Heritage University’s Bounty of the Valley Dinner Raises Record $1.29 Million for Student Scholarships

Students reveal the amount raised during the 39th Annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner on June 7, 2025 at Heritage University.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University’s Bounty of the Valley Dinner Raises Record $1.29 Million for Student Scholarships

Toppenish, Wash.— Heritage University proudly announces that its 39th Annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner raised a record-breaking $1,297,744 this past weekend, marking only the second time in the event’s history that it has surpassed the $1 million milestone.

For the first time since its inception, the event was held simultaneously at two locations—on the university’s campus in Toppenish, Washington, and at Aerlume Restaurant in Seattle. Three hundred guess between the two venues celebrated the university’s mission and honored the students whose lives are transformed by scholarship support.

In Toppenish, Heritage alumni Alex Vera and Brenda Castaneda served as co-emcees, while fellow alum Gerardo Ruelas and Rueben Mayes, former WSU and NFL football standout, co-hosted the program in Seattle.

A highlight of the evening was the appearance of all four of Heritage’s presidents—Founding President Sister Kathleen Ross, SNJM, Second President John Bassett, current President Andrew Sund, and incoming President Christopher Gilmer—who collectively celebrated the university’s enduring mission and remarkable growth. This year also marked the fourth consecutive year the program was live-streamed, allowing a broader audience to join in the celebration online.

Student speaker Elsie Blackwolf, a junior double majoring in American Indian Studies and Social Work, shared her powerful story of how scholarships have enabled her to pursue higher education. She spoke of her deep commitment to the Yakama Nation and her plans to return and serve her community after graduation. The event also featured a heartfelt video of three graduating seniors reflecting on their academic journeys and expressing gratitude to donors.

Since its founding, the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner has raised more than $11.6 million for student scholarships. Heritage University extends heartfelt thanks to the donors and sponsors whose generosity continues to change lives.

# # #

Heritage University fundraiser to feature presidential reunion and sneak peek at new Adelante STEM Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University fundraiser to feature presidential reunion and sneak peek at new Adelante STEM Center

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University will host its 39th Annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner on Saturday, June 7, 2025, bringing together its past, present, and future presidents for a celebration of student achievement, community, and innovation. The university’s premier fundraising event for student scholarships will also include an exclusive preview of the new Adelante STEM Center, located in the Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center.

This year’s event marks a historic occasion as all four university presidents—Founding President Kathleen Ross, SNJM, Second President John Bassett, current President Andrew Sund, and incoming President Christopher Gilmer—will come together to celebrate Heritage’s mission and continued growth.

Guests will enjoy an evening of fine dining and entertainment, including hors d’oeuvres, artisan cuisine, exquisite desserts, fine wines, and craft beer, served throughout various locations on the Heritage University campus. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and tickets are $200 per person.

The evening will also feature inspiring stories from current students, as well as cultural performances from a mariachi band and a Native American drum group, honoring the rich heritage of the Yakima Valley community.

For those unable to attend in person, the Scholarship Dinner will be live streamed on the university’s website, ensuring everyone can support student scholarships and be part of this special evening.

For ticket purchases, live stream access, and additional event details, visit: Heritage.edu/Bounty. For more information, contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

# # #

Heritage University to hold Class of 2025 Commencement at Yakima Valley SunDome

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University to hold Class of 2025 Commencement at Yakima Valley SunDome

Yakima, Wash. – Heritage University will celebrate the Class of 2025 at Commencement on Saturday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Undergraduate and graduate degrees will be conferred upon students graduating from the Heritage Toppenish campus and the Tri-Cities regional site. Overall, 181 students earned their degrees at Heritage this year.

JoDe Goudy, who is a deeply rooted Yakama leader, visionary, and advocate dedicated to preserving and advancing his Native culture, the environment, and future generations, will present this year’s commencement address. He is the owner and founder of Redthought, a Native-owned organization committed to fostering respectful relationships with Mother Earth and ensuring a sustainable future for all generations.

