Name: Rooted Voices – Art Labs: Printmaking & Ceramics with Trimpin
Start: 2026-09-26T13:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-09-26T16:00:00-07:00
Location: Petrie Hall 1101

Heritage University to host two MacArthur fellows for Rooted Voices events

Rooted Voices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two MacArthur Fellows to come together at Heritage University for Rooted Voices

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Two nationally recognized MacArthur Fellows with deep ties to Washington state will come together at Heritage University this fall for Rooted Voices: Creative Exchange in Central Washington, a multi-day series exploring art, storytelling and community through workshops, public events and creative exchange.

The Heritage University series is one of a select number of projects chosen for Defying Boundaries: MacArthur Fellows at 45, a nationwide initiative celebrating the 45th anniversary of the MacArthur Fellowship program and the creative work of its recipients. The initiative highlights the creative courage and public engagement of MacArthur Fellows through projects that bring their work and ideas into communities.

Rooted Voices will feature Dr. Kathleen Ross, SNJM, co-founder and president emerita of Heritage University, and Trimpin, an internationally acclaimed German-born kinetic sculptor, sound artist and experimental inventor who lives and works in Seattle and Tieton, Washington. Both were named MacArthur Fellows in 1997.

Through the series, Ross and Trimpin will engage Heritage University students, community members and visitors through writing, art and creative exploration. Events are free and open to the public.

Rooted Voices Events

Welcome Event
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Smith Family Hall
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Fellows Kathleen Ross and Trimpin and their work will be introduced.

Writing Workshop
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Petrie Hall 1111
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The writing workshop will be led by Dr. Ross.

Art Labs: Printmaking & Ceramics
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Petrie Hall 1101
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The art labs will be presented by Trimpin.

Installation Celebration
Friday, October 16, 2026
Virginia S. Hislop Gallery
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Stories and artwork created during the Rooted Voices workshops will be on exhibit at Heritage University beginning October 16.

Ross helped establish Heritage University and has spent her career advancing higher education and cross-cultural communication. Trimpin is known internationally for creating innovative sculptures and musical installations that combine technology, sound and movement. Their distinct approaches to education, art and creative expression provide the foundation for the Rooted Voices creative exchange.

“Having two legendary Fellows like Dr. Ross and Trimpin right here in the Yakima Valley gives our students and region a special opportunity to explore how art, education and storytelling intersect,” said Margot Stroop, assistant professor of visual arts at Heritage University and organizer of Rooted Voices. “When the MacArthur Foundation called for projects highlighting creative courage and public engagement, we immediately knew it aligned with our community’s spirit.”

The series is presented by Heritage University’s Humanities & Fine Arts department. Students, community members and visitors are invited to participate in all Rooted Voices events and workshops. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information and to RSVP for the events, visit heritage.edu/rootedvoices. For help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, Public Relations Manager, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University reports substantial enrollment growth for fall 2026

Heritage University reports substantial enrollment growth for fall 2026

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is beginning the fall 2026 semester with strong enrollment growth at both its Toppenish and Tri-Cities locations, reflecting continued demand for the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

Fall 2026 undergraduate and graduate combined student enrollment is up more than 11% compared with fall 2025.

Contributing to the strength of this year’s enrollment is Heritage’s 88% retention rate of returning students, significantly higher than the national average of approximately 77%.

“An 88% retention rate is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the commitment of our faculty and staff,” said Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “Our students know that at Heritage they will be seen, heard and supported. Our faculty and staff take extraordinary steps to help students overcome obstacles and stay on the path to graduation.”

The enrollment gains reflect strong demand for Heritage’s academic programs and its student-centered approach to providing accessible, high-quality higher education throughout the region.

Several undergraduate programs are experiencing particularly strong demand, including nursing, social work and education. At the graduate level, enrollment continues to grow in Heritage’s Master of Social Work and Master of Mental Health Counseling programs.

