A Legacy Grows at Heritage

In October, Heritage University formally dedicated the Sister Kathleen Ross snmj Legacy Giving Circle mural with an event as special as the woman for whom it is named. The university and its supporters celebrated those who make up the circle with an afternoon high tea.

 

The Giving Circle is comprised of individuals who have included Heritage in their planned giving. “The tea was more than a dedication of a wonderful piece of art,” said David Wise, vice president for Marketing and Advancement. “It was the first of a planned annual recognition of our many committed supporters and an opportunity to thank them for their ongoing support.”

Julie Prather and Norma Chaidez

The mural design was conceptualized by Heritage visual arts major Carlos Prado, who works part-time in the university’s marketing department. Yakima muralist and fabric artist Deborah Ann developed the final design based on Prado’s initial work, and Ellensburg glass artist Julie Prather created the stained glass apples that bear the names of the Giving Circle members.

You can add your name to the Legacy Giving Circle by simply informing Heritage of your plans to include the university in your estate gift. You can bequeath a range of gifts, from stocks and bonds to IRAs, and also name and direct how your funds will be used. For more details, call (509) 865-8587.

Emily Jameson, director of donor development, pours tea for Kathleen Ross and Deborah Ann

 

HU BSN program aims to alleviate projected nursing shortage in U.S.

The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of registered nurses in the coming decades. It’s a problem that will be compounded by the aging Baby Boomer generation.
Heritage University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was started in 2015 to help meet that demand. With our nursing program, students graduate with three years of work experience in patient care. The rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty and state-of-the-art nursing center will equip students to step into a nursing position right after graduation or continue their education in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD Nurse scientist program.
The BSN program at Heritage recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). For more information on how to get started with the BSN at HU,  contact Melissa Sanchez at (509) 865-8551 or visit Heritage.edu/nursing.
Nursing.org, created in 2016 in response to the growing demand for nurses, has researched financial aid opportunities for nursing students and nurses who want to advance their careers. A pair of guides provides extensive information into FAFSA, scholarships, loan forgiveness programs and more. One is geared specifically towards minority students, who often face greater financial hardship than their counterparts. They are:
Financial Aid Guide for Nurses

https://www.nursing.org/resources/financial-aid/

There’s also a resource for nurses in Washington which includes state-specific license requirements and career outlook information:
https://www.nursing.org/online-programs/washington/
The Heritage University Financial Aid Department also works with students to find resources to help fund education. Contact the office at (509) 865-8502 for more information.

HU biology professor develops ‘quizfolio’ to get students interested in science

Getting students interested in science is always a challenge, but HU assistant biology professor Dr. Bob Kao may have developed a new way to pique the curiosity of pupils. He’s developed an innovative assignment called a “quizfolio.” What exactly is a quizfolio? It’s a blend of a quiz and mini-portfolio, and the Yes We Must Coalition ran a story on the concept in its newsletter. Click here to read the full story.

Students share research through ‘elevator speeches’ during symposium

Summer Internship Research Symposium at Heritage University, September 14, 2018

Several Heritage students shared what they learned during their summer internships with the Heritage campus last Friday. During the “Summer Internship Research Symposium,” students presented posters detailing their work. They also summarized their work by delivering “elevator speeches” which focused on the most important aspect of their internship.

Great job everyone!

Heritage University campus and community celebrate El Grito de Independencia

The Heritage University campus was festive this weekend as student clubs and organizations held the first ever “El Grito de Independencia” in observance of Mexican Independence Day. El Grito commemorates the “Cry of Dolores,” a historical event that set off the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. 

Diana Maria Oliveros Martinez delivering the El Grito at the El Grito de Independencia event at Heritage University, September 15, 2018

Close to 500 people attended the Heritage festival which featured fun for the entire family. The cultural event included Folklorico dancers, piñata breaking, games for kids, and performances by Banda Parla Azteca and the CWU Mariachi Club. Families were treated to a free movie and popcorn. 
The highlight of the night was the reenactment of the “El Grito” as delivered by special guest Diana Maria Oliveros Martinez of the Consulate of Mexico office in Seattle. We wish to thank everyone who made the event possible and those who attended.
Click below to see videos and pictures from the event.

Fall Convocation to recognize Dean’s List students

Please join the faculty, staff and students of Heritage University for the Fall Student Convocation as we welcome in the new academic year. Special recognition will be given to the students who made the Dean’s List for the spring 2018 semester.
Toppenish School District Superintendent John Cerna will deliver the keynote address. Fall Student Convocation will be held Thursday, September 13, 2018 in Smith Family Hall from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

MLS program graduates 12 new MLS professionals

The Heritage University Medical Laboratory Sciences Program celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2018 graduates during a ceremony at HU on August 17, 2018. HU President  Andrew Sund, PhD. congratulated each graduate as their names were called. The graduates welcomed the incoming cohort before the ceremony.

Check out pictures from the ceremony on Facebook.

 

 

 

Costco co-founder meets with Sinegal Family Foundation Scholars

Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal met with the first cohort of Sinegal Scholars at Heritage University last month. The students are the first five to receive full-ride Sinegal Family Foundation Scholarships at Heritage. A total of 20 students will earn their degrees through the scholarship program made possible by a $1.14 million gift from the Sinegal Family Foundation to Heritage last year.

Heritage alumni who now work at Costco headquarters will provide mentoring opportunities over the course of the year inclusive of a trip to meet with Costco executives and Jim Sinegal again next spring.

You can see pictures from the dinner on Facebook.

 

Portraits of Yakama Nation elders are now on display at Heritage

Portraits from three years of honoring Yakama Nation elders are now on display in the Violet Lumley Rau Center conference room at Heritage University. Each fall since 2015, four elders are recognized for their significant contributions to their community. The celebration is part of  the university’s observance of Native American Heritage Month. More portraits are to come as we continue this tradition.

Visit the Rau Center at Heritage University to see them for yourself!

HU classroom dedicated to longtime professor

A classroom at Heritage University is now named in honor of a longtime Heritage faculty member who retired two years ago for health reasons. More than 50 family, friends and supporters gathered for the heartwarming ceremony at Heritage last week  for the dedication of “The Professor Apanakhi Buckley Collaborative Classroom” located in Petrie Hall Room 1112.

Guests, and Apanakhi herself, heard testimonials from many who shared how she positively impacted their lives and the university.  Apanakhi taught at Heritage from 2000 to 2016, and in 2014 began using the room now named in her honor as a classroom. A glass sign outside the room now tells visitors the name of the room. The room is also temporarily decorated with indigenous artwork.

Pictures from the ceremony can be found on the Heritage University Facebook page.