Dr. Andrew Sund’s Campus Farewell Party

Heritage University Announces the Appointment of Its Fourth President

Headshot of Dr. Chris Gilmer

Dr. Christopher Gilmer

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Announces the Appointment of Its Fourth President

Toppenish, WA – The Board of Directors of Heritage University is pleased to announce the appointment of its fourth president, Dr. Christopher Gilmer, effective July 1, 2025.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Chris as the next President of Heritage University. He brings a wealth of valuable experience in serving historically-underserved, rural, first-generation students. Chris has served as president of two Appalachian universities, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and West Virginia University Potomac State College. He has served as a faculty member and administrator at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Tougaloo College, in Jackson, Mississippi, where he is currently Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice and has served on the college’s Board of Trustees, as well as one Hispanic-Serving Institution, Adams State University in Colorado, where he was Vice President for Academic Affairs. He is the founder of the National Institutes for Historically-Underserved Students.

Chris’s passion for higher education and commitment to expanding opportunities for underserved communities make him the ideal leader to continue to shape the future of Heritage as a vital resource for the region.

When asked about stepping into this role, Chris said, “Heritage University creates access to the education that makes dreams come true. My family sacrificed everything for me to be the first to attend college, and my life is living proof of their sacrifice. Education is the great equalizer because it unlocks transformational power in families and communities. It changes lives, and since I can never repay my ancestors, I am committed to paying it forward. After meeting the Heritage family, the students, faculty, staff, directors, alumni, and friends of the university, I can truly think of no place in the world that I would rather continue my mission and join it with the mission of this special place and its warm and welcoming people. I am filled with hope and gratitude.”

The selection of a new president is one of the HU Board of Directors’ most significant responsibilities, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the WittKieffer Executive Search team for their exceptional work in conducting this comprehensive national search, which identified outstanding candidates who understood and believed in Heritage University’s mission. We also want to acknowledge and thank the search committee, Board of Directors, faculty, staff, students, and the entire Heritage family for their integral roles in this process.

As we prepare for this transition, we extend our most profound appreciation to Dr. Andrew Sund who has provided extraordinary leadership over the past eight years. Under his guidance, Heritage University has continued to offer excellent educational opportunities and services to regional students. Thank you, Dr. Sund, for your unwavering dedication and service.

The transition between Dr. Sund and Dr. Gilmer will begin soon, ensuring a smooth and collaborative process. We look forward to introducing Chris and his family to the Heritage community and are confident that his leadership will ensure continued progress and innovation.

Heritage University remains deeply committed to continuing to empower a multicultural and inclusive student body. Rooted in the homeland of the Yakama Nation, Heritage University embraces transformational, student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to a more just society. We are confident that Chris will build on the foundation established by all who have led and invested in Heritage University.

For more information or for help with coordinating interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 (c) or (509) 865-0371 (o) or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University Land Acknowledgement

 

Heritage University formally signed a Land Acknowledgement Statement on November 10, 2021, recognizing the Indigenous peoples as the traditional stewards of the land in central Washington on which Heritage is located, and the Yakama Nation’s enduring relationship with their territory. The statement, signed by tribal elder Kip Ramsey and Heritage University president Andrew Sund, marks the university’s first official acknowledgement of this connection. Maxine Janis, Ed.D., President’s Liaison for Native American Affairs, emphasized that the Land Acknowledgement Statement provides a consistent and official message of respect for the land. Sol Neely, Ph.D., associate professor of English at Heritage and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who helped write the statement, highlighted its role in strengthening ties with the Yakama Nation and promoting long-term actions to support Indigenous students.

Heritage University Land Acknowledgement Statement:

 

Heritage University Land Acknowledgement

Heritage University Land Acknowledgement

STEM educators invited to STEM education empowerment event at Heritage University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STEM educators invited to STEM education empowerment event at Heritage University

Toppenish, Wash. – Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instructors in the Yakima Valley are invited to attend “STEM in Action 2023,” an educators’ summit at Heritage University on Saturday, October 14, 2023. At STEM in Action, high-energy speakers and leaders in STEM education will empower and inspire teachers with innovative teaching methods, explore cutting-edge STEM resources, and engage with fellow educators who also share your passion for nurturing curiosity and critical thinking in students.

