Name: Finals Week
Start: 2026-05-11T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-05-15T17:00:00-07:00
Location: Heritage University

Reading Is an Adventure – Wings Fall 2025

Reading Is an Adventure

From Grandview to Sunnyside, Yakima to Toppenish, you’ll see the banners: “READING IS AN ADVENTURE / LEER IS UNA AVENTURA”.

They’re on the fences at Catholic Charities Housing, displayed at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, and seen throughout the Granger and West Valley school districts.

They’re promoting Yakima Valley Partners in Education’s (YVPE) continued initiative to improve educational outcomes for all youth from “cradle to career.”

What catches the eye, especially if you’re five or six years old, is the cute, gleeful-looking cartoon hamster springing into the air next to the words. She’s clearly delighted with the whole idea.

Named “Houdini,” this little critter has become the YVPE’s learning ambassador — and kids around the Valley know her for promoting the enjoyment and benefits of reading.

This year, she’s helping promote the partnership’s newest product: a board game and parent guidebook focused on making reading even more of an adventure.

A parent and her child read Reading Is An Adventure together

In the game, appropriately titled “Reading Is An Adventure,” young readers use colorful stickers to traverse the gameboard. The board features cartoon drawings of Houdini’s hamster wheel, her favorite foods — sunflower seeds and carrots — and a pathway with squares to be advanced for every 20 minutes a day a child reads.

The game’s parent guide is “designed to help you and your child get the most out of reading together,” explains the introduction. “[It] gives you the tools to lead your child through skill- building exercises that increase fluency and comprehension, expand vocabulary, and help them learn how to sound out words phonically.”

Parents and their children both benefit: Adults get a few tips on ways to help their kids read more fluidly and with greater comprehension, and young readers gain confidence in reading.

Its development comes out of a dedicated partnership between YVPE and Yakima Valley Libraries, whose community resource professionals are reading challenge experts.

Printed in the summer, the game was introduced beginning in August in Sunnyside, Granger, and Mabton, with planned distribution later expanding to the lower Yakima Valley, then the upper Valley.

ASSOCIATING READING WITH FUN

Houdini is seen on banners and signage; in walking/visiting mascot form at schools and community buildings; and, most ubiquitously, in the book written about her — Houdini Was.

Written and published 15 years ago by White Bluff Elementary teacher Christan Connors and her second-grade students as a tribute to their classroom pet, the book has captivated thousands of children.

Two years ago, Connors’s parents, Ken and Sharon Smith, bought the publishing rights from Scholastic so they could have the book reproduced with Spanish added to the English text. They printed 500 copies, distributing them to schools and other organizations in the Yakima Valley.

Bilingual copies of Houdini Was are in libraries, schools, health centers, and other community access points throughout the Valley.

In addition to the bilingual version of the game and the parent guide — painstakingly translated into Spanish by Yakima Valley Library Services Director Francisco Garcia Ortiz, Ph.D., and Lorena Legorreta, Heritage’s Food Security Community Liaison, YVPE organizers also hope to have the Reading Is An Adventure parent guide printed in Ichishkíin.

Just as Houdini Was books have received wide local distribution, 10,000 copies of the game and parent guide are being distributed this fall via many of the same partnering organizations, including Yakima Valley Libraries, community centers, financial institutions, and schools.

LITERACY STRATEGY FOCUSES ON COMMUNITY

As YVPE literacy efforts continue, the group has been implementing a community-based approach, said Suzy Diaz, Heritage’s Collective Impact Director for YVPE. That means looking more closely at how reading can be promoted within the community to support what is already being taught in schools.

To make that community focus happen, YVPE organizers work with those community- serving organizations that want to make books available to patrons via book kiosks. Five kiosks throughout the Valley hold as many as 100 books each; some have copies of Houdini Was, but mostly they’re books of all types, intended for young readers aged five to 12, all donated by literacy partners such as Save the Children. The kiosks are refilled regularly to meet patronage needs.

