Name: Yakama Nation Treaty Days (Campus Closed)
Start: 2025-06-09T00:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-06-09T23:59:59-07:00
Location: Heritage University

Generational Legacy – Wings Spring 2025

BILL AND RHONDA DOLSEN

Generational Legacy

One family, four decades of giving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Briefs – Wings Spring 2025

Tri-Cities regional site director named a person of influence

Martin Valadez

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

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

Professor making a name for himself in the chess world

Loren Schmidt

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

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

Catherine Zeisner

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

Remodel of Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center underway

Artist renderings of Kathleen Ross Center remodel after completion

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

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

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

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

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

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

HU and WSU joint robotics project garners award for students

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

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

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

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

Mother Daughter Colleagues Alums – Wings Spring 2025

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

Dioselina Verduzco and Brianna Cardenas

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

A MOTHER’S NON-TRADITIONAL PATH

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

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

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

Dioselina Verduzco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAVED THE WAY FOR A DAUGHTER’S TRADITIONAL PATH

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

Brianna Cardenas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNDERSTANDING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brianna Cardenas at Union Gap School

THE PATH MOVING FORWARD

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

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

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

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

Board Member Tag Team – Wings Spring 2025

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

Ken Smith

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

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

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

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

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

“AG” INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE TRANSLATE INTO SERVICE

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

Steve Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“To keep up the good work.”

FAMILY COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEING INSPIRED, INSPIRING OTHERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 Elizabeth Perera at Perera_E@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

Counter Culture Academics – Wings Fall-Winter 2024

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

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

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

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

THE EDUCATION OF MR. MCSHANE

Brian McShane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIVING INTO THE COUNTERCULTURE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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