Heritage University to hold Class of 2026 Commencement at Yakima Valley SunDome

Heritage University announces Fall 2025 President’s List and Spring 2025 President’s List

Toppenish, Wash. – The following are students who earned a place on the Heritage University President’s List for the fall 2025 semester and the spring 2025 semester. To qualify for the President’s List, students must be full-time, matriculated undergraduates who have earned semester grade point averages of 3.5 or better.

Fall 2025 Semester

Dayanara Abundiz, Yakima	Xavier Acevedo, Wapato	Uriel Acevedo, Yakima
Miriam Adamson, Richland	Citlali Aguilar, Toppenish	Nora Aguilar Cortes, Othello
Sheray Aguilar-ALvarez, Kennewick	Breana Aguirre-Enriquez, Zillah	Manuel Alcala, Yakima
Hailey Alvarado, Sunnyside	Charlie Alvarez, Moxee	Liliana Alvarez, Wapato
Juan Alvarez, Zillah	Griselda Alvarez Cuevas, Yakima	Selene Alvarez Estrada, Zillah
Bianey Alvarez-Ortega, Wapato	Maria Alzate, Wapato	Angela Anaya, Yakima
Alondra Anaya Martinez, Yakima	Alberto Andrade, Pasco	Bryanna Anguiano, Wapato
Brian Anguiano, Wapato	Aide Anzures, Richland	Ashley Arguello, Richland
Manuel Arias Silva, Pasco	Felisha Armas, Zillah	Jaime Armenta, Kennewick
Maria Armenta, Grandview	Evangelina Arroyo, Kennewick	Jocelyn Arroyo Mendez, Zillah
Cesiah Arroyo Mendoza, Pasco	Rosie Arteaga Cortez, Grandview	Wendy Avalos, Yakima
Miguel Ayala Vaca, Cowiche	Kimberly Baer, Kennewick	Melissa Banda Caso, Sunnyside
Lorena Barajas, Yakima	Sabrina Barrera, Pasco	Brian Barrera Franco, Yakima
Mia Bautista, Wapato	Beatrice Becerra, Kennewick	Elisabet Becerra-Sanchez, Yakima
Serenity Benoit, Yakima	Andrea Bernath, Moxee	Elizabeth Bernier, Yakima
Elsie Blackwolf, Wapato	George Boise, Wapato	Lourdes Bolanos, Pasco
Levi Bollinger, Zillah	Emily Breaux, Kennewick	Omar Buenrostro, Yakima
Nevella Bustos, Yakima	Milagros Camargo Patino, Kennewick	Jasmin Camarillo, Yakima
Samaya Campos-Cruz, Wapato	Yolanda Campusano, Zillah	Megan Cantu, Wishram
Emily Cantu, Prosser	Mira Cardozo, Yakima	Yoselin Carrillo, Connell
Jose Carrillo Castillo, Sunnyside	Alejandra Casillas Perez, Sunnyside	Jennifer Castaneda, Grandview
Andrea Castaneda, Toppenish	Jacklyn Castellanos, Toppenish	Maricela Castillo, kennewick
Jessica Castro, Moxee	Thania Cervantes, Outlook	Estefania Cervantes Montero, Kennewick
Priscila Cervantes Roman, Granger	Erik Chino Bustamante, Toppenish	Erin Cloud Pimms, Harrah
Alyssa Cloy, Pasco	Candace Coombes, Wapato	Jazmin Corona, Grandview
Lilyanna Cortes, Moxee	Josefina Cortez Gonzalez, Wapato	Sergio Covarrubias Garcia, Yakima
Steven Cox, Kennewick	Kadence Crockett, Kennewick	Sandra Cruz, Yakima
Natalee Cuevas, Sunnyside	Yasmin Cuevas-Ramos, Yakima	Josie Curtis, Wapato
Ashlee De La Mora, Sunnyside	Mariana Delgado, Toppenish	Maria Delgado, Yakima
Hailye Delvo, Zillah	Victoria DeVleming, Richland	Janessa Diaz, Moxee
Michelle Diaz-Chavez, Toppenish	Alexis Dorame, Zillah	Elijah Elisondo, Toppenish
Isabella Escamilla, Selah	Marvella Esiquio, Yakima	Brianna Espinoza, Toppenish
Natally Espinoza-Caraveo, Prosser	Niko Evangelista, Wapato	Marcos Felan Contreras, Zillah
Stephanie Figueroa, Outlook	Audrey Fisher, Yakima	Elisabet Flores Giron, Wapato
Daira Francisco, Zillah	Naydin Franco, Granger	Marilyn Fuentes, Sunnyside