YVPE extends a portion of the funding it’s received, including that from major financial supporter The Ballmer Group, to Yakima Valley Libraries, whose role in supporting YVPE initiatives has grown.

“As reading promotion experts, Yakima Valley Libraries’ involvement has been key,” Diaz said.

READING CHALLENGES AND APP HELP FAMILIES TRACK

Yakima Valley Libraries’ focused reading challenges continue to increase reading participation among young children in the Valley. This summer’s challenge followed on the heels of what was a successful reading challenge over the winter holidays, said Sully Gama, Community Engagement and Impact Officer with Yakima Valley Libraries.

Children’s reading challenge progress is tracked via an app called “Beanstack,” which allows reading experts to gauge the number of active readers and total minutes logged.

There were 225 total active readers and almost 100,000 total minutes logged in the winter challenge, according to Gama. The highest participation was with early elementary students, which is the most crucial and targeted group for effective literacy growth.

A person in a mascot costume hands a book to a child

“Houdini” hands a book to a young girl

GAMIFYING THE READING PROCESS

From the winter challenge’s results, YVPE and YVL organizers determined — and dreamed about — what children’s reading focus would come next. The concept of something “really interactive” kept coming up.

“David kept saying, ‘Let’s gamify this,’ Diaz said, referring to David Wise, vice president of Advancement and Marketing at Heritage. “He knew if we could figure out how to make this a game that kids and adults could play together, we’d really get some energy and engagement going.”

Diaz reached out to Xu Fang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor for the Teacher Preparation Program in Heritage’s College of Education. Diaz asked her, “If we could develop a parent guide to support healthy reading habits, what would that look like?”

“What’s typical and familiar to school-based communities is reading 20 minutes a day for maybe 30 days, after which students submit some kind of verification, and receive some kind of reward,” Diaz said. “That’s what we decided to do.”

For the game’s parent handbook, Fang developed a sort of “academic toolkit” consisting of the types of practices that have been proven to work best in encouraging young readers.

“The game makes forming healthy and productive habits really doable,” Diaz said.

ENHANCING PARENTS’ INFLUENCE

A mother and her child sit at a table while her child who's holding a book smiles at her

A young girl reads part of a book to her mother

The power of reading, a fuzzy little character that touches hearts and the imagination, and now “gamifying” reading takes commitment, Diaz said.

“It does take a village, and that’s what YVPE really is. It’s the people who believe and keep working at this. Along with YVPE’s many member organizations and the significant support from individuals, the perspective and impact of Yakima Valley Libraries have been truly meaningful.

“We all want kids to be engaged, and we all want parents to feel confident about their roles, which makes children more likely to feel confident and able to enjoy reading.

“We want them to spend quality time together, and we’re giving them more and more ways to do that.

“It’s an opportunity for parents and students to be engaged and involved in reading together in a way that’s fun and friendly,” Diaz said. “An enhanced parent-child experience enhances a child’s reading experience.

“And it’s parents who ultimately have the most influence on their young children.”

Planting Seeds of Healing – Wings Fall 2025

How Callyn Wagner is rebuilding behavioral health in her community.

When Callyn Wagner logs into her classes, she is not just earning credits toward her degree in Social Work. She is answering a calling.

Wagner, an enrolled member of both the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, lives in Wolf Point, Montana, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. It is a place she describes as beautiful and tight-knit, yet also starkly underserved. The nearest Walmart is two hours away. Specialty medical care requires a five-hour drive to Billings—or, in many cases, a flight out of state. Behavioral health resources are especially scarce.

Callyn Wagner

“We are in a behavioral health desert,” Wagner said. “If someone is in crisis, there’s almost nowhere for them to turn. I want to learn the skills to help people so I can create a safer place for my babies, for my family, for all of us.”

Now a senior studying Social Work, Wagner entered Heritage with a vision: to become one of those culturally grounded, homegrown professionals her community so urgently needs. Her journey from EMT to stay-at-home mom to domestic violence victims advocate, community organizer, and cultural advocate has been shaped by personal tragedy, resilience and an unshakable belief that healing begins with culture.

