Name: Winter Break (Campus Closed)
Start: 2025-12-22T08:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-01-02T17:00:00-08:00
Location: Heritage University

Counter Culture Academics – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

What does Heritage University have in common with punk rock music? Alumnus Brian McShane. McShane graduated from Heritage with a B.A. in English in 2014 and an M.A. in Multicultural English Language and Literature in 2017. Last year, he completed his Ph.D. in Composition and Rhetoric from Texas A&M University, where his dissertation focused on punk music.

On the surface, his dissertation seemed about as far away from mainstream academics as one can get. Producing Activists: A Punk Rock Counter story was the culmination of years of study on organized efforts in the punk rock music scene to mobilize youth to participate in the election process.

For many, putting the words academia, punk rock, and get out the vote in a single sentence seems to make as much sense as a bird living underwater. They are concepts that live far afield of each other. Punk rock, after all, is the antithesis of conformity. It’s known for its in-your-face, hard-pounding music, screaming vocals, and anti-government, anti-religion, pretty much anti-anything mainstream lyrics.

For some, the very idea that punk rock has a place in academia seems ludicrous. For die- hard punk rockers, the very thought of being part of the political process that they’ve spent so much time rebelling against is equally ridiculous. Yet, in the aftermath of September 11th, some of the most-followed punk rock bands of the time orchestrated a campaign that shifted thinking, mobilized a fan base, and made the perfect fodder for an up-and-coming doctoral student to study.

THE EDUCATION OF MR. MCSHANE

Brian McShane

Growing up, McShane was the picture of teenage angst in the 1990s. At fourteen, he was hanging out in skateboard parks listening to the anti-establishment punk rock music of bands like Green Day, Social Distortion, and Bad Religion. He was slightly awkward and an avid reader who did well in his New Jersey high school but didn’t have much thought about what would come next.

McShane graduated in 2002 and enrolled in a technical school but dropped out shortly thereafter. Over the next few years, he floated about, taking a course here and there without any real direction. He was living in N.J., attending a small college outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, online. He needed a specific English literature course that was not available at his college in the upcoming semester. Luckily, he found an online class at a university 2,444 miles away in Toppenish, Washington.

Long before COVID-19 forced all college classes online, Heritage’s English program developed a way to take classes remotely. McShane enrolled in one of these classes. He was one of the first undergraduate students to take advantage of this new learning method at Heritage. That single class sparked an idea.

“I thought, ‘Could I really do this for a living?” he said. “Of course, I knew that there were teachers who taught English in high schools, but for some reason, it never really clicked with me that there were careers that could come out of English degrees.”

It was 2005 when McShane transferred from the Pittsburg-area school and enrolled full-time at Heritage.

“Heritage’s online class – specifically the way forums worked – more closely approximated the experience of being in the classroom. Interaction with classmates was more organic, easier to get engaged with, and the instructors were attuned to the ways technology could facilitate that more than any online class I’d ever taken.”

A year and a half later, McShane had his bachelor’s degree from Heritage. The next academic year, he enrolled in the university’s master’s program. His plan was to finish his master’s degree and start teaching at the college level. That is exactly what he did. In fact, he became a member of Heritage’s adjunct faculty, teaching online from his home in Ocean County, NJ. He quickly realized that he needed to earn a doctorate to advance his career in the way he wanted. His Heritage advisor, Dr. Loren Schmidt, suggested he look at Texas A&M.

“I was informed of the school’s stellar job placement rate and the faculty focus on genre- based study. Having just written a science fiction thesis, this appealed to me greatly, as I wasn’t interested in returning to the old canon for the Ph.D.”

DIVING INTO THE COUNTERCULTURE

At the start of McShane’s doctoral program, he thought he would find a nice, safe, classical study area to focus his dissertation. Then, he took a class on composition and rhetoric and was reading someone’s work on the cultural relevance of lobotomies in horror movies.

“Academia has changed a lot over the years,” he said. “It used to be exploring things like science fiction or children’s literature were frowned upon. You had to do the cannons, like Mark Twain. Really, it’s a matter of who sets the standards. Coming here to Texas A&M was great because they encourage you to take on nontraditional things. The program is very current, and we were reading really leading- edge stuff as part of our coursework.”

He considered focusing on science fiction when a class assignment changed his direction. He was presenting a poster as a visual depiction of the value of punk rock music to his class. His professor and mentor, Dr. Shannon Carter, said, “That’s your dissertation topic right there.”

Close up of a man and woman with their faces in red

Brian McShane and his wife enjoy the occasional punk rock concert.

At the same time, McShane was reading Asia Martinez’s book Counterstory, the Rhetoric and Writing of Critical Race Theory as part of his Ph.D. studies. It dawned on him that many of the canons put forward in this book were found in the punk music of his youth—things like rebelling against racism and sexism, questioning conventional wisdom, and highlighting marginalized voices. He decided to look at the music through the lens of Critical Race Theory.

McShane explained that when researching your Ph.D., you need to focus your studies narrowly on a specific topic area. He chose to narrow in on the time directly after 9/11 and the relationship between patriotism after a national tragedy and protest music. He examined the rhetoric of the Bush administration surrounding the war effort, punk music’s response to the messaging, and the grass-roots movement that changed a counter culture from disengaged resentment to organized activists engaged in the political process. At the heart of his research was a political literacy campaign called Rock Against Bush with its voter drives, punkvoter.com website, the organization of bands to produce protest music and the corresponding albums and concerts where the music was heard.

“Punk has always been political. As far back as you can trace it, you see music raging against the government and against the establishment,” he said. “But this was a time when things shifted. It was a time when punk music went from ‘everything sucks, burn it down” to “everything sucks, let’s change it,’” he said. “Their goal at the time was to vote President Bush out of the White House. While they didn’t accomplish that particular goal, they did succeed in bringing thousands of young people into the political process to share their voice.”

It took McShane six years to complete his Ph.D., three years of coursework, and another three years of researching and writing his dissertation. In his work he found an academic passion that he hopes to revisit for future projects. He’s also found a way to connect with his students today. During his adjunct teaching days, he would share his experiences completing his research with his classes.

“I’d tell them the bands that organized the movement I studied were the Rage Against the Machine before they were born,” he laughs. “I tell them to look at what is being said in the music they listen to and how it reflects what is going on in the world around them. It is something they can relate to, and they love it.”