The growth also reflects Heritage’s continued commitment to creating pathways to a four-year degree for students who may not traditionally have had access to a university education. For graduate students, Heritage provides working professionals with opportunities to advance their careers while balancing the demands of work, family, and school.

“The strength of our fall enrollment is evidence that students and families see Heritage as a place where they can achieve their educational goals,” said Gilmer. “Students are choosing Heritage not only to begin their degrees, but to finish them, advance their careers and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. We are very encouraged by the confidence students are placing in Heritage.”

Heritage University Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Beth Durodoye said the enrollment numbers represent much more than institutional growth.

“Behind every enrollment number is a student who has made the decision to invest in themselves and their future,” said Durodoye. “These students are choosing Heritage because they see a path forward here. We are excited about what their success will mean for them, their families and the communities they will serve.”

For more information, contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

# # #

Heritage University names Dr. Yesenia Rodriguez as Director of Sponsored Programs

Yesenia Rodriguez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University hires director of sponsored programs to secure and manage grant funding

Toppenish, Wash. – Doctora (Dra.) Yesenia Rodriguez has joined Heritage University as the Director of Sponsored Programs, a role that will have a significant impact on the university’s ability to raise grant funds that will support students, faculty, long-term growth of the university.

Dr. Rodriguez is charged with identifying funding opportunities through federal agencies, state programs, foundations and corporations that are potentially supportive of Heritage. She will oversee post award-compliance and collaborate with external and internal partners as well as administrators and faculty who are lead investigators of federal, state or private grants.

Rodriguez’s work will support faculty research and innovation through finding funding, writing proposals, and making sure applications are competitive. Sponsored funding can also expand opportunities for students by creating paid research positions, internships, scholarships, and academic support programs, to name a few.

Heritage University President Chris Gilmer says as both a federally designated Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution and Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Heritage is eligible for funding opportunities that many others can’t access. “As the Director of Sponsored Programs, Dra. Rodriguez can help maximize the possibilities and bring in extra funding to campus that will strengthen programs that support first-generation and historically underserved students,” said Gilmer.

As an alumnus of Heritage University, Dra. Rodriguez comes with 19 years of professional experience with pre-award grant management, proposal development, budget design, and managing post-award compliance. She worked with departments including finances, HR, institutional research and executive leadership to strengthen grant operations and program delivery. Rodriguez comes to Heritage from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families where she served as the preschool development grant administrator. Her professional experience includes higher education leadership positions working for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Yakima Valley College. She has experience working in the K-12 public education system, community programs, and workforce and human services. Rodriguez earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Washington State University, her M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Heritage University, and a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Office Management from Central Washington University.

Rodriguez is excited to return to Heritage University and share her enthusiasm, philosophy and vision for building a strong grants culture. “I am looking forward to working faculty and staff to identify federal, state and community funding opportunities that will support the university’s mission and give faculty and staff the tools they need to serve our students,” she said. “And as a member of the Hispanic community, I am excited to work for an HSI where Hispanics are the majority, as I want to serve as a mentor for current and future Hispanic students and inspire them to achieve their goals and dreams,” she said.

Heritage University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Beth Durodoye, says Rodriguez’s contributions will be an important step towards enhancing Heritage’s reputation and attract talented faculty. “What excites me most about Dra. Rodriguez joining Heritage is that she understands grants aren’t simply about securing funding—they’re about creating opportunities. Every successful proposal has the potential to empower a student, support faculty research, strengthen a community partnership, or launch an innovative program. Her collaborative approach and passion for higher education make her an outstanding addition to our academic leadership team.”

Dra. Rodriguez joined Heritage University in July 2026. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University Master of Social Work Program Earns National Accreditation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Master of Social Work Program Earns National Accreditation

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Heritage University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program has earned accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA), affirming the program’s commitment to preparing highly qualified social workers to serve communities throughout Washington state and beyond.

