The final celebration marking the inauguration of Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer felt less like the end of a series of events and more like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Held May 1 at Heritage University’s Kennewick regional site, the Tri-Cities gathering brought together alumni, educators, business leaders, elected officials, students, and community supporters for an evening centered on a shared belief: when communities work together, students thrive.

The event served as the culminating celebration of Gilmer’s inaugural year, a series of gatherings designed to introduce Heritage’s new president to communities across central Washington while highlighting the partnerships that make the university’s mission possible.

The evening’s theme, Building Tomorrow’s Leaders—Together, was woven throughout a program aptly referred to as a celebration in three acts.

ACT I The evening began in the facility’s grand atrium, where guests enjoyed a wine-and- small-bites reception. From the balcony above, Washington singer-songwriter Lucia Flores-Wiseman, a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, provided the soundtrack for the gathering. Her emotionally resonant performance and distinctive musical style created a warm and welcoming atmosphere as guests connected and celebrated Heritage’s growing presence in the Tri-Cities.

ACT II Guests then moved into the celebration hall for an inspiring program featuring Heritage board members, alumni, and President Gilmer. Board members and education leaders Saundra Hill, retired superintendent of Pasco School District, and Raul Sital, assistant superintendent of operations and supports for Pasco School District, shared their perspectives on Heritage’s impact on the region’s K–12 education system through its teacher preparation programs. Sital, who is also a Heritage alumnus, reflected on his own experience as a student and the role Heritage played in shaping his career.

Board member and business administration alumnus Gerardo Ruelas, CDS IT Director, Enterprise Corporate Systems & Platforms for Costco Wholesale, spoke about the rapidly changing business landscape and the importance of collaboration between employers and educational institutions. He emphasized the growing need for graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and prepared to navigate constant change.

Gilmer closed the program by sharing his vision for Heritage’s future in the Tri-Cities. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serving students throughout the region, highlighted the memorandum of understanding signed earlier that day with the City of Kennewick to create a University District surrounding the campus, and emphasized the importance of collaboration—not competition—among higher education institutions to ensure all students have opportunities to succeed.

ACT III The evening concluded on the second floor, where guests enjoyed dessert, campus tours, and Heritage-themed keepsakes. As conversations continued and new connections were made, attendees reflected on the university’s future and its expanding role in serving the educational and workforce needs of the Tri-Cities region.

While the event marked the close of Heritage’s inauguration celebrations, the energy throughout the evening suggested something else entirely: the university’s next chapter is already well underway.

 

A Vision for Downtown Kennewick

Preceding the Inauguration event, Heritage University and the City of Kennewick took an important step toward shaping the future of downtown Kennewick by signing a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for a University District surrounding Heritage’s Canal Drive location.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to educational access, workforce development, and economic growth while strengthening connections between the university and the surrounding community.

“Heritage University’s continued investment in downtown Kennewick represents an exciting opportunity for our city,” said Kennewick City Manager Erin Erdman. “A university district will help create a more vibrant, connected downtown while supporting educational access, economic development, and a strong future workforce for our community.”

President Chris Gilmer called the agreement an important milestone for both Heritage and the city. “We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort that will create new opportunities for students and contribute to the vitality of downtown Kennewick,” Gilmer said.