A former Chairman of the Yakama Tribal Council, Mr. Goudy has an extensive history of service to his people, having shaped and led initiatives to address crucial social, cultural, and environmental issues. Currently, he serves as the Vice-Chairman of Se’Si’le, a non-profit organization focused on protecting the rights and ways of life of Native nations. Goudy’s professional journey includes significant work in both the corporate world and the realm of Native leadership. His life’s work has been dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples, including challenging the Doctrine of Christian Discovery through legal and diplomatic channels, from the Yakama Nation to the Vatican. His work with Redthought is driven by a desire to bring clarity and coherence to the global conversation on sustainability, justice, and the respect for traditional ways of life. Through his experiences, Goudy has fostered a deep understanding of identity, reality, and the interconnectedness of all people and the environment. His personal reflections and advocacy are centered around powerful questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going? What is? What isn’t? Why? These questions guide his efforts to unite diverse communities in creating meaningful change.|

Heritage University will present the 2024 Violet Lumley Rau Outstanding Alumnus Award to Maria Zavic Batarao. Batarao currently serves as the Executive Director of Instructional Technology and Assessment at the Wapato School District, where her leadership has been instrumental in improving educational systems and student outcomes. Her career in education is as diverse as it is inspiring, beginning as a classroom teacher, evolving into a Reading Coach, and later becoming the pioneering principal of Simcoe Elementary School before settling into her current position. Her journey reflects a deep and enduring dedication to serving the students and families of her community.

Batarao’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She serves as the advisor for the Filipino American Community of the Yakima Valley’s Batang Wapato Youth Group, using the performing arts to help young people explore and celebrate their cultural heritage. Her work ensures that Filipino traditions are honored and passed down, creating a bridge between generations and cultures. She is a respected educational leader and a compassionate and selfless community advocate. Her humility, kindness, and genuine care for others have earned her the admiration of colleagues, students, and families alike. She exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership that defines Heritage University alumni.

The Yakima Valley SunDome is located at 1301 South Fair Ave. in Yakima. Parking is free. Additional information is available online at https://heritage.edu/commencement. For more information, contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

# # #

Joint Statement from Heritage University and Educational Service District 105 on the Premature Closure of the Yakima Grow Your Own Consortium

Joint Statement from Heritage University and Educational Service District 105 on the Premature Closure of the Yakima Grow Your Own Consortium

Yakima, WA [May 2, 2025] —On April 29, 2025, Educational Service District 105 (ESD 105) and Heritage University received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that the federal funding for the Yakima Valley Grow Your Own Consortium and Masters in Mental Health Counseling will be discontinued.

The grants and this partnership between ESD 105 and Heritage University are designed to address the critical shortage of school-based mental health professionals in South Central Washington by cultivating a locally trained workforce dedicated to serving the region’s schools and communities. Through Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master in Mental Health Counseling (MMHC) pathways, the initiative supported candidates from underserved communities to become school social workers and behavioral health providers in the very regions they call home.

The program has already demonstrated significant success:

17 students are on track to graduate with their MSW and are set to complete school-based internships in May.
18 students are completing their first year in the MMHC program and are scheduled to begin school-based internships this August.
These future professionals represent a vital step forward in filling the mental health gaps in our region’s schools.

The federal funds supported a goal to graduate 20 MSW per academic year and 50 MMHC professionals over its duration to work in school-based settings, positions that are critically needed in Yakima County and surrounding areas.

As an example, the school counselor-to-student ratio in several area districts exceeds 1:1,000, with some districts employing no school social workers at all. The recommended national ratio for school counselors is 250:1.

The need for mental health services among youth in our region is urgent. According to the 2022 Healthy Youth Survey:

57.1% of 8th-grade students from the ten districts participating in our consortium expressed worries about their family losing jobs due to the pandemic (vs. 38.8% statewide).
50.6% of 12th graders reported no contact with a school counselor in the past year.
14.2% of 8th-grade students reported not feeling hopeful, and 12.8% had attempted suicide in the past year, significantly higher than state averages.

In a rural region already facing systemic barriers to behavioral health care, this loss disrupts the pipeline for trained school-based mental health professionals; it also threatens long-term efforts to create sustainable, culturally responsive mental health services.

“The loss of these grants will have lasting, negative impacts on our schools and communities,” said Emily Nelson, Executive Director of Student Support, at Educational Service District 105. “We already face significant delays and barriers in youth access to behavioral health services, and these grants were designed to address those challenges by bringing more qualified professionals into schools and communities.”

Heritage University and ESD 105 are currently working to support enrolled students and are appealing the decision by the Department of Education to reinstate funding as well as actively seeking alternative funding and partnership opportunities to preserve this essential work.

