Heritage University Announces Fall 2018 Dean’s List

Toppenish, Wash. – The following are students who earned a place on the Heritage University Dean’s List for the fall 2018 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must be full-time, matriculated undergraduates who have earned semester grade point averages of 3.5 or better.

Marixa Abacara-Perez, Kennewick	Josue Aguilar, Yakima	Gissell Aguilar, Sunnyside
Amalia Akagi, yakima	Clarisa Alcala, Buena	Paulina Alcala, Yakima
Sonia Allende, Pasco	Danielle Almanza, Granger	Lorena Alvarez, Wapato
Yessyca Alvarez, Grandview	Yanett Alvarez, Yakima	Eilee Andujo, Prosser
Elizabeth Arellano, Toppenish	Rosalinda Arreola, Toppenish	Alonso Arroyo, Wapato
Alejandra Arteaga, Yakima	Emma Avalos, Yakima	Marisol Avila, Toppenish
Alexys Ayala, Buena	Maria Ayala, Toppenish	Jeremiah Baker, Toppenish
Regina Baker, Toppenish	Michelle Barba, Yakima	Nadine Bare, Kennewick
Sabrina Bare, Kennewick	Teresa Barnes, Richland	Elizabeth Benitez, Kennewick
Esther Bermudez, Kennewick	Jeanne Blakeman, Pasco	Cristina Blanco, Sunnyside
Zaireth Borges Zamora, Yakima	Justin Burke, Yakima	Daisy Bustamante Orduno, Granger
Juan Cabrera-Santos, Buena	Jennifer Cantu, Prosser	Roma Cantu, Toppenish
Alexandra Cardenas, Toppenish	Brenda Cardona, Mattawa	Janette Cardona, Mattawa
Jenny Careaga, West Richland	Delia Castanon, Wapato	Leslie Castillo, Sunnyside
Erica Castro, Wapato	Zachary Catron, Wapato	Noelia Causor, Yakima
Rosalinda Ceja Navarro, Sunnyside	Jocelyn Celis Torres, Wapato	Jennifer Cervantes, Toppenish
Kevin Cervantes, Pasco	Lizbeth Chavez, Pasco	Diana Chavez Cerda, Yakima
Ruben Chino Bustamante, Toppenish	Heather Christensen, Richland	Ana Cisneros Chavez, Outlook
Shelby Clark, White Swan	Heather Collins, Zillah	Gardenia Contreras-Vazquez, Sunnyside
Grace Corning, Benton City	Melissa Correa, Pasco	Esmeralda Correa, Pasco
Guadalupe Cortes, Wapato	Kristina Cortez, Moxee	Almarosa Cortez, Wapato
Veronica Cruz, Sunnyside	Estefani Cruz, Wapato	Stefany Cuaspud Guevara, Kennewick
Kathryn Curtiss, Toppenish	Ashley Davis, Naches	Xavier Day, Toppenish
Connie Delacruz, Yakima	Cynthia Deleon, Toppenish	Fatima Delgado, Toppenish
Esperanza Delgado, Toppenish	Paige Delp, Yakima	Jesus Diaz, Zillah
Keila Diaz, Granger	Irvin Diaz, Yakima	Josue Diaz, Mesa
Maria Diaz, Zillah	Rylie Dixon, Kennewick	Amanda Donelson, Kennewick
Sara Duran, Wapato	Crecenciana Espinoza, Pasco	Jocelyne Espinoza, Wapato
Kaylyn Fairchild, Pasco	Krisana Fernandez, Sunnyside	Flor Fernandez-Mendoza, Mattawa
Cristy Fiander, Wapato	Jose Figueroa-Orduno, Grandview	Spencer Fisher, Richland
Artemio Flores, Toppenish	Stephanie Flores-landin, Yakima	Hector Franco Velazquez, Granger
Anabel Garcia, Pasco	Evelyn Garcia, Wapato	Leticia Garcia, Granger
Esmeralda Garcia, Wapato	Rosa Garcia, Kennewick	Victoria Garcia, Pasco