David Fuller, Richland	Jennyfer Gabino-Medina, Yakima	Dezmarie Ganuelas, Wapato
Annaie Garcia, Prosser	Juanita Garcia, Outlook	Nayeli Garcia, Wapato
Mercedes Garcia, Grandview	Estefany Garcia, Granger	Jessica Garcia, Othello
Mariana Garcia, Sunnyside	Diana Garcia Magana, Kennewick	Victor Garcia-Pinon, Yakima
Michelle Garibaldo, Toppenish	Stephany Garibay, Toppenish	Freddie Garza, Yakima
Ciara Gatlin, Toppenish	Phabian George, Toppenish	Shantel Gil, Yakima
Jaylin Golob, Granger	Odalis Gonzalez, Grandview	Jesse Gonzalez, Sunnyside
Monica Gonzalez, Toppenish	Mariela Gonzalez, Richland	Cecilia Gonzalez Gallardo, Zillah
Adriana Gonzalez Moreno, Pasco	Daniela Gordillo, Yakima	Reggan Grade, Richland
Kiara Griffin, Wapato	Nikki Grooters, Selah	Vanessa Guel, Wapato
Jennifer Guerrero, Toppenish	Paloma Guerrero, Moxee	Mireya Gutierrez, Sunnyside
Yasmine Gutierrez, Sunnyside	Karen Gutierrez Alvarez, Yakima	Britney Guzman, Mesa
Evelin Guzman Palacios, Yakima	Elizabeth Hannigan, White Swan	Devani Hannigan, Wapato
Denise Haro, Zillah	Mikayla Harris, Zillah	Cristina Hernandez Guzman, Yakima
Lizeth Hernandez-Villegas, Yakima	Aland Herrera, Toppenish	Carolina Herrera, Yakima
Citlalli Herrera, Moxee	Jesse Hidalgo, Grandview	Jesus Higareda-Arcineiga, Pasco
Jasmine Higgs, Kennewick	Erika Honeycutt, Pasco	Israel Hunter, Yakima
Grabiela Ibanez, Harrah	Ivonne Ibarra Godines, Othello	Emily Islas, Sunnyside
Genelle James, Toppenish	Sophia Jimenez, Toppenish	Fernando Jimenez, Sunnyside
Ariana Jimenez, Sunnyside	Brenda Jimenez, Toppenish	Camila Juarez, Sunnyside
Anahi Lamas, Selah	Jennifer Lemus, Toppenish	Cristian Lemus, Toppenish
Kassidy Lewis, West Richland	LaCrissa Lewis-Strong, Wapato	Marlen Linares Torres, Pasco
Merlan Linares Torres, Pasco	Vanessa Llamas Gutierrez, Yakima	Elizabeth Lopez, Moxee
Elvis Lopez, Harrah	Marisol Lopez, Wapato	Yazmin Lopez Baranda, Yakima
Yaquelin Lopez Barragan, Pasco	Yazmin Lopez Barragan, Pasco	Jazmin Lopez Rodriguez, Yakima
Robert Luna, Toppenish	Salma Lustre, Toppenish	Brenda Madrigal, Pasco
Lenize Madrigal, Tieton	Esperanza Madrigal, White Swan	Marisol Madrigal, Pasco
Alijah Magana, Granger	Tiffany Maldonado Paez, Walla Walla	Natalie Malzahn, Granger
Mario Maradiaga Maciel, Yakima	Angeles Marin, Toppenish	Clarissa Marines, Kennewick
Adileny Mariscal, Toppenish	Randy Marmolejo Sandoval, Union Gap	Bryan Marquez, Kennewick
Lance Martin, Union Gap	Melody Martin Rogers, Yakima	Itzel Martinez, Yakima
Jacqueline Martinez, Sunnyside	Antonia Martinez, Pasco	Reynalda Martinez, Granger
Lizbeth Martinez Chavez, Toppenish	Isamar Martinez Flores, Prosser	Adriana Martinez-Chavez, Toppenish
Jennifer Mastrolia, Richland	Sara Matson, Naches	Maira Lillian Medellin Valencia, Yakima
Alexis Mejia, Pasco	Heidi Mendez-Bravo, Yakima	Juliana Mendoza, Pasco
Nallely Mendoza, Pasco	Dalia Mendoza Garcia, Granger	Nerida Mendoza Hernandez, Pasco
Esmeralda Mendoza-Arias, Zillah	Cheyenne Merritt, Selah	Briceyda Meza, Mesa
Andrea Miranda, Granger	Mario Montesinos, Grandview	Marcos Montiel-Ramos, Grandview
Luseivi Montoya-Garcia, Sunnyside	Yoreli Morales-Valencia, Outlook	Marissa Morfin, Zillah
Ariana Morfin Mejia, Connell	Gisselle Munguia, Pasco	Zaira Najera Davalos, Sunnyside
Lynette Navarrete-Ochoa, Granger	Yahir Navarro, Kennewick	David Nidiffer, Yakima
