Heritage University awarded prestigious WASA award for its impact on public education in Washington

Heritage University administrators holding award and standing on stage with WASA representatives

Heritage University administrators accept the D.A. Davidson Barbara Mertens Legacy Award given to Heritage during the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) awards ceremony in Spokane, Wash. on June 24, 2024. From left to right, Dr. Rick Cole, Associate Professor, HU Education Administration Program; Joel Aune, executive director, WASA, Dr. Andrew Sund, HU President; Dr. Catherine Zeisner, Chair, HU Education Administration Program; Dr. Antonio Estudillo, Chair, HU Teacher Preparation Program; Hannah Bulla, Public Finance Associate, DA Davidson (award co-sponsor); and Mike Villarreal, WASA President and Superintendent Hoquiam School District.

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Heritage University awarded prestigious WASA award for its impact on public education in Washington

Spokane, Wash. – The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) honored Heritage University with the D.A. Davidson Barbara Mertens Legacy Award. Dr. Rick Cole, associate professor of the Education Administration Program at Heritage and Dr. Andrew Sund, president of Heritage University, Dr. Catherine Zeisner, chair of the HU Education Administration Program and Dr. Antonio Estudillo, chair of the HU Teacher Preparation Program accepted the award on behalf of the university during the 44th annual WASA Honorary Award Luncheon in Spokane, Wash.

The D.A. Davidson Barbara Mertens Legacy Award recognizes an individual or group who has had a significant impact on public education in Washington and a legacy that has a lasting influence. Dr. Sund said while this prestigious award is in recognition of the university’s work, it is largely a testament to the work of Dr. Cole and his colleague, Dr. Ken Bergevin, Chair of the Education Administration Program, and their contributions to education and exemplary service to the community. “Their vision, commitment and tireless efforts have not only shaped the lives of countless students but have also helped to pave the way for the next generation of school leaders in the Yakima Valley,” said Dr. Sund.

Dr. Melissa Hill, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs at Heritage said Dr. Bergevin and Dr. Rick Cole have been instrumental in helping Heritage achieve this recognition. “The collective efforts of Dr. Bergevin and Dr. Cole have made a significant impact on the educational landscape of our region, and we are truly grateful for their collaborative spirit and dedication to serving the needs of school districts in our region,” said Dr. Hill.

The 44th annual WASA Honorary Award Luncheon was held in Spokane, Wash. on June 24, 2024. 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 Retirement of President Andrew Sund, PhD

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Heritage University Announces Retirement of President Andrew Sund, PhD

Toppenish, WA – Heritage University announces that President Andrew Sund, PhD, the institution’s third president, will retire on June 30, 2025, after an impactful and dedicated eight-year term.

Dr. Sund has led Heritage University with distinction since 2017, fostering a period of significant growth and development for the university. Under his leadership, Heritage has expanded its academic programs, increased student enrollment, and strengthened community partnerships. Dr. Sund’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success has been the hallmark of his presidency.

A true champion for equity and accessible education, Dr. Sund has ensured that Heritage University remains an inclusive institution that serves students from all backgrounds. His efforts have made higher education more attainable for many who might otherwise have faced significant barriers. Additionally, Dr. Sund has been instrumental in the significant growth of the University’s endowment. His strategic vision and effective fundraising efforts have strengthened the university’s financial foundation, ensuring that Heritage University can continue to provide quality education and support for our students for generations to come.

“It has been an honor to serve as the president of Heritage University,” said Dr. Sund. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the support of our talented faculty, dedicated staff, and inspiring students. As I prepare for my retirement, I look forward to watching Heritage continue to thrive and grow.”

Sund expressed his desire to teach, write, and spend time at his homes in Chicago and near Santiago, Chile as the primary reasons for his decision to retire.

In preparation for Dr. Sund’s upcoming retirement, the Heritage University Board of Directors will engage in a national search to identify the next president.

“The board is deeply appreciative of Dr. Sund’s visionary leadership and the numerous accomplishments during his tenure,” said Bob Gerst, Chair of the Heritage University Board of Directors. “We are committed to finding a successor who will build on his legacy and lead Heritage University into its next chapter of excellence.”