Marlenne Garibay, Sunnyside	Anali Garibay, Pasco	Kimberling Garibay, Sunnyside
Kimberly Garibay Zapien, Toppenish	Dorothy Garwood, Prosser	Anahi Garza, Richland
Delia Garza, Pasco	Lindsy Gatewood, Pasco	Nicole Glatt, Burbank
Lesly Gomez, Yakima	Tania Gomez, Pasco	Rhiannon Gonzales, Yakima
Diana Gonzalez, Kennewick	Noe Gonzalez, Toppenish	Alfonso Gonzalez-Colin, Yakima
Amanda Goodman, Pasco	Heidy Granados Lopez, Kennewick	Ashley Grego, Richland
Shelby Groth, Selah	Brenda Guadarrama, Granger	Isaias Guerrero, Outlook
Estefania Guerrero Angel, Granger	Yazmine Guido, Yakima	Eva Guizar, Kennewick
Alissa Gutierrez, Yakima	Melissa Gutierrez, Granger	Melissa Guzman, Pasco
Alexis Guzman, Pasco	Martha Guzman, Yakima	Yuli Guzman, Yakima
Kori Haubrich, Sunnyside	Anna Hempel, Kennewick	Mayra Hermosillo, Prosser
Elena Hernandez, Wapato	Lizbeth Hernandez, Yakima	Xochitl Hernandez, Pasco
Tracie Hicks, Kennewick	Savannah Hill, Wapato	Christina Holland, Kennewick
Chaelee Hudson, Yakima	Kasey Hutto, Kennewick	Ricardo Iriarte, Yakima
Yasmin Islas Martinez, Yakima	Jason Janovitch, Pasco	Kaneeta Jeffery- Zack, Zillah
Samanta Jimenez, Pasco	Miguel Juarez, Yakima	Alondra Juarez, Wapato
Ekman Kaur, Kennewick	April Kent, Toppenish	Wendy Kleppin, West Richland
Valentyn Konko, Kennewick	Viktoriia Konko, Kennewick	Michael Kummer, Kennewick
Rachel LaBelle, Benton city	Maria Lara, Pasco	Maria Lechuga, Wapato
Shiraz Lefeber, Pasco	Yovana Leyva Carmona, Wapato	Ilse Leyva Manzanarez, Yakima
Idalis Licea, Zillah	Andres Lima Elias, Othello	Mark Litka, Richland
Brittany Loeken, Yakima	Yesenia Lopez, Wapato	Maria Lopez, Wapato
Elvira Lopez, Toppenish	Yezie Lopez Perez, Yakima	Reina Luna, Wapato
Daisy Luna, Wapato	Jeffery Lybbert, Toppenish	Jennifer Macias, Toppenish
Claudia Madrigal, Pasco	Yareli Madrigal Luna, Pasco	Marlene Magana, Sunnyside
Herminia Magdaleno, Yakima	Edgar Maranon, Wapato	Ana Marquez, Grandview
Rosalinda Marquez, Toppenish	Cooper Martin, Yakima	Daisy Martinez, Wapato
Natalie Martinez, Sunnyside	Dulce Martinez, Sunnyside	Andrea Martinez-Santiago, Toppenish
Christina Mattson, Richland	Stephanie Maybee, Selah	Sara McColloch, Pasco
Shaunacy McMurray, Yakima	Ashlee Mearns, Kennewick	Judit Medina, Kennewick
David Mejia, Yakima	Stephanie Mendoza, Mabton	Yesenia Mendoza, Mattawa
Jazmin Mendoza, Pasco	Daniel Mendoza, Toppenish	Karen Mendoza, Prosser
Cassandra Mercado, Pasco	Jheymy Mercado-Covarrubias, Yakima	Rebecca Meza, Sunnyside
Celine Michael, Yakima	Jennifer Mitchell, Kennewick	Gladys Monroy, Pasco
Priscila Montiel, Yakima	Brenda Montoya-Roman, Yakima	Ana Morales, Toppenish
Domitila Morales, Pasco	Lizbeth Morales Perez, Toppenish	Gabriela Moreno, Toppenish
Eva Morfin, Kennewick	Kaitlin Morris, Richland	James Muggli, Kennewick
Guadalupe Navarro, Sunnyside	Thuan-Thien Nguyen, Pasco	Edith Noriega, Sunnyside