“This accreditation is a tremendous achievement for Heritage University and a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Heritage University President Chris Gilmer.” This accreditation attests to the quality of our MSW program and the value of a Heritage education. As the only private university in the nation that is both a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Heritage is committed to preparing compassionate, culturally responsive professionals who will make a meaningful difference in their communities. This is true for all our graduates and nowhere is this more critical than in the Social Work profession.”

Development of Heritage University’s MSW program began in January 2023, with social work faculty designing a graduate program that would increase access to advanced social work education across Washington state. The program welcomed its inaugural Advanced Standing cohort of 22 students in August 2024, with those students graduating in July 2025. A second cohort, consisting of both Advanced Standing and Traditional Two-Year students, began in August 2025. The Advanced Standing students completed the program in July 2026, while the Traditional Two-Year cohort will graduate in July 2027.

Accreditation by the CSWE signifies that Heritage University’s MSW program meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards through a rigorous peer-review process. It confirms the program has the resources, curriculum and faculty necessary to fulfill its mission while meeting all accreditation standards. The accreditation applies to all program locations and delivery methods, providing students, employers and community partners with confidence that graduates are prepared with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for professional social work practice.

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, the primarily online program meets on campus just seven times each semester, making graduate education accessible to students from communities throughout Washington. Current students come from the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Othello, Moses Lake, Mattawa and other communities across the state. Enrollment continues to grow, with 52 students expected to begin the program this fall and approximately 60 students anticipated to enroll in the coming academic year.

Ruby Aguilar, chair of the social work department at Heritage University, said accreditation from the CSWE is more than a recognition. “It validates the countless hours, hard work that our faculty and staff invested in building this program. Our students placed their trust in us even before we earned accreditation, and this achievement is meaningful not only to us, but to every student who believed in our vision,” Aguilar said.

Miguel Juarez, director of Heritage University’s Master of Social Work program, said accreditation assures students they are receiving an education that meets the highest national standards.

“Our goal has always been to prepare social workers who are equipped to address complex challenges while honoring the strengths and cultures of the communities they serve. We are proud to develop leaders who will advocate for equity, justice and positive change,” Juarez said.

For more information or help with setting up interviews, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

In Memoriam – Wings Summer 2026

Longtime board member and advocate Sonja Dodge passed away on May 8, 2026. She was 89.

Sonja Dodge

Dodge joined the Heritage University Board of Directors in 2006 and served in several leadership roles during her eight-year tenure, including on the Executive Committee and Advancement Committee. She worked alongside fellow board members and university leaders to strengthen Heritage’s mission and expand opportunities for students across the region. Her leadership and service helped shape the university during a period of significant growth and transformation.

During her tenure on the board, Heritage completed the $27 million Heritage for the Future Campaign, opened the Arts and Sciences Center, and expanded academic offerings, including Criminal Justice, Native American Studies, and graduate education programs. The university also increased scholarship support, broadened access for first-generation, Hispanic, and Native American students, and strengthened its impact throughout Central Washington.

In addition to her service at Heritage, Dodge was an active community volunteer. Among the many organizations that benefited from her leadership are: Yakima County Medical Auxiliary, Junior League, Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Yakima School District, and the Comprehensive Mental Health Foundation.

Dodge’s dedication to educational opportunity and community service reflected the values at the heart of Heritage University. Her legacy lives on through the students and families whose lives were changed by the opportunities she helped create.

In lieu of flowers, Dodge’s family included Heritage University on the list of non- profits for memorial contributions in her memory.

News Briefs – Wings Summer 2026

Heritage Honors Two Longtime Educational Leaders Upon Their Retirement

Two educational leaders with ties to Heritage, whose leadership and service have expanded opportunities for students throughout Washington state, recently announced their retirements: former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Curt Guaglianone and Heritage University Board of Directors member Henry Strom.

Photograph of a middle-aged man wearing glasses, a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, standing outdoors with blurred greenery and sunlight in the background. The image focuses on the man's face and upper body, highlighting a professional and approachable appearance.

