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.”

Legacy of Leadership – Wings Spring 2025

"Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D., wearing academic regalia, smiles during a graduation ceremony. The image features a headline reading 'LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP' and text discussing his upcoming departure after eight years of service."

Heritage University President Dr. Andrew Sund

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

President Andrew Sund looks back at his eight years at Heritage University.

In June, as the last academic year was winding down, Heritage President Andrew Sund, Ph.D., made an announcement that would change the course of the university moving forward—2024/25 would be his last year at Heritage. He was stepping down from the presidency after eight years of service.

Now, with only a few more months left at the university’s helm, we sat down with Dr. Sund to get his thoughts on the university, its people, his time here, and his hopes for the future.

Dr. Sund, it’s been eight years since you accepted the position of Heritage University president. What made you decide to do so?

I had known of Heritage because I’d met both my predecessors in a variety of settings. I came from a university in Chicago with a primarily Latino community, and I knew the two institutions shared some similarities, primarily in their focus on marginalized communities. That resonated with me and continues to resonate with me. So, I often thought that Heritage was an institution I would love to work at. When the position opened up, I decided to apply.

What did you feel was special about Heritage?

The university’s mission to serve underserved populations, particularly the Native American community and Heritage’s location on the Yakama Nation. I thought I could contribute to the mission and grow as a person and as a professional. Also, being in a rural community seemed quite unique and inviting to me.

What growth opportunities did you see for Heritage?

I saw opportunities to grow enrollment by focusing more strongly on Heritage’s original mission. Previously, there was an effort to bring in other populations that weren’t part of the original mission of serving the people of the Yakima Valley. I felt that by focusing strongly on the mission and providing the proper services to students, we could grow those student numbers. The groundwork had been laid that we could take to the next level. Heritage’s focus must always be on serving people who are first-generation college students, who come from low-income backgrounds, face cultural obstacles, and who need financial support to achieve their goals. It’s a unique mission, and Heritage says, ‘This is who we are. We exist to serve this population.’ Whether that’s helping a student with a flat tire, providing some emergency funding for gas, or having a food pantry that allows students the ability to take food home – at Heritage, students are never a number. Students and faculty work together for students’ well-being. They share their cell numbers and text each other anytime, day or night, for academic or other reasons. It’s rare, really special, and it’s all part of our focus. I often say Heritage is what higher education should look like everywhere. We should be the norm, not the exception. Higher education was created in Europe back in the Middle Ages to serve elites – we challenge that, and we are willing to change processes, systems, anything we can so that students can have access and success but never compromise the quality of education.

What goals have been accomplished in your eight years?

Heritage University Tri-Cities in Kennewick, Wash.

Well, we’ve developed a closer relationship with the Yakama Nation, something I’m very proud of. It’s important because it’s the root of the institution. We were founded to ensure access to higher education for the people of the Yakama Nation, to meet them where they are, and to bring them to the level they want and need. So, the first accomplishment is that we are proud of our mission and who we serve, and it’s important that we never question that.

From that, we’ve grown Native enrollment from eight percent to 14 percent. Doubling our number of Native American students during my time here is a major achievement. Tribal council members have commented many times on how closely I’ve worked with them, and that’s a major source of pride and accomplishment for me.

What are the specific programs you’ve been part of realizing?

There are new majors we’ve brought to the University, like the Master of Social Work and the Master of Mental Health Counseling. Those address the actual needs of people in the Valley, so that’s significant. Of course, we expanded Heritage’s reach a couple of years ago through our new Tri-Cities location. It’s a work in progress that’s hopefully going to bring great results for many years to come.

The Heritage University Yakama Nation Full Circle Scholarship is another meaningful program because it makes it possible for qualifying students to earntheir undergraduate degree with no out-of-pocket tuition costs. It’s unique in that it covers tuition that remains after other scholarships and grants, and it’s renewable for up to six years.

The Ross Institute for Student Success will help establish the University as a center for teaching methodologies for first-generation college students, which is our expertise. This really formalizes it in an entirely new and significant way.

And finally, Yakima Valley Partners for Education (YVPE) was one of the first initiatives I was part of establishing at the University. YVPE lets Heritage be part of a collaboration with schools and communities to improve educational outcomes for all youth, cradle to career.

Indoor shot of a hospital hallway, likely a pediatric ward.

Heritage University and Seattle Children’s Hospital
strengthened their partnership to give students a
high-quality pediatric rotation and to graduate a
more diverse pool of nurses to enter the workforce. A
generous $4 million gift allowed both entities to create
endowments to support the partnership in perpetuity.