FROM EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO HEALING WORK

Wagner’s commitment to behavioral health has roots in her own family’s tragedy. When she was just 15, her older brother died by suicide. In the painful aftermath, her family sought help but struggled to find support that truly met their needs.

“We were connected with non-Native counselors, and it felt like we were counseling them about our culture instead of getting support,” Wagner recalled. “We need counselors who come from similar backgrounds, have similar life experiences, who understand our ways.”

Years later, before she became a student, Wagner was raising her two children and volunteering wherever she saw a gap. She served with the local EMT team, responding to emergencies that ranged from car accidents to postpartum psychosis. One incident in particular became a turning point. She was dispatched to help a woman in the midst of a mental health crisis.

“She was suffering greatly, and I kept thinking, There has to be something better than this,” Wagner remembered. “Her experience really stuck with me.”

Both her family’s loss and her experiences in the field deepened her conviction to help others at their most vulnerable. “I realized my passion was being that person others can lean on. I don’t want anyone to feel the way my family did—like nothing would ever get better.”

STEPPING INTO ADVOCACY

In 2022, Wagner attended an informational meeting about Heritage’s Behavioral Health Certification Program, which was being offered online and on the Toppenish campus. The credit- bearing, non-degree program trains people working with tribal communities to provide culturally responsive, holistic behavioral healthcare, especially in rural areas where access is limited. She didn’t have any preconceived notions about the program or even thoughts about going back to school.

“I thought this might be information that would interest someone,” she said.

It turned out that someone was her. Wagner quickly signed up and started classes part-time at the first opportunity. By 2023, she was all in, pursuing the certificate as well as a bachelor’s degree. At the same time, she began working as a domestic violence and sexual assault victim advocate on her reservation.

It was not an easy role. She had no personal experience with domestic violence and came from a stable two-parent household. “But I saw the need,” Wagner said. “The women I worked with had often been assaulted multiple times, sometimes starting in childhood.”

Her passion for serving women in her community led her to become certified to represent them in tribal court. She sat through forensic interviews with children. She took on unpaid tasks because, in rural communities, waiting for outside professionals often means waiting too long.

“I figure if I get trained, I can provide what is needed right here,” she explained.

RECLAIMING CEREMONY

The more Wagner searched for ways to help the women she worked with, the more she came to believe that healing began with a connection to culture.

“I realized we needed a cultural way of talking about our bodies—about how they are sacred, life-giving and deserving of respect.”

Wagner’s advocacy work is intertwined with her commitment to cultural revitalization. She saw that many young women she worked with in her community lacked guidance at critical moments, such as when they began menstruating.

“Our ancestors knew what they were doing,” she said. “There are seven ceremonies (in the Dakota way of life), and they include a naming ceremony. But many of us never had that first step. I realized that for us to heal, we need to go back to our roots.”

Wagner had a vision of what she wanted to do, but she didn’t have a clear path to lead the way. With her culture based on the oral tradition, learning about what to do wasn’t as easy as opening a book or asking Google. Instead, she reached out to elders who carry traditional knowledge. One in particular, Sylvia Longknife, was especially helpful. Not only had she hosted coming-of-age ceremonies for women in her community, but she also works in behavioral health at the Indian Health Center in Wolf Point.

With the elders’ guidance, Wagner began a plan to revive coming-of-age ceremonies for young women. These ceremonies, she explained, teach not only about womanhood but also about the responsibilities and sacredness of bringing life into the world.

“We teach them to respect their bodies, to understand what healthy love looks like, and to know their worth as life-givers and sustainers.”

The more she learned, the more she understood that ceremonies, like life, are not something to rush into. To do them right, there is an order to things, there are steps that must take place, and preparations that need to be made long before each ceremony. She points to the creation of a woman’s belt as an example.