Curt Guaglianone

Guaglianone’s career in education spans more than four decades across both higher education and K-12 leadership. Before joining Heritage University as provost and vice president of academic affairs, he served as a professor, dean, counselor, and school administrator in California. He served at Heritage from 2012 to 2016. During his tenure, he helped guide academic programs and faculty development while advancing the university’s commitment to student success. Following his time at Heritage, he served as superintendent of the Mount Adams School District, where he became known for his student- centered leadership philosophy and commitment to building pathways for student achievement.

Henry Strom

Strom recently concluded a distinguished career as an educator, superintendent, state education leader, and advocate for Native students. A member of the Yakama Nation and descendant of the Quinault and Nez Perce tribes, Strom is a champion for educational equity throughout the region. He joined the Heritage Board of Directors in 2014 and is a member of the Tribal Relations Committee. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the Office of Native Education and Assistant Superintendent at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, helping strengthen educational opportunities for Indigenous students across the state.

Heritage Names New Vice President for Academic Affairs

Heritage University has selected Dr. Beth Durodoye as its next Vice President for Academic Affairs following a national search.

Beth Durodoye

Durodoye currently serves as Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Montana State University–Northern, where she has led academic programs since 2021. She is expected to join Heritage later this summer.

A nationally recognized scholar, educator, and administrator, Durodoye brings more than two decades of higher education experience to the role. Prior to her current position, she served as professor and chair of the Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development at Georgia Southern University and held faculty appointments at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, where she earned tenure and was promoted to full professor.

Durodoye holds a doctorate in counselor education with a specialty in multicultural counseling from the University of Virginia and is a National Certified Counselor. Her scholarship includes more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, three books, numerous book chapters, and presentations at national and international conferences.

Throughout her career, Durodoye has focused on student success, faculty development, and creating inclusive learning environments. While at Montana State University–Northern, she worked closely with Native American tribes and students, an experience that aligns closely with Heritage University’s mission and service to diverse communities.

As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Durodoye will serve as Heritage’s chief academic officer, providing leadership for the university’s academic programs, faculty, and student learning initiatives.

College of Education Professor Receives National Scholarship

Dr. Fang Xu, assistant professor in Heritage University’s Teacher Preparation Program, was selected as a recipient of the inaugural Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) Scholarship from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Fang Xu

Founded in 1922, the Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and gifts and talents. The organization advocates for high-quality educational opportunities, supports research and professional development, and works to influence policies that benefit exceptional students and the educators who serve them.

The scholarship supports educators committed to advancing special education policy and practice through advocacy and leadership. Recipients were selected to ensure representation from a broad range of states, school districts, professional roles, and perspectives within the field of special education.

Xu earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Florida and focuses her research on teacher preparation, inclusive early childhood education, and practice-based professional development that supports educators and families. Her work has been published in leading journals, including the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Early Childhood Research Quarterly, and Reading & Writing Quarterly.

Former Heritage President Publishes New Book on Broadway Pioneer

Former Heritage University President Dr. John Bassett has added a new title to his body of scholarly work with the publication of Rachel Crothers: Broadway Innovator, Feminist Pioneer, released by Bloomsbury Academic in 2025.

John Bassett

The book examines the life and career of Rachel Crothers, one of the most successful playwrights and theater directors of the early twentieth century. Crothers wrote more than two dozen Broadway productions and was known for tackling issues of women’s rights, social expectations, and gender equality at a time when few female voices were represented on the American stage.

Drawing on extensive archival research, Bassett’s book is the first full-length study of Crothers in more than 30 years and explores her influence as a playwright, director, producer, and advocate for women in the theater. Scholars have praised the work for bringing renewed attention to a pioneering figure whose contributions helped shape modern American drama.

Bassett served as president of Heritage University from 2010 to 2017. During his tenure, he helped guide the university through a period of growth and expansion of educational opportunities. His latest publication reflects a lifelong commitment to scholarship and the arts.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders – Together – Wings Summer 2026

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.