“Heritage University is fully committed to maintaining the Masters of Social Work and Masters of Mental Health Counseling degree programs,” said Andrew Sund, President of Heritage University. “The loss of this funding will make it more challenging for us to gain access to highly skilled school-based supervision for placements. We will also see fewer school-based practitioners to meet the needs of the local school districts.”

This is not the end of our commitment. It is a critical reminder that our students, families, and schools deserve the same access to care and support as those in better-funded regions. We remain dedicated to that vision.

For more information, please contact Dr. Melissa Hill, Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs (509) 969-4013 or hill_m@heritage.edu.

About ESD 105:

ESD 105 supports 25 public school districts and more than 21 state-approved private and tribal schools in South Central Washington. The agency serves the expressed needs of those schools in coordinating and conducting cooperative programs to benefit the approximately 66,000 K-12 students who are served in Kittitas and Yakima counties and portions of Grant and Klickitat counties. As one of nine ESDs in the state, ESD 105 carries out liaison activities between local school districts, the Washington State Office of Public Instruction, and the State Board of Education.

About Heritage University:

Heritage University is a private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate education from its primary campus in Toppenish, Wash. and from regional sites in Kennewick, Wash. and Pasco, Wash. Heritage University is located on the Yakama Nation and is both a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Native American-serving Non-Tribal Institution. For more information, visit heritage.edu.

# # #

Dr. Andrew Sund’s Campus Farewell Party

Heritage University Powwow on April 19, 2025, featuring dance, drumming, vendors, and a salmon bake.

Heritage University All Nations Student Social POWWOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

All Nations Student Social Powwow returns to Heritage University on April 19, 2025

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University’s All Nations Student Social Powwow is returning to Heritage University on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Hosted by the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC), the powwow celebrates Indigenous culture. This social gathering is a free event and open to all.

The powwow will highlight dancers and drum groups. Dancers will perform traditional, fancy, jingle, and grass dancing, with youths to seniors participating. The first ten participants in each category including men, women, teen girls, and teen boys will receive bundles of traditional foods and medicines and HUNAC regalia. Tiny tot dance participants will receive gifts. Drum groups are welcome. Vendor set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and have first come first serve access to electricity. Dancer and drummer registrations open at 10:00 a.m., with the Grand Entry occurring at 11:00 a.m.

HUNAC President and lead event organizer Anany Scott is thrilled for the return of the powwow to Heritage University. “We are excited for this event which has turned into an annual tradition of sharing our culture with the campus community and beyond. Our event has continued to grow, and we hope to see many more people at the powwow this year. Year after year, our vendors have contributed so much to the spirit of our event, and we are looking forward to their return. We are also grateful to our sponsors, the Presenting sponsor, Johnson Scholarship Foundation and South Central Workforce which is a substantial underwriter of the event. We thank them for their support,” said Scott.

Other highlights will include a Missing and Murdered Indigenous (MMIW) Dance Special, an Easter Egg hunt for kids ages one to 10 and a salmon bake. Organizers invite vendors to sell food, arts and crafts, and general merchandise during the event. Yakama Nation agencies and non-profit organizations are also invited to participate in a community resource fair. Student clubs from Heritage, area high schools or other colleges and universities are welcome to host informational or fundraising booths. To learn more about vendor requirements or to apply to be a vendor, please visit please visit heritage.edu/powwow.

For more information or help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

# # #

Generational Legacy – Wings Spring 2025

BILL AND RHONDA DOLSEN

Generational Legacy

One family, four decades of giving

A man and woman standing in front of a picture of another man and woman

Bill Dolsen’s parents, Bob and Ruthie Dolsen, were long-time supporters of Heritage University.

The Dolsen family’s support of Heritage University goes back more than 40 years. It is a testament to the strength of a family legacy that extends beyond one lifetime to generations and its impact on generations to come.

Longtime supporters Bill and Rhonda Dolsen were first introduced to Heritage in the mid- 1990s. The couple had recently returned to the Yakima Valley, and Bill was working for the family business, The Dolsen Companies.

“Dad called me to his office and said, ‘There is a woman you have to meet.’ In walked Sr. Kathleen Ross. Dad told her, ‘I don’t have much time. How much do you need?’ He was like that,” Bill laughed. “He was a very busy man and very supportive of the university. Then he had Kathleen tell me about Heritage.

“Of course, I had heard about the university in passing but had never heard about it, as Kathleen described it and the students they served.

“I was spending a lot of time down in the Lower Valley. I saw the need there and the people and how they adored Sr. Kathleen. At that time, we didn’t have much money, but we knew how important it is to have a college accessible to students with different life challenges.”