Arlene Olea, Sunnyside	Meaghan Oliver, Richland	Rosa Olvera, Pasco
Lorena Ornelas, Sunnyside	Esther Osorio, Toppenish	Rebecca Ozuna, Toppenish
Karina Padilla, Yakima	Carlos Paniagua, Sunnyside	Mary Pantoja, Yakima
Seong Park, Yakima	Shane Parkhurst, Kennewick	Yolanda Penaloza, Mabton
Marcelo Penaloza, Toppenish	Ana Perez, Pasco	Hunter Perez, Kennewick
Carmen Perez, Grandview	Sabrina Persinger, Pasco	Eric Philipp-Petrick, Yakima
Kelsey Picard, Seatac	Diana Picazo Villanueva, Outlook	Allison Platsman, Sunnyside
Oscar Ponce, Harrah	Carlos Prado, Yakima	Katherine Priddy, Goldendale
Daisy Quinones, White Swan	Laura Quintana, Union Gap	Lezly Quintanilla, Yakima
Viridiana Ramirez, Pasco	Briceida Ramos, Grandview	Olivia Ramos Alvarez, Kennewick
Lazaro Ramos Aragon, Walla Walla	Rosa Rangel, Wapato	Anyssa Rebollero, Yakima
Joshua Rein, Wapato	Shealynn Reuther, Wapato	Alfredo Reyes, Granger
Gloria Reyes, Granger	Anitramarina Reyna, Yakima	Andrea Rhode, Zillah
Amy Richter, Pendleton	Rosa Rios, Moxee	Abigail Rivera, Zillah
Candelaria Rivera, Mabton	Maria Rivera, Yakima	Timothy Roa, Wapato
Morgan Roberts, Kennewick	Hunter Roberts, Yakima	Ellie Robins, Selah
Eileen Rodriguez, Pasco	Adriana Rodriguez, Kennewick	Andrea Rodriguez, Toppenish
Heidy Rodriguez, Wapato	Jesus Rodriguez, Granger	Liliana Roman, Grandview
Sarah Romano, Richland	Juan Romero, Zillah	Erika Romero-Vargas, Pasco
Dalia Romo Pinon, Sunnyside	Leidy Rosales, Pasco	Eva Rosenow, Kennewick
Rosario Ruiz, Yakima	Jose Salcedo, Granger	Renee Saldana, Yakima
Mayra Sanchez, Kennewick	Danielle Sauceda, Pasco	Johnathan Schab, Prosser
Erika Scheel, Meridian	Margaret Sewell, Yakima	Blaine Shearer, Zillah
Jeniya Slutskaya, Kennewick	Gerardo Soto, Zillah	Maria Soto-Galvan, Yakima
Hunter Strickland, Richland	Christy Taylor, Othello	Autumn Teegarden, Yakima
Destiney Theisen, Kennewick	Stephanie Tolley, Othello	LisaLyn Tormey, Yakima
Jose Torres, Outlook	Omar Torres, Sunnyside	Jonay Torres, Pasco
Yanet Torres, Zillah	Maribel Torres, Kennewick	James Torres, Grandview
Alejandra Treece, Zillah	Anthony Tzib, Prosser	Daisy Vaca, Wapato
Victoria Valdez, Toppenish	Cecilia Valdivia, Yakima	Maria Valencia, Toppenish
Anakaren Valenzuela, Toppenish	Elizabeth Van Corbach, Sunnyside	Brenda Vasquez, Toppenish
Veronica Vigil, Yakima	Maurita Villafan, Toppenish	Julia Villagomez, Toppenish
Eva Villalba-Arevalo, Prosser	Maria Villanueva, Yakima	Allyssa Villanueva-Guillen, Grandview
Citlaly Villegas, Wapato	Arcelia Virgen, Wapato	Cecilia Vizcaino de la Mora, Yakima
Dawn Waheneka, Wapato	Kyle Wandling, Pasco	Mette Warnick, Richland
Katie Wentz, WhiteSwan	Shelby White, Burbank	Devin Williams, Kennewick
Janae Williams, Kennewick	John Williams, Kennewick	Kaitlyn Wormington, Kennewick
Jasmine Yellow Owl, Zillah	Valentin Zaragoza, Zillah	Ruby Zarate, Moxee

