universities, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and West Virginia University Potomac State College. He has served as a faculty member and administrator at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Tougaloo College, in Jackson, Mississippi, where he is currently Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice and has served on the college’s Board of Trustees, as well as one Hispanic-Serving Institution, Adams State University in Colorado, where he was Vice President for Academic Affairs. He is the founder of the National Institutes for Historically-Underserved Students.

Chris’s passion for higher education and commitment to expanding opportunities for underserved communities make him the ideal leader to continue to shape the future of Heritage as a vital resource for the region.

When asked about stepping into this role, Chris said, “Heritage University creates access to the education that makes dreams come true. My family sacrificed everything for me to be the first to attend college, and my life is living proof of their sacrifice. Education is the great equalizer because it unlocks transformational power in families and communities. It changes lives, and since I can never repay my ancestors, I am committed to paying it forward. After meeting the Heritage family, the students, faculty, staff, directors, alumni, and friends of the university, I can truly think of no place in the world that I would rather continue my mission and join it with the mission of this special place and its warm and welcoming people. I am filled with hope and gratitude.”

The selection of a new president is one of the HU Board of Directors’ most significant responsibilities, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the WittKieffer Executive Search team for their exceptional work in conducting this comprehensive national search, which identified outstanding candidates who understood and believed in Heritage University’s mission. We also want to acknowledge and thank the search committee, Board of Directors, faculty, staff, students, and the entire Heritage family for their integral roles in this process.

As we prepare for this transition, we extend our most profound appreciation to Dr. Andrew Sund who has provided extraordinary leadership over the past eight years. Under his guidance, Heritage University has continued to offer excellent educational opportunities and services to regional students. Thank you, Dr. Sund, for your unwavering dedication and service.

The transition between Dr. Sund and Dr. Gilmer will begin soon, ensuring a smooth and collaborative process. We look forward to introducing Chris and his family to the Heritage community and are confident that his leadership will ensure continued progress and innovation.

Heritage University remains deeply committed to continuing to empower a multicultural and inclusive student body. Rooted in the homeland of the Yakama Nation, Heritage University embraces transformational, student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to a more just society. We are confident that Chris will build on the foundation established by all who have led and invested in Heritage University.

For more information or for help with coordinating interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 (c) or (509) 865-0371 (o) or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University to begin $2.5 million remodel of Kathleen Ross Center adding STEM Learning Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artist renderings of Kathleen Ross Center remodel after completion

Renderings of the STEM Learning Center remodel in the Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center. Top picture is the view towards the Don North Library; bottom shows the view towards the entrance to the left and the Academic Skills Center to the right.

Heritage University to begin $2.5 million remodel of Kathleen Ross Center adding STEM Learning Center

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University will soon embark on an ambitious remodel project of the Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center to begin on December 16, 2024. When finished, the building will also be the home of a STEM Learning Center to include new math and computer science classrooms, a maker space, and study rooms complete with new furniture. The total cost of the project is $2.5 million, with $1.5 million provided by a grant titled Adelante STEM from the U.S. Department of Education, and $1 million from a private donation.

This remodel project offers several key benefits, with enhanced STEM education opportunities being the first. The new Adelante STEM Center will significantly improve the university’s offerings in STEM fields, providing state-of-the-art math and computer science classrooms with the latest teaching technology. These upgrades will foster a more conducive learning environment for STEM students, helping them gain practical skills and hands-on experience.

Another benefit to students will be the proximity of the new STEM Learning Center to the Academic Skills Center (ASC). With the two being next to each other, students will have access to the ASC’s tutoring services, the ASC’s collaborative workspaces, and technology offerings.

The remodel project will also improve the library and campus experience. While the Donald North Library, located in the Ross Center, will be temporarily affected during construction, the long-term result will be an enhanced library experience for all users and visitors. The remodel will create a more modern, functional space for academic work, research, and community engagement, improving the overall campus environment and student experience.

Adriana Villafan, the Director of TRIO & Adelante STEM Program at Heritage, is confident the upgrades will contribute to the growth and success of the university by better supporting STEM education. “Students will benefit from a learning environment crucial for success in today’s competitive job market,” said Villafan. “The STEM center will help students be better prepared to enter industries that demand technical expertise and innovation.”