Mayte Nieves-Quintero, Wapato	Melani Nunez, Toppenish	Jaquelin Nunez Quesada, Mabton
Isabell Nunez-Montiel, Yakima	Rosa Ochoa-Martinez, Sunnyside	Monse Olivares-Merlin, Pasco
Lisa Olney, White Swan	Mariana Onate, Toppenish	Gloria Oni, Kennewick
Leyvi Ortiz Medina, Yakima	Samantha Osegueda, Moxee	Karen Pacheco, Sunnyside
Jacqueline Padilla, Yakima	Elizabeth Padilla, Toppenish	Jaquelin Partida- Grimaldo, Buena
Cristo Patino Vaca, Tieton	Cristal Perez, Yakima	Sophia Perez, Zillah
Felix Perez Herrera, Pasco	Ashton Peterson, Richland	Mayra Platon, Mattawa
John Plygonan, Yakima	Jerome Pratt, Wapato	Jodie Pruneda, White swan
Yoselin Quintero, Sunnyside	Camila Quintero, Moxee	Lucero Ramirez, Pasco
Reyli Ramirez, Toppenish	Jennifer Ramos-Regis, Zillah	Gisel Regis, Toppenish
Dalton Remus, Kennewick	Ahtziry Renteria Ochoa, Tieton	Angel Reyna, Mabton
Selene Reyna Cuevas, Buena	Makenzie Ribail, Moxee	Christina Richardson, West Richland
Andrew Rios, Yakima	Nancy Rivera, Wapato	Gizelle Rivera, Yakima
Esmeralda Rivera, Eltopia	Esmeralda Rivera, Grandview	Maria Robles, Sunnyside
Ashley Rodriguez, Grandview	Guadalupe Rodriguez, Zillah	Alejandra Rodriguez, Kennewick
Alondra Rodriguez-Escalera, Yakima	Nallely Rojas Alvarez, Yakima	Jorge A Rosales, Yakima
Karina Rosales, Kennewick	Kassandra Roy, Yakima	Kaitlynn Ruiz, Grandview
Natalia Ruiz, Moxee	Alexander Ruiz Curiel, Grandview	Triston Ryan, White Swan
Patricia Saavedra, Sunnyside	Emina Sahovic, Pasco	Diana Salas Gonzalez, Toppenish
Nathan Salazar, Toppenish	Janie Saldana-Ibarra, Kennewick	Aaliyah Salgado, Mabton
Fernando Sanchez, Richland	Andrea Sanchez, Granger	Andrea Sanchez, Prosser
Jasmine Sanchez Magana, Paso	Yissel Sanchez Mejia, Prosser	Maritza Sanchez Sanchez, Toppenish
Yoselyn Sanchez-Perez, Union Gap	Jaime Saucedo, Sunnyside	Perla Sepulveda Garcia, Wapato
Hernan Serra-Velasquez, Richland	Serena Shipley, Yakima	Savannah Shippentower, Toppenish
Yaribey Silva, Toppenish	Jazmin Silva, Sunnyside	Teresa Silva, Grandview
Danielle Silva Gonzales, West Richland	Treace Smith, Yakima	Kristal Solorzano, Pasco
Gilberto Solorzano, Zillah	Ava Starr, Zillah	Khrysalyn Stewart, Yakima
Gemmalyn Stoothoff, Sunnyside	Jillian Swan, Wapato	Reagan Swinth, Tacoma
Briseyda Tabares Joaquin, Yakima	Jari Tavira, Grandview	Nicholas Tegen, Yakima
Mark Tennancour, Kennewick	Alene Thalheimer, Kennewick	Amanda Toloy, Wapato
Alexis Valdez, Sunnyside	Martin Valdez Santacruz, Yakima	Juan Valencia, Zillah
Karen Valladares Coronel, Wapato	Ednac Valladares-Hernandez, Toppenish	Elizabeth Vanreenen, Richland
Jose de Jesus Vasquez Mojica, Selah	Veronica Vazquez, Yakima	Jesus Adrian Vazquez Rosas, Sunnyside
Maria Vijarro, Toppenish	Jason Vilcapoma, Grandview	Anahi Villa, Granger
Aaliyah Villa, Granger	Marissa Villalobos, Sunnyside	Rosa Villegas, Sunnyside
Yahaira Walle-Lopez, Yakima	Brooklyn Washburn, West Richland	Jessica Wesley, Toppenish
Carolina Wheeler, Toppenish	KayLynn Whitford, Wapato	Sydney Willard, Kennewick
John Williams, Kennewick	Keri Willsey, Yakima	Brittani Yohn, Yakima
Monserrat Zagal Garcia, Grandview	Yeraldy Zamudio Guzman, Wapato	Keyla Zapien, Toppenish
Betzabeth Zaragoza, Wapato	Ashley Zarco-Macias, Wapato	Cassandra Zenil Rodriguez, Yakima
Stephanie Zorroza, Prosser

