Name: JD Academy Day Two
Start: 2026-07-11T08:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-07-11T16:00:00-07:00
Location: Heritage University

Heritage University names new Vice President for Academic Affairs

Beth Durodoye

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Names Dr. Beth Durodoye Vice President for Academic Affairs

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University has named Dr. Beth Durodoye as its next Vice President for Academic Affairs as part of the institution’s ongoing strategic growth and commitment to academic excellence.

Durodoye currently serves as Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Montana State University-Northern, a public institution with a mission and scale like Heritage University. She will join Heritage on July 20, 2026, and serve as the university’s chief academic officer, overseeing academic programs, faculty development, accreditation, and strategic academic initiatives.

“Dr. Durodoye brings an exceptional combination of academic leadership, scholarship, and commitment to student success,” said Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “Throughout the search process, she demonstrated a deep understanding of and belief in Heritage’s mission, along with the experience and vision needed to help lead the university into its next chapter.”

Since 2021, Durodoye has led Montana State University-Northern’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, where she has worked closely with Native American tribes and students. Previously, she served as professor and chair of the Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development at Georgia Southern University and was a tenured full professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Durodoye earned a doctorate in counselor education with a specialty in multicultural counseling from the University of Virginia and is a National Certified Counselor. An accomplished scholar, she has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed national and international publications, three books, and numerous book chapters. She has also presented extensively at professional conferences and held leadership roles in faculty governance and national professional organizations.

Her appointment follows a national search that attracted 60 applicants. A committee representing faculty, staff, students, administration, and the Heritage University Board of Directors reviewed candidates and identified three finalists. Gilmer thanked the search committee for its work, including co-chairs Mary James and Laura Orozco-Zamudio and former co-chair Martin Valadez. He also expressed appreciation for the Heritage community members who participated in candidate forums and provided feedback throughout the process.

“Community feedback consistently highlighted Dr. Durodoye’s commitment to Heritage’s mission, her breadth of academic leadership experience, and her collaborative, thoughtful approach,” Gilmer said. “We are excited to welcome her to Heritage University and look forward to the impact she will have on our students, faculty, and future growth.

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’s annual scholarship fundraiser reaches more supporters, breaks records

40th Annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner Reveal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University celebrates 40 years of Bounty of the Valley
with events that reach more supporters across Washington state

Toppenish, Wash. — Heritage University celebrated the 40th anniversary of its signature fundraising event, the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner and Paddle Raise, by expanding the tradition beyond the Yakima Valley for the first time in its history. Through two separate celebrations, the first in Seattle and the second in Toppenish, the university reached more supporters across Washington state while commemorating four decades of scholarship impact. Together, the events raised a record $1,941,096 for student scholarships at Heritage University.

The first event was held Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Georgetown Ballroom in Seattle. More than 150 guests from across western Washington gathered for an evening that brought together longtime friends of Heritage University and many new supporters eager to learn more about the university’s mission and the students it serves.

The event provided guests with the opportunity to meet Heritage students, hear firsthand stories of perseverance and achievement, and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative impact of higher education. Throughout the evening, attendees discovered what has inspired generations of supporters to invest in Heritage’s mission of expanding educational opportunity for students who might otherwise be left behind. The overwhelming enthusiasm and generosity of those in attendance demonstrated that communities throughout Washington state are eager to support meaningful work that changes lives and strengthens families for generations to come.

The second celebration took place Saturday, June 6, 2026, on Heritage University’s campus in Toppenish. More than 220 guests attended the milestone event, enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared by longtime restaurateurs John Gasparetti and Brad Patterson while hearing firsthand from students whose educational journeys have been transformed through scholarship support. Students shared powerful stories of perseverance and achievement, illustrating how scholarships are creating brighter futures not only for themselves, but also for their families and communities.

Heritage University was honored to welcome acclaimed American opera singer Ann McPhail as a performer at both Bounty of the Valley celebrations. Her powerful and inspiring performances complemented the evening’s student testimonials, underscoring the life-changing impact that scholarship opportunities made possible through the generosity of donors have on Heritage students and their families.

David Wise, Senior Vice President for Advancement and Marketing at Heritage University, said the decision to expand the Bounty of the Valley reflects the university’s belief that Heritage’s mission resonates far beyond the Yakima Valley. He noted that people from all walks of life are inspired by the determination of Heritage students and eager to support their success once they learn about the university’s impact.