McShane started his first full-time teaching position this fall at Paris Junior College in Texas. There, he is teaching Freshman Composition.

Breaking Barriers – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

The story of the impact of higher education is frequently told through the lens of students—the personal changes that come through more opportunities, the increased earning potential throughout their lifetimes, and the generational impact as children of college graduates are more likely to earn degrees and access the benefits of doing so. The story that isn’t told as frequently is the community impact made through college attainment.

Spring semester 2024 was the start of a new graduate degree program at Heritage. The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling began as a direct response from schools and community health agencies needing more master’s-level practitioners from diverse backgrounds. The stories of the agencies involved, their employees earning their degrees, the people they serve, and the existing need embody the value of higher education to communities at large.

THE NEED IS VAST

Like so many communities large and small across the United States, the greater Seattle region is grappling with a social crisis. Drug addiction, particularly to opioids, is on the rise, with the number of overdoses more than doubling between 2020 and 2023.

Homelessness is up, too. The Unsheltered Point-in-Time Count conducted by King County this year showed the number of homeless individuals rose by 23% in the last two years. Statewide, it’s estimated that more than 1.2 million adults have a mental health condition, with more than half of these people unable to receive treatment.

It’s easy to look at statistics like these and forget that behind the numbers are very real people suffering. They are some of the communities’ most vulnerable individuals in desperate need of assistance. Yet that assistance can be difficult to access. There is a real shortage of service providers. It’s estimated that 2.8 million Washingtonians live in communities without adequate access to mental health care. Plus, internal factors, such as the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction, cultural beliefs, and inadequate or no health insurance make many people in need of assistance reluctant to seek it. Further complicating the issue is a lack of diversity in the mental health and dependency workforce. Nationally, only 12% of mental health counselors are people of color.

Genell Hennings, director of education enhancement programs at the YMCA in King County, who worked closely with Heritage as the university developed its master’s degree program, explains that this lack of representation is a critical barrier.

“People who are seeking therapy want to see people who look like them, who can identify with them,” she said. “There is a level of trust that comes when we are sitting across from someone who shares our cultural background. When I am coming to you as a Black woman, I don’t want to have to explain my Blackness. A Black provider will be able to identify with me. We are all more comfortable when we are with others who share our cultural norms.”

That trust, she said, is crucial. It’s difficult to build and maintain. If a person seeking treatment has a negative experience, the chances of that individual seeking or accepting help in the future are diminished, as are their chances of conquering their demons.

She further explains that community mental health, which predominately serves people who are low-income and on Medicaid, operates by assigning those seeking services to a provider. This makes building and maintaining that trust much more difficult. The ability to choose a provider that you are comfortable working with is a luxury reserved for those who can pay out of pocket for services or who have private-pay insurance.

RESPONDING TO THE NEED

Donnie Goodman, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services at the YMCA of Greater Seattle, conceptualized this program in 2008. In 2022, a King County MIDD (Mental Illness & Drug Dependency) funding opportunity presented itself that aligned with the program’s mission of increasing capacity in community behavioral health. Goodman and Hennings worked with leaders from multiple community behavioral health agencies to create this program that focuses on encouraging individuals from historically marginalized groups – specifically people of color, those living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community— who are working in mental health and chemical dependency to return to school to earn a master’s degree. The program would pay for the students’ college tuition in exchange for their agreement to remain at their place of employment to provide therapeutic care for at least four years after graduating. At the same time, Heritage was building a new master’s degree program in mental health counseling. The university later received a $6 million grant from the US Department of Education to create a program that would prepare students to become licensed mental health counselor-associates in Washington state and increase the number of mental health professionals working in area school districts. The program was being designed with working professionals in mind, with classes being held synchronously one day a week. Like the YMCA’s developing program, its intent was to prepare underrepresented students to enter the field to diversify their profession.

“We know that our Yakima Valley community, as well as others across the state, are desperately in need of mental health providers. This is especially true for folks who are either uninsured or on state insurance – it’s an equity issue,” said Amy Nusbaum, chair of the Department of Psychology. “Our proposed solution was to create a new and innovative partnership that would address the urgent mental health needs that adversely impact our communities across the state.”

The timing was perfect! The YMCA secured grant funding to support their program for two years and partnered with Heritage to provide the hybrid online master’s degree program. The first cohort of 23 students from six agencies (Catholic Community Services, Center for Human Services, Community House, Therapeutic Health Services, and Transitional Resources YMCA of Greater Seattle) started classes in January 2023. Among them are Deidre Smith, Kenny Smith (no relation to Deidre) and Jungwon Yoon. While each enrolled in the program for different reasons, all three are committed to serving their clients and communities more deeply after graduating.

ON THE FRONT LINE

A portrait of a woman with shoulder-length black hair with red streaks wearing a checkered black and white jacket

Deidre Smith

Deidre is a substance use disorder professional at the YMCA Social Impact Center in Auburn, Washington. The center provides wraparound services for youth and young adults, including counseling, employment training, educational support, and a shelter, as well as counseling and suicide prevention for individuals of all ages. Smith provides outpatient substance abuse counseling to a caseload of 30-45 people. She decided to enroll in the master’s program to get the credentials she needs to serve her clients’ mental health as well as addiction treatment needs.

“So many of my clients have dual disorders and need mental health therapy along with their dependency treatment. The way my license is now, I have to hand them off to someone else to provide mental health counseling. That creates another barrier for them. Trust is not easy in this field. When I hand them off, they have to build trust with someone else and tell their story to someone else again. I want to be able to serve them holistically,” she said.

Kenny is a co-occurring disorder mental health clinician at Catholic Community Services in Seattle. He works with many homeless individuals through two different shelters and with people living in a permanent supportive housing facility. He knows firsthand what his clients are going through. Their road is one that he walked for many years.

“I’m transparent with my clients. I tell them, ‘I was where you are, man. If I can do this, you can do this.’ It gives them a sense of motivation, I tell them it is a rough road, but if you stick with it, you can make it.

Close-up of a man with glasses wearing a long white sleeve and a black vest

Kenny Smith

“A lot of them are pulling your chain and telling you what they think you want to hear. I know because that is what I used to do. But it is important that we don’t give up on them because, eventually, the one pulling the chain will want to be saved.