The Heritage story resonated with Bill and Rhonda on many different levels. They grew up in the Yakima Valley and have great reverence for their community and the people who called it home. From a business perspective, they also understand how important having an educated workforce is to the prosperity of the community they love. Moreover, they built personal connections with students like those who attended Heritage when they were in college. Bill and Rhonda were non-traditional students who returned to college later in life. They were married with two young children when they decided it was time to finish their degrees. They enrolled at Western Washington University, selecting that college in part because it was family-friendly.

“When we went to Western, we saw so many students who were there because they had figured out how to find the resources to pay for their schooling. Not everyone has that opportunity,” said Rhonda. “Our communities have some really bright people who deserve an education. They shouldn’t have to be satisfied with less just because they were not born into families with the resources to pay for their schooling.

“This is what we love about Heritage; they help these students—farmworker kids, Native American students from the Yakama Nation, and people who can’t leave the Valley to go to school. And many of these students graduate and stay in the Valley.”

Bill and Rhonda’s support of the university grew over time as their circumstances changed. Then, in 2005, Bill’s father, Bob, passed away. Bob and his wife Ruthie (who passed away in 2020) had been supporters of the university since the 1980s. They gave generously, both personally and through The Dolsen Companies. The couple had been a fixture at the university’s annual Scholarship Dinner, attending almost every year since it began. They created the Dolsen Family Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that will award funds to Heritage students in perpetuity. Additionally, their gifts helped build the university’s infrastructure, including most of the buildings that make up the campus, and they made the cornerstone gift that helped create the Ross Institute For Student Success.

“Heritage University was such a big part of Dad and Mom’s life. Until we lost Dad, we mostly supported the university through the business. When he and Mom passed, we started looking at things differently,” Bill said. “It was important to us that we carried on the work that they started at Heritage.”

After losing the family patriarch, Bill and Rhonda took a more personal and active role in supporting the university. They bolstered
the family-named scholarship and created an additional endowed scholarship to help nursing students. They, too, became Scholarship Dinner fixtures and supported the capital campaign that built the university’s Arts and Sciences Center.

“We have been very blessed in our lives because of this community. It is important to us that we repay the community by supporting local organizations like Heritage,” said Rhonda.

From the student perspective, the family’s commitment has an immense impact. Their support was instrumental in growing the campus from its humble beginnings of a collection of recycled portable buildings to what it is today—48 acres of state-of-the-art facilities housing classrooms, study spaces, computer labs, the library, cafe and student areas. Their scholarship support, and that of other like- minded supporters, has made college accessible for more than 11,000 graduates so far. That number will continue to grow as more students enroll at Heritage.

“I’ve never really thought of this as a family legacy, but I guess it is,” she said. “Now I see how our sons are involved in their communities, in things that are important to them. It is fulfilling to know that they value serving the community as much as we do and find joy in that service.”

“I’m proud of how our sons have embraced giving back to the community,” said Bill. “They saw the joy it gave us to be able to do things to help others and have implemented this service in their own lives.”

In reflecting on the Dolsen family’s enduring support for Heritage University, it becomes clear that their commitment goes far beyond financial contributions—it is a testament to a deep-rooted belief in community, education, and opportunity. Over the course of decades, the Dolsen family has strengthened the university’s foundation and shaped the lives of countless students who have gone on to make a difference in the Yakima Valley and beyond. Their story, one of legacy, service, and love for their community, will continue to inspire future generations of students and supporters.

News Briefs – Wings Spring 2025

Tri-Cities regional site director named a person of influence

Martin Valadez

The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business recognized Tri-Cities Regional Site Director Martín Valadez as one of 25 People of Influence. Honorees were recognized as “decision-makers who helped shape the Tri-Cities region in the past year.” They are “thought leaders and industry innovators who give back, both in the business world and the community at large.”

Valadez and the other honorees were recognized during an awards ceremony in March at the Zintel Creek Golf Course in Kennewick.

Professor making a name for himself in the chess world

Loren Schmidt

Literature and Language Professor Dr. Loren Schmidt is a master chess player whose prowess on the board is turning heads. After taking a hiatus from playing, he recently returned to over-the-board chess. After a year and a half of playing, he currently ranks 7th out of the top 100 players in the Over 65 (regardless of country, residence or federation) category, and 29th out of 100 in the Age 50 and Over (regardless of country, residence or federation) category by the United States Chess Federation. The federation configures members’ ranking based on their performance in tournaments played against other rated players. Wins against stronger opponents increase their rating, while losses to weaker players decrease ratings.