How do you think faculty have developed during your tenure?

I’m very happy with how we’ve been able to maintain and grow the quality of faculty at Heritage University. We’ve had people join our institution with PhDs from the most prestigious institutions in the Pacific Northwest and the nation, including two professors who were undergraduates at HU, went off to earn their PhDs, and are now back at HU as professors.

Any unexpected bumps in the road?

The pandemic, of course. I was so proud of everyone who worked together to manage the effects of the pandemic on our students. We don’t have the resources of larger universities. Yet, we pivoted, and it was the great work of many people, especially in the IT department, who had to make sure everything happened. Faculty and staff worked very hard to make sure students could continue, and students managed to do it despite many difficulties in their personal lives.

Eight years since you came to Heritage, how is the university doing financially?

Perhaps one of the accomplishments I might be remembered for most is that we basically doubled our endowment in my time here. Fundraising has been a major success and as I said, it’s not something I take credit for fully because fundraising is the result of years of work and making sure you’re telling the Heritage story, sharing the mission, and developing connections with people who can support that mission. I did some of that, but I also continued relationships that were built by my predecessors and others, so I am very grateful for them and very happy I was able to continue with that. We received some very big gifts recently – a six million dollar gift and the latest one $10 million. It’s remarkable for a small institution like Heritage that we have that level of support.

Widening the lens, what challenges does higher education face today?

Dr. Sund stands beside Sr. Kathleen Ross, the founding president.

Founding HU president Dr. Kathleen Ross stands with HU President Dr. Andrew Sund

We’re facing a crisis of ‘value.’ It used to be understood you’re paying for something that’s going to bring you future rewards. That does not exist as it had. Many people are questioning whether it’s worth the ‘sticker price’ to earn a degree – though it’s always funny to me that many critics of higher education want their own kids to go to college.

But, as a sector, the cost of higher education is way too high, making it very difficult for people to attend if they don’t have the resources. Pell grants have not grown the way they should. State support hasn’t kept up. There’s inflation. We need to continue fundraising to make up those differences. And we must always demonstrate our value proposition – in other words, what you get out of a Heritage University education. Heritage was the lead agency that formed the Yakima Valley Partners for Education in 2019 as a measure to mobilize communities around improving educational outcomes for youth from cradle to career.

The cost challenges are what’s made me lose sleep. Yet at Heritage, we have worked to keep tuition significantly lower. We’ve been successful where many small institutions have closed in the past few years due to the high cost of keeping the infrastructure going while at the same time experiencing lower enrollments.

What inspires you about Heritage students?

I think about how, in the wintertime especially, I see students coming in when it gets dark early, probably after having worked an eight-hour shift somewhere. They’re devoting their time trying to further their lives through education, which, of course, is the most powerful tool to overcome obstacles in life — and that is inspiring to me. It’s their determination despite difficulties they may be facing in their personal lives. Anytime I’m having a hard day, I just need to look at our students and how hard they work.

Full indoor shot of a preschool classroom, with several children engaged in various activities.

Children playing in the new Early Learning Center at Heritage University

What inspires you about Heritage faculty?

Our faculty are here because they want to be part of this; they’re committed to our students’ success, and they’re willing to work with all sorts of innovative teaching practices and the sort of close- touch contact that we were talking about earlier. They could be elsewhere, but they’re here because they believe in the mission and our students.

Who else inspires you?

Those who share their time, their expertise, their monetary support, which is so important to Heritage. I’ve always been so impressed with the commitment of the community towards Heritage, whether it’s through board service, or volunteering in other ways, or through their financial resources. It really shows several things – that people in the Yakima Valley and in the Seattle area truly understand there’s a question of equity here. They know that providing opportunities is a fairness issue.

Full indoor shot of a group of children and adults gathered on a blue rug in a classroom.

Heritage was the lead agency that formed the Yakima Valley Partners for Education in 2019 as a measure to mobilize communities around improving educational outcomes for youth from cradle to career.

Further, there’s a tremendous understanding that, beyond equity, this makes sense for the Yakima Valley. Our students – the Latino population, the Native American population – they’re becoming the majority in the Valley. They’re going to hold the future jobs. We need professionals. We need people to be in education, business and the public sector. So, there is a great understanding also of the economic impact that Heritage has on the Yakima Valley. It’s a very thoughtful group and one that has tremendous pride in Central Washington and understands the great privilege of having a university for this community right here in the middle of the hop fields.