“I’m in the master’s degree program because I want the training and the information that comes with it. I have no plans to become a manager. I’m a boots-on-the-ground guy.”

Yoon is a clinical manager working at the Catholic Community Services Matt Talbott Center in the Belltown region of Seattle. The center provides recovery and treatment services for individuals who experience challenges with substance abuse, mental health and homelessness. Her program serves nearly 100 people, a majority of which are engaged in intensive outpatient treatment. “The opposite of addiction isn’t recovery,” she said. “The opposite of addiction is connection.”

Yoon explains that, for many of their clients, the center is their community. Church is held there on Sundays, and community events take place there throughout the year.

“They are very protective of us,” she said. “When there was a week of unrest near us a few years back, our clients surrounded the center and protected it.

“When we see people using substances are sleeping in our back alley, we feed them and give them water, and we tell them, ‘maybe, one day, we will see you at our front door.

Portrait of a woman with long black hair wearing a white top and green jacket outside

Jungwon Yoon

“For us, it’s not just about getting them to stop taking drugs. It’s about helping them thrive, reunite with their families, and being happy. Everyone deserves to be happy. I think this is why people love our place and have such a sense of ownership.

Yoon’s goal is to bolster further the forms of treatment and services offered by Matt Talbot Center after she earns her master’s degree.

THE IMPACT MULTIPLIED

Deidre, Kenny, and Yoon’s stories demonstrate the bigger picture. They are just three people in a cohort of 23 in this first class alone. This fall, a second cohort of 18 students from an additional five agencies (Asian Counseling and Referral Services, Consejo Counseling Services, Evergreen Health, Vine Maple Place and WAPI Community Services) started the program. Another 25 students are expected next year. In just three years, 66 master’s-level mental health practitioners from diverse backgrounds will be in the field in the King County area working with thousands of vulnerable community members.

On top of these numbers are the Yakima Valley students who are not part of the YMCA grant program. The first cohort of these students started attending classes in person on the Toppenish campus this fall. Future classes will enroll annually, and in two years, a steady stream of graduates will start filling vacancies in area schools and community health agencies where, like their western Washington counterparts, they will work with people with the greatest need for assistance.

This is the impact of higher education on communities!

A Lifetime of Service – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

When Heritage University Professor Gregorio Ochoa walks into his first Introduction to Social Work class each semester, he writes his name and the letters “MSW” after it on the chalkboard.

“I ask my students, ‘What does the MSW stand for?’” Ochoa said. “Invariably, they say, ‘Masters in Social Work.’

“And I say, ‘It stands for “Mexican social worker.”’ Yes, I’ll tell you eventually how I got my master’s and how it all came together for me, but for now, I want you to know that part of our bond is that we’re mutually Mexican.”

That has meaning for his Latinx students in particular as they approach the work of their chosen field, said Ochoa, because their work will be all about helping people, likely fellow Latinx people.

At 70 years their senior — he turned 90 on November 20th — Ochoa is forthright about the challenges they will face. But his indomitable spirit, his cheerful way of discussing life and one’s ability to make a difference in other people’s lives is ageless.

DETERMINED TO GET AN EDUCATION

He’s lived through years of social tumult, he’s experienced plenty of racism, and he’s seen the face of actual evil up close. Yet Ochoa’s life has been filled with immense personal growth, learning, and purpose — all of which began with a very intentional pursuit of education.

Born and raised in California by a Mexican mother and Native American father, Ochoa’s parents were focused on the value of work and making a living, not education.

“My parents thought you should just get a good-paying job, like the job I had at one point working in the Wyoming oil fields,” Ochoa said. “I made $150 a week.”

It was good money at the time, and his parents thought work like that was all one needed to live a decent life, Ochoa said. But he didn’t agree.

So he joined the US Navy at 17 — knowing the GI Bill would be his path to a college education. He’d been enrolled in the seminary from age 11 to 15, during which time the value of education was instilled in him by the priests who taught him there. Ochoa eventually left the idea of being a priest behind but took the love of education with him.

He married at age 22, and his wife Donna gave birth to a daughter the next year. When she experienced severe postpartum depression following the birth, Ochoa assumed responsibility for their daughter.

“I felt I l had lost my wife to this awful thing,” Ochoa said. “She was sad and distant. I didn’t understand why, but I needed to find out.”

It would be the beginning of a lifelong interest in mental health.

FASCINATED BY LEARNING

In the college classroom, Ochoa felt intense interest in many subjects. “I was enthralled with my history course, and I wanted to be a historian,” he said. “And then I would take a biology class and was amazed by science, so I wanted to be a scientist.

“I was just moved all over the place with the learning that was going on and how interesting it all was to me.”

Ultimately, Ochoa was most fascinated by sociology and psychology. As he pursued his coursework, he also took jobs from which he could learn. During his freshman year at San Luis Obispo Junior College, he got a job as a psychiatric technician working with patients who were identified as “sexual psychopaths and the criminally insane” with the California State Department of Mental Health. It was a tough job that paid very little, he said, but he learned a lot about people and the world of psychiatric care.

He soon enrolled at California State University at Northridge and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Planning to acquire his master’s degree, he applied to eight universities and was accepted into each. He earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 1966.

Ochoa credits college professors and mentors as well as supervisors in his various jobs with helping him along his educational and professional paths.

“I think in social work, what can make a difference is if you have a supervisor who is willing to teach what they know,” Ochoa said. “I always had that.”

Ochoa said his supervisors always seemed to want to promote him to administrative positions, but he wanted to work directly with people.

“That was and is what I love best,” Ochoa said. “What matters more to me than anything is working directly with people who need help.”

A professor sitting at a table across from three students in a classroom.

Social Work professor Gregory Ochoa talks with students following a class at Heritage University

FINDING A PLACE AT HERITAGE

Ochoa’s life’s work has taken him from California to Arizona to Washington, from senior and lead clinician positions at various mental health organizations — Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health and the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic among them — to faculty positions at UCLA, Arizona State University, the University of Washington, and now Heritage since 1990.

Ochoa remembers his children’s reactions as they drove through eastern Washington State, what would come to be home for them and for Ochoa for the next 35 years and counting.

“Going over the Snoqualmie Pass, they exclaimed they had never seen so many Christmas trees,” Ochoa smiled. “And, unlike California, all the rivers had water in them.

“This was the place that was right for my family.”

