Name: Kaleidoscope
Start: 2026-09-03T16:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-09-03T19:30:00-07:00
Location: Heritage University

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.

Cheers for the Class of 2026! – Wings Summer 2026

Photograph of a graduation ceremony showing a graduate in a black cap and gown hugging a faculty member in academic regalia. White text on the right side reads "Cheers for the Class of 2026!" with colorful flowers and a blue and yellow emblem partially visible in the background.

On May 9, families, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters filled the Yakima Valley SunDome to celebrate Heritage University’s Class of 2026. This year, 249 graduates from Heritage’s Toppenish campus and Tri-Cities regional site earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, marking the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination.

As graduates processed into the arena, they carried stories that have become hallmarks of the Heritage experience—first-generation students earning degrees, parents balancing family responsibilities with coursework, working adults returning to school, and students overcoming obstacles to achieve their educational goals.

This year’s commencement speaker, Helena Lourdes Donato-Sapp, challenged graduates to resist conformity and to embrace their ability to create change in the world around them. At just 16 years old, Donato-Sapp has earned international recognition as a disability rights advocate, youth poet laureate, artist, and educational leader. Through her writing, speaking, and activism, she has inspired audiences around the world to rethink inclusion, leadership, and opportunity.

In addition to the commencement speaker, two students represented the undergraduate and graduate classes. Alexis Mejia, B.A.Ed., Elementary Education, presented the undergraduate address, and Leilani Nazareth Valdez, M.S.W., Social Work, made the graduate address.

The ceremony also celebrated members of the Heritage community whose service and dedication have made a lasting impact on students. Dr. Nayeli Berenice Aranda Hernandez, a 2016 social work graduate, received the 2026 Violet Lumley Rau Outstanding Alumni Award. Aranda Hernandez has dedicated her career to supporting migrant students and families as a Migrant Graduation Specialist in Pasco. Her remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges to earning a doctorate and helping students achieve their own educational goals is featured in another story in this issue of Wings.

Heritage also recognized outstanding employees whose work exemplifies the university’s mission. Jacob Campbell, assistant professor of social work, was named Faculty Member of the Year for his commitment to student success and excellence in teaching. Recipients of the award are nominated and selected by Heritage students. Julie Moneymaker, physical plant supervisor, was honored as Staff Member of the Year for her dedication and service to the campus community.

While the awards highlighted individual achievement, the focus of the day remained firmly on the graduates. As degrees were conferred and tassels turned, the Class of 2026 joined thousands of Heritage alumni who are making a difference in their professions, communities, and families.

Celebrating Culture and Connection – Wings Summer 2026

Photograph of a person dressed in traditional Native American regalia with vibrant red, black, and white feathers and geometric patterns on clothing, standing outdoors near a car mirror and greenery. Text banner below reads "Celebrating Culture and Connection," emphasizing cultural pride and community engagement.

The steady beat of drums, the swirl of colorful regalia, and generations of dancers moving through the arena signaled the return of one of Heritage University’s most cherished traditions.

This spring, the All Nations Student Social Powwow brought together Native communities, students, alumni, and families for a day of celebration, connection, and cultural pride.

Hosted by the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC) with support from the American Indigenous Business Leaders chapter at Heritage University, the free event welcomed participants from throughout the region for a day dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture, tradition, and community.

The annual gathering featured traditional, fancy, jingle, and grass dancing, along with drum groups, arts and crafts vendors, community organizations, and cultural activities for all ages.

The powwow has become one of Heritage University’s most visible celebrations of Native culture and a reflection of the university’s deep connection to the Yakama Nation. Located on the Yakama Reservation, Heritage has long embraced its responsibility to create spaces where Native traditions, languages, and cultural practices are honored and shared.

The day began with the Grand Entry, the ceremonial opening that brought dancers of all ages into the arena in a vibrant display of regalia, movement, and tradition. Throughout the day, the grounds came alive with the sights and sounds of Indigenous culture as visitors watched dance exhibitions, visited vendors, and connected with community organizations and student groups.

One of the day’s most meaningful moments came during the tribute honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), drawing attention to an issue that continues to affect Native communities across North America. The tribute reflected the powwow’s role not only as a celebration of culture but also as a space for remembrance, awareness, and solidarity.

Beyond the performances, the powwow provided an opportunity for cultural education and connection. Community members unfamiliar with powwow traditions were welcome to learn about the significance of dances, songs, and regalia, and to experience firsthand the importance of gathering, storytelling, and celebration within Indigenous communities.

For Heritage students, the event offered a chance to share traditions, strengthen cultural pride, and build community both on campus and beyond. For many families who return year after year, the powwow has become a cherished annual tradition.

Driving Innovation in Teaching and Learning – Wings Summer 2026

Heritage University is strengthening two of the programs at the heart of its mission to support student success and teaching excellence with the appointment of two accomplished educational leaders.

President Dr. Chris Gilmer recently announced that Dr. Latara Lampkin will serve as director of the Ross Institute for Student Success, and Dr. Gloria Jones-Dance will lead the Center for Intercultural Learning and Teaching (CILT).

Together, the appointments position Heritage to expand research on effective practices for serving first-generation, rural, and historically underserved students while continuing to invest in faculty development and teaching excellence.

“These are two exceptional leaders whose work reflects the very best of Heritage University,” Gilmer said. “Their combined expertise will strengthen our ability to serve students, support faculty, and share what we have learned with educators across the country.”

For Jones-Dance, the appointment represents a natural extension of work she has been doing for years. Since joining Heritage in 2015, she has served as a faculty member in the College of Education and College of Humanities, advised students, led faculty development initiatives, and co-facilitated CILT for the past seven years.

Founded in 2003, CILT supports faculty through workshops, classroom observations, consultations, and other professional development opportunities grounded in student-centered teaching practices. The center also serves as a hub for intercultural learning, helping faculty create classroom experiences that reflect Heritage’s commitment to inclusion and belonging.

Jones-Dance played a significant role in expanding those efforts, including coordinating University 101, Heritage’s foundational student success course. In her new role, she will guide the next chapter of CILT’s work, helping faculty continue to create meaningful and equitable learning experiences for students.

While Jones-Dance’s work focuses on strengthening teaching and learning on campus, Lampkin will lead Heritage’s efforts to share its expertise with a broader audience through the Ross Institute for Student Success.

Named in honor of Heritage’s founding president, Dr. Kathleen Ross, the institute serves as a center for research, educational leadership, and faculty development. The institute builds on decades of work demonstrating how student-centered approaches can help learners thrive and provides opportunities for faculty research, visiting scholars, and collaboration with institutions across the country.

Lampkin joins Heritage from Florida State University’s Florida Center for Reading Research, where she served as a senior research associate. A nationally recognized scholar, her work has focused on educational policy, faculty development, organizational improvement, and student success. Throughout her career, she has partnered with educators, policymakers, Minority-Serving Institutions, and nonprofit organizations to identify and promote effective educational practices.

Together, Jones-Dance and Lampkin will help advance Heritage University’s growing reputation as a national leader in serving New Majority students—those who are first-generation, low-income, rural, and historically underrepresented in higher education.

“The combination of these two dynamic educational leaders will be a force for good at a critical time in higher education,” Gilmer said. “Their work will help position Heritage as a national model for student success while continuing to strengthen the learning experience for our students right here at home.”