What are your continuing hopes for Heritage University?

To continue to develop master’s degrees that are needed in the community. That could be very powerful for the institution. And more research opportunities, showing what we do at Heritage that brings scholars from other areas so they can learn from us, and we can learn from them.

What’s next for you, Dr. Sund?

It’s a fluid situation, but I’m looking forward to flexibility in my work life, perhaps as a consultant, and to work in my areas of expertise. So guiding leadership or in accreditation, in work that revolves around helping students who have had limited access to higher education. I want to keep using the skills and knowledge I’ve developed. I’m looking forward to having flexibility so I can travel. I would like to be – what do you call it? – a snowbird because I have a home in Chicago where my sons are, but when it’s February in Chicago, I want to go back to Chile.

A large group of people, mostly young adults, are seated in rows, likely in a courtroom or similar setting.

A partnership project designed to boost the number of people of color serving as lawyers in Central Washington kicked off in 2022. The Law School Admission Council Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars Program partnered Heritage University with the law schools at Seattle University, University of Washington and Gonzaga University.

What will you miss about living here?

I will miss the people. I will miss many colleagues who I’m very happy to consider my friends, and now stronger friends in some ways because I’m not going to be their boss anymore. I will miss Tim’s cooking in the cafeteria. I’ve really enjoyed the weather here — it’s so pleasant for so many months. So I’ll miss driving through the hop fields and the beautiful scent in the air at different times of the year, the apples, the mint. I’ve so enjoyed early morning walks at Cowiche Canyon, when it’s quiet and still with the breeze and the peace and quiet all around you.

Close-up of a person, likely a young man of Indigenous descent, wearing a patterned headband.

Among the ways Dr. Sund has strengthened the
university’s relationship with the Yakama Nation is the establishment of the Full Circle Scholarship, which provides funding to enrolled tribal members, allowing them to attend Heritage at no cost for tuition.

I love the relaxed lifestyle in the Valley and the wonderful social and dining scene of the restaurants and wineries. Yakima, where I live, has this sort of small-town feel even though it’s not such a small town: the civic clubs and the involvement from so many people here who are so civic-minded. You get to meet people here, and that’s what I’ve really enjoyed.

It’s a Family Affair – Wings Spring 2025

Full shot of three Indigenous women, likely Native American, dressed in traditional clothing.

Three women, two generations of Heritage Eagles, all pursuing their college degrees. Right to left: Lateet Olney, “Takiisha” Tamara Stevens, and Lisa Renee “Waptas” Olney.

Ask freshman Lisa Renee “Waptas” Olney about how old she was when she first came to Heritage, and you might be surprised by her answer.

“I think I was 12,” she said with a smile. “My mom used to bring me with her when she went to class. She’d set me up on a computer or have me follow along with the class, working on math problems. Sometimes, my sister and I would wait outside the Harry Kent Building while she was in class or meeting with her advisor.”

Her mom is HU alumna “Takiisha” Tamara Stevens, and her sister is Heritage sophomore Lateet Olney. Together, these three Yakama women are living proof of Heritage’s mission: empowering students to overcome obstacles and create lives filled with opportunity.

TAKIISHA: THE MATRIARCH
Takiisha has always been candid about her rebellious teenage years. “I was a bit of a defiant teenager,” she said. “It took me two years longer than most to graduate from high school. My dad was sick at the time, and he kept telling me, ‘Go to school. With an education, you can live in the traditional world and work in the non-traditional world. An education will allow you to create your own legacy.’”

But her adventurous spirit had other plans. Instead of heading straight to college, she joined the Army after high school and served in the Middle East. When her military service ended, she returned to the Yakama Nation and lived a life similar to many of her peers. She worked for the Yakama Nation, moved between positions, fell in love, started a family, and eventually left the workforce to raise her five children. When that relationship ended, she returned to work as a single mom.

Full shot of a woman, identified as Tamara Stevens, in a graduation gown and cap, walking toward a podium. She is smiling and appears to be in the process of walking up the steps or a ramp towards a speaker's platform.

“Takiisha” Tamara Stevens marches proudly to the
podium to present her undergraduate address during Commencement 2012.

It wasn’t until her late 30s that Takiisha decided it was time to return to school. Two key things made her decision clear: First, her aunt, Martha Yallup, a founder of Heritage and Takiisha’s supervisor, gave her some advice that stuck. “I was in my first supervisory role at Camp Chaparral,” Takiisha recalled. “Martha sat me down and explained why education was so important. She told me to imagine a stack of job applications. ‘The ones without education go straight to the bottom.’”