Professor publishes book on challenges of child-free K-12 educators

Catherine Zeisner

Educational Administration program chair Dr. Catherine Zeisner’s new book, Experiences of Child-Free PK-16 Educators: Bias, Perspectives, and Assumptions, was released in paperback in January. The book delves into child-free educators’ challenges, highlighting biases and societal expectations in education, psychology, and gender studies. The publication is available through Amazon and other online academic booksellers.

Remodel of Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center underway

Artist renderings of Kathleen Ross Center remodel after completion

Renderings of the STEM Learning Center remodel in the Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center. Top picture is the view towards the Don North Library; bottom shows the view towards the entrance to the left and the Academic Skills Center to the right.

Heritage launched an ambitious remodeling project for the Kathleen Ross SNJM Center in December. This is the first major remodel of the building, which was constructed in 1993. While the library will remain untouched, the rest of the building is being revamped to house the new Adelante STEM Learning Center. The center will include new math and computer science classrooms, a maker space and study rooms.

“The remodel will enhance STEM education opportunities,” said Dr. Melissa Hill, vice president of academic affairs and provost. “The new Adelante STEM Center will significantly improve the university’s offerings in STEM fields, providing state-of-the-art math and computer science classrooms with the latest teaching technology. These upgrades will foster a more conducive learning environment for STEM students, helping them gain practical skills and hands-on experience.”

When completed, the Adelante STEM Learning Center will be adjacent to the Academic Skills Center, allowing easy access to tutoring, collaborative workspace and technology to students in both areas.

“The remodel will create a more modern, functional space for academic work, research, and community engagement, improving the overall campus environment and student experience,” said Hill.

The remodel is expected to be completed in mid-April. Departments and classes that were previously housed in the building have been temporarily relocated on campus.

HU and WSU joint robotics project garners award for students

A group of men and a woman standing in front of a machine

Six Heritage students were among a group of 10 to receive the Excellence in Small Farms Technology Award during the Farm Robotics Challenge at the University of California.

Osmar Alvarez, Apol Medrano, Salvador Ayala, Robert Barragan, Bethany Navarro, and Michaela Dodsondance were part of a joint project between Heritage and Washington State University. The team of 10 was charged with developing a robotic solution to address issues that impact the agricultural industry. The students worked with Washington state tree fruit growers to learn about theefficiency of collecting harvested fruits in the orchards. From their conversations, they developed a robot that would move autonomously through the orchard, picking up bins full of fruit, taking them to a central collection location, and repeating the process until all the fruit was gathered.

Heritage students specifically worked on the visual, mechanical and design aspects of the project.

Mother Daughter Colleagues Alums – Wings Spring 2025

Two women sit on a park bench surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes, enjoying a sunny day outdoors. One has her hand on the other's shoulder.

Dioselina Verduzco and Brianna Cardenas

Heritage University staff Dioselina Verduzco and Brianna Cardenas have a lot in common. They share a commitment to Heritage University, its mission, and the students it serves. They are both alumni with degrees in business administration who chose to start and build their careers at Heritage to help others achieve their dreams of earning a college degree, just as they did. However, their relationship goes much deeper. They are mother and daughter, and their story begins like that of so many Heritage students and alumni with the spark of an idea that college could be possible.

A MOTHER’S NON-TRADITIONAL PATH

Verduzco, the seventh of 10 children, never thought she would one day be a college graduate working for a university. She dropped out of school in the 8th grade and started her family shortly thereafter. She spent many years struggling while she worked in the fields and warehouses, taking the odd side job here and there before a health challenge forced her to stop working and be a stay- at-home mom for a few years.

“I got tired of struggling,” she said. “I knew when I returned to work that I wanted more than returning to the fields or working in a gas station. I enrolled in the GED program at Heritage. One of the university’s admissions counselors met with us to talk about enrolling in Heritage after we earned our GED, and it got me thinking that maybe I could do it.”

A close-up portrait of a woman wearing a graduation gown and cap. The woman has shoulder-length, wavy light brown hair. She is smiling and looking directly at the viewer. Her makeup appears to be well-done, with noticeable eye makeup and a light blush on her cheeks and lips. She is wearing gold-colored earrings that resemble clusters of grapes or small, round jewels.