“In our tradition, the belt represents the tools and sustenance needed to enter adulthood—food, medicine, cloth, and a knife. Wearing the belt in the ceremony shows you now have the knowledge needed and are now a woman,” she explained.

This summer, she helped a handful of women complete this preparatory task when she attended a belt-making workshop organized by her father, Terrance Gourneau, and taught by a family friend, Issac Miller. This first step is just one of many that will be undertaken as the women she works with make their preparation. Wagner is hopeful that by next summer, some of the young women will be ready to start their first ceremony.

LOOKING FORWARD

As Wagner approaches graduation, her vision is clear. She wants to strengthen behavioral health services on the reservation, build culturally relevant programming, and ensure that future generations do not face the same gaps she witnessed.

“It has to be more than just me—it’s a collective thing,” she said. “I love my community, and I want it to be safe for my babies, for my family, and for everybody to have a shot at healing. If I can be even a little mustard seed in someone’s healing journey, then I’ve done what I’m supposed to do.”

Guided by Family, Grounded in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future – Wings Fall 2025

Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer

Guided by Family, Grounded in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future

Heritage University entered a new era of leadership this fall with the inauguration of its fourth president, Dr. Chris Gilmer. The multi-day celebration, built around the theme of family, honored the university’s roots with the Yakama Nation, reflected on its 43- year history, and set a hopeful vision for the future of access and opportunity in higher education.

HONORING TRADITION

The celebration began with a cultural exchange hosted by the Yakama Nation, a meaningful acknowledgment of Heritage’s founding on the Yakama homelands and its ongoing partnership with the Tribe. Guests experienced a presentation on the Treaty of 1855, traditional drumming and dancing, and the symbolic transfer of Heritage’s Eagle Staff to Gilmer by students Paul Lopez and Celisse Milam. Yakama Nation Tribal Council Chairman Gerry Lewis formally welcomed the president, underscoring the shared commitment to education and sovereignty. The gathering concluded with a traditional salmon lunch, filled with honor songs and messages of goodwill.

THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY

On Friday, Heritage faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members gathered on the Toppenish campus for the formal installation ceremony. Distinguished voices extended greetings, including Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson, Lewis, State Senator Curtis King of the 14th District, and State Senator Nikki Torres of the 15th District. The Heritage community was also well represented. Mercedes Garcia, president of the Student Government Association, spoke on behalf of students. Dr. Amy Nusbaum, president of the Faculty Senate, shared words on behalf of the faculty. Adriana Villafán, president of the Staff Educator Senate, offered reflections from staff, while alumna Betty Sampson, Class of 1992, spoke for Heritage graduates. Representing the Board of Directors, Dr. Kathleen Hilton, SNJM, added her greetings, underscoring the continuity of Heritage’s mission.

The ceremony wove together tradition and artistry. Heritage Senior Freddie Garza opened with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Later, National Book Award-winning poet Aaron Abeyta gave a powerful reading of his poem, The Moment of Liberation: When Your Dungeon Shook. The Wapato High School choir En Vox lifted their voices in “True Colors,” celebrating unity and authenticity.

The investiture itself, led by Board Chair Bob Gerst, officially conferred the responsibilities of the presidency to Gilmer. The moment was highlighted by a performance of “One Moment in Time” by soprano Ann McPhail, capturing the spirit of the occasion.

In his inaugural address, Gilmer shared his personal journey from rural Mississippi to higher education leadership, reflecting on the transformative power of opportunity. He emphasized Heritage’s mission of access, inclusivity, and service to first-generation students. “We are here to open doors,” he said, “and together we will build bridges for generations to come.” The program closed with blessings from Tougaloo College President Dr. Donzell Lee and a rousing performance of the Heritage alma mater “Lift High the Banner!” by En Vox. A southern-inspired reception in the campus café offered guests a chance to celebrate with the new president.

A GALA TO CONCLUDE THE CELEBRATION

The week concluded with a formal gala at Yakima’s Crown Ballroom. The evening combined elegance with heartfelt fellowship, featuring opera selections performed by McPhail and a southern-inspired menu honoring Gilmer’s roots.