A few months after beginning his work in Yakima, WA. in 1989 at Comprehensive Mental Health Services, a colleague told him she was teaching at a small liberal college in Toppenish called Heritage College.

“She said they had two classes without an instructor and asked if I might be interested in helping them out,” Ochoa said. “I asked her what the courses were, and because they were Multicultural Counseling and Family Therapy, which resonated with me and I enjoyed teaching, I told her I would be able to help them.

“I’ve been at Heritage ever since,” he smiled. “They keep giving me new contracts.”

DECADES OF CHANGE . . . SLOW CHANGE

Looking back, it can appear Ochoa has led a charmed life. He’d tell you it’s been his attitude and his strong beliefs that have made the real difference.

He discovered what interested him in life. He did well in college and succeeded professionally, having support from professors, mentors and job supervisors, and he earned advanced degrees.

Jobs seemed to come his way, with growing responsibilities and professional gratification. He was helping people he felt called to help, and he was able to make a difference in people’s lives.

But Ochoa came of age in a time that was both evolving and tumultuous — a time that had a direct effect on his life — and his determination to be of service to others through social work.

Ochoa was taught English by two nuns in elementary school where he studied. Both thought it was important to teach him English in such a way that he would not have an accent.

“So Immigration Services wouldn’t arrest me, they told me,” he said. “That’s how it was then, and it’s no different today with the political talk about gathering all the immigrants and returning them to where they came from. It’s a huge amount of déjà vu.”

In 1966, at the University of Southern California, 75 students were admitted to his class. Among them, was one Mexican, one Asian, one Native American, and one Black student. “But there were hundreds of thousands of Latinos in Los Angeles County alone,” Ochoa said. “That has changed and is different today, depending on the university.

“The amazing changes in populations in various states where half the people are Latino, that brings to bear a significant number of students that are going on to higher education. It’s hard to ignore a population that is so huge — and that is some progress.”

In 1969, in Southern California, Ochoa’s focus was on helping young people, yet that positive focus sometimes met with complications from people whose interests were malevolent. His therapy group was visited by some who sought to take advantage of people who were seeking help — among them, Charles Manson, whose cult “family” went on to murder nine people across Los Angeles over two nights.

“He came there to prey on vulnerable individuals,” Ochoa said. “I told him he was not welcome, though no one could ever have imagined what he would have gone on to do.

“My whole life I have protected the vulnerable. That is what this was.”

Social Work Professor Gregory Ochoa during one of his glasses at Heritage University

In 1971, when he visited the School of Social Work at the University of Washington in Seattle, the School’s dean was locked in his office.

“Students — Latino students — had nailed his door and windows shut,” Ochoa said. “It was an act of defiance by minority students who were not going to leave until the department hired a Latino professor.

“That was a point in time where things were changing for minority students. That dean interviewed me through a window. I had my résumé with me and handed it to him, and a few months later they offered me the position.

“Progress,” Ochoa said.

In 1989, when Ochoa accepted a supervisory position at a mental health organization in Yakima, there were two PhD-level clinical psychologists on staff. A few weeks after he’d started the job — as their boss — one of them handed Ochoa his resignation.

“I asked him why, and he said, ‘I like your ideas, but I just can’t work for a Mexican.’ I told him, ‘I have no choice but to accept your resignation. There’s nothing I can do about being a Mexican.’

“We change what we can, and sometimes you just have to accept things you cannot change, such as other people’s attitudes.”

AFFECT WHAT YOU CAN

Ochoa has waited for the world to change while changing what he can. Always he’s decided to focus on the good.

“My whole career, in every role, I focus on reality but also on possibility and fighting for what is right,” he said.

Just as his professors and other leaders helped him chart his course and find success, he works to do the same for his students as the “Mexican social worker” he is.

“It makes a difference to students to see leaders and instructors who look like them, talk like them, and have experiences like theirs,” Ochoa said. “That’s who I am, and I am here to help them.”

Ochoa believes that one of the most critical needs in social welfare/social work education today is that universities continue to hire more faculty that look like their students of color.

“Heritage does very well with this,” he said.

Not even contemplating retirement, Ochoa said his commitment to helping students learn how to protect people, especially Latinx, Native and other marginalized people, is as strong as ever.

“I see it as my commitment to social justice that sometimes people need to be confronted,” Ochoa said. “Many of our people are like lambs, and some people are like wolves, and we need to make it clear that they are unwelcome.

“That’s really the way I saw it throughout my life, and I have had to, at times, say it out loud.

“I think probably my whole life I’ve been doing that. I’ve been defending and helping people who need it.”

Agentes de Cambio – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

When Heritage opened its doors a little over 40 years ago, the diversity of the professional community in the Yakima Valley didn’t reflect the communities they served. In communities where most of the population was culturally Hispanic, Latinx, or Mexican, few teachers, social workers, business leaders, and other professionals shared that culture. With more than 11,000 graduates, we are seeing some demographic changes. But there is still a lot of work to be done.

Judi Montes

Today’s Heritage University student is tomorrow’s community leader. They are the change-makers. Here are a few of their stories.

Sophomore and criminal justice major Judi Montes is not just preparing to be a community leader; she is one already. As a dedicated volunteer and organizer in her hometown of Granger, Washington, Montes is actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce and Granger Lions Club. She has helped organize and volunteered at initiatives such as the local schools’ PTO, holiday parades, and the annual Cherry Festival. After raising three daughters, she is pursuing her dream of earning a college degree to further contribute to her beloved community.

Granger is a small agricultural town with a population of under 4,000, predominantly Hispanic. In this tight-knit community, residents rely on each other to solve problems and support one another. Montes’s journey from a single mom to a community organizer reflects this spirit.

“Everything started with my daughters,” Montes explains. “As a single mom, I was determined to help my daughters succeed. I volunteered for their schools and enrolled them in sports, always helping with whatever activities they were involved in.”

Her commitment to her children led her to the Inspire Development Center, where she became one of the most active volunteers. Her involvement was so significant that she was invited to Washington, D.C., to discuss the importance of early learning programs for migrant families with legislators. “It was fascinating to see the national efforts to secure funding for these centers,” she recalls.

As her engagement deepened, Montes recognized that her community faced challenges beyond those she encountered through her children’s activities. After starting a full-time job at Inspire, her activism intensified. She interacted with many families and began understanding her community’s broader issues, including immigration problems and neighborhood safety concerns.