The search committee will commence its work immediately, with the goal of identifying and appointing a new president before Dr. Sund’s retirement date to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Heritage University will host a series of events in the coming months to celebrate Dr. Sund’s contributions to the university and to provide opportunities for the community to express their gratitude.

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’s 38th annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner raises $803,590 and counting for student scholarships

Heritage University’s 38th annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner raises $803,590 and counting for student scholarships

Heritage University’s 38th annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner, held this past weekend, brought in $803,590, with the amount expected to grow. The premier fundraiser for student scholarships at Heritage was also live streamed for those who wished to attend remotely.

For the third year in a row, Bounty of the Valley featured hosts Alex Vera and Gerardo Ruelas, two Heritage alumni from the Yakima Valley who have gone on to successful careers with Costco Wholesale at the company’s headquarters in Issaquah, Wash.

Heritage University alumna Lillie Wesley, who recently graduated from Heritage inMay with a B.S. in biology, served as the student speaker. Wesley is enrolled Yakama who was born and raised in the Yakima Valley. She graduated from Toppenish High School in 2019 and started her college career at Heritage the following fall semester. Her fascination with how the human body works and desire to help address the medical needs of those living on the Yakama reservation goes back to her earliest years. She decided to major in biology to give her a foundational education for graduate studies that would prepare her for a medical career. Wesley completed research experiences every summer during her undergraduate studies. She worked with Yakama Nation youth at the tribal school on a forest survey, completed an air quality study with the EPA, researched beet leaf virus with the USDA, researched spider webs in Costa Rica, and studied muscular degeneration from ALS and spinal bulbar muscular atrophy at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She is working at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences as part of their summer program, and she plans to enroll in an EMT certification program. She wants to work as an EMT for a few years before exploring specialized studies in the medical field.

Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D., expresses profound gratitude to the supporters and sponsors of Bounty of the Valley, whose continued investment in student scholarships makes a significant impact. “Most of our students come from economic backgrounds that make higher education unaffordable,” said Dr. Sund. “The unwavering community support our students receive is crucial for their ability to earn college degrees. For over 40 years, the extraordinary generosity of our donors has enabled more than 11,000 individuals to graduate from Heritage. These graduates have contributed to the community as educators, business leaders, healthcare professionals, and more throughout the Valley. We deeply appreciate their remarkable support.”

A recording of the Bounty of the Valley live stream can be viewed by clicking on the button below, or by visiting Heritage.edu/Bounty. Donations to student scholarships can be made on the same page by clicking on the “Raise Your Paddle” button.

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Heritage University makes appearance on two prestigious “Best Colleges” lists

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Heritage University makes appearance on two prestigious “Best Colleges” lists

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University’s mission to make higher education accessible to anyone with the talent and drive to pursue a degree – regardless of economics, culture, and geographic location – is gaining recognition as a “best college” on two different lists. Niche.com, a college ranking and review website, placed Heritage at number five on its “Best Private Colleges in Washington” list; and U.S. News and World Report ranked Heritage at number 50 (out of 104) on its “Best Regional Universities-West” list.

Niche says while both private and public schools contribute significantly to postsecondary education, private institutions stand out because of their smaller size, esteemed reputation, and flexible programs. They generally offer smaller class sizes, leading to more direct instruction and support. Heritage has long championed its strength in small numbers. “Heritage students enjoy an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio,” says Heritage University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Melissa Hill, Ph.D. “They don’t feel like just a number. They get more one-on-one time with their professors, individual tutoring and advising, as well as other opportunities that students who choose a larger university will never experience,” said Dr. Hill.

While U.S. News rankings are based on several categories of quality indicators, including outcomes (graduation, retention, and graduation rate performance), peer assessment, and faculty resources, to name a few, many of the universities listed alongside Heritage have histories spanning decades, even centuries. Heritage has attained a ranking in the top half of the list while only being 42 years old, a staggering accomplishment considering it is a widely believed consensus in the higher education community that it takes a long time for schools to achieve a high rank. U.S. News’ research also shows that the greater access students have to quality instructors, the more likely they are to be engaged in their classes, learn, and ultimately graduate. “At Heritage, our students learn from world-class professors right here in the Yakima Valley,” said Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D. “These professors have connections to businesses who offer career-launching internships, while others have relationships with scholars programs at prestigious colleges nationwide that can put students onto the path of pursuing master’s degrees and doctoral degrees,” said Dr. Sund.