“For 40 years, Bounty of the Valley has connected our supporters with the incredible stories of determination, perseverance, and achievement that define our students,” Wise said. “We know that Heritage’s mission of expanding opportunity through education speaks to generous people wherever they live. Once they meet our students and learn about the challenges they have overcome and the dreams they are pursuing, they want to be part of that journey. By bringing the Bounty to Seattle, we’re making it easier for more people to experience that inspiration firsthand and join us in transforming students’ lives.”

The Toppenish celebration was also livestreamed through the Heritage University website, allowing supporters across the country to participate in the event. Those who were unable to attend can still support Heritage students by viewing program highlights and make a gift at Heritage.edu/bounty.

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

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Heritage University to Celebrate 40 Years of Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner and Paddle Raise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University celebrates 40 Years of Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner and Paddle Raise

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Heritage University is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its signature fundraising event, the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner and Paddle Raise, a tradition that for four decades has transformed lives by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for student scholarships and opening doors to educational opportunities.

This year’s milestone celebration will take place Saturday, June 6, 2026, on the Heritage University campus in Toppenish, Wash. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for an evening bringing together alumni, community leaders, donors, supporters, and students to celebrate the impact of scholarship support and invest in student success. As always, a delicious dinner will be created by John Gasparetti and Brad Patterson of Yakima leads the evening, with dinner starting at 5:00 p.m., followed by the evening program at 7:00 p.m.

Guests will hear directly from Heritage students whose lives have been changed through scholarship opportunities. Students will share personal stories highlighting how financial support has helped create opportunities not only for themselves, but also for their families and communities.

David Wise, Senior Vice President for Advancement and Marketing at Heritage University, said the event’s 40-year legacy reflects the community’s long-standing commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals. “For 40 years, Bounty of the Valley has represented the power of a community coming together to invest in students and change lives,” Wise said. “Every scholarship awarded through the generosity of our supporters creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, impacting families, strengthening communities, and helping students achieve their dreams. Celebrating this milestone reminds us how meaningful that impact continues to be.”

The 40^th Anniversary of the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner and Paddle Raise in Toppenish will be livestreamed at 7:00 p.m. at heritage.edu/bounty for those who cannot attend in person but still wish to hear the students’ stories and support student scholarships.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Yakima, Wash. – Heritage University will celebrate the Class of 2026 at Commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Undergraduate and graduate degrees will be conferred upon students graduating from the Heritage Toppenish campus and the Tri-Cities regional site. Overall, 249 students earned their degrees at Heritage this year.

This year’s Commencement address will be presented by Helena Lourdes Donato-Sapp, a 16-year-old activist, youth poet laureate and artist recognized globally for disability advocacy and educational leadership. Donato-Sapp is a prolific writer with numerous peer-reviewed publications and is also a nationally regarded, award-winning poet and sought-after keynote speaker who addresses thousands of educators annually across the United States and internationally.

Heritage University will present the 2026 Violet Lumley Rau Outstanding Alumnus Award to Dr. Nayeli Berenice Aranda Hernandez (B.S.W. Social Work, 2016). Dr. Aranda is a dedicated educator, advocate, and community leader whose work embodies the spirit of the Violet Lumley Rau Alumni of the Year Award. A graduate of Heritage with a bachelor’s in social work, she has gone on to earn both a master’s degree in clinical social work and a Doctorate in Education, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and commitment to lifelong learning.

The Yakima Valley SunDome is located at 1301 South Fair Avenue in Yakima. Parking is free. Additional information is available online at heritage.edu/commencement. For more information, contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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

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

Heritage University to host Career Fair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University to host Career Fair on March 26, 2026

Toppenish, Wash. – Yakima Valley job seekers will be able to connect with employers during the Heritage University Career Fair on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The Career Fair will be held in Smith Family Hall located inside the Arts and Science Center from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Career Fair is a collaboration between WorkSource Yakima and Heritage University. Representatives from 25 companies will be available to share career opportunities their firms have to offer. They will be recruiting for entry level and professional positions. The event will also help employers learn more about opportunities to host interns and work with academic programs at Heritage.

