Please join us for an evening with friends, filled with music, inspiration, and an inside look at the future of America’s Essential University in the Tri-Cities.
INTRODUCING DR. CHRIS GILMER
4th President of Heritage University
Dr. Gilmer will share the experiences that shaped his commitment to educational access and student success, and his vision for Heritage’s future in the Tri-Cities. He will focus on how, together, we can create clearer pathways from high school to college and career for all students.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026
5:30 p.m.
333 W. Canal Dr.
Kennewick, WA
This is a 21+ event
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
GERARDO RUELAS
Costco
Director of Enterprise Corporate Systems and Platforms
Over his 15-year career at Costco, Heritage alumnus Gerardo Ruelas has moved up the ranks from working in one of the company’s retail warehouses to leading its international programs, including Costco’s expansion into China. In his presentation, How Schools Can Prepare Students for Employers Like Costco — and How Employers Can Partner with Schools, he offers a practical, employer- driven perspective on preparing graduates for today’s workforce and strengthening collaboration between education and industry.
LUCIA FLORES-WISEMAN
Finalist
NBC’s The Voice, Season 27
Lucia is a Mexican-American singer- songwriter from Seattle who stunned the nation with a four-chair turn during her blind audition on The Voice. She will inspire us with her talent during the evening reception.
The event is free. Space is limited. RSVP below.