 

 

Spring 2025 Semester

Dayana Abundiz, Yakima	Dayanara Abundiz, Yakima	Xavier Acevedo, Wapato
Alicia Aguilar, Pasco	Citlali Aguilar, Toppenish	Viviana Aguilar, Grandview
Nora Aguilar Cortes, Othello	Leonel Alcaide Olmedo, Wapato	Manuel Alcala, Yakima
Hailey Alvarado, Sunnyside	Jesus Alvarez, Toppenish	Charlie Alvarez, Moxee
Liliana Alvarez, Wapato	Bianey Alvarez-Ortega, Wapato	Maria Alzate, Wapato
Angela Anaya, Yakima	Alondra Anaya Martinez, Yakima	Alberto Andrade, Pasco
Levi Ang Agaton, Granger	Bryanna Anguiano, Wapato	Evelin Antunez, Granger
Aide Anzures, Richland	Mayra Arias Farias, Kennewick	Felisha Armas, Zillah
Yesenia Arredondo, Kennewick	Jocelyn Arroyo Mendez, Zillah	Cesiah Arroyo Mendoza, Pasco
Sarai Arroyo Mendoza, Pasco	Adriana Asi, Benton City	Miguel Ayala, Sunnyside
Miguel Ayala Vaca, Cowiche	Berenice Barragan, Kennewick	Karla Barragan, Yakima
Brian Barrera Franco, Yakima	Mia Bautista, Wapato	Elisabet Becerra-Sanchez, Yakima
Nancy Benavides, Yakima	Karen Benitez, Moxee	Serenity Benoit, Yakima
Katarina Berk, Sunnyside	Maria Bravo Cisneros, Granger	Emily Breaux, Kennewick
Paola Brito Roman, Granger	Morgan Brown, Yakima	Siu-Nutt Brown, Zillah
Andrea Bueno, Yakima	Christopher Bueno, Kennewick	Gloria Bustamante, Granger
Monika Bustamante, Granger	Johnathan Campos, Yakima	Yolanda Campusano, Zillah
Michaela Canella, Pasco	Emily Cantu, Prosser	Megan Cantu, Wishram
Talia Carden, Wapato	Stephanie Carmona-Silva, Wapato	Andrea Castaneda, Toppenish
Maricela Castillo, kennewick	Jocelyn Castro, Yakima	Natalia Castro, Toppenish
Haidel Castro, Yakima	Estefania Cervantes Montero, Kennewick	Priscila Cervantes Roman, Granger
Chelsy Cervantes Valdovinos, Yakima	Mckhenna Chance, Yakima	Stephanie Charlton, Yakima
Angelica Cisneros, Yakima	Alyssa Cloy, Pasco	Kayecee Colley, Sunnyside
Jazmin Corona, Grandview	Josefina Cortez Gonzalez, Wapato	Sergio Covarrubias Garcia, Yakima
Steven Cox, Kennewick	Kadence Crockett, Kennewick	Alejandro Cruz, Parker
Enrique Cruz Torres, Grandview	Carina Cuevas, Grandview	Lucia Cuevas Ramos, Yakima
Yasmin Cuevas-Ramos, Yakima	Josie Curtis, Wapato	Cassandra Davis, Kennewick
Ashlee De La Mora, Sunnyside	Lillian Dean, Harrah	Gregoria Dejesus, Granger
Hailye Delvo, Zillah	Janessa Diaz, Moxee	Elijah Elisondo, Toppenish
Daniella Equihua, Granger	Isabella Escamilla, Selah	Marvella Esiquio, Yakima
Gissel Espinoza, Granger	Sierra Esqueda, Buena	Daniel Esqueda, Sunnyside
MacKenzie Evans, Sunnyside	McKenna Fisk, Toppenish	Bryan Flanary, Pasco
Irma Flores, Prosser	Miguel Flores Baca, Yakima	Elisabet Flores Giron, Wapato
ArisBaydi Flores-Vega, Yakima	Naydin Franco, Granger	Marilyn Fuentes, Sunnyside
Miguel Gabriel Cruz, Wapato	Blanca Garcia, Zillah	Mariana Garcia, Sunnyside
Annaie Garcia, Prosser	Alondra Garcia, Pasco	Mercedes Garcia, Grandview
Anayeli Garcia Gomez, Selah	Victor Garcia-Pinon, Yakima	Michelle Garibaldo, Toppenish