STEM in Action speakers include:

Joe Marquez – educator, technology leader and the Director of Academic Innovation for CUE. Marquez is also the co-host of the Sons of Technology podcast and YouTube channel.

Tyler Rablin – tech coach, educator, author, and presenter. Rablin is known for creating intentional technology integrations and assessment strategies that build a culture of learning.

David Stiner – Career & Technical Education teacher at Toppenish School District and education consultant. Stiner teaches computer science and graphic arts with a focus on getting students ready for the workforce.

Suzanne Depoe – Google test engineer. Depoe leads the way in expanding STEM studies for Indigenous students throughout the United States by bringing robotics programming to tribal communities.

STEM in Action 2023 is co-sponsored by Toppenish School District and Heritage University and will be held on October 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $40 and will earn educators clock hours. Lunch will be provided. Interested educators should act now, registration for STEM in Action 2023 closes October 9, 2023. To register, visit www.bit.ly/stemsummit23. For more information, please contact Barb Moses at bmoses@toppenish.wednet.edu or Maggie Dawson at dawson_m@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University to hold ribbon-cutting for campus food pantry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University to hold ribbon-cutting for campus food pantry

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for “Eagles Market,” a new food pantry that will serve students, faculty and staff and their families. Eagles Market is in the Sr. Elizabeth Simkins Hall on the west side of the Heritage University campus in Toppenish. The ribbon-cutting will take place Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Eagles Market will address food insecurity among students and their families. Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to nutritious food. Many college students face financial challenges and struggle to afford sufficient and healthy meals as they balance school, studying and family life. By establishing a food pantry, Heritage helps ensure that students have access to nutritious food especially when they are away from campus.

Corey Hodge, VP of Student Affairs at Heritage, said the food pantry can contribute to the overall well-being and health of students by providing regular access to nutritious food. “In a recent student survey, many respondents said having a food pantry would reduce the stress of having to find food and allow them to concentrate on their studies and help them do better in school,” said Hodge. “By providing a reliable source of food, Heritage and its benefactors show their commitment to support the well-being of students and foster an environment conducive to learning.”

Eagles Market is made possible through the generosity of the Kwik Lok Corporation in Yakima, Wash., and an anonymous donor in Washington state. The owners of Kwik Lok say supporting projects like the Eagles Market at Heritage University completely aligns with their mission that creates an inclusive culture that fosters innovation to increase the success of its customers and health of the planet. “One of the ways we walk our values at Kwik Lok is building partnerships to increase our impact in our communities. Our support of the Heritage Food Pantry is crucial in fostering a compassionate community where no one goes hungry. Together, we can make a difference, nourishing not only bodies but also the spirit of solidarity within our local community.”

The grants have also allowed Heritage to hire a food pantry coordinator who will oversee the operation of Eagles Market. Heritage has secured a relationship with Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) in Yakima to supply frozen, refrigerated, and non-perishable food items to the food pantry, where they will be safely stored and packaged for distribution.

For Eagles Market operating hours and for more information, visit heritage.edu/eaglesmarket.

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Heritage University to Host El Grito de Independencia Celebration in Commemoration of Mexican Independence Day

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University to Host El Grito de Independencia Celebration in Commemoration of Mexican Independence Day

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is delighted to announce its upcoming El Grito de Independencia celebration, scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This lively event will be held at the picturesque Toppenish campus, in commemoration of Mexican Independence Day.

El Grito de Independencia pays homage to the historical “Cry of Dolores,” a pivotal moment in Mexican history that ignited the Mexican War of Independence against Spanish rule. The re-enactment of this event will take place at 7:30 p.m. A distinguished representative from the Mexican Consulate in Seattle will lead the El Grito ceremony.

Promising an array of vibrant Mexican-style activities and games, El Grito will be an engaging affair for all attendees. The event will be animated by the dynamic hosting of DJ David Soto and the lively performances of Grupo Vico and folklore dance group Raíces de mi pueblo. Families can look forward to a multitude of attractions, including traditional Loteria games, engaging kid crafts, an assortment of food and beverages, captivating traditional dance performances, live music, and an informative resource fair.

The celebration will be open to the public, and admission is entirely free, reflecting Heritage University’s commitment to community engagement and cultural celebration.