Heritage University faculty member named ‘Distinguished Nurse of the Year’

Heritage University faculty member named Distinguished Nurse of the Year

Toppenish, Wash. – The March of Dimes’ Washington state chapter has named Heritage University Assistant Nursing Professor Anita Shoup as Distinguished Nurse of the Year. With this award, the March of Dimes recognizes Dr. Shoup for having a lasting positive impact on the nursing profession in Washington state.

Dr. Shoup has nearly 40 years of experience as a clinical nurse specialist and is a founding member of the Washington State Council of Perioperative Nurses, an organization now in its 28^thyear. Dr. Christina Nyirati, the director of the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at Heritage, said Shoup has played an important role in developing, implementing and evaluating the BSN’s curriculum. “The dedication she’s shown in working as a nurse, influencing healthcare policy and training our students for excellence in nursing makes her a perfect choice for recognition as Distinguished Nurse of the Year,” said Nyirati.

Dr. Shoup, Dr. Nyirati and sixteen BSN students from Heritage attended the March of Dimes ceremony in Seattle last month where Shoup received the award. “While I was surprised, humbled and honored to win, I felt it was more important that the students who were there got the chance to engage in professional networking and celebrate outstanding nurses who care for patients day in and day out,” said Dr. Shoup.

Anita Shoup joined Heritage University in 2015 as an assistant professor of nursing and the coordinator of simulation and experiential learning. In addition to overseeing classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction, she oversees the program’s learning resource center and simulation suites to ensure an authentic experiential learning experience for students. Shoup has worked for Swedish Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center, both in Seattle, as a perioperative clinical nurse specialist, as a clinical nurse consultant for Mölnlycke Healthcare, and as a faculty member for the University of Washington School of Nursing. She earned her doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing all from the University of Cincinnati.

For more information, contact Anita Shoup at (509) 865-8596 or Shoup_A@Heritage.edu.

Heritage University and Yakima Valley College Sign MOU for Criminal Justice Program Press Release

Heritage University, Yakima Valley College sign memorandum of understanding for criminal justice program

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University (HU) and Yakima Valley College (YVC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that makes it easier for students studying criminal justice at YVC to transfer to Heritage University to earn a bachelor’s degree in that field.

The MOU ensures that YVC students who successfully complete an associate of applied science-transfer (AAS-T) degree are guaranteed to be accepted into HU’s undergraduate criminal justice program. “We want students who start at YVC and then transfer to HU to experience a smooth transition, with minimal to no loss of credit and duplication of coursework,” said Janet Foster Goodwill, criminal justice instructor and department chair at YVC. “The process by which our students can turn their two-year degree in criminal justice, into a four-year degree at Heritage has never been easier.”

YVC students who pursue a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice can take advantage of a program designed for career success. “Studying criminal justice is so much more than public safety,” said Kimberly Bellamy-Thompson, social science department chair at Heritage. “We teach innovative ways to approach public policy and justice in an ever-changing America. Students can take advantage of established internship programs with law enforcement agencies who have a need for people with critical-thinking skills, the ability to integrate ideas and a commitment to lifelong learning.”

For more information, contact Janet Foster Goodwill at (509) 574-4794 or jgoodwill@yvcc.edu or Kimberly Bellamy-Thompson at (509) 865-0748 or Bellamy-Thompson_K@Heritage.edu.

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Heritage University’s BSN Program Receives Accreditation

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University announced today that its bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The BSN Program met all four accreditation standards, and its accreditation status is valid through 2023, when the program will be eligible for renewal. The CCNE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency and contributes to the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing. CCNE serves public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.

Dr. Christina Nyirati, director of the BSN program at Heritage, said “the program cultivatesnurse leaders to provide culturally competent, community-focused care. By preparing our BSN program to meet CCNE professional nursing education standards, real health equity for the ethnically diverse populations in the Yakima Valley is served.”

Heritage University President Dr. Andrew Sund said the BSN at Heritage promotes fulfillment of the Heritage University Mission, as it prepares graduates to function as providers of care, scholars, as well as leaders and collaborators. “We are proud of the work Dr. Nyirati and her team are doing to meet the regional, statewide and nationwide demand for nurses,” said Dr. Sund.

The CCNE accreditation of the Heritage University BSN program is effective as of January 31, 2018, the first day of the program’s recent CCNE on-site evaluation. For more information, contact Dr. Christina Nyirati at (509) 865-8578 or Nyirati_C@Heritage.edu.