The second was a call from the Veterans Administration, reminding her of the GI Bill she signed up for when she joined the Army, which covered her tuition.

“They called me three times before I finally listened,” Takiisha said. “I kept thinking about my dad’s words about legacy. And then I thought, ‘It’s time.’ I enrolled at Heritage as a freshman.”

Despite the GI Bill covering her tuition, Takiisha’s journey wasn’t easy. She juggled being a full-time mom, a full-time student, and a full- time employee, all while ensuring her kids didn’t miss out on childhood moments because of her busy schedule.

“Waptas is the youngest. There were days when I wouldn’t see her until the evening,” she said. “I’d wake her up for school, and then, when I got home from class, I’d bring dinner and snacks. We’d spend as much time together as I could, even if it meant doing homework late at night.”

Takiisha’s efforts paid off, as her kids never saw her struggle as anything out of the ordinary. “We’d go to class with Mom sometimes or see her doing homework late at night. We didn’t think it was any different from what other families experienced,” said Lateet.

In 2012, after years of hard work, Takiisha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She went on to work at the Yakama Nation’s Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), a program dedicated to creating employment and training opportunities for Yakama tribal members and other Indigenous peoples, where she eventually became the program director.

“TERO is vital for our community,” she explained. “It connects us with opportunities, and I even got my kids involved. Waptas became a laborer, my son William, an ironworker, and Lateet joined the carpenters’ union and became an authorized OSHA instructor.”

After many years at TERO, Takiisha decided it was time for the next chapter in her life. “Graduate school was always my goal. But over time, it became harder and harder to leave my job,” she said. “But after a difficult divorce and a conversation with my daughter, I realized it was time to follow through on my dreams. She told me, ‘What about you, Mom? ‘When are you going to stop talking about getting your master’s and just go do it?’”

Today, Takiisha is just three classes away from earning her M.B.A. in Business Administration with a specialization in marketing from Washington State University.

THE OLNEY SISTERS

There’s an often-heard truth in higher education: children of college graduates are more likely to attend college. But the Olney sisters’ path proves this doesn’t always follow a straight line.

Waptas was a bright teen who took college prep courses and earned good grades. But life had other plans, and she found herself pregnant with her first daughter at a young age. A serious illness kept her out of school for two months, which caused her to fall behind. She ended up dropping out of school.

Over the next few years, Waptas moved between White Swan, Tacoma, and Montana, working off and on while raising her daughter. Four years ago, she had her second daughter. But the idea of returning to school always lingered in the back of her mind.

“I used to tell my mom, ‘When Baby is in Head Start, I’ll go back to school,’” Waptas said. “Then, Lateet started going to Heritage, and I ran into a friend who got her GED through Heritage’s HEP program. My mom said, ‘Baby is in Head Start. You have no excuses.’ She was right. I enrolled in the HEP program.”

Waptas’s goal was clear: get her GED, then continue to Heritage. She started HEP in April 2024, completed it in June, and began her freshman year at Heritage in August. Like her mother, she’s pursuing a degree in business administration.

“I want to make an impact in my community,” she said. “I live in White Swan, and it’s neglected. Most programs are based in Toppenish. I want to help my community, the place and the people I care about.”

Lateet’s path to Heritage was similarly non- linear. She, too, dropped out of high school as a teenager after becoming a mom. When her daughter was a few years old, Lateet got her GED and began working as a laborer in traffic control. She later joined the labor union and became a journeyman.

“I had so many people telling me, ‘What are you going to do? Swing a sledgehammer all your life?’ I knew they were right. I needed something more,” she said. After working for a while, Lateet decided to travel the powwow trail and see how other tribes were flourishing. She wanted to help her tribe do the same.

In the fall of 2023, Lateet enrolled at Heritage, declaring a major in American Indian Studies. Next year, she plans to add business classes to her schedule.

EDUCATION: THE TIE THAT BINDS

It’s not every day you find two generations and three family members in college at the same time. For the Olney family, being academic peers has kept them all focused and motivated.

“When things get tough, we lean on each other for support,” Takiisha said. “We study together, or send each other texts saying, ‘You’ve got this.’”

The family sees their journey as an inspiration for the next generation, especially Lateet and Waptas’s daughters, who are around the same age as they were when they accompanied their mother to Heritage.