For individuals and businesses interested in becoming vendors at El Grito de Independencia, there are still limited vendor opportunities available. To register as a vendor, contact Jennifer Renteria-Lopez via email at renteria-lopez_j@heritage.edu or phone at (509) 517-2040.

For media inquiries, please contact: Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University announces Fall 2019 Dean’s List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University announces Fall 2019 Dean’s List

Toppenish, Wash. – The following are students who earned a place on the Heritage University Dean’s List for the fall 2019 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must be full-time, matriculated undergraduates who have earned semester grade point averages of 3.5 or better.

Marisa Abarca-Perez, Kennewick Brisel Acuna, Yakima Gissell Aguilar, Sunnyside
Paulina Alcala, Yakima Deyci Alejandre, Toppenish Maritza Alvarez, Sunnyside
Yessyca Alvarez, Grandview Yanett Alvarez, Yakima Carmela Andrade, Mattawa
Eilee Andujo, Prosser Ana Aparicio, Yakima Adrian Araiza, Yakima
Rosalinda Arreola, Toppenish Hema Balderas, Wapato Yosi Barajas, Yakima
Michelle Barba, Union Gap Anjuli Barragan, Toppenish Maria Barrios, Union Gap
Grace Bennett, Kennewick Sulem Bernal, Sunnyside Alyson Blair, Kennewick
Jeanne Blakeman, Pasco Abigail Bravo, Sunnyside Chandler Brimley, Kennewick
Alyssa Buck, Mattawa Jesus Buenrostro, Yakima Ruben Bustamante, Toppenish
Daisy Bustamante Orduno, Granger Roma Cantu, Toppenish Jennifer Cantu, Prosser
Brooke Capetillo, Toppenish Jenny Careaga, West Richland Juan Castaneda, Toppenish
Marlene Castillo, Yakima Leslie Castillo, Sunnyside Andrea Ceja, Toppenish
Jocelyn Celis Torres, Wapato Kevin Cervantes, Pasco Jesus Cervantes Valencia, Yakima
Diana Chavez Cerda, Yakima Maria Ciriaco, Toppenish Noemi Cisneros, Wapato
Isaiah Cisneros, Toppenish Ana Cisneros Chavez, Sunnyside Karina Colin, Sunnyside
Yuliana Colin-Flores, Pasco Madison Contreras, Pasco Melissa Correa, Pasco
Esmeralda Correa, Pasco Guadalupe Cortes, Wapato Almarosa Cortez, Wapato
Estefani Cruz, Wapato Vanessa Cruz, Pasco Alondra Cruz-Valladares, Yakima
Ashley Davis, Naches Xavier Day, Toppenish Connie Delacruz, Yakima
Esperanza Delgado, Toppenish Katherine Di Biase, Kennewick Keila Diaz, Granger
Irvin Diaz Tapia, Yakima Ginger Dingus, Kennewick Chestina Dominguez, Toppenish
Amanda Donelson, Kennewick Ashley Douglas, Yakima Kaylee Drummond, Richland
McKenzie Durand, Yakima Taylor Ebbelaar, Grandview Amanda Epler-Alegria, Kennewick
Jocelyne Espinoza, Yakima Kaulin Everham, Kennewick Sandra Feria, Grandview
Krisana Fernandez, Sunnyside Artemio Flores, Toppenish Erick Flores, Toppenish
Julia Flores, Toppenish Zahira Flores Gaona, Yakima Luis Garcia, Outlook
Evelyn Garcia, Wapato Leticia Garcia, Granger Esmeralda Garcia, Wapato
Jose Garcia, Wapato Jacqueline Garcia-Hernandez, Outlook Marlenne Garibay, Sunnyside
Dorothy Garwood, Prosser Anahi Garza, Richland Rigoberto Garza, West Richland
Enedeo Garza-Ramirez, Toppenish Samantha Gilmore, Yakima Irwin Godinez-Cruz, Toppenish
Lesly Gomez, Yakima Tania Gomez, Pasco Carmen Gonzales, Toppenish
Anayeli Gonzalez, Othello Zoe Gonzalez, Prosser Mariah Gonzalez, Toppenish
Noe Gonzalez, Toppenish Sandra Gonzalez, Kennewick Heather Gooss, Yakima
Kamimsa Goudy, Toppenish Jason Grajales, Brownstown Heidy Granados Lopez, Kennewick
Steven Greenwald, Richland Anna Griffith, Kennewick Shelby Groth, Selah
Sonia Guerrero, Toppenish Yazmine Guido, Yakima Kaylyn Gunnier, Zillah
Alexis Guzman, Pasco Martha Guzman, Yakima Yuli Guzman, Yakima
Anayeli Hermoso-Sedano, Yakima Stephanie Hernandez, Wapato Lizbeth Hernandez Islas, Yakima
Maira Hernandez-Gonzalez, Sunnyside Paola Herrera, Kennewick Ruby Herrera, Sunnyside
Bethany Herring, Kennewick Pete Herron, Yakima Tracie Hicks, Kennewick
Christina Holland, Kennewick Samantha Horvath, Kennewick Nansi Iniguez, Zillah
Guadalupe Iniguez, Zillah Kaneeta Jeffery- Zack, Zillah Leonila Jimenez, Toppenish
Zuzeth Jimenez, Toppenish Samanta Jimenez, Pasco Irene Jimenez, Toppenish
David Juarez, Yakima Kathleen Kasper, Richland Ekman Kaur, Kennewick