CONTINUING THE CELEBRATION The inauguration events in the Yakima Valley are only the beginning. In the months ahead, Heritage University will continue celebrating Gilmer’s leadership with community gatherings in the Tri-Cities and through partnerships with educational organizations across the region.

To watch clips from the Installation ceremony, please visit https://heritage.edu/inauguration/.

In Memoriam – Wings Summer 2025

Sneh Veena

Former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sneh Veena passed away surrounded by her family on April 6, 2025, in Walnut Creek, California. She was 86.

Veena was a lifelong educator with two doctoral degrees who spent 56 years in higher education, including 13 years at Heritage. She was a strong advocate for ensuring academic accessibility to all, regardless of ethnicity, income, or family background. She joined Heritage in 1998 after serving for 20 years at Voorhees College, a historically black liberal arts college in Denmark, South Carolina.

During her tenure at Heritage, Veena was credited for developing several new academic programs, including the criminal justice and practical nursing programs, setting the foundation for the Bachelor of Nursing program. She also expanded several existing programs, including business and social work.

In addition to her work on programming, Veena took strides in diversifying the university’s faculty. At the time of her retirement in 2011, nearly a third of the full- time faculty were Native American, Hispanic, African American or Asian American.

At the time of her retirement, Veena was awarded Professor Emeritus. She addressed the campus community, saying, “Working for Heritage opened up my heart more than I ever imagined. I feel like every moment I have worked here has been God’s mission.”

Veena’s family requested, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her memory to the Berbarta-Veena Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Heritage University.

News Briefs – Wings Summer 2025

Heritage University unveils completed STEM learning center in Ross Center remodel

Heritage University has completed a major renovation of the Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center, transforming it into a cutting-edge learning space anchored by the new Adelante STEM Center. The $2.5 million project, which broke ground in December 2024, was made possible through a $1.5 million Adelante STEM grant from the U.S. Department of Education and a generous $1 million private donation.

The remodel brings a host of upgrades to the university’s academic environment, particularly in STEM education. The new Adelante STEM Center features state-of-the-art math and computer science classrooms, a maker space for hands-on learning and innovation, and new study rooms with modern, student-friendly furniture. These spaces are equipped with advanced teaching technology to prepare students for careers in high-demand, tech-driven industries.

One of the most impactful features of the remodel is the proximity of the STEM Learning Center to the Academic Skills Center (ASC). Students now benefit from convenient access to tutoring, collaborative workspaces, and academic technology—all just steps away.

The renovation also included significant updates to the Donald North Library, located within the Ross Center. While construction caused a temporary disruption, the final result is a more modern, functional, and welcoming environment for research, study, and community engagement.

Faculty share insights on Latina first-gen Ph.D. journey at AERA

Amy Nunez (top) and Laura Zamudio-Orozco (bottom)

Dr. Laura Zamudio-Orozco and Dr. Amy Nuñez presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting in Denver, CO. Their session, titled “Reflections from McNair Scholars: Latinas Navigating the Ph.D. Pathway as First- Generation College Students,” highlighted the experiences of Latina scholars pursuing doctoral degrees.

The 2025 AERA meeting, the world’s largest education research conference, featured over 2,500 sessions showcasing cutting-edge research, renowned experts, and numerous opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.

Thank You! Times a Million

Records are meant to be broken. This year’s Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner didn’t just break the record; it smashed it!

At the end of the evening, when the last bid number went down, the total raised was a heart-stopping $1,297,744! This bypassed last year’s amount by almost $190,000, making it the most successful event in the university’s history.

“This incredible show of support from our community is more than just a number—it represents opportunity, transformation, and hope for our students,” said David Wise, vice president for Marketing and Advancement. “Each dollar raised goes directly toward opening doors and helping students achieve their dreams.”

This year’s event was more like two events as Heritage simulcast the program between the Toppenish campus and a second celebration in Seattle.