“My daughter loves coming to Heritage. She tells her friends, ‘I’ve been to college.’ She gets so excited. For her, being on campus means she’s been to college,” said Lateet. “I love that she can see herself in college and is curious and excited. I feel like we’re lighting the way for them.”

Waptas shares a similar sentiment: “My oldest had a school assignment where she had to write a letter to a college. She wrote to Heritage, listing why she should be accepted. She said she wanted to study ‘ELA’—English Language Arts.

She’s only 12 but already thinking about college. I love that!”

As the Olney family works toward their degrees and returns to the workforce, their hard work and sacrifice will ultimately benefit the Yakama Nation. As Takiisha’s father and grandfather used to say, “Get an education so you can come back and take care of your nation.” Takiisha hopes their example will inspire young people to follow their own paths to college and create their own legacies.

Dr. Shelby Clark named Gaye and Jim Pigott Endowed Chair of Nursing at Heritage University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Shelby Clark appointed as the Gaye and Jim Pigott Endowed Chair of Nursing
at Heritage University

Dr. Shelby Clark

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University administrators have announced that effective March 1, 2025, Dr. Shelby Clark will become the new Gaye and Jim Pigott Endowed Chair of Nursing at Heritage. Dr. Clark replaces Dr. Christina Nyirati who founded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Heritage University in 2014. Dr. Nyirati retired from Heritage University after the spring 2024 semester.

Dr. Clark is a distinguished alumnus of that mission, graduating with one of the first cohorts from the BSN program at Heritage in 2019. In 2022, Clark earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Population Health & Systems Leadership at the University of Washington. Growing up on the Yakama Indian Reservation and an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, Clark always knew she wanted to be a nurse like her aunt and grandmother, having a deep passion for service to her community and other tribal communities. Clark began her nursing education wanting to specialize in critical care. However, a year of clinical rotations in an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility during nursing school (where Native American patients appreciated having a nurse who was like them) changed her focus to improving public health through systems and policy changes. She can make strides towards those goals in her new role at Heritage.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to advance the mission of our BSN program. What sets our program apart is its focus on addressing the healthcare needs of our community through active patient participation. We believe that patients should be partners in their care, not just recipients of instructions on improving their health,” said Dr. Clark. “My connection to this program gives me a unique perspective—I am a product of it myself. I am passionate about inspiring our students to strive for excellence in their nursing careers and to pursue further education, whether through a master’s or doctorate. In the future, some of these students may return as faculty, sharing their expertise and experiences with the next generation of nurses.”

The endowment supporting the chair of the department was created by a $2,000,000 gift to Heritage University by Gaye and Jim Pigott, in 2023. The Pigotts have been champions of the University, supporting numerous programs including student scholarships, academic programs and capital construction projects on campus such as the dining commons on campus which bears their names. “We are delighted by the appointment of Dr. Clark and know that she will continue to advance the health of multicultural families and communities in rural environments through excellence in nursing education, service, practice, and community-based research established for the program by Dr. Nyirati” stated Jim Pigott.

Heritage University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Melissa Hill said Dr. Clark is just the right person for the chair of the Nursing department. “Dr. Clark brings a unique perspective to the position of chair. She personifies the nursing program’s emphasis on cultural inclusivity and its sensitivities to our Native communities,” said Dr. Hill. “Shelby is one of 80 skilled and capable nurses who have graduated from our B.S.N. program. We see great things to come from the program under Dr. Clark’s leadership.”

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

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Heritage University Announces the Appointment of Its Fourth President

Dr. Christopher Gilmer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Announces the Appointment of Its Fourth President

Toppenish, WA – The Board of Directors of Heritage University is pleased to announce the appointment of its fourth president, Dr. Christopher Gilmer, effective July 1, 2025.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Chris as the next President of Heritage University. He brings a wealth of valuable experience in serving historically-underserved, rural, first-generation students. Chris has served as president of two Appalachian universities, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and West Virginia University Potomac State College. He has served as a faculty member and administrator at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Tougaloo College, in Jackson, Mississippi, where he is currently Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice and has served on the college’s Board of Trustees, as well as one Hispanic-Serving Institution, Adams State University in Colorado, where he was Vice President for Academic Affairs. He is the founder of the National Institutes for Historically-Underserved Students.

Chris’s passion for higher education and commitment to expanding opportunities for underserved communities make him the ideal leader to continue to shape the future of Heritage as a vital resource for the region.