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Flag raising ceremony and an event honoring Yakama elders kick off Native American Heritage Month at Heritage University

Flag raising ceremony and an event honoring Yakama elders kick off Native American Heritage Month at Heritage University

Toppenish, Wash. – A flag-raising ceremony and a celebration honoring several Yakama Nation elders will kick off Heritage University’s annual recognition of Native American Heritage Month. President George H. W. Bush designated November as Native American Heritage Month in 1990.

The Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC) and Heritage University are sponsoring the events on campus (free to the public unless otherwise noted), which include:

Friday, November 2:
Heritage University will raise the flags of the Yakama Nation, the state of Washington and the United States during a ceremony featuring the Yakama Warriors. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be held at the main campus entrance. At 10:00 a.m., Honoring Our Elders, an event celebrating Yakama Nation tribal elders Loren Selam, Sr., Marlene Spencer Simla, Wanda Sampson and Delano Saluskin and their contributions to the Yakama Nation community, will take place in Smith Family Hall. This event is by invitation only.

Wednesday, November 7:
Therapy Through the Art of Wápaas Weavingwill be held in Smith Family Hall from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., and will feature community member Bessie Wilson (Wahpeniat) teaching how to weave hemp, string and yarn into wápaas bags. Also on November 7, the Community Dinner Gathering will take place in Smith Family Hall. This event will feature a silent auction and entertainment will be provided by motivational speaker Dyami “Eagle Thomas.” The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship at Heritage, the HU chapter of American Indian Business Leaders and the HU Garrett Lee Suicide Prevention Grant have joined as sponsors of the dinner which will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

November 12 – 17
Heritage University students, faculty and staff will celebrate American Indian/Alaska Native heritage by participating in “Rock Your Mocs,” an event where people are encouraged to wear moccasins during the week. The event also honors the ancestors of indigenous peoples worldwide.

Tuesday, November 13:
HUNAC will host Ichishkíin Gamesin the Patricia Wade Temple Conference Room from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Students and families from the community are invited to enjoy games played in Ichishkīin including “Aw np’íwitak” (Go Fish), “Nax̱sh” (Uno) and more. The games featured are developed by students of Ichishkíin programs at Heritage University and the University of Oregon. No experience with the language is necessary as tutors will be teaching pronunciation and phrases at the event. Also on November 13, HUNAC member Candace Chief will hold a Ribbon Skirt Workshopand show how to make colorful, cultural skirts. The workshop takes place in the Harry Kent Building from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Monday, November 19:
Ichishkíin Family Game Nightis another opportunity for the public to play games in Ichishkíin. The game night takes place in Smith Family Hall from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 20:
HUNAC invites you to Community Storytellingat the Heritage University Tipi from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tribal elders, students and community members will share traditional stories while roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa.

Tuesday, November 27:
Ichishkíin Family Game Night– Smith Family Hall, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 28:
A three-day extravaganza geared towards creating awareness of frybread will begin on this way, with the screening of the mockumentary More Than Frybreadin Smith Family Hall from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. You’ll learn why frybread is revered in Indian Country.

Thursday, November 29:
HUNAC members will show how frybread is made during a cooking demonstration outside Pigott Commons from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. People will get a chance to buy frybread during this event.

Friday, November 30:
Heritage University students and staff will have the opportunity to put their frybread cooking skills to the test during a competition outside the Arts & Sciences Center from 12:00 pm – 2:00 p.m. HUNAC members will serve as judges for the competition.

Yakama Nation and Heritage University sign memorandum of understanding to strengthen and formalize ties

Yakama Nation Tribal Council Chairman JoDe Goudy and Heritage University President Andrew Sund shake hands during memorandum of understanding signing ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yakama Nation and Heritage University sign memorandum of understanding to strengthen and formalize ties

Toppenish, Wash. – Yakama Nation Tribal Council Chairman, JoDe L. Goudy and Heritage University President, Dr. Andrew Sund have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which formalizes their working relationship and mutual goals to provide high-quality college education to Yakama tribal members.

The MOU, Dr. Sund says, reaffirms Heritage’s origins and mission to provide college education to underrepresented populations, “We strive always to stay true to the vision of the two Yakama women, Violet Lumley Rau and Martha Yallup who, along with Sister Kathleen Ross, were instrumental in starting Heritage,” said Dr. Sund. “This MOU sets forth terms for Heritage and the tribe to strengthen our relationship and formalizes the processes by which we work together on an ongoing basis to ensure we create academic programming that is culturally competent and a campus climate that meets the cultural needs of Yakama students.”