“Bringing Scholarship Dinner to Seattle allowed many of our most passionate supporters to share the Heritage experience with their friends on the west side of the Cascades,” he said. “It created a meaningful opportunity for connection, storytelling, and celebration that extended the spirit of the event far beyond our campus. The energy in both rooms was electric, and the impact of uniting these two communities was truly powerful.”

A combined total of 300 supporters attended the sold-out event, including four Heritage University presidents: Founding president Dr. Kathleen Ross SNJM, her successor Dr. John Bassett, outgoing president Dr. Andrew Sund, and Dr. Chris Gilmer, who became president of Heritage in July.

“We are grateful beyond words to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable evening,” said Wise. “Your support will have a long-lasting impact on our students for generations.”

Transpacific Teaching – Wings Summer 2025

“When you have an education, you can do anything you dream of doing,” Maria Batarao’s parents told her and her brothers.

It’s been the through-line in Batarao’s life, from her years as a classroom teacher, to two positions as school principal, to her role since 2022 as executive director of instructional technology and assessment in the Wapato School District.

Maria Zavic Batarao

And it doesn’t end with her Yakima Valley community: Beyond her “day job,” Batarao supports a school for 25 children in the central Philippines.

Batarao grew up in Solano Nueva Vizcaya, a small town in north central Philippines, with her mom, dad, and four brothers.

The family came to the United States in 1999 when Batarao was 20 years old.

Her parents worked in education their whole lives — her dad was an engineer and university professor, and her mother was an executive assistant to a university president. They went to work as AmeriCorps volunteers as soon as they arrived in the Yakima Valley, believing it would be a good entry into the area workforce.

“Teaching in AmeriCorps was a bridge in a new country,” Batarao said. “They pushed themselves — and they pushed us children as well.

“Our parents always said we had just a few choices for what to do,” Batarao said. “‘You work on a farm, you work in a grocery store, or you go back to school.’

“They always said, ‘If you have your diploma, wherever you go, that can never be taken away. There is always a career waiting for you. The more education the better.”

At age 20, just before the family came to live in the United States, Batarao graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Manila’s Far Eastern University. Once in the U.S., following in her parents’ footsteps, she went to work as an AmeriCorps volunteer working with second, third, and fourth-grade students in need of reading intervention at Whitney Elementary School in Yakima. Two of her brothers enrolled at Heritage University.

Batarao’s first experience working with young children established her career trajectory.

“I vividly remember the first day I met my third graders — I was so excited, and they welcomed me with great warmth and enthusiasm,” Batarao said. “I went home that day and told my family, ‘I already love this!’

“It was incredibly fulfilling as time went on to witness their confidence grow alongside their reading skills.

“I knew I wanted to be in the classroom full-time.”

Just as her students inspired her, Batarao also found herself inspired by the education leaders she saw around her at Whitney.

HERITAGE PROVIDED NEEDED MEANINGFUL SUPPORT

Batarao knew that pursuing an advanced degree would be an important next step in her work in education. Having first seen the Heritage University experience through her brothers’ time there, Batarao also chose to study at Heritage, pursuing a master’s in education in professional development.

“My brothers’ professors at Heritage really supported them and provided meaningful opportunities to grow within the classroom and beyond,” Batarao said. “That was especially important for us with the language and cultural challenges we had early in our time in the U.S.”

Batarao found similarly positive experiences at Heritage with three education department advisors, citing three mentors in particular: Pam Ruth, Caroline Mason, and Jack McPherson.

“I was getting my teacher certification credits, I was a full-time student in the master’s program, and I was doing my research work, and there was so much of the educational jargon, budget discussions, and law issues that I was completely unfamiliar with,” Batarao said. “But when I would say it was too hard, each of them would tell me, ‘You can do this, Maria.’ They were very hands- on and provided connections to many resources, which was what I needed.

“Those Heritage role models were kind and patient, and they would always tell me I had the potential to be a leader. For that, I am forever grateful.”

Batarao wanted to inspire students the way her mentors inspired her.