Photograph of a young woman playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone during a live performance. She wears glasses and a red floral dress, with audio equipment and a mixer visible in the background. 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.

Two Nights. One Mission. Record Breaking Results. – Wings Summer 2026

Two Nights. One Mission. Record Breaking Results.

The largest fundraising total in the history of Heritage University’s Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner and Paddle Raise began with an ambitious idea: celebrate the event’s 40th anniversary by hosting two Bounty of the Valley celebrations on consecutive nights.

The result was extraordinary.

Through back-to-back events in Seattle and Toppenish, supporters contributed a record-breaking $1,941,096 for student scholarships, making the 40th anniversary of Heritage’s signature fundraising event the most successful Bounty of the Valley ever.

The milestone represented more than a fundraising record. It marked four decades of community support for students whose dreams of higher education often depend on scholarship assistance. By engaging supporters in both western and eastern Washington, Heritage expanded the reach of its mission while honoring a tradition that has transformed lives for 40 years.

“For four decades, Bounty of the Valley has connected our supporters with the incredible stories of determination, perseverance, and achievement that define our students,” said David Wise, senior vice president for Advancement and Marketing.

“We know that Heritage’s mission of expanding opportunity through education speaks to generous people wherever they live. Once they meet our students and learn about the challenges they have overcome and the dreams they are pursuing, they want to be part of that journey.”

A HISTORIC TWO-NIGHT CELEBRATION

The anniversary celebration began the evening of June 5 at the Georgetown Ballroom in Seattle, where more than 150 guests gathered to learn about Heritage University and the students it serves.

For many attendees, it was their first introduction to Heritage. Through student stories and conversations, guests gained a deeper understanding of the barriers many Heritage students overcome in pursuit of a college degree and the transformative role scholarships play in their success.

The following evening, more than 220 guests gathered on Heritage University’s campus in Toppenish for the traditional Bounty of the Valley celebration. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner prepared by longtime restaurateurs John Gasparetti and Brad Patterson while hearing directly from students whose educational journeys have been shaped by donor generosity.

Together, the two events demonstrated that communities across Washington share a belief in the power of education to transform lives, strengthen families, and create opportunity.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE SUCCESS

While the record-breaking fundraising total was cause for celebration, the heart of both events remained the students. Guests heard firsthand accounts of perseverance, determination, and achievement from students balancing coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and financial challenges.

Their stories illustrated why scholarship support is often the deciding factor between attending college and putting educational dreams on hold.

For many Heritage students, scholarships mean more than financial assistance. They create opportunities not only for students but for families and communities as well.

“The generosity of our supporters is creating opportunities that will change lives for generations,” Wise said.

A CELEBRATION WORTHY OF THE OCCASION

Adding to the significance of the anniversary year was the participation of acclaimed American opera singer Ann McPhail, who performed at both celebrations. Her inspiring performances complemented the student testimonials that underscored the life- changing impact of scholarship support.

The Toppenish event was also livestreamed, allowing supporters across the country to participate in the celebration.

FORTY YEARS OF CHANGING LIVES

What began four decades ago as a local effort to support Heritage students has grown into one of the university’s most cherished traditions.

The success of the 40th anniversary celebrations reflects both the strength of Heritage’s supporters and the growing recognition of the university’s role in expanding educational opportunity.

The record-breaking $1.94 million raised this year will provide critical scholarship support for current and future students, helping them pursue degrees, achieve their goals, and build brighter futures.

Forty years after the first Bounty of the Valley, the mission remains unchanged: investing in students and the possibilities they represent.

This year, supporters made history. More importantly, they invested in the next generation of Heritage students.

Go to heritage.edu/bounty to watch videos from the events, and to see the full gallery of images.