Wendy Kleppin, West Richland Viktoriia Konko, Kennewick Valentyn Konko, Kennewick
Julia Korotkov, Richland Maria Lechuga, Wapato Shiraz Lefeber, Pasco
Ilse Leyva Manzanarez, Yakima Yovana Leyva-Carmona, Wapato Andres Lima Elias, Othello
Mark Litka, Richland Elvira Lopez, Toppenish Yezie Lopez-Perez, Yakima
Kassandra Luna, Union Gap Daisy Luna, Wapato Jennifer Macias, Toppenish
Yareli Madrigal Luna, Pasco Herminia Magdaleno, Yakima Yaritza Maravilla, Toppenish
Elisa Mariscal, Toppenish Natalie Martinez, Sunnyside Alondra Martinez, Wapato
Dulce Martinez, Sunnyside Daisy Martinez, Wapato Andrea Martinez-Santiago, Toppenish
MaKayla Mathews, Richland Christina Mattson, Richland Stephanie Maybee, Selah
Judit Medina, Kennewick Luis Medina, Zillah Kailyn Mendez, Yakima
Debbie Mendez, Yakima Miguel Mendoza, Toppenish Andrea Mendoza, Yakima
Yesenia Mendoza, Mattawa Guadalupe Mendoza, Umatilla Jazmin Mendoza, Pasco
Stephanie Mendoza, Mabton Valentin Mendoza, Grandview Juan Mendoza Mendoza, Yakima
Alondra Mendoza-Gomez, Pasco Diana Meraz, Tieton Cassandra Mercado, Kennewick
Celine Michael, Yakima Priscila Montiel, Yakima Brenda Montoya-Roman, Yakima
Payton Moore, Richland Shamira Moore, Yakima Elizabeth Moreno, Yakima
Gabriela Moreno, Toppenish James Muggli, Kennewick Diana Najera, Union Gap
Susana Naranjo, Yakima Joselin Navarrete, Yakima Guadalupe Navarro, Sunnyside
Carrington Nevard, Richland Edith Noriega, Sunnyside David Olden, Yakima
Arlene Olea, Sunnyside Meaghan Oliver, Richland Elizabeth Orozco, Grandview
Kitzely Ortega, Pasco Esther Osorio Rangel, Parker Liliana Padilla, Grandview
Joaquin Padilla, Toppenish Miguel Palma, Yakima Yerim Park, Yakima
Marlene Paz, Kennewick Yolanda Penaloza, Grandview Ana Perez, Pasco
Hunter Perez, Kennewick Eric Philipp-Petrick, Yakima Allison Platsman, Sunnyside
Angela Ponce, Zillah Ruby Prieto, Grandview Kristina Prikhodko, Kennewick
Hunter Pryse, Yakima Dennise Quebrado, Yakima Maria Quezada, Grandview
Blanca Quiroz Marin, Prescott Stephanie Rabanales, Sunnyside Adrian Ramirez, Toppenish
Alexandra Ramirez, Yakima Elizabeth Ramirez, Toppenish Stephanie Ramirez, Pasco
Viridiana Ramirez, Pasco Briceida Ramos, Grandview Olivia Ramos Alvarez, Kennewick
Rosa Rangel, Connell Anyssa Rebollero, Yakima Rocio Regis, Toppenish
Araceli Regis, Toppenish Karen Reyes, White Swan Gloria Reyes, Granger
Juan Carlos Reyes Francisco, Buena Anitramarina Reyna, Yakima Makenzie Richardson, Selah
Viviana Rico, Pasco Rosa Rios, Moxee Morgan Roberts, Kennewick
Adriana Rodriguez, Kennewick Marisol Rodriguez, Yakima Lizbeth Rodriguez, Wapato
Cassandra Rodriguez, Grandview Karina Rodriguez-Escalera, Yakima Monica Romero Castro, Grandview
Leidy Rosales, Pasco Eva Rosenow, Kennewick Rosario Ruiz, Yakima
Milca Ruiz M, Richland Ella Ryadinskiy, Kennewick Rhonda Ryan, Richland
Ana Saldana-Carrillo, West Richland Kathleen Sanchez, Toppenish Jenny Sanchez, Toppenish
Katellin Santiago, Toppenish Angelita Santillan, Pasco Aiyh Sarama, Sunnyside
Danielle Sauceda, Pasco Robert Schreiber, Yakima Delia Serna, Sunnyside
Karly Serrano, Yakima Ida Shock, Toppenish Gabriel Sillas Ramos, Grandview
Yanna Slutskaya, Kennewick Jeniya Slutskaya, Kennewick April Smith, Selah
Jacob Snell, Kennewick Daniela Solis, Yakima Diana Solorio, Granger
Gerardo Soto, Toppenish Maria Soto-Galvan, Yakima Miriam Soto-Guillen, Wapato
Cody Stamper, Pasco Anothony Stewart, Yakima Nathan Thompson, Yakima
LisaLyn Tormey, Yakima Maribel Torres, Richland Yanet Torres, Zillah
James Torres, Grandview Yoana Torres, Sunnyside Brayan Torres Gutierrez, Sunnyside
Daisy Vaca, Wapato Maria Vaca, Yakima Maria Valencia, Toppenish
Jazmin Valencia, Yakima Anakaren Valenzuela, Toppenish Jacquelyn Vargas, Yakima
Maria Vargas, Sunnyside Brenda Vasquez, Toppenish Teresita Vega, Yakima
Angelica Vela, Yakima Paola Villanueva, Sunnyside Alejandra Villasenor, Kennewick
Citlaly Villegas, Wapato Dawn Waheneka, Wapato Tori Wapsheli, Toppenish
Whisper Weber, Yakima Robyn Webster, Yakima Morgan White, Kennewick
Devin Williams, Kennewick Sara Wilz, Pasco Miranda Yale, Brownstown
Sonja Young, Kennewick Amarani Zamora-Portugal, Kennewick

