On May 9, families, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters filled the Yakima Valley SunDome to celebrate Heritage University’s Class of 2026. This year, 249 graduates from Heritage’s Toppenish campus and Tri-Cities regional site earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, marking the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination.

As graduates processed into the arena, they carried stories that have become hallmarks of the Heritage experience—first-generation students earning degrees, parents balancing family responsibilities with coursework, working adults returning to school, and students overcoming obstacles to achieve their educational goals.

This year’s commencement speaker, Helena Lourdes Donato-Sapp, challenged graduates to resist conformity and to embrace their ability to create change in the world around them. At just 16 years old, Donato-Sapp has earned international recognition as a disability rights advocate, youth poet laureate, artist, and educational leader. Through her writing, speaking, and activism, she has inspired audiences around the world to rethink inclusion, leadership, and opportunity.

In addition to the commencement speaker, two students represented the undergraduate and graduate classes. Alexis Mejia, B.A.Ed., Elementary Education, presented the undergraduate address, and Leilani Nazareth Valdez, M.S.W., Social Work, made the graduate address.

The ceremony also celebrated members of the Heritage community whose service and dedication have made a lasting impact on students. Dr. Nayeli Berenice Aranda Hernandez, a 2016 social work graduate, received the 2026 Violet Lumley Rau Outstanding Alumni Award. Aranda Hernandez has dedicated her career to supporting migrant students and families as a Migrant Graduation Specialist in Pasco. Her remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges to earning a doctorate and helping students achieve their own educational goals is featured in another story in this issue of Wings.

Heritage also recognized outstanding employees whose work exemplifies the university’s mission. Jacob Campbell, assistant professor of social work, was named Faculty Member of the Year for his commitment to student success and excellence in teaching. Recipients of the award are nominated and selected by Heritage students. Julie Moneymaker, physical plant supervisor, was honored as Staff Member of the Year for her dedication and service to the campus community.

While the awards highlighted individual achievement, the focus of the day remained firmly on the graduates. As degrees were conferred and tassels turned, the Class of 2026 joined thousands of Heritage alumni who are making a difference in their professions, communities, and families.