Heritage University welcomes the prestige and reputation boosts that come with these recognitions. “We believe the rankings reflect the investments we have made into our programs and the experiences our students receive as a result of them,” said Vice President of Advancement and Marketing & Communications David Wise. 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 Class of 2024 Commencement

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Heritage University to hold Class of 2024 Commencement at
Yakima Valley SunDome

Yakima, Wash. – Heritage University celebrates the Class of 2024 at Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 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, 197 students earned their degrees at Heritage this year.

Jim Pigott of Seattle, Wash., philanthropist, and generous benefactor of Heritage University will present this year’s commencement address. Pigott and his wife, Gaye, are long-time supporters of Heritage and its students. Among their many initiatives are the creation of the Gay and Jim Pigott Nursing Endowment at Heritage and Seattle Children’s Hospital made through a $4 million gift in 2023 and the establishment of the Moccasin Lake Foundation Scholarship. Additionally, they have funded numerous campus projects, including the construction of the Gaye and Jim Pigott Commons which is home to the university’s café, conference rooms, and student lounge and is an integral part of the daily operations at the institution. The number of lives impacted by the Pigotts’ philanthropy is immeasurable. Throughout their lifetimes, they’ve supported countless organizations through their charitable giving and volunteer services throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

It is also with profound honor and remembrance that Heritage University announces the posthumous awarding of an honorary doctoral degree to Professor Emeritus of Education Edwin “Ed” Rousculp, who passed away in January. Rousculp’s tenure at Heritage began in 1983 when he started teaching English in the evenings as an adjunct instructor while still teaching at the Yakama Nation Tribal School. After leaving to pursue his graduate studies at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., he returned to Heritage in 1993. as a full-time faculty member in the College of Education. That same year he was appointed Chair of the Teacher Education Program. He served in that role until 2005 when he became the Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning and Teaching, where he remained until his retirement in 2022.

Heritage University will present the 2024 Violet Lumley Rau Outstanding Alumnus Award to Jennifer Johann for her dedication to helping lift the field of education and the educational outcomes for all children in her community. Johann earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 2004 and an M.Ed. in professional development in 2007 from Heritage. Johann has spent 19 years teaching in the Mount Adams School District and currently teaches third grade at Harrah Elementary School. Throughout her career, she’s built a rapport with her students that cemented her reputation as a teacher who truly cares. Outside the classroom, she assists other Harrah Elementary students through her work as a 21^st-century supervisor for the NCAC-Farmworkers Clinic after-school program. As an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, Johann brings her cultural insights to her work, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the school and the broader community. Among her many efforts, she created the Since Time Immemorial website for her district, which provides teacher and school resources that incorporate indigenous perspectives into education.

Heritage will also announce the recipients of the Board of Directors Academic Excellence Award, which is presented to all undergraduate students who earned a perfect 4.0 during their studies, and the President’s Council Student Award of Distinction during the ceremony.

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/student-resources/commencement-2024/.

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

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The All Nations Student Social Powwow returns to Heritage University

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The All Nations Student Social Powwow returns to Heritage University on April 20, 2024

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University’s All Nations Student Social Powwow is returning to Heritage University on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Hosted by the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC) and American Indigenous Business Leaders Chapter (AIBL) of HU, the powwow celebrates Indigenous culture. This social gathering is a free event and open to all.

“The powwow is a great way to highlight the rich culture of Native people and share it with the community,” said Kansas Arnoux, HUNAC president. “We are honored to invite the community to celebrate with us and to experience a bit of the cultural traditions that we hold close to our hearts.” “The powwow promotes mental health and wellness for our community by building a connection and an appreciation of our past through song and dance,” said Latrishia Scabbyrobe, AIBL of HU president.

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 will receive bundles of traditional foods and medicines and HUNAC regalia. Tiny tot dance participants will receive Ichishkíin/Sahaptin language resources and other gifts. The first five drum groups to sign up will receive a stipend. Dancer and drummer registrations open at 10:00 a.m. the morning of the event, with the Grand Entry occurring at 11:00 a.m.