 

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Seven-year accreditation reaffirmation reflects Heritage University’s commitment to higher education for all

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Seven-year accreditation reaffirmation reflects Heritage University’s commitment to higher education for all

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University President Dr. Andrew Sund announced two recent milestones that demonstrate Heritage University’s commitment to delivering higher education opportunities for all people of the Yakima Valley. The first, the reaffirmation of Heritage University’s accreditation by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) for another seven years, and the second, the adoption of a board-approved strategic plan for the University’s growth and continuous quality improvement through the year 2022.

Accreditation is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity, and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public. Eight accreditation evaluators visited Heritage University for five days in early April to review the institution’s seven-year self-evaluation report. Following their visit, the evaluators commended Heritage in five areas:

  1. The deep commitment of its faculty, staff, and administrators to the mission of the University, which guides them in outstanding support of transformative, student-centered education, developing leaders who embrace social justice and community engagement.
  2. Its dedicated, data-driven efforts to support student access and equity, as exemplified by the summer Math Bridge and English Academy programs that have enabled hundreds of students to advance from developmental to college-level study.
  3. The Center for Intercultural Learning and Teaching’s (CILT) dedication to the delivery of high quality and continuous faculty development in areas of program review and assessment, the use of classroom technology, cultural responsiveness and care of students, and pedagogy that supports academic excellence for all students.
  4. The culture of assessment among its professionally accredited undergraduate and graduate-level majors and programs.
  5. Its Board of Directors for advancing the mission of Heritage University through its strong leadership, engagement, advocacy, philanthropic support, and discerning recruitment of new members to the Board.