Freddie Garza, Yakima	Yazmine Garza, Wapato	Jazlen Garza, Toppenish
Gabriell Garza, Mabton	Ciara Gatlin, Toppenish	Shantel Gil, Yakima
Graham Gilmore, Yakima	Alexis Goeken, Union Gap	Hannah Goff, Kennewick
Jaylin Golob, Granger	Anna Gomez, Yakima	Juan Gomez, Toppenish
Jocelyn Gonzaga Perez, Grandview	Odalis Gonzalez, Grandview	Monica Gonzalez, Toppenish
Grisdelia Gonzalez, Sunnyside	Jesse Gonzalez, Sunnyside	Cecilia Gonzalez Gallardo, Zillah
Adriana Gonzalez Moreno, Pasco	Heidy Gonzalez Ramirez, Sunnyside	Daniela Gordillo, Yakima
Nikki Grooters, Selah	Vanessa Guel, Wapato	Paloma Guerrero, Moxee
Rachel Guerrero, Outlook	Jennifer Guerrero, Toppenish	Katrina Guillen, Prosser
Heaven Gutierrez, Zillah	Mireya Gutierrez, Sunnyside	Yasmine Gutierrez, Sunnyside
Karen Gutierrez Alvarez, Yakima	Adriana Guzman, Kennewick	Britney Guzman, Mesa
Kylie Habkirk, Seattle	Mikayla Harris, Zillah	Vieira Henn, Yakima
Alonso Hernandez Guzman, Yakima	Lizeth Hernandez-Villegas, Yakima	Carolina Herrera, Yakima
Aland Herrera, Toppenish	Yareli Herrera, Mabton	Jesus Higareda-Arcineiga, Pasco
Jasmine Higgs, Kennewick	Elizabeth Hines, Richland	Lauren Hudson, White swan
Ivonne Ibarra Godines, Othello	Erica Jim, Wapato	Brenda Jimenez, Toppenish
Fernando Jimenez, Sunnyside	Vicki Keophilavanh, Pasco	Gavin Kessler, Yakima
Cecelia Kuneki, Toppenish	Crystal Kuneki, Toppenish	Cristian Lemus, Toppenish
Jennifer Lemus, Toppenish	Devra Lewis, Harrah	Kassidy Lewis, West Richland
Starr Link, Richland	Vanessa Llamas Gutierrez, Yakima	Yazmin Lopez Barragan, Pasco
Yaquelin Lopez Barragan, Pasco	Jazmin Lopez Rodriguez, Yakima	Yurema Lorenzana Mejia, Yakima
Georgina Luna, Pasco	Robert Luna, Toppenish	Raeshell Lutes, West Richland
Lenize Madrigal, Tieton	Esperanza Madrigal, White Swan	Brenda Madrigal, Pasco
Nayeli Madrigal, Outlook	Michael Magana, Pasco	Natalie Malzahn, Granger
Mario Maradiaga Maciel, Yakima	Miranda Maravilla-Maravilla, Toppenish	Angeles Marin, Toppenish
Bryan Marquez, Kennewick	Ryen Martin, Toppenish	Jasmine Martinez, Toppenish
Jacqueline Martinez, Sunnyside	Antonia Martinez, Pasco	Ruby Martinez, Pasco
Gabriela Ariely Martinez, Wapato	Adriana Martinez-Chavez, Toppenish	Jennifer Mastrolia, Richland
Sara Matson, Naches	Izabella McCoy, Toppenish	Maira Lillian Medellin Valencia, Yakima
Jocelyn Mejia, Toppenish	Alexis Mejia, Pasco	Jacqulynn Mendoza, Kennewick
Jennifer Mendoza, Pasco	Emily Mendoza, Granger	Julie Mendoza, Pasco
Erick Mendoza Guzman, Pasco	Nerida Mendoza Hernandez, Pasco	Esmeralda Mendoza-Arias, Zillah
Ashley Mendoza-Hernandez, Yakima	Cheyenne Merritt, Selah	Ana Meza, Mesa
Briceyda Meza, Mesa	Judi Montes, Granger	Marcos Montiel-Ramos, Grandview
Vanessa Moran-Tapia, Sunnyside	Adriana Morfin, Toppenish	Jelilah Morones, Yakima
Zaira Najera Davalos, Sunnyside	Bethany Navarro, Toppensh	Kennedy Noyes, Richland
Julissa Nunez Silva, Granger	Isabell Nunez-Montiel, Yakima	Angela Ocampo, Buena