When asked about stepping into this role, Chris said, “Heritage University creates access to the education that makes dreams come true. My family sacrificed everything for me to be the first to attend college, and my life is living proof of their sacrifice. Education is the great equalizer because it unlocks transformational power in families and communities. It changes lives, and since I can never repay my ancestors, I am committed to paying it forward. After meeting the Heritage family, the students, faculty, staff, directors, alumni, and friends of the university, I can truly think of no place in the world that I would rather continue my mission and join it with the mission of this special place and its warm and welcoming people. I am filled with hope and gratitude.”

The selection of a new president is one of the HU Board of Directors’ most significant responsibilities, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the WittKieffer Executive Search team for their exceptional work in conducting this comprehensive national search, which identified outstanding candidates who understood and believed in Heritage University’s mission. We also want to acknowledge and thank the search committee, Board of Directors, faculty, staff, students, and the entire Heritage family for their integral roles in this process.

As we prepare for this transition, we extend our most profound appreciation to Dr. Andrew Sund who has provided extraordinary leadership over the past eight years. Under his guidance, Heritage University has continued to offer excellent educational opportunities and services to regional students. Thank you, Dr. Sund, for your unwavering dedication and service.

The transition between Dr. Sund and Dr. Gilmer will begin soon, ensuring a smooth and collaborative process. We look forward to introducing Chris and his family to the Heritage community and are confident that his leadership will ensure continued progress and innovation.

Heritage University remains deeply committed to continuing to empower a multicultural and inclusive student body. Rooted in the homeland of the Yakama Nation, Heritage University embraces transformational, student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to a more just society. We are confident that Chris will build on the foundation established by all who have led and invested in Heritage University.

For more information or for help with coordinating interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 (c) or (509) 865-0371 (o) or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University to begin $2.5 million remodel of Kathleen Ross Center adding STEM Learning Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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 University to begin $2.5 million remodel of Kathleen Ross Center adding STEM Learning Center

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University will soon embark on an ambitious remodel project of the Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center to begin on December 16, 2024. When finished, the building will also be the home of a STEM Learning Center to include new math and computer science classrooms, a maker space, and study rooms complete with new furniture. The total cost of the project is $2.5 million, with $1.5 million provided by a grant titled Adelante STEM from the U.S. Department of Education, and $1 million from a private donation.

This remodel project offers several key benefits, with enhanced STEM education opportunities being the first. 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.

Another benefit to students will be the proximity of the new STEM Learning Center to the Academic Skills Center (ASC). With the two being next to each other, students will have access to the ASC’s tutoring services, the ASC’s collaborative workspaces, and technology offerings.

The remodel project will also improve the library and campus experience. While the Donald North Library, located in the Ross Center, will be temporarily affected during construction, the long-term result will be an enhanced library experience for all users and visitors. The remodel will create a more modern, functional space for academic work, research, and community engagement, improving the overall campus environment and student experience.

Adriana Villafan, the Director of TRIO & Adelante STEM Program at Heritage, is confident the upgrades will contribute to the growth and success of the university by better supporting STEM education. “Students will benefit from a learning environment crucial for success in today’s competitive job market,” said Villafan. “The STEM center will help students be better prepared to enter industries that demand technical expertise and innovation.”

During construction, the Don North Library will continue to be accessible to students, faculty, and staff. Construction is scheduled to be completed in mid-April. For more information, contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

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Faculty Scholarship Research Series 2025-2026

News Briefs – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

HU gives Seattleites insiders tour of the Yakima Valley

While the Yakima Valley is only a few hours east of Seattle, its rural geography, high-desert climate and agricultural dependence can make it seem as foreign as a visit to another land. In September, supporters from the greater Puget Sound region made their way east of the Cascades for an insider’s tour of Yakima, its arts and culture, agricultural industry, and Heritage University.

A group of people pose for a picture outside a building

Visitors from western Washington outside the Student Services Center at Heritage University with two HU student ambassadors.

Fourteen visitors toured a private Native American museum, an apple packing warehouse, and the artist community Mighty Tieton. They watched artisans working on one of their mosaic projects and met with Heritage alumna Rosie Saldana, the organization’s artistic director. The guests dined at the private homes of Heritage supporters and former board members, where they sampled wines and beers from the region and learned about its history.

“The Yakima Valley is a rich and diverse community with wonderful people from all different walks of life,” said Elizabeth Perera, regional development director for western Washington. “Most people passing through the region, or even stopping to visit for a long weekend, only get to appreciate what it offers.