“People often come to me and share the challenges they’re facing, whether it’s struggling with immigration, accidents, or issues they notice in the community. I’m always here to listen and truly value when others feel comfortable approaching me with their concerns or suggestions. It’s important to me that they know their voices are heard, and together, we can work towards finding solutions,” Montes said.

In 2023, she was asked to run for a position on the Granger City Council. “Things in our community were not going well, and it was time for a change. Parents work late, and there’s little for children to do—no pool, no youth center, and gang activity is increasing. We need action,” she said. Montes ran for office and won with 63% of the votes.

Starting her council position coincided with her second semester at Heritage. “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer. The law is power, and it will enable me to do more for my community,” she explains. “Getting my degree and becoming a lawyer will help me build my network and make a difference.”

Montes emphasizes the importance of community collaboration: “We are here to help others. Getting things done isn’t just about money; it requires people—those who can initiate and sustain change. I want to be that person.”

Yadira Cuellar is passionate about her Mexican heritage and committed to helping young people overcome mental health challenges. Currently a student in the Master of Mental Health Counseling program, she aims to dismantle the barriers that hinder individuals from living fulfilling lives.

“In my community, there are many stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental health,” Cuellar said. “The Mexican culture often views mental illness as a sign of weakness, but that’s not true. The brain is an organ; like any other, it needs treatment when it’s unwell.”

Yadira Cuellar

After graduating, Cuellar returned to the Yakima Valley, where she became a case manager for young people involved in the foster care system, juvenile justice centers, or transitioning out of drug rehabilitation. “Many of these young individuals have endured traumatic experiences. They often struggle with behavioral disorders, come from broken homes, and find it difficult to move past their trauma,” she said.

As a case manager, Cuellar plays a vital role in the therapeutic team, connecting participants with essential services such as drug treatment, housing assistance, and mental health support. While she enjoys her current role, she aspires to have a more personal impact on young people’s lives. Earning her master’s degree will enable her to provide one-on-one counseling, allowing her to address the underlying mental health issues that hinder individuals from living independently and productively.

There is a pressing need for mental health providers from diverse backgrounds who can relate to the demographics of their communities. In Yakima County, which is 51% Hispanic, there is a significant shortage of Latinx behavioral health clinicians. “When someone Mexican walks through the door and sees that I am also Mexican, there’s a level of trust,” Cuellar said. “That shared background and understanding of similar beliefs, values, and traditions help foster a relationship of trust.”

Currently, in her first semester of the master’s program, Cuellar balances her studies with her work as a case manager. She expects to graduate in May 2026 and plans to continue her career in the Yakima Valley as a therapist for young adults.

Cuellar’s journey is a testament to her dedication to breaking down cultural barriers in mental health care, ensuring that future generations have the support they need to thrive. Through her work, she honors her heritage and paves the way for a healthier, more understanding community.

Being a Mexican means breaking a lot of things. Breaking cycles, breaking down obstacles, breaking through prejudice and out of limited expectations.

For a man in his early twenties, Salvador Ayala Vaca has wisdom beyond his years. It was learned through triumphs and tragedies, lots of hard work, and sage advice from his late father. Ayala was just a few months from graduating from high school when his dad passed away.

“My dad used to tell me, ‘We’re not rich. But you have something in your hands, an American citizenship, that will open many doors. Use it, and you’re going to see lots of good things.’”

Salvador Ayala

Now a senior majoring in computer science, his academic résumé rivals any Ivy League school student. He has completed eight research experiences, including stints with Amazon, the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., and collaborations with leading agricultural companies. He’s mentored students in the College Assistance Migrant Program and the CRESCENT program and is a tutor in the Academic Skills Center.

Ayala was sixteen when he and his family immigrated to the United States from Mexico. They were a hardworking family. In Mexico, Mom, Dad and the two brothers worked in the fields, often more than 13 hours a day, every day. Coming to America meant Ayala and his brother would have a better chance at a better future.

“When we came to America, we weren’t scared,” said Ayala. “We knew how to work hard. We knew that, in America, we could find jobs that pay better, and my brother and I could get a better education.”

The challenges he and his family faced when they moved to the United States—racism, difficult manual labor, low expectations of others, learning a new language, and finding his place in a new country—motivated him to excel in education.

“I want to inspire others who immigrate to this country. They can accomplish their goals. They can get an education. If you have the passion and the motivation, nothing can stop you.

“I see the sacrifices of my people every time I drive to Heritage. I see them in the fields picking apples, pears, and hops. It’s an honor to be Latino. My people are the ones who bring food to the table; without us, this country would be very different.

“I also know that this work is hard and dangerous. People are out there working in 100-degree-plus temperatures. We can do things through technology to make their jobs better and safer. I want to be part of the work that creates technology to improve their working conditions. With a degree in computer science, I can help companies collect and analyze data to improve their processes.”

Ayala is set to graduate this spring. He plans to enter the workforce and return to school after a few years to earn a master’s degree.

Being the oldest child in a traditional Mexican family comes with a lot of responsibility, especially when you are the oldest daughter. For junior and education major Jackie Martinez, being the oldest is a position of honor and one that prepared her for her future career as a teacher.

“I’m glad I have the privilege of being the oldest. It is definitely not a burden,” she said. “I developed a caring, nurturing personality because I grew up caring for my younger siblings. I feel like that will help me when I have my classroom one day.”

Jackie Martinez

Martinez knew very early on that she wanted to be a teacher. When she was in the fifth grade, a little boy, Eduardo, started school in the middle of the year. He had moved with his family from Mexico, and he didn’t speak a word of English. Her teacher didn’t speak Spanish. She asked Martinez if she could sit with Edwardo and help him with his lessons.

“It felt good helping out and seeing Edwardo start to grasp what we were studying and start to fall in love with learning,” she said. “Through him, I could imagine what it must be like to go someplace new where you didn’t know the language and then find that one person who guides you and helps you feel comfortable and safe. I knew then that I wanted to be that person.”

While her teachers were a big influence on Martinez throughout her K-12 years, it was the ones who shared her Mexican heritage that really inspired her to do well in her studies and strive for a college degree after graduating.