The powwow invites 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 heritage.edu/powwow for more information.

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Heritage University committed to support students in overcoming FAFSA challenges

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Heritage University committed to support students in overcoming FAFSA challenges

Toppenish, Wash. – The rollout of the Department of Education’s new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has frustrated many students. Heritage University is committed to helping students overcome these challenges and to ensuring that the cost of going to college is not an obstacle that stands in the way of their higher education goals. HU administrators say that students who are Pell-eligible and meet certain criteria will be able to attend Heritage with little to no out-of-pocket tuition costs.

Several issues and challenges have been reported with the new FAFSA system which has resulted in delays in processing applications. Without this financial information, colleges and universities can’t send out financial aid packages to students, which may impact their decisions to commit to college. That’s why Heritage University administrators want to remind students that Heritage is here to make sure students have access to financial resources for school. “We recognize the importance of timely financial aid information, and we acknowledge the challenge posed by the delays in this year’s FAFSA processing and the impact it has on students’ commitment to college,” said HU President Andrew Sund, Ph.D. “As soon as our financial aid counselors have the information necessary from the Department of Education, they will create a financial aid package for a student’s consideration. We at Heritage are here to assist students, answer their questions and explore additional options to make education affordable,” said Dr. Sund.

Even if a student’s federal award is not high, at Heritage it does not mean there isn’t financial help available. “We are committed to supporting all students in securing every available dollar of scholarship and financial aid they deserve. Rest assured that we will do everything within our power to provide the necessary resources to make college accessible to students,” said Sund. “Assistance with FAFSA is just another way of us staying true to our mission of making education accessible to anyone with the talent and drive to pursue a degree, regardless of culture, geographic location, or in this case, economics.”

Students and families are encouraged to reach out to the university Admissions department at (509) 865-8500 for assistance with FAFSA navigation. For more information or to schedule a media interview please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Deadline approaching to apply for law school pipeline program at Heritage University

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Deadline approaching to apply for law school pipeline program at Heritage University

Toppenish, Wash. – The deadline to apply for a law school pipeline program offered at Heritage University is approaching. Applications for the third year of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program at Heritage University must be in by Monday, April 15, 2024. The program is open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and alumni of Heritage and other colleges and universities.

The LSAC PLUS Program is an innovative partnership between the law schools at Seattle University, the University of Washington and Gonzaga University, and Heritage with the goal of making a law degree more accessible to diverse students in central Washington, especially Latino and Indigenous students. Funded by a grant from the LSAC, the program’s primary objective is to create a pipeline for these students to enroll in law school and then return home to practice.

The LSAC PLUS Program kicks off a three-week session on Friday, June 14, 2024, with in-person classes at Heritage twice a week. The program will expand the students’ knowledge and understanding of the legal field and help them envision themselves as lawyers. Its key aspects include: 1) a visit by several Washington Supreme Court justices; 2) a mock law school class; 3) roundtable discussions with leaders of minority bar associations; 4) mentoring by community lawyers and judges; and 5) modules that provide helpful information to demystify the application process and the law school experience. Students can also choose to visit one of the Washington law schools. A shorter, follow-up program will take place in September. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a $1,000 stiped and a certificate of completion.

Marthy Hernandez, an attorney with Stokes Lawrence in Yakima, Wash. will serve as the director of the LSAC PLUS Program. Hernandez assists clients with business disputes and litigation involving employment matters and contract law. Hernandez interned for the Gonzaga Public Interest and Indian Law Clinic and worked for the Child Youth Advocacy Program for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP).

The application period for the LSAC PLUS Program is being extended, and the deadline to apply is Monday, April 15, 2024. Students wanting more information on the LSAC PLUS Program at Heritage can visit heritage.edu/LSAC. For more information, please contact Kim Bellamy-Thompson at Bellamy-Thompson_K@heritage.edu or Marthy Hernandez at Marthy.Hernandez@stokeslaw.com. For help with media interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, Heritage University media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@heritage.edu.