“Because of them and others who’ve inspired me, I am passionate about making sure students know they, too, are capable, they are supported, they can absolutely achieve their goals — sometimes even more than they imagine.”

A PASSION FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN

By 2001, Batarao had her master’s. She taught for seven years, then spent two years as an instructional coach. In 2013, she became principal at Camas Elementary, and in 2018 became principal at Simcoe Elementary.

She began her current role as Executive Director of Instructional Technology and Assessment for the Wapato School District in 2022. In that role, Batarao oversees technology, assessment, the Highly Capable program for high achieving- potential students, the High School and Beyond Plan that helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and other areas.

“In my current role, I help create a positive school culture, I support teachers in doing their best work, and I can help make sure every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success,” Batarao said.

“I’ve seen how leadership decisions can make a difference, and impact an entire school community. It’s all about making school a place where both kids and staff can thrive.”

Across every role, what she’s loved most is interacting with her students. “I love getting to know each child, understanding them and where they come from, and creating important connections,” Batarao said.

“That’s always been at the heart of my work, no matter what position I’m in.”

Batarao feels her work impacts the entire Wapato School District and the larger community.

“When we build strong, consistent systems that make life easier for everyone — staff, students, and families — in the process and in the end, we are building a better, stronger Wapato community.”

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

Batarao has always sought to build connections and support for children who need it.

When she arrived in the Yakima Valley at age 20, Batarao found community in Yakima’s Wapato Filipino American Youth Group, which like a home away from home.

A year later, she and her brother Rogelio established a group for young people known as the Batang Wapato Group. Through the group, Filipino-American youth connect with their roots through traditional and folk dance.

“It started as a dance group,” Batarao said. “But it was and is so much more than that. It’s a living classroom of culture, community, character — and connection.”

In 2015, Batarao launched a small scholarship initiative at a rural school in the Philippines. It began with a simple goal of supporting young students by covering essentials like tuition, uniforms, shoes, and school supplies.

Over time, that small effort has grown— expanding to a neighboring town, touching even more young lives.

Each month, Batarao sets money aside from her earnings; each year, she provides 25 children with full scholarships to the school she established. Every spring, her mother goes to the Philippines to meet with the teachers and students, learn how they’re doing, and find out what they need. She orders uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks for the coming school year.

Batarao hopes to be able to visit the children and their teachers in the Philippines next year. In the meantime, “her kids” send her photos on Facebook Messenger and let her know when they’re on the honor roll and what they’re doing in sports.

“There are a lot of poor children in the Philippines, especially in the rural areas where the government sometimes cannot reach them,” Batarao said. “They’re smart kids who just need some help. I help them however I can.

“I love kids. They are the hope for our future, and that’s why I do everything I do. I just want to make a difference in these young lives however I can. “They’re able to thrive, and that’s what matters.”

Being Boundless – Wings Summer 2025

Millie Land enrolled at Heritage University as an English major, thinking she would prepare for a career in copywriting, marketing, or teaching— though she wasn’t sure a K–12 classroom was the right fit. Then she took an ethnic literature class and discovered the possibility of becoming a college professor.

Land was selected as a Leadership Alliance Fellow and spent the summer at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore conducting independent research. The experience revealed a future in higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies in December and became a tutor in the Academic Skills Center and adjunct English teacher. This fall, she’ll begin a master’s program in English at Central Washington University, focusing on literary studies and teaching. Ultimately, she hopes to earn a Ph.D. and teach at the college level.

Diana Vargas came to Heritage University after earning her high school equivalent diploma through the HEP program. She majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, juggling her studies with her responsibilities as a dedicated single mother. During her studies, Diana worked through the work-study program for two years as a Financial Aid and Business Office assistant, gaining practical, hands-on knowledge.

Just before her senior year, she completed an internship at Domex Superfresh Growers, where she expanded her professional skills and gained real-world insight into the industry. Shortly after, the university hired her as the Financial Aid Coordinator. Diana was promoted to Assistant Director of Financial Aid just one month before graduating with her degree.