Dioselina Verduzco

Enrolling in college was a massive leap of faith for Verduzco. Throughout her childhood and teen years, college wasn’t just not discussed; it was actively discouraged.

“For as long as I can remember, I was told I wasn’t smart enough,” she said. “I wanted to challenge myself and embrace every step of the journey, no matter how long it took. Completing my degree through hard work, resilience, and determination would open doors for me and my children. I wanted them to see me as a role model, proof that their dreams are possible, and to know that I would always be there to support them.”

Verduzco started her college career in 2005, taking pre-college courses. To help fund her schooling, she took work-study positions in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and Academic Affairs. She was then hired for a full- time temporary position for a staff member who went on maternity leave in Academic Affairs and later in the President’s Office.

“Shortly after I started working in the President’s Office, I divorced. I was now a single mom. I couldn’t manage everything that was involved with working, raising my kids, and going to school, so I paused my education for a few years,” she said. “But the goal was always to earn my degree.

“I never wanted my kids to see me give up. I wanted them to see me doing something to better myself. To see me struggle and sacrifice to earn my degree when I was a single parent, so they understood how important it was for them to do what they needed to do before becoming a parent.”

Verduzco returned to school in 2012, attending part- time. She continued to work as an administrative assistant for the university throughout her studies. She was active in the university’s Enactus organization, an international student organization that promotes entrepreneurship to create social change. In 2016—eleven years after she started her first college class— Verduzco graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

She transferred from her administrative assistant position in the President’s Office to the College of Arts and Sciences, where she eventually became the executive assistant to the college’s dean and the director of Enactus.

“This is where my life really changed. I took on a leadership role that helped me become who I am today. It forced me to put myself out there and build my confidence.”

For the next six years, Verduzco worked closely with students in the Enactus program. She guided them as they developed community outreach programs and supported them through presentations and competitions. Along the way, she became a trusted confidante for the students, partly because she was once exactly where they were and understood their challenges.

Today, Verduzco serves as the Executive Assistant to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, providing senior-level administrative support and managing complex tasks. She coordinates special projects, oversees daily operations of the Academic Affairs office, and handles faculty hiring and contract renewals. Working closely with the Provost, she trains and coordinates administrative staff to ensure smooth operations and effective teamwork.

PAVED THE WAY FOR A DAUGHTER’S TRADITIONAL PATH

Close-up of a woman wearing a graduation gown and cap. She is smiling and looking directly at the camera. Her hair is dark and long, styled in loose waves. She appears to be of Hispanic or Latin American descent. The graduation cap is black with some decorative elements. Her gown is a dark, likely black, academic robe.

Brianna Cardenas

Cardenas’s connection to Heritage goes back further than her memories can take her.

“I think I was three,” she said when asked when she first started coming to campus. “I honestly can’t remember a time when Heritage wasn’t part of my life.”

Her story couldn’t be further away from that of her mother’s. College is something she always knew she would do and something that she prepared for. During her middle school years, she took part in the Enactus summer camp for kids, Camp S.E.E.D., where she and her classmates built micro businesses and sold their wares to faculty and staff on campus. She loved it so much that she continued volunteering for the program when she entered high school.

“I knew all along that I was going to go to Heritage. It felt so much like home to me,” she said. “I saw all my mom’s opportunities here, and it just felt right.”

Cardenas enrolled in the university in the fall after she graduated from Toppenish High School. She immediately declared business administration as her major. Like her mother before her, she took part-time work-study positions in offices on campus, including an internship with the First Nations MESA program.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 2024 and was hired by MESA as the program coordinator. MESA stands for Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement. It is a college preparation outreach program that works with K-12 students in math and science- based activities to encourage them to prepare for college and explore STEM-based careers. Heritage’s MESA program works with students within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation and its ceded lands.

“I truly wanted to stay at Heritage,” she said. “I was elated when the job opened up, and I got to start my career here.”

UNDERSTANDING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Two women sit at a dark wooden desk in an office or study, reviewing documents. The woman on the left, with shoulder-length brown hair and a white blouse, leans forward, pointing at the papers. The woman on the right, with graying hair, glasses, and a dark sweater with a light scarf, also leans in, focused on the documents. Behind them, a bookshelf, bulletin board, framed artwork, and a window with blinds provide context. A black office chair and a desk lamp are also visible.