During construction, the Don North Library will continue to be accessible to students, faculty, and staff. Construction is scheduled to be completed in mid-April. For more information, contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Actor Adam Beach to visit Heritage University

Actor Adam Beach to visit Heritage University

Toppenish, Wash. – Actor, advocate and motivational speaker Adam Beach will share stories of growing up on the Dog Creek First Nations Reserve in Manitoba, Canada as part of his presentation on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Smith Family Hall at Heritage University. Beach is a member of the Saulteaux (Plains Ojibwe) nation and was raised near Ashern, Manitoba. He grew up with his parents Sally and Dennis Beach, and his two brothers. His childhood was marked by tragedy. His mother was killed by a drunk driver, and his father, who was an alcoholic, drowned weeks later. Adam and his brothers then lived with their grandmother and later with an aunt and uncle in Winnipeg.

Beach began his career at 16 when he attended the Manitoba Theatre for Young People in Winnipeg. Since then, Beach has appeared in over 60 films and television programs. He’s won Best Actor awards for Dance Me Outside (1995) at the American Indian Film Festival; My Indian Summer (1995) at the First American in the Arts Awards; and Smoke Signals (1998) at the San Diego World Film Festival. His performance in the Academy Award-nominated Clint Eastwood-directed Flags of Our Fathers (2006) earned him two Best Supporting Actor Award nominations (Broadcast Film Critics Association and Satellite Awards). Beach has been further nominated for three awards for his role in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007), including a Golden Globe.

Other performances include Joe Dirt (2001), and the John Woo World War II war epic Windtalkers (2002) in which he co-starred with Nicolas Cage. He headlined the cast in the Walt Disney production Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale (1994); featured in John Singleton’s Four Brothers (2005); and starred with Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig in the science fiction-western smash hit Cowboys & Aliens (2011). He had a recurring starring role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) and Big Love (2006). In 2016, he played Christopher Weiss/Slipknot in the supervillain film Suicide Squad (2016).

Beach’s presentation will take place at Heritage University’s from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is open to the public. For more information and help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University honors Native American elders and welcomes Indigenous actor Adam Beach as part of Native American Heritage Month celebrations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University honors Native American elders and welcomes Indigenous actor Adam Beach as part of Native American Heritage Month celebrations

Native American elders being honored this year include (clockwise from top left) Warren Cloud, Carol Craig, Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Elmer Schuster

Toppenish, Wash. – November is Native American Heritage Month, and Heritage University is celebrating with a variety of events that honor Native Americans in our communities, including the Honoring Our Elders ceremony, taking place on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. During this event, we celebrate four Yakama Nation elders for their lifetime contributions to the Yakama people and their community. This year’s recipients are Warren Cloud, Luxkulkist, Carol Craig, Nukshay Xwaami, Taleets Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Elmer Schuster, Tomiith.

Warren Cloud Luxkulkist dedicated his life to hard work, using his hands to get the job done. As a trucker, logger, and heavy equipment operator, he provided food, homes, and water essential for life. When called to serve as a Yakama Nation leader, he accepted wholeheartedly. Now, as General Council Chairman, Warren leads with respect for tradition and commitment to the 1855 Treaty, inspiring his community to honor heritage and build a brighter future together.

Carol Craig, Nukshay Xwaami is a storyteller and educator dedicated to sharing Native truths about the environment and treaty rights. Her work at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Yakama Nation Fish and Wildlife highlights efforts to restore salmon runs and educates non-tribal communities on Yakama fishing rights from the Treaty of 1855. As a Yakama Nation Review reporter, she ensures her community receives honest information on key issues, fostering understanding of their heritage and rights. Carol’s commitment empowers her community and inspires future generations to protect these connections.

Taleets, Esther Moses-Hyipeer grew up deeply connected to her culture, learning from her elders the importance of traditional foods and community care. Her dedication to the Yakama people is evident in her work with the Yakama Nation Tribal School, Language Program, Gaming Commission, and Tribal Council. She has championed initiatives honoring veterans, providing housing for homeless families, and addressing addiction. Additionally, she advocates for unified tribal healthcare to support holistic well-being. Guided by the wisdom of her ancestors and the Treaty of 1855, Taleets inspires others to uphold their heritage and support their community.