“Sunnyside is a Hispanic community. When I was in school, the only people I saw who looked like me and shared my cultural heritage worked in the fields. There weren’t a lot of Hispanic teachers in my school.

“I was in the eighth grade when I had my first Hispanic teacher. She was my hero. She looked like me. She knew my culture and what it was like to have parents working in the fields. I could relate to her.

“That kind of connection is important,” said Martinez. “It helps children feel safe in their classroom and more open to learning when they feel like the teacher can relate to what is going on in their world. Plus, it helps them see themselves in roles outside of farmwork. I want to be that person for my students.”

When Martinez graduates, she wants to return to the school system that raised her and teach the children in Sunnyside.

“There is a lot of work to be done in my community if we want to break the cycle that keeps our kids from prioritizing education,” she said.

Heritage senior and business major Christian Verduzco wasn’t out of elementary school when he started his first business. The tiny tot entrepreneur wanted to earn a little extra money, so he sold his shoes. In a few months, if all goes to plan, those won’t be the last pair of shoes he’ll sell. Verduzco dreams of leveraging his business and marketing degree enter the big business of sportswear. And, he has a hook, his culture.

Christian Verduzco

“Hispanic employees bring a lot of benefits to their employers,” said Verduzco. “We have great empathy, a strong work ethic, dedication, discipline and loyalty.”

Not to mention, he said, with Hispanic households being one of the fastest growing demographics both in their numbers and their purchasing power, bringing employees with this cultural background into management positions in companies large and small makes good business sense.

“Having focus groups can only get you so far,” he said. “Nothing beats having someone of the culture to market to the culture. There are so many nuances to being Hispanic that people get wrong. Just look at how we see Mexican, Hispanic and Latino used like they represent the same group of people. They don’t. When businesses make assumptions and get them wrong, it’s obvious and can negatively impact their bottom line.”

For Verduzco, business success is as much about personal accomplishment as it is about being a role model for young people growing up like he did—the children of hardworking immigrants who sacrificed education for survival.

“There were not a lot of role models for me in Sunnyside,” he said. “There was a lot of violence and expectations that I would just go into the workforce after high school. I was lucky that my parents always pushed me to get an education. My mom would say, ‘You’re really smart, son. I want you to do something more than I got to do.’”

With graduation half a year away, Verduzco is starting his job search. Where he will end up remains to be seen, but what he will accomplish and the significance of that accomplishment to his family and community is indisputable.

“Me and two of my siblings are the first in my family to earn a degree,” he said. “The first to have a wide path of opportunities ahead of us.

“A message I have for future students is to believe in yourself, trust in God, fight for your dreams. You may not have it all figured out but keep working, have that faith that it will all come together. ¡Si se puede raza!”

Actor Adam Beach to visit Heritage University

Actor Adam Beach to visit Heritage University

Toppenish, Wash. – Actor, advocate and motivational speaker Adam Beach will share stories of growing up on the Dog Creek First Nations Reserve in Manitoba, Canada as part of his presentation on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Smith Family Hall at Heritage University. Beach is a member of the Saulteaux (Plains Ojibwe) nation and was raised near Ashern, Manitoba. He grew up with his parents Sally and Dennis Beach, and his two brothers. His childhood was marked by tragedy. His mother was killed by a drunk driver, and his father, who was an alcoholic, drowned weeks later. Adam and his brothers then lived with their grandmother and later with an aunt and uncle in Winnipeg.

Beach began his career at 16 when he attended the Manitoba Theatre for Young People in Winnipeg. Since then, Beach has appeared in over 60 films and television programs. He’s won Best Actor awards for Dance Me Outside (1995) at the American Indian Film Festival; My Indian Summer (1995) at the First American in the Arts Awards; and Smoke Signals (1998) at the San Diego World Film Festival. His performance in the Academy Award-nominated Clint Eastwood-directed Flags of Our Fathers (2006) earned him two Best Supporting Actor Award nominations (Broadcast Film Critics Association and Satellite Awards). Beach has been further nominated for three awards for his role in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007), including a Golden Globe.

Other performances include Joe Dirt (2001), and the John Woo World War II war epic Windtalkers (2002) in which he co-starred with Nicolas Cage. He headlined the cast in the Walt Disney production Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale (1994); featured in John Singleton’s Four Brothers (2005); and starred with Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig in the science fiction-western smash hit Cowboys & Aliens (2011). He had a recurring starring role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) and Big Love (2006). In 2016, he played Christopher Weiss/Slipknot in the supervillain film Suicide Squad (2016).

Beach’s presentation will take place at Heritage University’s from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is open to the public. For more information and help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University honors Native American elders and welcomes Indigenous actor Adam Beach as part of Native American Heritage Month celebrations

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Heritage University honors Native American elders and welcomes Indigenous actor Adam Beach as part of Native American Heritage Month celebrations

Native American elders being honored this year include (clockwise from top left) Warren Cloud, Carol Craig, Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Elmer Schuster

Toppenish, Wash. – November is Native American Heritage Month, and Heritage University is celebrating with a variety of events that honor Native Americans in our communities, including the Honoring Our Elders ceremony, taking place on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. During this event, we celebrate four Yakama Nation elders for their lifetime contributions to the Yakama people and their community. This year’s recipients are Warren Cloud, Luxkulkist, Carol Craig, Nukshay Xwaami, Taleets Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Elmer Schuster, Tomiith.

Warren Cloud Luxkulkist dedicated his life to hard work, using his hands to get the job done. As a trucker, logger, and heavy equipment operator, he provided food, homes, and water essential for life. When called to serve as a Yakama Nation leader, he accepted wholeheartedly. Now, as General Council Chairman, Warren leads with respect for tradition and commitment to the 1855 Treaty, inspiring his community to honor heritage and build a brighter future together.

Carol Craig, Nukshay Xwaami is a storyteller and educator dedicated to sharing Native truths about the environment and treaty rights. Her work at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Yakama Nation Fish and Wildlife highlights efforts to restore salmon runs and educates non-tribal communities on Yakama fishing rights from the Treaty of 1855. As a Yakama Nation Review reporter, she ensures her community receives honest information on key issues, fostering understanding of their heritage and rights. Carol’s commitment empowers her community and inspires future generations to protect these connections.