Rosa Ochoa-Martinez, Sunnyside	Lisa Olney, White Swan	Maria Olvera, Pasco
Gloria Oni, Kennewick	Samantha Osegueda, Moxee	Jacqueline Padilla, Yakima
Abigail Padilla, Grandview	Elizabeth Padilla, Toppenish	Veronica Palomares, Yakima
Veronica Palomares-Lechuga, Wapato	Juan Paredes Morales, Pasco	Dolores Partida, Outlook
Jaquelin Partida- Grimaldo, Buena	Ashlan Payne, Grandview	Sara Pech Gutierrez, Zillah
Tiffany Pence, Richland	Korina Perez, Yakima	Cristal Perez, Yakima
Evan Pierce, Renton	John Plygonan, Yakima	Yanilett Posos, Moxee
Jodie Pruneda, White swan	Yoselin Quintero, Sunnyside	Nayelly Quintero, Sunnyside
Lucero Ramirez, Pasco	Andrea Ramirez Moreno, Pasco	Judith Ramos, Grandview
Elaine Ramos, Sunnyside	Jennifer Ramos-Regis, Zillah	Gisel Regis, Toppenish
Dalton Remus, Kennewick	Angel Reyna, Mabton	Selene Reyna Cuevas, Buena
Gizelle Rivera, Yakima	Nancy Rivera, Wapato	Jacqueline Rivera Romero, Kennewick
Mikayla Rodriguez, Richland	Lyzette Rodriguez Guzman, Kennewick	Alondra Rodriguez-Escalera, Yakima
Nallely Rojas Alvarez, Yakima	Sandra Roque-Rojas, MOXEE	Jorge A Rosales, Yakima
Lyliana Ruiz, Toppenish	Melody Ruiz Larios, Union Gap	Patricia Saavedra, Sunnyside
Nathan Salazar, Toppenish	Ciria Sanabia, Pasco	Fernando Sanchez, Richland
Andrea Sanchez, Prosser	Andrea Sanchez, Granger	Angie Sanchez, Zillah
Jasmine Sanchez Magana, Paso	Maria Sanchez Perez, Wapato	Maritza Sanchez Sanchez, Toppenish
Cristina Santiago-Valle, Sunnyside	Jaime Saucedo, Sunnyside	Perla Sepulveda Garcia, Wapato
Abraham Serrano, Yakima	Eloy Serrano, Yakima	Kyal Shoulderblade, Toppenish
Mu Mu Si, Kennewick	Yaribey Silva, Toppenish	Teresa Silva, Grandview
Brian Solano, Wapato	Kristal Solorzano, Pasco	Gilberto Solorzano, Zillah
Sayyepum Ahtootwy Speedis, Toppenish	Khrysalyn Stewart, Yakima	Melannie Suarez Diaz, Ephrata
Jillian Swan, Wapato	Maggie Sweowat, Yakima	Jari Tavira, Grandview
Nicholas Tegen, Yakima	Mark Tennancour, Kennewick	Rachelle Thompson, Prosser
Amanda Toloy, Wapato	Salma Torres, Tieton	Alexis Valdez, Sunnyside
Dayana Valdez Herrera, Toppenish	Martin Valdez Santacruz, Yakima	Catarina Valdez-Copeland, Yakima
Yaereen Valdovinos, Yakima	Alyssa Valencia, Seattle	Karen Valladares Coronel, Wapato
Ednac Valladares-Hernandez, Toppenish	Elizabeth Vanreenen, Richland	Diana Vargas, Yakima
Eduardo Vargas Sanchez, Outlook	Jose de Jesus Vasquez Mojica, Selah	Christian Verduzco, Sunnyside
Maria Vijarro, Toppenish	April Villa, Othello	Marissa Villalobos, Sunnyside
Ku Wah, Pasco	Brooklyn Washburn, West Richland	Carolina Wheeler, Toppenish
Belgica Whitaker, Ewa Beach	Levi Williams, Kennewick	Dominic Williams, White Swan
Keri Willsey, Yakima	Sarai Yanez, Yakima	Jayme Yazzie, Toppenish
Brittani Yohn, Yakima	Monserrat Zagal Garcia, Grandview	Keyla Zapien, Toppenish
Ashley Zarco-Macias, Wapato	Cassandra Zenil Rodriguez, Yakima	Salma Zuazo, Moxee

