An Outstanding Legacy
The Outstanding Alumnus Award was established at one of the first commencements of Heritage University. This award is bestowed annually to an alumnus who embodies the ideals of the University in their personal, professional and community lives.
An early recipient of this award was Violet Lumley Rau, one of two Yakama Indian women who, along with Dr. Kathleen Ross, co-founded Heritage University. Violet Rau was a member of the Yakama Nation and the Chair of the Board of Directors for four years early in the University’s history. Besides being an outstanding educator in Yakama Nation programs, Violet established a very successful entrepreneurial business in Indian arts and crafts, which marketed internationally and employed local Yakima Valley people. In 1994, Violet died unexpectedly while on a marketing trip. The Outstanding Alumnus Award was renamed in loving memory in her honor shortly thereafter in 1994.
Violet Lumley Rau Alumni Award Nomination Form
Established in 1994 in loving memory of Heritage University co-founder Violet Lumley Rau, this award is bestowed annually to an alumnus who embodies the ideals of Heritage in their personal, professional and community life.
Ideals include:
- Excellence
- Inclusion
- Perseverance
- Leadership
- Service
Both undergraduate and graduate degree holders are eligible for nomination.
Do you know an alumna or alumnus who has consistently lived out the mission and values of Heritage University? This is your opportunity to recognize them! The winner will be announced and formally recognized at the 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
The Alumni Award Nomination Committee will use the information gathered from this form in their deliberation process. Please be as detailed and accurate in your nomination as possible. The committee may contact you or the nominee for additional information.
The deadline for nominations for 2026 is Friday, April 3, 2026. All nominations received after that date will be considered for the 2027 award. For questions, please contact alumni@heritage.edu.
Previous Award Winners >>
Violet Lumley Rau Alumni Award Nomination 2026
Established in 1994, in loving memory of Heritage University co-founder, Violet Lumley Rau, this award is bestowed annually to an alumnus who embodies the ideals of the University in their personal, professional and community life. Ideals include: Excellence, Inclusion, Perseverance, Leadership and Service. Both undergraduate and graduate degree holders are eligible for nomination. Nominations for 2026 are due by Friday, April 3, 2026. Mandatory fields are marked with * Have more to say? Please email alumni@heritage.edu
2024 Violet Lumley Rau Award Recipient
Jennifer Johann
Jennifer Johann accepts the Violet Lumley Rau Alumni Award during the 42nd Annual HU Commencement in May, 2024
Ms. Jennifer Johann, B.A.Ed., Elementary Education, (2004)
M.Ed., Professional Development (2007)
Jennifer is a caring and passionate educator whose commitment to the children in her third-grade classroom is matched by her dedication to helping lift the field of education and the educational outcomes for all children in her community.
Jennifer has spent 19 years teaching in the Mount Adams School District and currently teaches third grade at Harrah Elementary School. Throughout her career, she’s built a rapport with her students that cemented her reputation as a teacher who truly cares. Outside of the classroom, she assists other Harrah Elementary students through her work as a 21st-century supervisor for the NCAC-Farmworkers Clinic after-school program. Additionally, she’s been involved in planning and executing numerous family and community events at her school that are designed to build unity and cultural appreciation.
An enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, Jennifer brings her cultural insights to her work, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the school and broader community. Among her many efforts, she created the Since Time Immemorial website for her district, which provides teacher and school resources that incorporate indigenous perspectives into education.
Her commitment to academic excellence is seen in the varying ways in which she helps other teachers build their professional skills. She’s served as a Tier 3 Project GLAD trainer, a Mount Adams instruction facilitator, and a student-teacher supervisor. Through this work, Jennifer is helping current and future teachers build their skills so they can work at their highest level and ensure quality education for all their students.