When Jesse Blackburn first arrived at Heritage University, he was uncertain about his path. That changed when he experienced the loss of his best friend. Determined to turn his grief into purpose, Jesse chose to major in criminal justice, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Shortly after, he added a second major in psychology to deepen his understanding of human behavior and the mental health factors that often intersect with criminal activity.

Jesse plans to begin his career in local law enforcement, gaining hands-on experience while continuing to serve his community. After a few years in the field, he hopes to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in either criminology or mental health counseling. Ultimately, his goal is to work at the federal level in criminal investigation.

Vieria Henn, a graduate of West Valley High School, earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Heritage University. A recipient of the Moccasin Lake Scholarship, she arrived at Heritage as a freshman, knowing she wanted to become an accountant. “I like the way everything comes into balance,” she said.

During her senior year, Henn interned as a staff accountant during tax season, which sparked her interest in tax work as a long-term career path. The hands-on experience deepened her understanding of real-world accounting challenges and strengthened her professional goals.

Henn will begin her master’s in accounting this July and hopes to earn her CPA within two years. Ultimately, she aims to support small businesses and their owners in the Yakima Valley.

Eagles Launch – Wings Summer 2025

With emotion and excitement filling the Yakima Valley SunDome, Heritage University celebrated 202 graduates during its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10. The ceremony marked not only the end of an academic journey for these students but also the beginning of new chapters filled with promise, purpose, and impact.

This year’s Commencement was especially significant as it featured the graduation of the university’s first cohort of Master of Social Work students—an important milestone in Heritage’s growing slate of advanced degree offerings. These graduates are poised to make meaningful contributions in communities where compassionate, culturally responsive social workers are critically needed.

Yakama Nation leader JoDe Goudy delivered a powerful and reflective keynote address. As the founder of Redthought, a Native-owned organization promoting sustainable living and respect for the Earth, Goudy spoke of intergenerational responsibility, cultural identity, and walking in balance with creation. His words resonated deeply with the diverse group of graduates and their families.

Two graduates earned the prestigious Board of Directors Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA: Vanessa Moran- Tapia (B.S.W., Social Work) and Melissa Nicole Land (B.A., English). Moran-Tapia was also honored with the President’s Student Award of Distinction for her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service to the university community.

Student speakers Miranda Maravilla (B.A., Business Administration) and Peyton Hart (M.I.T., Elementary Education) inspired their classmates with heartfelt stories of perseverance and personal growth. A touching tribute was made to Peyton’s sister, Aspen Hart, who was awarded a posthumous honorary degree in education following her tragic passing early in her academic journey.

The Violet Lumley Rau Alumna of the Year Award was presented to Maria Batarao, M.Ed. (2001), a longtime educator and role model who continues to uplift her community.

Dance, Drums and Tradition – Wings Summer 2025

The steady beat of drums reverberated across the Heritage University campus on Saturday, April 19, as hundreds gathered to honor Native American culture at the annual All Nations Student Social Powwow.

The free event, hosted by the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC) and sponsored by the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, drew dancers, drum groups, families and vendors from throughout the region for a day of vibrant cultural expression. Traditional, fancy, jingle and grass dance styles filled the arena, with performers ranging in age from toddlers to elders.

“This has really become an annual tradition — a time when we share our culture with the broader campus and local community,” said Anany Scott, HUNAC president and lead organizer. “The support we’ve received this year has been incredible, and the turnout speaks volumes about how this event continues to grow.”

A person wearing a colorful headdress One of the day’s most poignant moments came with a tribute dance honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, a solemn and powerful reminder of the injustices facing Native communities nationwide.

Beyond the dancing, children in attendance were treated to a festive Easter egg hunt, adding a family-friendly element to the day’s programming.

Now in its fifth year, the powwow has become a cornerstone event for the university and the surrounding community, drawing families year over year. Organizers confirmed that planning is already underway for next year’s celebration.