A woman looks over an apple processing machine

HU Board Member Ellen Wallach looks over an apple processing machine during a visit to Washington Fruit in Yakima, Wash.

“The tour gave our visitors a much more in-depth perspective on the region and the people who call this place home. They better understood Heritage’s life-changing role in our students’ lives and the community itself.”

This is the fourth year of the tour, which serves as a fundraiser for the university. This year, the event raised $20,000 in student scholarships.

The year-over-year response has been so positive that work is underway to build next year’s event. It will take place one weekend mid-September. For more information or to reserve your space for the 2025 tour, contact our Advancement Office at advancement@heritage.edu.

Largest class in seven years starts at Heritage this fall

Heritage University welcomed its largest group of new students since 2017. A total of 347 new freshmen and transfer students started their educational

Students walk along a path at Heritage University

Students walking a path between Petrie Hall and the Kathleen Ross Center at Heritage University.

journey at the university this fall. This achievement came despite the challenges faced by students and families this year in securing college funding in a timely manner. The federal government’s troubled revamp of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) left many students nationwide unsure how much, if any, financial aid they would receive to help pay for their schooling until only a few months before classes began. Heritage’s Office of Financial Aid doubled its efforts to get financial aid packages to incoming and returning students as soon as their FAFSA applications were processed. Additionally, university donors stepped in to fill any financial gaps, ensuring that no student was left behind due to financial constraints.

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

Two men sit at a desk signing papers while people stand behind them.

HU President Andrew Sund and Seattle University School of Law Dean Anthony Varona sign papers establishing a law school partnership between the two higher learning institutions.

In September, Heritage and Seattle University entered a partnership to help aspiring lawyers earn a degree while staying in the Yakima Valley. Called the Hybrid Hub, the partnership opens up Heritage’s campus to Seattle University law students who are attending classes remotely through their Flex JD program, giving them access to an academic setting for studying as well as to other campus resources, such as high-speed internet and the library. Additionally, Heritage will serve as an in-person meeting area where the students can network with their peers in the program as well as Seattle University Law School alumni, and members of the local legal community.

The Seattle University Flex JD program allows students to attend law school part-time in a hybrid online setting.

New board members bring wealth of leadership and career skills to Heritage

Six new members joined the Heritage Board of Directors this year. They are leaders in their respective fields and join 24 other directors who volunteer their time and resources to ensure the university’s success.

CONNIE FALON, CEO of Compass Financial Network LLC, has more than 30 years of experience in financial planning. She is a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist who manages wealth for individuals, families and businesses. Her expertise includes broad-based investment planning and portfolio management. Falon is a long-time friend of Heritage, having volunteered for many projects over the past 20 years.

ALLISON PARKER, Principal, Peake Impact, joined the board in January. She is a seasoned social impact strategist with nearly 25 years of experience, focusing on channeling flexible, long-term capital to under-resourced communities. She advises individuals and foundations in strategy, impact investing, and complex asset gifts. Prior to founding Peake Impact, she spent more than 16 years at the 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, Litigation of Counsel, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe. He 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 was named a “Successful Indigenous Role Model” for Nez Perce Tribe’s Lapwai School District.

RAUL SITAL, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Supports, Pasco School District, has been in his current position for three years. His leadership in this capacity contributed to the effective functioning of the district’s operations and support systems. While at Pasco School District, Sital 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, Clinical Medical Director, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, was born and raised in Yakima. She earned a B.A. 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. 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 withinunderserved communities.

ELMER WARD, Associate Judge, Yakama Nation Court, has worked in Native law for his entire legal career in a variety of roles for several tribes. He 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 Boardof Trustees and the Providence Foundation Board.

Honoring Our Elders – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

Native American elders being honored this year (2024) include (clockwise from top left) Warren Cloud, Carol Craig, Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Elmer Schuster

November is Native American Heritage Month. Each year, Heritage University kicks off its celebration by honoring four Yakama elders for their lifetime contributions to their communities. This year we recognize Warren Cloud, Esther Moses- Hyipeer, Carol Craig, and Elmer Schuster.

WARREN CLOUD, LUXKULKIST dedicated his life to hard work, always using his hands to ensure the job got done. As a trucker, he transported fruit from the fields to the processing center, ensuring that families received nourishing food. As a logger, he carefully brought trees from the forest to help build homes. He worked tirelessly as a heavy equipment operator to keep waterways flowing, providing essential water for crops and animals to thrive. When the call came for him to serve as a tribal leader for the Yakama Nation, Warren answered with a heartfelt “yes.” As the Yakama Nation General Council Chairman, he leads with a deep respect for tradition and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the principles of the Treaty of 1855. Warren’s leadership embodies a legacy of service and devotion to his community, inspiring others to honor their heritage and work together for a brighter future.