Taleets, Esther Moses-Hyipeer grew up deeply connected to her culture, learning from her elders the importance of traditional foods and community care. Her dedication to the Yakama people is evident in her work with the Yakama Nation Tribal School, Language Program, Gaming Commission, and Tribal Council. She has championed initiatives honoring veterans, providing housing for homeless families, and addressing addiction. Additionally, she advocates for unified tribal healthcare to support holistic well-being. Guided by the wisdom of her ancestors and the Treaty of 1855, Taleets inspires others to uphold their heritage and support their community.

Elmer Schuster, Tomiith has left a lasting impact on the Yakima Valley and its people. A skilled carpenter since the 1960s, he’s constructed vital infrastructure, including highway overpasses and irrigation dams that support both transport and agriculture. He also helped build longhouses for cultural ceremonies and youth camps that provide meaningful experiences. As leader of the Yakama Nation Housing Authority, he directed teams that built homes for tribal members, supporting community resilience. His contributions are more than structures; they are symbols of strength, tradition, and hope for future generations.

The annual Honoring Our Elders ceremony will be held in Heritage University’s Smith Family Hall on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. This event is by invitation only. Also, their stories are featured in a series of full-page ads, each dedicated to a specific elder, that are running in the Yakama Nation Review through November. Framed copies of these ads are being added to the permanent display of honorees at the university in the Violet Lumley Rau Center.

Other events Heritage is holding in November in observance of Native American Heritage Month as designated by President George H. W. Bush in 1990 include:

Native American Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 8:00 a.m.
Location: Heritage University main entrance
Description: Heritage University will raise the flags of the Yakama Nation, the state of Washington and the United States during a ceremony featuring the Yakama Warriors.

Honoring Our Elders (Invitation only)
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: we celebrate four Yakama Nation elders for their lifetime contributions to the Yakama people and their community. This year’s elders are Warren Cloud, Luxkulkist, Carol Craig, Nukshay Xwaami, Taleets Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Elmer Schuster, Tomiith.

MMIW Event by Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC)
Date & Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, 12:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: HU student club HUNAC is organizing a program aimed at increasing awareness on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Native Flute Music by Jeremy Garcia
Date & Time: Friday, November 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Jeremy Garcia (Yakama) will perform Native flute music during a noontime concert in Smith Family Hall

Roc Your Mocs Week
Date & Time: November 10-16, 2024
Location: Campus
Description: Rock Your Mocs is an expression of tribal identity where we invite people to wear moccasins the week of November 10-15 to celebrate Indigenous traditions and culture around the world.

Indigenous Beading Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday, November 13, 2024, 11:00 a.m.
Location: Patricia Wade Temple Room
Description: Participants will learn how to create beaded artwork while learning more about the Orange Shirt Society and Redress Project.

Rez Ball Mini premiere
Date & Time: Friday, November 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Heritage University will host a Hollywood-style showing of the movie “Rez Ball” currently playing on Netflix. The cast includes Devin Sampson-Craig (Yakama) of White Swan, WA.

Frybread Cooking Class
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Eagle’s Cafe
Description: Student club HU Masterchefs will teach participants how to make frybread.

AIBL Holiday Bazaar
Date & Time: Thursday, November 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 2:-00 p.m.
Location: Patricia Wade Temple Room
Description: The Holiday Bazaar presented by the American Indigenous Business Leaders Chapter at Heritage University will be held in the Patricia Wade Temple Room.

Jeremy Garcia & Students Flute Concert
Date & Time: Thursday, November 21, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Native musician Jeremy Garcia (Yakama) and his students will perform a concert of flute music in Smith Family Hall.

Heritage University welcomes actor Adam Beach
Date & Time: Friday, November 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Smith Family Hall
Description: Actor, advocate and motivational speaker Adam Beach will share stories of growing up on the Dog Creek First Nations Reserve in Manitoba, Canada as part of his presentation at Heritage University. Beach is a member of the Saulteaux (Plains Ojibwe) nation and was raised near Ashern, Manitoba. Beach began his career at 16 when he attended the Manitoba Theatre for Young People in Winnipeg. Since then, Beach has appeared in over 60 films and television programs including Dance Me Outside(1995), My Indian Summer (1995), Smoke Signals (1998), Windtalkers (2002), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Cowboys & Aliens(2011), Suicide Squad (2016), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), and Big Love (2006).

All Native American Heritage Month events at Heritage University are free and open to the public. For more information on these events, contact Valerie Sampson at (509) 865-5000 ext. 1741 or Sampson_V1@heritage.edu. For help with interviews, contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Native American Heritage Month at Heritage University

New HU Board Members (clockwise from top left) Connie Fallon, Allison Parker, Derek Red Arrow, Elmer Ward, Maria Verduzco and Raul Sital.

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Heritage University adds six new members to its board of directors

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University has announced the addition of six new members to its board of directors. The six are leaders in their respective fields and join 24 other directors who generously volunteer their time and resources to ensure the University’s success.

Connie Falon, CEO of Compass Financial Network LLC, has been involved with Heritage University for the past 20 years in volunteering for different projects and is proud to join the board of directors. Connie’s expertise in the world of investing and finance will be an added value to the University.

Allison Parker joined the board of directors in January 2024. Allison Parker is a seasoned social impact strategist with nearly 25 years of experience, focusing on channeling flexible, long-term capital to under-resourced communities. As the principal of Peake Impact, she advises individuals and foundations in strategy, impact investing, and complex asset gifts. Prior to founding Peake Impact, she spent over 16 years at Seattle Foundation, where she most recently served as Managing Director of Philanthropy Strategies, leading a team responsible for creating new funds and launching a donor-advised impact investing program. Her career began as a staffer to U.S. Senator Patty Murray, specializing in federal funding, where she first encountered Heritage University.

Derek Red Arrow is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and serves as Litigation of Counsel for the law firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton and its Native American affairs unit. Red Arrow advises tribal governments, enterprises, nonprofits and businesses on matters involving treaty rights, land-back projects, inter-tribal trade, taxation, and other aspects of Federal Indian Law. Prior to joining his current firm, he co-founded the American Indian Law practice group at a Yakima-based firm, served as a staff attorney for the Yakama Nation, and clerked for Chief Judge Brian M. Morris of the U.S. District Court for Montana. He has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” in Native American Law, he has received the NCAIED National 40 Under 40 award for his leadership and contributions to Indian Country and named a “Successful Indigenous Role Model” for Nez Perce Tribe’s Lapwai School District.