Heritage University receives $1.4 million grant from Biden-Harris Administration to tackle critical nurse shortage in central Washington

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Heritage University receives a $1.4 million grant from Biden-Harris Administration to tackle critical nurse shortage in central Washington

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University announced it has received a three-year $1.4 million grant from the Biden-Harris Administration to launch an innovative program addressing the critical shortage of nurses in our rural communities. This strategic initiative called “Pathways to Opportunity” is designed to boost the number of skilled and diverse nurses, implementing a Grow Your Own model to engage local high school students, guide them through college preparation, recruit them into the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, and assist with their entry into the high-wage, high-demand local nursing workforce.

These funds originate from the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant program that promotes the development of high-quality career pathways aligned to high school, high-wage and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in any given region. In America’s rural communities, only 29% of people between 18-24 are in higher education, compared to almost 48% in urban areas and 42% in the suburbs. Rural students face challenges with accessing, paying for, and completing college. They also face barriers to having reliable transportation, access to health care and high-speed internet, and may suffer from food and housing insecurity.

Heritage University recognizes the urgent need to bridge the gap in healthcare professionals and is committed to developing a comprehensive career and college readiness pathway. The Grow Your Own model includes outreach efforts in the high schools to identify and support students interested in becoming nurses and guide and prepare them for college. Essential services offered using the Grow Your Own model will include dual enrollment, SAT/ACT preparation, tutoring, workshops, financial aid guidance, mentoring, advising and STEM summer bridge programs. Heritage will work closely with the University of Washington GEAR UP and workforce partners on developing these services. At the university, BSN students will receive support from two case managers who offer National Council Licensure Examination (or NCLEX, one of two standardized tests for licensing nurses) preparation, advising, coaching, mentoring, career guidance, internships, and other support programs to ensure retention and graduation.

Heritage University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Melissa Hill, Ph.D. stated that Heritage nursing is perfectly positioned positively impact the healthcare landscape by educating a new generation of skilled and diverse nurses to meet the growing needs of our local communities. “This substantial investment from the Biden-Harris administration underscores the importance of addressing the critical shortage of nurses in rural communities and Heritage University’s role in helping to fill those gaps,” said Dr. Hill.

Heritage University partnered with Research, Grants, and Information (RGI) Corporation of Sunnyside, Wash. to secure RPED funds for this Pathway to Opportunities initiative. RGI Corporation’s mission shares the Heritage University mission of impacting underrepresented and underserved communities socially, educationally, and economically for more than twenty years, and assisted in developing the successful grant application that was awarded. “RGI Corporation is pleased that Heritage University was awarded this highly competitive grant to train more nurses in addressing the workforce shortages in our rural communities,” said RGI Corporation CEO Robert Ozuna.

Pathways to Opportunity will focus on Native American, Hispanic, low-income, and first-generation high school and college students. Outreach will target students in the eight high schools and one tribally controlled school. For more information, please contact Melissa Hill at (509) 865-8584 or hill_m@heritage.edu. For help with media interviews, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University to offer help filling out FAFSA forms during “Financial Aid Nights”

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Heritage University to offer help filling out FAFSA forms during “Financial Aid Nights”

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is spearheading efforts to help students and their parents navigate the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Heritage will be hosting “Financial Aid Nights,” a series of upcoming events dedicated to help students and their families in completing the FAFSA.

The U.S. Department of Education launched the new FAFSA for 2024-25 on December 30, 2023, after a three month delay due to the FAFSA Simplification Act. Heritage University Admissions Director Rebecca Garza says “Financial Aid Nights” will provide valuable support and guidance to ensure a smooth FAFSA process, making higher education more accessible to all. “Since 85% of our students are the first in their families to attend college, it’s important to us to make sure students feel empowered and know what steps to take,” said Garza. “Our hope is to create events where students and their families have access to financial aid information. Our team members will be on hand to walk them through the FAFSA/WASFA process, and the information provide will be in English and Spanish.”

Heritage University will host “Financial Aid Nights” at Heritage in Toppenish, Wash. on January 24, 2024, and on February 21, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on both nights. Additionally, Grandview High School will host “Financial Aid Nights” in Grandview, Wash. on February 7, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at all three events. For more information, please contact Rebecca Garza at (509) 865-0734 or garza_r1@heritage.edu or Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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