Dioselina Verduzco (standing) and HU Provost Dr. Melissa Hill

Individually, Verduzco and Cardenas’s stories are representative of that of many of Heritage’s students. With its 43-year history building inclusivity and breaking down barriers that keep people from accessing higher education, Heritage has served many students like Verduzco who were ill-prepared for college, discouraged from ever pursuing a degree, or had no other options for higher education available to them. Many of these were non-traditional students whose children, like Cardenas, watched them prioritize their education, struggle, grow, and succeed. They learned the value of higher education at their parents’ hip. They grew up seeing the path to college and the path to Heritage, and they never doubted their place in academia.

Both Verduzco and Cardenas see themselves in many of the students they serve.

“When working directly with students, I used to share the challenges I faced as a student. I wanted to help them understand that we all have struggles and things that we must overcome. In the end, how you respond to those struggles and stay focused on your goals is what matters,” said Verduzco.

“I’ve been at Heritage in one capacity or another for 18 years now,” she said. “I’ve seen our students grow and show appreciation for all we’ve worked for together throughout their college careers. They are stronger for their experiences.”

“One of the things that I’ve found with our students is how it isn’t necessarily about having the same life experiences that brought us to Heritage; it’s the familiarity of being from this community. We grew up together, and we have an appreciation for the struggles that others go through. We understand one another,” said Cardenas.

Brianna Cardenas at Union Gap School

THE PATH MOVING FORWARD

With one woman firmly embedded in her career at Heritage and the other just starting hers, both can’t imagine working elsewhere.

“I can’t imagine working any place other than Heritage,” said Verduzco. “I’ve worked in several departments and learn something new each time I move somewhere else. I’ve been here for 18 years, but it doesn’t seem long.”

Cardenas looks at her mother’s career path as inspiration.

“I’m less than a year into my work at Heritage and love what I’m doing,” she said. “There is so much to learn and ways to grow. I enjoy working with the students and watching them find joy in learning and, hopefully, start to think about their place at Heritage. I can’t wait to see one of the kids I’m working with today at Heritage on their first day of college.”

Board Member Tag Team – Wings Spring 2025

A man in a grey tweed blazer, blue jeans, and brown shoes stands in front of a grey tiled wall. He is wearing a light blue button-down shirt and glasses.

Ken Smith

Past and present Heritage board members Ken Smith and his son, Steve Smith believe in, work for, and promote Heritage University, now in service totaling 12 years — and counting.

When Ken Smith talks about why he’s an active supporter of Heritage University, he often quotes his wife Sharon.

“Sharon says if you want to fully understand the Heritage University mission, go to commencement,” Ken said. “You see how excited and proud everyone is. And it’s not just the students, it’s their parents and families, because they’re often the first in their family to get that college degree.”

Ken, Sharon, and their grown children all enthusiastically support Heritage. Ken decided to join the Heritage board in 2010 after talking with friends who were board members. He served on the board for three, three-year terms, retiring in 2019; a few years later, Steve was nominated and confirmed, following in his dad’s footsteps.

“I thought being on the Heritage board would be a very good way to support the families and communities of the Yakima Valley,” Ken said. “As someone who spent their career in agriculture, I thought I could, among other things, identify some companies and individuals in the industry who might be potential supporters.”

“AG” INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE TRANSLATE INTO SERVICE

The image features a man standing confidently in a modern interior space. He wears a black zip-up hoodie over a light blue collared shirt, emphasizing a casual yet polished look. His jeans are of a standard blue wash, paired with brown shoes that add a touch of warmth to the outfit.

Steve Smith

Growing up on a dairy farm in Vancouver, British Columbia, it was a natural for Ken to major in plant science at the University of British Columbia. Following graduation, he went to work for the Wilbur Ellis Company, “a large privately owned company with divisions in Agribusiness, Specialty & Ingredients, and Feed. In 1961, Ken was relocated to the U.S. He worked for Wilbur Ellis his entire 43-year career, the last 12 of those as CEO of its agribusiness division.

Ken’s long tenure in business proved beneficial to the Heritage board. He served on the advancement, external affairs, governance, and business advisory committees, where he deemed his business experience would be most helpful.

Ken’s message to prospective donors always centered on Heritage’s unique mission and the value of its graduates to businesses in the Yakima Valley.

“Heritage’s location in the Valley allows students to live at home, which is very important for their life outside school because most of them work in addition to attending classes,” Ken said.

Growing existing donor support is key to growing Heritage’s important work on behalf of its students, Ken says.