Organizations attending the Career Fair include:

Astria Health-Sunnyside	Catholic Charities	Church and Page Law Firm	Community Health of Central Washington	Comprehensive Healthcare
Davita	EPIC	Fort Simcoe Job Corps	Generational Care	Grandview School District
Heartlinks Hospice	Inspire Development Centers	Kittitas Valley Hospital	MultiCare Yakima Memorial	Navarro-ATL Hanford Lab Management
PNWU	RN for Nuclear Care Partners	The Terraces at Summitview	Tree Top	US Army
US Navy	Washington State Patrol	Yakama Nation	Yakima County	Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic

The total number of participating employers may increase as the date of the Career Fair approaches. Attendees can also learn about resources offered by other institutions, including the Central Washington Disability Resources, Life Options, the Washington State Department of Revenue – WFTC Division, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, OIC of Washington, and more. Heritage University students attending the fair can also learn about the HU Adelante STEM program, the HU MIT Program, the HU Sage Program, and more.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Renteria-Lopez, HU Student Life Director at (509) 834-9549 or Renteria-Lopez_J@heritage.edu, or Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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

Crystal Sampson

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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Call for Proposals Announced for Third Annual Conference on Intersectionality: Intersectionality in Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Call for Proposals Announced for Third Annual Conference on Intersectionality: Intersectionality in Action

April 18, 2026 | 12:00–4:00 p.m. EST | Virtual Conference

Toppenish, Wash. – The Third Annual Conference on Intersectionality is now accepting proposals for keynote presentations and conference sessions for its 2026 convening, Intersectionality in Action, taking place on April 18, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. EST.

Vikki Carpenter, Ph.D.

Conference co-founder Dr. Vikki Carpenter of Heritage University, who also serves as chair with Dr. Bea Desantiago of the University of Minnesota, Mankato, invites scholars, practitioners, activists, educators, and community leaders to submit proposals that highlight applied, engaged, and transformative intersectional work. The theme, Intersectionality in Action, emphasizes moving beyond theory to showcase real-world impact across research, pedagogy, policy, community engagement, and institutional change.

Beatriz Desantiago-Fjelstad, Ed.D.

“Intersectionality in Action is about moving beyond discussion and into practice,” said Dr. Carpenter. “This conference creates space for scholars, practitioners, educators, activists, and community leaders to share applied and transformative work that is making a real-world impact,” she said. “We are especially interested in proposals that demonstrate how intersectional approaches are shaping research, pedagogy, policy, and community engagement in meaningful and measurable ways.”

Proposals are welcome for keynote presentations, individual papers or presentations, and panels, workshops, or roundtables. Keynote proposals are due March 15, 2026. Proposals for individual presentations, panels, workshops, and roundtables are due April 1, 2026, with session lengths ranging from 15 to 45 minutes.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, intersectionality in policy, law, criminal justice, and governance; community-engaged and participatory research; intersectional pedagogy and curriculum design; arts-based, narrative, and cultural approaches; organizing across identities and social movements; health equity and social justice; and institutional transformation and applied practice.

Submission guidelines and proposal forms are available at conferenceonintersectionality.com. For more information, please contact Vikki Carpenter at carpenter_v@heritage.edu.

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New website uses data to highlight trends on the Yakama Nation Reservation

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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Comments sought for Heritage University accreditation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comments sought for Heritage University accreditation

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Its accreditation status was most recently reaffirmed in spring 2019 after the acceptance of the university’s mid-cycle evaluation.

On April 22 – 24, 2026, NWCCU’s accreditation evaluation team will be visiting Heritage University to confirm and verify the content of the university’s Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness Report through collegial and compliance peer review and feedback for continuous improvement. As part of the process, Heritage University invites third party entities to submit their signed, written comments to:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165^th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558-4224

For electronic third-party comments, please use the link to access NWCCU’s electronic submission portal.

Comments must be received by the Commission no later than April 12, 2026. The NWCCU will consider all comments on Heritage University’s qualifications for accreditation. All signed comments will be forwarded, as received, to Heritage University, the evaluation committee, and the Commission.

To obtain a copy of Communication with Accreditation Constituencies go to www.nwccu.org and visit the Policies page on the website, or contact the Commission office at (425) 558-4224.

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