Chairman Goudy welcomed Heritage University officials and faculty to council chambers as part of the signing of the MOU. “We are very humbled in today’s time to take an action that aligns with the vision that our elders have had for the benefit of our members seeking higher education,” said Goudy. “This MOU represents a step taken in the right direction to position our membership for success and we thank Heritage University for the collaboration and commitment to the education of Yakama members.”

The MOU is the result of Heritage University board member and Yakama Nation Human Services Deputy Director Arlen Washines searching for such a document and coming up empty. “We have a long history of working together informally, but it was time to get a formal document created in which both the Nation and Heritage could outline their commitments to each other,” said Washines. “Today marks a significant milestone in our long relationship.”

Dr. Maxine Janis, the President’s Liaison for Native American Affairs at Heritage, watched Chairman Goudy and Dr. Sund sign the agreement in tribal council chambers. “It was my esteemed honor to witness the signing of the MOU. Heritage University now more closely aligns with the Yakama Nation Treaty of 1855 honoring the land, lifeways, and culture of the people whose homelands our institution is situated.”

For more information, contact Elese Washines at (509) 865-5121 ext. 4530 or elese_washines@yakama.com, or David Mance, Heritage University media relations coordinator, at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

Heritage University faculty member co-authors book examining impact of industries on Ecuadorian Amazon Basin

Heritage University faculty member co-authors book examining impact of oil and agriculture industries on the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin

Toppenish, Wash. – A book focusing on the impacts of the oil and agriculture industries on the Amazon river basin in Ecuador co-written by Heritage University assistant professor Alexander Alexiades, Ph.D. has just been published. Nuestro Vivir en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana: Entre la Finca y el Petróleo, includes two chapters researched and written by Alexiades and his colleagues in Ecuador and discusses how oil and gas exploration and agricultural development will impact the ecology and the local indigenous and mestizo communities of the Amazon region of Ecuador.

Dr. Alexiades said there are parallels between the Ecuadorian region of the Amazon and the Yakima Valley. “The research into the impact of agricultural development in Ecuador is extremely relevant to our situation here in the valley,” said Alexiades. “The primary difference is that our valley is better studied, with millions of dollars of research invested into impacts to our streams rivers and long-term data going back several decades, while there is very little information available about the hydrology and ecology of the Ecuadorian Amazon.”

Nuestro Vivir en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana: Entre la Finca y el Petróleo is published by French Institut de Recherche pour le Développement in Spanish and French, and will be available for purchase on October 15 through their website.

Dr. Alexiades joined Heritage University as Assistant Professor of Environmental Science in 2015. He earned his Ph.D. in natural resources from Cornell University in 2016. He has an M.S. in biology from the University of Nevada in Reno, and a B.S. in biology from Montana State University. Since arriving at Heritage, Alexiades has published several peer-reviewed scientific articles and serves as principal investigator for the NSF i-NATURE and First Nations MESA programs to increase STEM opportunities for Native American students.

For more information please contact Alex Alexiades at (509) 865-0732 or Alexiades_A@Heritage.edu.

Heritage University names new provost

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University names new provost

Toppenish, Wash. – After an extensive national search for a new provost, today Heritage University President Dr. Andrew Sund formally named interim provost Dr. Kazuhiro Sonoda as the permanent provost and VP of Academic Affairs at Heritage University. Dr. Sonoda began serving as interim provost in February of this year while continuing in his role as the dean of the College of Arts and Science at Heritage.

“We searched the entire country for the best candidate to fill the provost position at Heritage, and we realized the best person for the task was already in our midst, said Dr. Sund. “During his years here, Dr. Sonoda has proven himself to be a crusader for the Heritage mission and a strong advocate for its programs and students. I am excited to promote Dr. Sonoda to provost.”

Dr. Kazuhiro Sonoda began at Heritage University in 2007 as the associate dean of Arts and Sciences. In 2008 he was named the chair of the science department, a position he held until 2012. Also in 2008, Dr. Sonoda became the dean of Arts and Sciences, a role he continued to serve until chosen as provost.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen to serve the students, faculty, and staff of Heritage University as their provost,” said Sonoda. “I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Sund to shape academic policies that best serve our students and community, and providing the faculty and staff the means to carry out those strategies.”