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Promotes Crystal Sampson to Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff

Toppenish, Wash. — Heritage University announced the promotion of Crystal Sampson to Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff to the President, a milestone appointment that reflects both her leadership and the university’s commitment to representation and community-centered governance. With this promotion, Sampson becomes the first enrolled member of the Yakama Nation to hold the title of Vice President at Heritage University.

Crystal Sampson is the daughter of Atwai Melvin Roger Sampson, a nationally respected leader in Native American affairs who served for 18 years as Chairman of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council. He played an instrumental role in the founding of Heritage University and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to education by helping establish scholarships supporting Native American programs. Her mother, Betty Sampson, is regarded as one of the matriarchs of Heritage University, having faithfully served as executive assistant to each of the institution’s four presidents.

Sampson joined Heritage University in August 2023 as the Director of Human Resources. Before coming to Heritage, she held a series of managerial positions of increasing responsibility, including: accounting manager for the Yakama Nation in Toppenish, Wash.; human resources manager at Yakama Nation Housing Authority, also in Toppenish; office manager overseeing accounting operations as well as assisting the general manager for Yakama Forest Products; and interim manager during an expansion of Legends Casino Hotel. Before working for the Yakama Nation, Sampson spent nineteen years in various management positions at Costco Wholesale in six different states, including corporate accounting at Costco headquarters in Issaquah, Washington. She earned a B.S. and an A.A. in business administration from Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan.

Since joining Heritage University, Sampson has played a pivotal role in advancing institutional operations and strategy. President Chris Gilmer noted that the promotion formalizes responsibilities Sampson has effectively carried out since his arrival at the university. “Crystal has been a trusted partner in leadership from day one,” said President Gilmer. “She brings nearly 20 years of executive leadership experience from Costco, along with invaluable service within the Yakama Nation’s administration. Her insight, integrity, and deep understanding of our community make Heritage stronger every day.”

In her expanded role, Sampson will continue to oversee university operations while serving as a key advisor to the president, helping align strategic priorities at Heritage’s campus in Toppenish and co-chairing a management team overseeing its regional site in Kennewick, Wash. Gilmer emphasized that her promotion is both a recognition of her contributions and a reflection of Heritage’s values.

“Crystal’s leadership mirrors the community we serve,” Gilmer added. “Her promotion strengthens our relationships with tribal nations and ensures that our decision-making is informed by lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a deep commitment to our mission.”

Sampson said she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Heritage University in this role. “It is an honor to support our students, faculty, and staff, and to help advance a mission that reflects my values, my professional journey, and my commitment to the communities we serve,” said Sampson. “My experiences in tribal government, higher education, and corporate leadership have prepared me to lead with accountability, collaboration, and care. I look forward to continuing this work alongside campus and community partners as we strengthen Heritage’s impact for future generations.”

Sampson’s promotion is part of President Gilmer’s intentional effort to strengthen and diversify Heritage University’s leadership. Of the university’s six most recent promotions, five were awarded to women, including four women of color. “Each individual was selected based on their exceptional qualifications and proven leadership,” said Dr. Gilmer. “At the same time, I have been deliberate in advancing leaders who reflect the students and communities we serve, furthering our mission and empowering the university’s future.”

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

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New website uses data to highlight trends on the Yakama Nation Reservation in areas vital to the well-being of the community

Toppenish, Wash. – A new website compiles data from publicly available sources to provide information about the Yakama Nation Reservation community. YakamaNationVitals.org uses content compiled by the Institute of Public Policy and Economic Analysis at Eastern Washington University (EWU), in partnership with Yakima Valley Partners for Education (YVPE).

The Yakama Vitals website, sanctioned by the Yakama Nation Tribal Council by resolution in 2024, presents data on the entire Yakama Nation Reservation community in six areas: people, economic vitality, education, health, housing and natural resources. Suzy Diaz, the director of YVPE says by bringing robust data into one accessible, thoughtfully designed place, Yakama Vitals helps us see more clearly the challenges before us and the opportunities to work together in new and more impactful ways. “As we begin to explore the data and the trends it reveals, we are invited into deeper collaboration—across agencies, institutions, and communities—to focus on where we can improve outcomes for all people of the Yakama Nation Reservation, and neighboring communities,” says Diaz.

Yakama Nation Tribal Administrative Director Crystal Bass is excited by the opportunities for collaboration that can be enhanced by Yakama Vitals. “One important outcome from this launch is a simple but powerful one: sharing this site broadly within our networks. By doing so, we can invite further ideation, encourage new partnerships, and expand the circle of collaborators who can use this data to ask better questions and develop better solutions, especially in support of our Tribal Government, whose decisions guide the wellbeing and future of our communities,” said Bass.