Raul Sital is the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Supports for the Pasco School District, a role he has held for three impactful years. His leadership in this capacity has contributed to the effective functioning of the district’s operations and support systems. While at Pasco School District, Sital has also served as a teacher at McLoughlin Middle School, a program teacher and manager at Discovery Middle School, and as Principal of New Horizons High School and Pasco High School. He earned his teaching credential at Central Washington University, and holds a Master’s in Teaching and Learning degree from Heritage University. He is passionate about education because he believes in providing the opportunity for every child to reach their dreams and goals.

Dr. Maria Verduzco is the Clinical Medical Director for the Yakima Valley Farm Workers clinic in Yakima, Wash. Dr. Verduzco was born and raised in Yakima. She earned a BA in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Central Washington University in Ellensburg and went on to obtain her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Verduzco completed her residency at the Central Washington Family Medicine Residency program in Yakima. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and has dedicated her career to enhancing patient health, especially within underserved communities.

Elmer Ward is an Associate Judge of the Yakama Nation Court. Ward has worked in Native law for his entire legal career in a variety of roles for several tribes. Ward received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University, and a Juris Doctorate from the UCLA School of Law. He has served as a board member for People for People, the Yakima Valley College Board of Trustees and the Providence Foundation Board.

Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D. is grateful for the valuable perspectives and skills these individuals will bring to guide and strengthen our organization. “In our efforts to recruit board members for Heritage University, we prioritize representation from diverse sectors of the economy and education. This approach ensures a well-rounded and effective governance structure that supports our mission and strengthens our operations,” said Dr. Sund. “By engaging leaders from various fields, we are better equipped to address the needs of our community and drive forward our vision for educational excellence.”

For more information, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or at Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University Welcomes Largest Group of New Students Since 2017

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Heritage University Welcomes Largest Group of New Students Since 2017

Toppenish, WA – Heritage University has welcomed its largest group of new students since 2017. A total of 347 students have started their educational journey at Heritage this fall, marking a significant milestone for the university and the community it serves.

This remarkable achievement comes despite the challenges faced by students and families this year, particularly with the delayed release of funding through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university’s Financial Aid Department played a crucial role in overcoming these hurdles, working tirelessly to help students secure the necessary funding to pursue their education. In addition, the university’s generous donors stepped in to fill any financial gaps, ensuring that no student was left behind due to financial constraints.

Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D. expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts that contributed to this success. “The dedication of our staff and the generosity of our donors have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dr. Sund. “Despite the obstacles, we have been able to provide the necessary resources to our students, ensuring that they have the support they need to succeed. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our Heritage community to make education accessible to all.”

As the university continues to grow and expand its programs, this incoming class of 347 students foreshadows a bright future for Heritage University and the surrounding community. With an emphasis on culturally responsive education and serving students that are the first in their families to attend college Heritage remains committed to its mission of serving diverse communities and providing educational opportunities for all.

For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, Media Relations Coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

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Seattle University School of Law expands access to legal education at Heritage University

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Seattle University School of Law to expand access to legal education in central Washington with ‘Hybrid Hub’ at Heritage University

Toppenish, Wash. – Aspiring lawyers in central Washington will have a new way to earn a law degree while remaining in their communities thanks to a partnership between Seattle University School of Law and Heritage University to establish a “Hybrid Hub.” The hybrid hub addresses the critical need for legal professionals in underserved regions known as ‘legal deserts’ where there are not enough lawyers to meet community demand. This partnership will allow local students with aspirations to pursue legal careers, especially those with work and family commitments, to complete law school without leaving the Yakima Valley.

The Hybrid Hubs initiative builds on the success of Seattle U Law’s Flex JD program, which offers an innovative, part-time, hybrid-online legal education. By opening a hybrid hub at Heritage, central Washington students will have a pathway to study law, pass the bar exam, and practice law locally. The hub at Heritage allows students to study in an academic setting by utilizing study spaces and other campus resources, such as internet and library access. Students will also enjoy intellectual life and in-person networking events to build community among fellow Flex JD students, Seattle U Law alumni, the local legal community, and other aspiring law students.

The establishment of the hybrid hub at Heritage capitalizes on the achievements of the Law School Admission Counsel (LSAC) Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program, an innovative partnership between the law schools at Seattle University, the University of Washington and Gonzaga University and Heritage with the goal of boosting the numbers of people of color serving as lawyers in central Washington.

Under the leadership of Heritage University President Dr. Andrew Sund, HU has expanded its academic programs to include the LSAC PLUS, which puts legal education within reach of students in the Yakima Valley while also increasing student enrollment and strengthening community partnerships. “I am honored to have helped central Washington students envision themselves serving communities as lawyers,” said Sund. “We welcome the hybrid hub as a catalyst for cultivating homegrown legal talent and expertise.”

“The opening of this new Hybrid Hub at Heritage University marks a significant milestone in Seattle University School of Law’s ongoing efforts to make legal education more accessible and to cultivate a new generation of diverse legal professionals in underserved areas. This need is urgent in Central Washington, and we are excited to work with Heritage University because of its ongoing commitment to educating people in this region,” said Seattle U Law Dean Anthony E. Varona.

Seattle U Law and Heritage University will sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the hybrid hub during a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at 5 p.m. in the Barnhill Fireside Room, located in the Gaye and Jim Pigott Commons at Heritage University. For more information and for help coordinating interviews, contact David Sandler at (206) 291-6271 or sandlerdavid@seattleu.edu or Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

About Seattle University School of Law
Seattle University School of Law is a mission-driven, diverse, and civically engaged law school based in the heart of Seattle, offering a comprehensive legal education that goes beyond the classroom. Our students become lawyers and leaders with the practical skills, the knowledge, and the drive to make a real difference for their clients and their communities. Our practice-based curriculum features a renowned Legal Writing Program, a highly ranked clinical program, the Pacific Northwest’s only hybrid-online part-time program, and hundreds of learning opportunities around the globe. Seattle University’s Jesuit tradition infuses our students’ legal education with a sense of purpose and a drive to action to cultivate leaders in law who serve justice.

About Heritage University
Heritage University is an accredited, private institution offering a wide variety of academic programs and degrees. At Heritage, we believe that a college education should be accessible to anyone with the talent and drive to pursue a degree — regardless of economics, culture or geographic locations.

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