“TALEETS” ESTHER MOSES-HYIPEER grew up deeply rooted in her culture, surrounded by the rich stories and history of those who came before her. From an early age, she learned the importance of gathering and preserving the traditional foods. From the medicine men in her family line, she learned to nurture her community with instilled values. These lessons would guide her throughout her life. Her unwavering commitment to the Yakama people shines through her work across various entities, including the Yakama Nation Tribal School, Higher Education, and the Language Program; the Yakama Nation Gaming Commission; and the Yakama Nation Tribal Council. Taleets has led impactful initiatives that honor veterans, provide transitional housing for homeless families, and tackle the challenges of drug and alcohol addiction. Additionally, she’s led the call for tribal healthcare programs to work together to address the holistic mental and physical health of individuals and families. In every endeavor, she carries the wisdom of her elders and the principles of the Treaty of 1855, allowing their teachings to illuminate her path of service. Taleets embodies the spirit of community and resilience, inspiring those around her to uphold their heritage and support one another.

CAROL CRAIG NUKSHÁY XWÁAMI is a storyteller and educator devoted to sharing the truths of Native people, the environment, and treaty rights. Her impactful work at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Yakama Nation Fish and Wildlife has raised awareness of tribal efforts to restore dwindling salmon runs while educating non-tribal communities about the significance of the fishing rights granted to the Yakama people through the Treaty of 1855. As a reporter for the Yakama Nation Review, Carol ensures her community has access to honest and accurate information about issues that affect their lives. Her unwavering commitment to her people and the environment fosters a deeper understanding of their heritage and rights. Carol’s work empowers her community and inspires future generations to honor and protect these vital connections.

ELMER SCHUSTER, TOMIITH’S life’s work has left an indelible mark on the landscape and the people of the Yakima Valley. A skilled carpenter since the 1960s, he has helped construct vital infrastructure, including highway overpasses that facilitate the movement of people and goods, and irrigation dams that ensure the flow of precious water to the crops that nourish our nation. Moreover, he has helped craft longhouses that preserve cultural traditions through meaningful ceremonies and constructed youth camps that foster lifelong memories and impart invaluable lessons. Under his leadership at the Yakama Nation Housing Authority, he led the teams that built the homes that shelter hundreds of tribal members, providing a foundation for community growth and resilience. Elmer’s contributions are not just physical structures; they are enduring symbols of strength, tradition, and hope for future generations.

The four elders were each featured in ads that ran in the Yakama Nation Review and were honored during a special ceremony at the university on November 6. This is the tenth year that Heritage has honored Native American elders. Portraits of all of the recipients are on a permanent display in the Violet Lumley Rau Center.

El Grito de Independencia – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

The richness of the Mexican culture was out in full color in September when the campus community hosted its 5th annual El Grito celebration.

El Grito is an important traditional celebration in Mexico that commemorates the start of the country’s war for independence. Each year on September 15 at 11:00 p.m., Mexico’s president rings a bell at the National Palace in Mexico City and shouts out a call of patriotism based on the Cry of Dolores, the call out made two centuries ago by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that started the war for independence. This call is replicated in cities and towns throughout Mexico, with the highest-ranking government official making the call. For theMexican people, it is as sacred as the 4th of July is to Americans.

A man holds the Mexican flag as a woman holds a microphone to his face

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla waves the Mexican flag as he recreates the El Grito with HEP Director Jennifer Renteria holds a microphone for him to speak into.

Heritage started hosting this cultural event in 2018. It is both a time to celebrate the heritage shared by a significant portion of the university’s student body and a way to bring the community to the campus. With September 15 landing Sunday this year, the university broke away from the tradition a bit by celebrating the day before on a Saturday and reenacting the Cry of Dolores earlier in the evening at 7:00.

The event featured traditional dancing and music, including a performance of Aztec dances, folkloric dance by Grupo La Esperanza, and a night dance led by local band Los de la Z. Community organizations participated in a resource fair, and children and families enjoyed traditional crafts and games. Mexican Consul Representative Oscalin Figueroa led the crowd through the Cry of Dolores.

Scenes from the El Grito celebration at Heritage University, September 14, 2024