NEWS BRIEFS – Wings Summer 2023
World Class hops grower and breweries collaborate to brew scholarships for HU students
A newly developed varietal of hop created by John I Haas and named for Heritage University is making its way into Pacific Northwest craft beers that will help raise money for student scholarships.
Seattle’s Georgetown Brewing Company and Yakima-based Bale Breaker Brewery are partnering with John I Haas to use their new varietal to brew limited-edition lagers. Each brewery will unveil its craft brew this fall, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the beer going to Heritage University for student scholarships.
The brew masters are busy finalizing their recipes and flavor profiles, preparing to brew their first batch. Heritage friends and family can expect a sneak peek at special tasting events this fall. Details will be coming your way soon. 
Nursing program director receives professional award from state organization
Christina Nyirati, Ph.D., accepting the 2023 Nursing Educator Award from the Washington State Nurses Association in May, 2023.
Nursing program director Christina Nyirati, Ph.D., RN, was recently recognized by the Washington State Nurses Association for her nursing education work. During their May convention, the association awarded Nyirati the 2023 Nurse Educator award.
The awards are made biennially in celebration of individuals who have made substantial contributions positively impacting the nursing profession, the association, and the advancement of nurses. Nyirati was one of ten individuals recognized at this year’s event.
Heritage AIBL chapter places in top three at national business competition
From left to right: Shelby Yallup and Lillie Wesley
The Heritage Chapter of the American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) took home third place at the national competition in April. Students Shelby Yallup and Lillie Wesley presented the chapter’s business plan for its project, Career Closet. The project provides business attire to college students so they are ready for their internships and interviews.
AIBL is a national non-profit organization empowering Indigenous youth through business exploration and practices. While its focus is on business, it is open to students from all majors.
Vertical farming project for hands-on learning with a side of salad
HU student Eva Cervantes checks on the vegetables growing in a hydroponic machine located in the Eagle’s Cafe dining room at Heritage University.
When you think about a crop of lettuce growing for commercial consumption, a wall of greens encased in a plastic tower that resembles a tanning bed standing on end might not be the first image to come to mind. However, in Heritage’s Eagles Café, this vertical “field” of fresh lettuce is part of the university’s Environmental Science 101 class and a source of fresh lettuce for hungry students.
This spring, a single Flex Farm vertical hydroponic unit was installed in the university’s cafeteria. This self-contained unit takes up only 10 square feet of space and can grow 288 plants, up to 394 pounds of food. It has its own water system, LED light tower, and water flow pump.
“This unit provides our students with a unique experiential learning opportunity,” said Jessica Black, Ph.D., professor of environmental science and studies. “Students in our 101 and 102
classes will investigate the increasingly important role of vertical farming in agriculture, encompassing themes of both preparing for a sustainable future in water-stressed regions of the world and agrotechnology.”
The first crop of lettuce was harvested in early June and served in the café’s salads.
Heritage Enactus chapter and leadership recognized at national event
Enactus Heritage University president Andrea Ceja
When Heritage’s Enactus team traveled to Richardson, Texas, for the organization’s national exposition in April, they had no idea that they were about to be singled out from the pool of 223 chapters and 6,473 students nationwide.
HU Enactus received the award for Excellence in Efforts to Address the Sustainable Development Goals. The award came in response to four of its projects: Pantry of Hope, a food distribution program that happens in the winter; Women Rise Up, a women’s leadership program; Camp S.E.E.D., a youth financial and entrepreneurship summer day camp; and VITA, a volunteer tax preparation program for low-income community members.
In addition to their team’s recognition, HU Enactus President Andrea Ceja, a senior majoring in Business Administration, received the Enactus Executive Leader of the Year award.
Enactus is an international student organization where university chapters use innovation and entrepreneurship to identify and solve areas of need.