“Most need financial help, and the number of scholarships available has been robust. We work to help keep it that way.”

Ken believes the quality of a Heritage University education is evidenced by the frequent acceptance of its grads into master’s, legal, or medical degree programs at nationally recognized universities.

“I think the most important work for Heritage now is to maintain its financial stability so it can continue to provide that quality education for its students,” Ken said.

“To keep up the good work.”

FAMILY COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

Ken’s son Steve Smith has spent his entire career in agriculture, too — working in the fresh apple, pear, and cherry industry of the fertile Yakima Valley. Steve is the Vice President of Marketing at Washington Fruit Growers.

Steve believes one of the University’s greatest strengths is in being uniquely able and willing to provide the personalized guidance and support many of its students require.

“There’s nothing like the way a Heritage education guides and supports motivated students toward graduation and employment,” Steve said.

“What makes Heritage unique is its care for each student who wants to enroll. Shepherding them through the financial aid process, providing scholarship opportunities, academic counseling, career counseling, and help with childcare — all the things Heritage does — are critical to students’ ability to succeed in college.”

Steve says giving students the skills to move into management positions, HR roles, communications jobs, and more via the degrees they earn at Heritage is an important key to their continuing post- university success.

“If they’ve got communication skills or a background in economics or business, we can teach them anything they need to know about the crop,” Steve said. “And it’s these students we most want to hire. They’re from the Valley, and many want to stay in the Valley.”

Many Heritage students come from families with a background in agriculture; the focus on providing educational options that can work in the agriculture industry right in the Valley makes sense.

“Having students whose roots are in the Valley stay right here as they pursue their education makes them much more likely to stay and seek careers here,” Steve said. “And that also provides tremendous support for local business.”

A person wearing a sunglasses and a hat listens to another person wearing sunglasses.

With fellow board member Ellen Wallach, Steve Smith led a tour of the Washington Fruit Warehouse during the Yakima Valley Tour in August 2024.

Steve serves on the finance, governance, and tribal relations committees and has been most involved with the finance committee.

He hopes to see continued expansion of majors and programs that are needed for jobs in the area.

“It’s important that Heritage continues to grow, expanding both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs,” Steve said. “That’s not always easy, as large financial commitments are necessary years before students start filling chairs in the classroom.

“But expanding degree programs should, correspondingly, expand the student base, which will be a long-term positive for Heritage.”

BEING INSPIRED, INSPIRING OTHERS

Like the commencements Ken and Sharon have attended, Steve and his wife Kirsten have been present at Heritage’s biggest fundraising event, the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner, which takes place every June.

Part of the evening’s program each year includes a student who talks about the experience of making their way to Heritage and finding success through their own diligence and the University’s meaningful support.

“What they say is so inspiring,” Steve said. “As a board member, you feel good about it. You feel uplifted about the work we get to do.”

Though Ken Smith’s time on the Heritage board is past, he continues to promote the University. He enjoys wearing a small lapel pin featuring Enzo, Heritage’s eagle mascot.

“I think that’s got to be the biggest Heritage PR thing that I do now,” Ken said. “I have more people ask me about it and, when they do, I get to give them the lowdown on Heritage.”

A group of people holding books accompanied with a mascot wearing a yellow and brown costume

Ken and Sharon Smith (right), with their daughter Christan Connors and Lily Ferguson, who was one of the second-grade authors of Houdini Was, at the launch of the book’s republishing at the Early Learning Center

Throughout his career, Ken lent his expertise to agriculture-oriented non-profits, the majority with a focus on helping young people. As chair of the Yakima Rotary’s World Community Service Committee, he spearheaded the successful International Rotary Grant application and assisted in construction of a wheelchair-accessible tree house at a school for children with disabilities in Honduras.

Ken also had the children’s book Houdini Was – which was selected as a national winner in the Scholastic annual children’s book competition reprinted in English and Spanish. The book chronicles the simple life lessons a pet hamster taught the second graders whose classroom she occupied.

“Our daughter Christan Connors and her students wrote the book in 2010, which won the Scholastic Inc. competition,” Ken said. “Christan, Sharon, and I were glad to have the message shared with more children in the Valley through the Early Learning Center at Heritage.

“To do that, it needed to be printed in Spanish as well as English. Now it’s being shared with young students all over the Valley through Heritage and the Yakima Valley Libraries programs.

“I think it’s very important to young people to get a good start,” Ken said. “Our whole family believes that.”