Dr. Patrick Jones, the executive director of the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Analysis at EWU, says the Yakama Vitals project is the first of its kind in Washington State involving data gathered on a Native American Reservation community. Dr. Jones is grateful for the involvement of YVPE and the Yakama Nation leadership. “This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when vision is matched with investment and trust,” Jones said.

Isaac Kwakye, deputy executive director of the Washington Student Achievement Council, agrees. “Yakama Vitals demonstrates the power of Tribal leadership and community priorities by delivering timely, actionable data. It will enable partners across the region to coordinate their efforts and improve outcomes for learners and families. We’re proud to support a tool that puts key information in the hands of those who need it most.”

Heritage University Senior Vice President of Advancement, Marketing and Admissions David Wise expressed gratitude to the partnership that makes the Yakama Vitals project possible. “We are also deeply grateful to the Washington Student Achievement Council and The Ballmer Group for providing the funding that made this work possible, and to Yakima Valley Partners for Education for creating the conditions that allowed Yakama Tribal Leadership to collaborate with Dr. Jones on Yakama Vitals 1.0. I’m thankful for everyone’s leadership, participation and commitment. I look forward to the continued collaboration ahead as we turn insight into action and data into better outcomes for all,” said Wise.

For easy access and sharing, the Yakama Vitals portal can be found here: https://yakamanationvitals.org

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University President Announces Major Leadership Expansion and Bold Vision for the Future

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer has announced a broad expansion and reorganization of the university’s leadership team, paired with strategic initiatives designed to strengthen student success, deepen community partnerships, and position Heritage for continued growth as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2033.

Central to the expansion is the appointment of Sagrario Armenta-Jimenez as Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Armenta-Jimenez brings extensive experience in education finance and operations. “Sagrario is an exceptional leader whose commitment to transparency, fiscal stewardship, and student-centered decision-making aligns perfectly with the direction we are taking Heritage University,” said Dr. Gilmer.

Dr. Gilmer also announced a series of leadership promotions, including David Wise, who has been elevated from Vice President to Senior Vice President of Advancement, Marketing, and Admissions. During Wise’s tenure, Heritage has more than doubled annual giving from $1.5 million to $3.1 million and secured transformative philanthropic investments, including a historic $10 million unrestricted gift, a $6.3 million scholarship gift, and a $2 million endowed chair in nursing.

Crystal Sampson has been promoted to Chief of Staff to the President and Vice President of Operations, formalizing a role she has effectively filled since Dr. Gilmer’s arrival. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience at Costco and service within the Yakama Nation’s administration, Sampson becomes the first enrolled member of the Yakama Nation to hold the title of Vice President at Heritage University—reflecting Gilmer’s commitment to leadership that mirrors the university’s community and strengthens relationships with tribal nations.

Additional promotions include SaraBecca Martin to Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, expanding her role overseeing accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and academic planning, and Adriana Villafan to Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, recognizing her leadership of high-touch, wraparound student support programs. Apart from Armenta-Jimenez, these roles represent reclassifications of internal talent rather than new hires, underscoring Heritage’s commitment to recognizing and elevating its own leaders.

Dr. Gilmer has also launched a national search for a new Vice President for Academic Affairs, signaling a renewed emphasis on academic innovation and excellence. He has also expanded the senior leadership team to include a student voice for the first time, appointing Student Government Association President Mercedes Garcia to the president’s leadership table. “Having students help shape decisions that affect their lives and learning is essential to who we are as an institution,” Gilmer said.

Dr. Gilmer also shared an update regarding the future of Heritage University’s Tri-Cities operations. Beginning in January 2026, these operations will report directly to the President as the University advances a new leadership model and develops an expanded investment plan for the region. This approach reflects an enhanced dedication to the Tri-Cities and a strategic focus on growth, innovation, and long-term impact. “This is a commitment to growth and new direction,” Gilmer emphasized.

In addition to leadership changes, the university has launched a $1 million fundraising campaign to eliminate hunger on campus, addressing food insecurity as a critical barrier to student success. “No student should ever have to choose between their education and their next meal,” said Gilmer.

Looking ahead to Heritage University’s 50th anniversary in 2033, Dr. Gilmer’s vision includes assertive fundraising, expanded academic programs, deeper community engagement, and building a national reputation that reflects “the excellence Heritage already demonstrates every day.”

“Heritage University has a powerful mission and a remarkable community,” Gilmer said, “We are investing boldly in our future—our students, our people, and our partnerships.”

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

 

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