Inspiring Students Where She Once Stood – Wings Summer 2026

Photograph of a group of students and an educational leader holding stuffed animals, with text overlay highlighting Violet Lumely Rau as a 2026 Heritage alumna and champion for migrant students. The image emphasizes inspiration and support for students to stay in school and reach their full potential.
Every day, Nayeli Berenice Aranda Hernandez works with students whose futures are uncertain. that can pull them away from school. She connects students and families with resources, encourages them to keep moving forward, and helps them imagine possibilities beyond their current circumstances.

The work is deeply personal.

Years ago, Aranda Hernandez was one of those students.

She knows what it feels like to face instability, poverty, and difficult family circumstances. Most importantly, she knows the life-changing impact of having someone believe in you when you are struggling to believe in yourself.

Today, that experience guides her work and her commitment to helping others find opportunities she once thought were beyond her own reach.

For her dedication to service, leadership, and the success of others, Aranda Hernandez has been named Heritage University’s 2026 Violet Lumley Rau Alumna of the Year. The award recognizes graduates who exemplify Heritage’s values of excellence, inclusion, perseverance, leadership, and service.

A DIFFICULT EARLY ROAD

Just four years old when her family migrated from Mexico to the United States, Aranda Hernandez worked alongside her parents in the orchards and fields of the Yakima Valley.

Her childhood was marked by poverty, alcohol, drugs, and domestic violence.

“As a coping mechanism to survive hard things, sometimes your brain disassociates,” she said.

By her sophomore year of high school, she had dropped out. She moved to Chicago, worked minimum-wage jobs, and eventually returned to Pasco.

At 16, she enrolled at New Horizons High School through Destination Graduation, a dropout- prevention program. There, she found caring educators, supportive community organizations, and people who believed in her potential.

The program encouraged students to share their stories publicly. Through those experiences, Aranda Hernandez discovered something she had never felt before.

“When I would talk about my experience in school, for the very first time I felt like I mattered,” she said.

She also realized that successful people rarely followed a straight path.

“I was exposed to a new world of possibility. It was the first time in my life I felt like I had a chance.”

CHOOSING A DIFFERENT FUTURE

Even with newfound hope, her life remained complicated. Very few people around her valued education.

“There was a part of me that said I should just stop going to school, get married, and have a bunch of kids,” she said. “But I kept going.”

The support of three caring families—one of whom gave her a place to live—combined with the encouragement of teachers and mentors, helped her thrive academically.

She graduated with honors, was named class salutatorian, and received the Hispanic Academic Achievers Program Award.

Listening to fellow scholarship recipients discuss their college plans inspired her to imagine a future she had never considered possible.

She enrolled at Columbia Basin College.

FINDING PURPOSE

At CBC, Aranda Hernandez became a student ambassador and earned scholarships. Then she learned she was pregnant.

Rather than derail her education, motherhood strengthened her determination.

“Breaking cycles was no longer only about me,” she said. “I wanted my daughter to grow up seeing that obstacles do not define us.”

When her ambassador position ended, she began exploring transfer options and discovered Heritage University’s Dreamers Scholarship. She received the scholarship for two consecutive years.

For someone accustomed to working multiple jobs just to survive, the scholarship provided the opportunity to focus on school. Just as important was the support she found at Heritage.

“Heritage surrounded me with help every step of the way,” she said. “They met me where I was, where my needs were, with support that was very individualized.”

That experience reinforced a lesson she had been learning for years: people succeed when others invest in them.

Today, it is the same lesson she brings to the students and families she serves.

PAYING IT FORWARD

Aranda Hernandez graduated from Heritage in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, a perfect 4.0 GPA, Student of the Year honors, and the Heritage University Excellence Award.

She went on to earn a Master of Social Work and a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership.

Today, she helps migrant students and families successfully navigate school systems and pursue educational opportunities.

Her work has earned numerous honors, including the Pasco School District’s North Star Award, Washington State Migrant Graduation Specialist of the Year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award, Educator of the Year from the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and National University’s Dissertation of Distinction Award.

Yet for Aranda Hernandez, the awards are not the point. The real reward is helping students discover the same sense of possibility she once found.