Elmer Schuster, Tomiith has left a lasting impact on the Yakima Valley and its people. A skilled carpenter since the 1960s, he’s constructed vital infrastructure, including highway overpasses and irrigation dams that support both transport and agriculture. He also helped build longhouses for cultural ceremonies and youth camps that provide meaningful experiences. As leader of the Yakama Nation Housing Authority, he directed teams that built homes for tribal members, supporting community resilience. His contributions are more than structures; they are symbols of strength, tradition, and hope for future generations.

The annual Honoring Our Elders ceremony will be held in Heritage University’s Smith Family Hall on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. This event is by invitation only. Also, their stories are featured in a series of full-page ads, each dedicated to a specific elder, that are running in the Yakama Nation Review through November. Framed copies of these ads are being added to the permanent display of honorees at the university in the Violet Lumley Rau Center.

Other events Heritage is holding in November in observance of Native American Heritage Month as designated by President George H. W. Bush in 1990 include:

Native American Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 8:00 a.m.
Location: Heritage University main entrance
Description: Heritage University will raise the flags of the Yakama Nation, the state of Washington and the United States during a ceremony featuring the Yakama Warriors.

Honoring Our Elders (Invitation only)
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: we celebrate four Yakama Nation elders for their lifetime contributions to the Yakama people and their community. This year’s elders are Warren Cloud, Luxkulkist, Carol Craig, Nukshay Xwaami, Taleets Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Elmer Schuster, Tomiith.

MMIW Event by Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC)
Date & Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, 12:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: HU student club HUNAC is organizing a program aimed at increasing awareness on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Native Flute Music by Jeremy Garcia
Date & Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Jeremy Garcia (Yakama) will perform Native flute music during a noontime concert in Smith Family Hall

Roc Your Mocs Week
Date & Time: November 10-16, 2024
Location: Campus
Description: Rock Your Mocs is an expression of tribal identity where we invite people to wear moccasins the week of November 10-15 to celebrate Indigenous traditions and culture around the world.

Indigenous Beading Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday, November 13, 2024, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Patricia Wade Temple Room
Description: Participants will learn how to create beaded artwork while learning more about the Orange Shirt Society and Redress Project.

Rez Ball Mini premiere
Date & Time: Friday, November 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Heritage University will host a Hollywood-style showing of the movie “Rez Ball” currently playing on Netflix. The cast includes Devin Sampson-Craig (Yakama) of White Swan, WA.

Frybread Cooking Class
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Eagle’s Cafe
Description: Student club HU Masterchefs will teach participants how to make frybread.

AIBL Holiday Bazaar
Date & Time: Thursday, November 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 2:-00 p.m.
Location: Patricia Wade Temple Room
Description: The Holiday Bazaar presented by the American Indigenous Business Leaders Chapter at Heritage University will be held in the Patricia Wade Temple Room.

Jeremy Garcia & Students Flute Concert
Date & Time: Thursday, November 21, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Native musician Jeremy Garcia (Yakama) and his students will perform a concert of flute music in Smith Family Hall.

Heritage University welcomes actor Adam Beach
Date & Time: Friday, November 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Actor, advocate and motivational speaker Adam Beach will share stories of growing up on the Dog Creek First Nations Reserve in Manitoba, Canada as part of his presentation at Heritage University. Beach is a member of the Saulteaux (Plains Ojibwe) nation and was raised near Ashern, Manitoba. Beach began his career at 16 when he attended the Manitoba Theatre for Young People in Winnipeg. Since then, Beach has appeared in over 60 films and television programs including Dance Me Outside(1995), My Indian Summer (1995), Smoke Signals (1998), Windtalkers (2002), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Cowboys & Aliens(2011), Suicide Squad (2016), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), and Big Love (2006).