In a letter to Dr. Sund reaffirming Heritage University’s accreditation, NWCCU President Sonny Ramaswamy stated “The NWCCU is committed to an accreditation process that adds value to institutions while contributing to public accountability. This action was taken after consideration of the evidence, including the institution’s Self Evaluation Report, the Peer-Evaluation Report, and information received as part of the institutional representative meeting with NWCCU Commissioners.”

Dr. Sund represented Heritage at the NWCCU Commission meeting in Park City, Utah last month at which the Chair of the visiting team officially presented her report to the Commission. “I am happy to report that the commission accepted the report of the visiting team with no additional comments. It is a reflection of our faculty and staff’s ongoing commitment to achieving the Heritage mission and that we meet the Commission’s expectations for complying with the accreditation criteria,” said Dr. Sund. “The accreditation renewal reinforces our conviction in the Heritage mission to empower a multi-cultural and inclusive student body to overcome the social, cultural, economic and geographic barriers that limit access to higher education embracing a transformational student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to the promotion of a more just society. We will continue to support the initiatives that made the university what it is and develop new programs that are responsive to the needs of students and the Yakima Valley community we serve.”

Recent initiatives demonstrating the University’s commitment to the valley include:

  1. Strengthening the University’s relationship with Yakama Nation: This year instituting the Full Circle Scholarship which allows enrolled members of the Yakama Nation to attend Heritage with no out of pocket expense for tuition.
  2. Reinforcing alliances with both Yakima Valley College and Columbia Basin College to make seamless the transfer process for their students.
  3. Adding the Heritage@Work, workforce development unit, to enhance training and development opportunities for local industries in preparing their employees for increasingly challenging positions within their organizations.
  4. Enhancing the University’s partnership with Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) through shared programs including the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA): Both preparing graduates to succeed as innovative leaders in the delivery of healthcare in the Yakima Valley and nationwide.
  5. Developing closer ties with Valley High Schools: Students can participate in the University’s “New Horizons” program that allows their students to earn college credit while still in high school at no cost; and establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Yakima School District (YSD) to become the primary provider of free college credits for College in the High School classes for YSD’s A.C. Davis and Eisenhower students.

The Strategic Plan adopted by HU’s 30-member board of directors in June lays out a roadmap for growth and continuous quality improvement at Heritage through December 31, 2022. The initiatives embraces are directed at growing the offering of services to students. These include implementing programs to meet the transportation, health resources and nutritional needs of students; completing a feasibility study on having on-campus housing; and implementing a sports program. “I’ve been blessed to work with faculty and staff who are dedicated to designing programs that further our mission,” said Dr. Sund. “Thousands have trusted this institution to transform their lives through their Heritage experience, and our strategic plan and renewed accreditation only embolden our intention to do just that.”

In addition to regional accreditation of the University, several programs at Heritage are accredited by accrediting bodies responsible for certifying competency in specific programs. They are as follows:

Medical Laboratory Science: The MLS program at Heritage is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Lab Sciences (NAACLS).

Education: State of Washington approval through the Professional Education Standards Board (PESB) has been granted to the following education programs: Residency Teacher; and Residency Principal/Program Administrator.

Nursing: The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Heritage University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. It is also approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Social Work: The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) effective with the class of 1997. The program was re-accredited in 2019.

Physician Assistant: At its September 2018 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) extended Accreditation-Probation status for the Heritage University Physician Assistant program until its next review in September 2020.

For more information, contact David Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Bountiful Giving and Grateful Hearts

Nearly three-quarters of a million dollars! That is what Heritage’s generous donors contributed to support student scholarships in a single night at the 33rd annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner.

“Scholarship Dinner is one of the most magical evenings of the year,” said David Wise, vice president for Advancement. “I say this all the time; Heritage is truly blessed with some of the most gracious and generous friends and donors. The work we do here at this university simply would not be possible without their continued commitment. Some of our most ardent supporters come year-after-year, for 10, 20 even 30 years in a row, to be part of this great event that celebrates our students and ensures that they, and future generations of students, can access a quality college education here in the Yakima Valley. Their commitment to this institution and our students is truly heartwarming and humbling.”