Her volunteer work reflects that commitment. Among her favorite projects are supporting scholarship organizations and coordinating Sue’s Turkey Drive for the Pasco Migrant Program, which helps hundreds of food-insecure families each Thanksgiving.

A LIFE GUIDED BY VALUES

Discipline and commitment, Aranda Hernandez believes, can change lives.

“Even on the days I don’t feel like showing up, when the little voices say ‘stop’ or ‘later,’ I’ve disciplined myself to keep going,” she said.

She values education, advocacy, access, civil rights, community partnerships, and the empowerment of underserved and first- generation people.

“I’ve experienced the power of people who believed in me, guided me, and reminded me that my circumstances did not limit my potential,” she said. “My life today is rooted in ensuring others can see and feel possibilities for themselves.”

She credits her faith as a constant source of strength and points to Jeremiah 29:11 as a guiding scripture.

Today, she sees her own story reflected in many of the students she serves.

The teenager who once questioned whether school was worth the effort now spends her days helping others stay on a path toward graduation and opportunity.

For Aranda Hernandez, success is not measured by degrees earned or awards received.

It is measured by the students who discover, as she once did, that their circumstances do not define their future.

“My success is helping build and pave a stronger path for the next generation,” she said. “That’s what truly matters.”

The Journey Beyond Heritage – Wings Summer 2026

ASHLEY ZARCO, who came to Heritage from Wapato High School, is continuing her journey at the University this fall by pursuing a master’s degree in education. Inspired by her passion for teaching and the mentorship she found in Heritage’s faculty, she chose history as a way to help students better understand diverse cultural narratives—both the challenges and the contributions that shape communities. Zarco hopes to teach history in Lower Yakima Valley schools, gaining classroom experience before ultimately pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a college professor. Her goal is to make history more accessible, relevant, and inclusive for future generations.

MIKAYLA HARRIS, of Zillah, will begin a Ph.D. program in Molecular Biosciences at Montana State University this fall. Once uncertain about pursuing a career in science, she found the support and confidence she needed at Heritage to follow her passion. Through hands-on research experiences— from studying deep-sea snail species to marine viruses—Harris discovered a strong interest in microbiology and environmental systems. As she rotates through research labs in her doctoral program, she aims to refine her focus and contribute meaningful research that deepens our understanding of the natural world.

JARI TAVIRA came to Heritage University on a full- ride scholarship intending to study medicine but discovered a passion for public health research. At Heritage, he contributed to the university’s wildfire smoke study and participated in the University of Washington Panama Indigenous Intercambio Program. Now a research assistant with the University of Washington and Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Tavira graduated with honors and will attend Columbia University this fall to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health, focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

JANAY MENDEZ previously earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Heritage. When it was time to earn her master’s degree, Mendez returned to Heritage because of its strong social work program and supportive faculty. She is passionate about serving underserved communities, particularly those that reflect her own background. Her goal is to expand access to culturally responsive mental health care and help meet the growing need for diverse clinical professionals in the region. After graduation, Mendez will be working as an inpatient therapist at Astria Toppenish Hospital.

ITALY ROQUE came to Heritage as a transferred student to pursue her passion for business and human resources in a more personal, community-centered environment. A week into her internship as a human resources assistant at Cowiche Growers, Inc., she was offered a full-time position upon graduation. Roque is dedicated to fostering workplaces where employees feel valued and supported. She plans to earn her Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification within the year and, after gaining professional experience, pursue a master’s degree to continue growing her impact in the field of human resources.

LIZBETH SALAZAR chose Heritage University for its strong sense of community and cultural diversity—an environment where she felt seen and supported. Motivated by her desire to address the stigma surrounding mental health in Hispanic communities, she pursued a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Salazar now works full-time at Three Rivers Therapy as a counselor, supporting youth and families through intensive, community-based care. She is committed to breaking generational barriers surrounding mental health and empowering young people and their families to seek and embrace support.