All Native American Heritage Month events at Heritage University are free and open to the public. For more information on these events, contact Valerie Sampson at (509) 865-5000 ext. 1741 or Sampson_V1@heritage.edu. For help with interviews, contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Native American Heritage Month at Heritage University

New HU Board Members (clockwise from top left) Connie Fallon, Allison Parker, Derek Red Arrow, Elmer Ward, Maria Verduzco and Raul Sital.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University adds six new members to its board of directors

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University has announced the addition of six new members to its board of directors. The six are leaders in their respective fields and join 24 other directors who generously volunteer their time and resources to ensure the University’s success.

Connie Falon, CEO of Compass Financial Network LLC, has been involved with Heritage University for the past 20 years in volunteering for different projects and is proud to join the board of directors. Connie’s expertise in the world of investing and finance will be an added value to the University.

Allison Parker joined the board of directors in January 2024. Allison Parker is a seasoned social impact strategist with nearly 25 years of experience, focusing on channeling flexible, long-term capital to under-resourced communities. As the principal of Peake Impact, she advises individuals and foundations in strategy, impact investing, and complex asset gifts. Prior to founding Peake Impact, she spent over 16 years at Seattle Foundation, where she most recently served as Managing Director of Philanthropy Strategies, leading a team responsible for creating new funds and launching a donor-advised impact investing program. Her career began as a staffer to U.S. Senator Patty Murray, specializing in federal funding, where she first encountered Heritage University.

Derek Red Arrow is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and serves as Litigation of Counsel for the law firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton and its Native American affairs unit. Red Arrow advises tribal governments, enterprises, nonprofits and businesses on matters involving treaty rights, land-back projects, inter-tribal trade, taxation, and other aspects of Federal Indian Law. Prior to joining his current firm, he co-founded the American Indian Law practice group at a Yakima-based firm, served as a staff attorney for the Yakama Nation, and clerked for Chief Judge Brian M. Morris of the U.S. District Court for Montana. He has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” in Native American Law, he has received the NCAIED National 40 Under 40 award for his leadership and contributions to Indian Country and named a “Successful Indigenous Role Model” for Nez Perce Tribe’s Lapwai School District.

Raul Sital is the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Supports for the Pasco School District, a role he has held for three impactful years. His leadership in this capacity has contributed to the effective functioning of the district’s operations and support systems. While at Pasco School District, Sital has also served as a teacher at McLoughlin Middle School, a program teacher and manager at Discovery Middle School, and as Principal of New Horizons High School and Pasco High School. He earned his teaching credential at Central Washington University, and holds a Master’s in Teaching and Learning degree from Heritage University. He is passionate about education because he believes in providing the opportunity for every child to reach their dreams and goals.

Dr. Maria Verduzco is the Clinical Medical Director for the Yakima Valley Farm Workers clinic in Yakima, Wash. Dr. Verduzco was born and raised in Yakima. She earned a BA in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Central Washington University in Ellensburg and went on to obtain her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Verduzco completed her residency at the Central Washington Family Medicine Residency program in Yakima. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and has dedicated her career to enhancing patient health, especially within underserved communities.

Elmer Ward is an Associate Judge of the Yakama Nation Court. Ward has worked in Native law for his entire legal career in a variety of roles for several tribes. Ward received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University, and a Juris Doctorate from the UCLA School of Law. He has served as a board member for People for People, the Yakima Valley College Board of Trustees and the Providence Foundation Board.

Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D. is grateful for the valuable perspectives and skills these individuals will bring to guide and strengthen our organization. “In our efforts to recruit board members for Heritage University, we prioritize representation from diverse sectors of the economy and education. This approach ensures a well-rounded and effective governance structure that supports our mission and strengthens our operations,” said Dr. Sund. “By engaging leaders from various fields, we are better equipped to address the needs of our community and drive forward our vision for educational excellence.”

For more information, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or at Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University Welcomes Largest Group of New Students Since 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Welcomes Largest Group of New Students Since 2017

Toppenish, WA – Heritage University has welcomed its largest group of new students since 2017. A total of 347 students have started their educational journey at Heritage this fall, marking a significant milestone for the university and the community it serves.

This remarkable achievement comes despite the challenges faced by students and families this year, particularly with the delayed release of funding through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university’s Financial Aid Department played a crucial role in overcoming these hurdles, working tirelessly to help students secure the necessary funding to pursue their education. In addition, the university’s generous donors stepped in to fill any financial gaps, ensuring that no student was left behind due to financial constraints.

Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D. expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts that contributed to this success. “The dedication of our staff and the generosity of our donors have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dr. Sund. “Despite the obstacles, we have been able to provide the necessary resources to our students, ensuring that they have the support they need to succeed. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our Heritage community to make education accessible to all.”

As the university continues to grow and expand its programs, this incoming class of 347 students foreshadows a bright future for Heritage University and the surrounding community. With an emphasis on culturally responsive education and serving students that are the first in their families to attend college Heritage remains committed to its mission of serving diverse communities and providing educational opportunities for all.

For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, Media Relations Coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

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Seattle University School of Law expands access to legal education at Heritage University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle University School of Law to expand access to legal education in central Washington with ‘Hybrid Hub’ at Heritage University

Toppenish, Wash. – Aspiring lawyers in central Washington will have a new way to earn a law degree while remaining in their communities thanks to a partnership between Seattle University School of Law and Heritage University to establish a “Hybrid Hub.” The hybrid hub addresses the critical need for legal professionals in underserved regions known as ‘legal deserts’ where there are not enough lawyers to meet community demand. This partnership will allow local students with aspirations to pursue legal careers, especially those with work and family commitments, to complete law school without leaving the Yakima Valley.

The Hybrid Hubs initiative builds on the success of Seattle U Law’s Flex JD program, which offers an innovative, part-time, hybrid-online legal education. By opening a hybrid hub at Heritage, central Washington students will have a pathway to study law, pass the bar exam, and practice law locally. The hub at Heritage allows students to study in an academic setting by utilizing study spaces and other campus resources, such as internet and library access. Students will also enjoy intellectual life and in-person networking events to build community among fellow Flex JD students, Seattle U Law alumni, the local legal community, and other aspiring law students.

The establishment of the hybrid hub at Heritage capitalizes on the achievements of the Law School Admission Counsel (LSAC) Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program, an innovative partnership between the law schools at Seattle University, the University of Washington and Gonzaga University and Heritage with the goal of boosting the numbers of people of color serving as lawyers in central Washington.

Under the leadership of Heritage University President Dr. Andrew Sund, HU has expanded its academic programs to include the LSAC PLUS, which puts legal education within reach of students in the Yakima Valley while also increasing student enrollment and strengthening community partnerships. “I am honored to have helped central Washington students envision themselves serving communities as lawyers,” said Sund. “We welcome the hybrid hub as a catalyst for cultivating homegrown legal talent and expertise.”

“The opening of this new Hybrid Hub at Heritage University marks a significant milestone in Seattle University School of Law’s ongoing efforts to make legal education more accessible and to cultivate a new generation of diverse legal professionals in underserved areas. This need is urgent in Central Washington, and we are excited to work with Heritage University because of its ongoing commitment to educating people in this region,” said Seattle U Law Dean Anthony E. Varona.

Seattle U Law and Heritage University will sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the hybrid hub during a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at 5 p.m. in the Barnhill Fireside Room, located in the Gaye and Jim Pigott Commons at Heritage University. For more information and for help coordinating interviews, contact David Sandler at (206) 291-6271 or sandlerdavid@seattleu.edu or Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

About Seattle University School of Law
Seattle University School of Law is a mission-driven, diverse, and civically engaged law school based in the heart of Seattle, offering a comprehensive legal education that goes beyond the classroom. Our students become lawyers and leaders with the practical skills, the knowledge, and the drive to make a real difference for their clients and their communities. Our practice-based curriculum features a renowned Legal Writing Program, a highly ranked clinical program, the Pacific Northwest’s only hybrid-online part-time program, and hundreds of learning opportunities around the globe. Seattle University’s Jesuit tradition infuses our students’ legal education with a sense of purpose and a drive to action to cultivate leaders in law who serve justice.

About Heritage University
Heritage University is an accredited, private institution offering a wide variety of academic programs and degrees. At Heritage, we believe that a college education should be accessible to anyone with the talent and drive to pursue a degree — regardless of economics, culture or geographic locations.

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