Dr. Andrew Sund’s Campus Farewell Party
Heritage University Announces the Appointment of Its Fourth President

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.
# # #
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
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.
# # #
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.
# # #
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.
# # #
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 |
# # #
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The culture of assessment among its professionally accredited undergraduate and graduate-level majors and programs.
- 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:
- 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.
- Reinforcing alliances with both Yakima Valley College and Columbia Basin College to make seamless the transfer process for their students.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
# # #
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.

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