The event brought 250 people to the university campus on the first day of June, and raised a total of $742,275 in gifts that came in through a combination of sponsorships, table sales and paddle raises. This brings to the total raised since its inception to more than $7-million.

“One of the things that makes this so beautiful is who is giving,” said Wise. “Most universities have a deep alumni base that stretches over many generations, and their alums are by far their greatest source of contributions. Heritage is a young institution. We do not have that same luxury. Our donors are, for the most part, complete strangers to the students in whom they are investing. They give to Heritage, to our students, because they believe in the power of education, in the ability of Heritage to deliver that education, and in our students’ capability to succeed, graduate and make a real difference in the world.”

The event, with its gourmet meals, fine wines and attention to details, has a reputation for being one of the premier dinners of its kind in the Yakima Valley. Local favorite Gasperetti’s Gourmet Restaurant catered the four-course meal, and O Wines and Columbia Crest provided the wine. An original piece of artwork by Central Washington artist Rich Kimura—a work created from folded vintage fruit labels that is a cross between origami and a kaleidoscope image—set the feel for the evening. And of course, the students themselves take the starring role, hosting the evening and sharing their stories with the guests.

 

Board members Rick Linneweh and John Reeves.

The night’s grand total: $742,275 raised!

Guests raise their numbers high to make their gifts during the paddle raise at the end of the evening.

Recent graduate Shelby Clark, B.S.N., Nursing, shared a bit about her journey and the importance of scholarships.

Vice President for Advancement David Wise leads the paddle raise.

Dr. Andrew Sund and his wife, Norma Chaidez raise their paddles to support scholarships.

Bertha Ortega, Senator Curtis King, Ester Huey

Jim Barnhill sports his Heritage jersey emblazoned with his Boy Scouts number and Scholarship Dinner paddle raise number.

Retired Rep. Norm Johnson and Sharon Young

All Nations Student Powwow

Heritage freshman Candice Chief Scabbyrobe dances in the women’s jingle competition.

The gloom of an early spring storm couldn’t keep away serious powwow dancers and singers who came out for Heritage’s 3rd annual All Nations Student Powwow in April. More than 500 people came to the campus for the one-day event, which featured drumming, singing and dance competitions, as well as storytelling, a stick game and wápaas (basket) weaving demonstrations. And of course, vendors selling everything from Indian fry bread tacos to hand-crafted jewelry to blankets and t-shirts filled the grounds.

This is the third year that Silas Martinez has competed at the Heritage powwow. Here he is dancing in the boys junior traditional competition.

The powwow is hosted by the university’s two Native American student organizations, the American Indigenous Business Leaders of Heritage University (AIBL) and the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC). Student volunteers plan, organize and host the event.

“The powwow affirms our community’s place on our campus. We can celebrate our culture while also sharing it with our larger Central Washington community,” said Keegan Livermore, HUNAC president and powwow organizer.

Chris Paul Jr. was one of the many who entered the hand drum singing competition.

Dancers of all ages competed in men’s and women’s traditional, fancy, grass and jingle dance competitions—from tiny tots (children who are under five years old) to adults over 55. Kids 17 and under competed in the Stan Strong Special, which was hosted to bring awareness to suicide prevention. During one particularly meaningful special dance, a crowd of men, women and children — some in regalia and some in street clothes — danced around three featureless mannequins dressed in red. The REDgalia blanket dance raised money and awareness of missing and murdered indigenous women in the Yakima Valley and beyond.

Competitors in full regalia joined the grand entry into the arena to start the day.

The drum group Chute #8 served as head drum for the powwow. Heritage University board member and long-time supporter Arlen Washines, deputy director for Yakama Nation Human Services, was the master of ceremonies for the third year running. Karen Umtuch was the whip woman for the second year in a row. Caseymac Wallahee served as the arena director. Toppenish Longhouse catered the evening meal. The event was sponsored by Yakama Legends Hotel and the CIA Recruiting Program.

Ashley Crossing-Horse competes in the women’s traditional category.

 

Jason John dances during one of the inter- tribal dances between competitions.