Dr. Sonoda earned his Ph.D. in environmental sciences from Portland State University. He obtained his M.B.A. and M.S. in biology from the University of Guam. He also earned a B.S. in biological science, with a minor in biochemistry and business finance from San Jose State University.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Sonoda, contact David Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

Heritage University to host Mexican cultural festival in honor of Mexican Independence Day

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Heritage University to host a Mexican cultural festival in honor of Mexican Independence Day

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University will host a Mexican cultural festival in honor of Mexican Independence Day. El Grito de Independencia, will take place on the Heritage campus, Saturday, September 15, 2018 beginning at 5:30 p.m. El Grito de Independencia commemorates the “Cry of Dolores,” a historical event in Mexico that set off the Mexican War of Independence from Spain.

The festival will feature fun for the entire family. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., there will be games for kids, jumpers, food and beverages, folklorico dancers and piñata smashing for all ages. Then at 8:00 p.m., a family movie will be played with free popcorn and sodas served and a “Banda Street Dance” with music performed by Banda Perla Azteca. Earlier in the evening the CWU Mariachi Club will also perform as a part of the festivities. There will be free door prizes for the first 100 people to arrive at the event.

For more information, contact Melissa Hill at (509) 865-0411 or Hill_M@Heritage.edu.

Major gift allows Heritage University to create $1.5 mil scholarship endowment for Native American students

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$650,000 donation completes Heritage University effort to create a $1.5 million scholarship endowment for Native American students

Toppenish, Wash. – A major gift to Heritage University has allowed it to reach its goal of creating a $1.5 million endowment for Native American student scholarships. The university has received a $650,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; it will be combined with matching funds from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation (JSF) and other private donors to create the endowment which supports scholarships for Indigenous students studying business or entrepreneurship.

Alden Andy, Heritage University graduate (business administration, 2017) and Johnson Scholarship Foundation scholarship recipient (GORDON KING/Gordon King Photography)

In 2016, Heritage and JSF set the endowment fundraising effort in motion when Heritage committed to raising $1 million over three years and JSF pledging matching funds of $500,000.

“This generous gift means so much to us at Heritage University,” said Dr. Andrew Sund, president of Heritage. “This new scholarship program will change the lives and narratives of so many deserving Native students for years to come.”

“I am so grateful for this wonderful show of support,” said Dr. Maxine Janis, president’s liaison for Native American Affairs at Heritage University. “This support, coupled with the contributions from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, as well as gifts from many, many donors in the community will help us provide a pathway for our Native American students to achieve their educational and career goals.”

Kip Ramsey, Yakama Nation tribal member, entrepreneur and Heritage University board member, says Native Americans are underrepresented in nearly every sector of the American economy, and JSF scholarships will increase the numbers of Native Americans in the business world. “Education is the great equalizer and this scholarship endowment will allow more Native American students to earn their business degrees and thrive.”

The strategic intent of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation is to provide scholarship funding to Native Americans studying business and/or entrepreneurship under the theory that those men and women will then draw from their education to start business enterprises that will in turn impact their communities for future generations.

“We are so thrilled to have the Gates Foundation join us in this endeavor to support the education of Native Americans at Heritage University,” said Malcolm Macleod, president of JSF. ”This endowed scholarship will help hundreds of students earn their college degrees and enhance the lives of many thousands of people whom these students will touch over the arc of their lives and careers.”

About the Johnson Scholarship Foundation

The Johnson Scholarship Foundation was founded by Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson to serve disadvantaged people by assisting them to obtain education and employment. For more than 25 years, JSF has awarded close to $125 million in education-related grants. JSF gives to economically disadvantaged students, people with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples. For more information, please visit jsf.bz.

About Heritage University

Heritage University empowers a multi-cultural and inclusive student body to overcome the social, cultural, economic and geographic barriers that limit access to higher education. Rooted in the homeland of the Yakama Nation, we embrace transformational student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to the promotion of a more just society.

To find out more about this scholarship endowment, please call David Wise, Vice President of University Advancement at (509) 865-0717 or Wise_D@Heritage.edu.

For more information, contact David Mance at (509) 865-0731 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu, or Lady Hereford at (561) 659-2005 ext. 6 or Hereford@jsf.bz.