Unlocking innovation
Nursing journey
New bioengineering labs allow space for discovery p. 5
WWU nurses have learned to care with compassion and resilliance p. 18
THE MAGAZINE OF WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY SPRING 2022
Shared Wisdom
Five alumni share the wisdom they’ve collected on the paths they’ve traveled. p. 14
Homecoming Weekend 2022 Registration now open!
Homeward bound, together again! April 21–24, 2022
Join us for a weekend on campus and visit with former classmates and friends old and new! Weekend highlights •
75th anniversary of Edward F. Cross School of Engineering
•
100 years of math majors and minors
•
125th anniversary of the School of Nursing
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Alumni of the Year 2022
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Car Show
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Eugene Winter Golf Classic
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Richard J. Kegley Memorial Fun Run
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Honor class reunions and photos for 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2012
•
Sabbath services guest speakers (Jan White ’77 and Mark Carr ’87)
•
And more!
To register and reserve event tickets, wallawalla.edu/homecoming.
Submit your class member profile at wallawalla.edu/alumnote.
ALUMNUS OF NOTE
“One day, if you’re stomped on, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow.” —Kerry Heinrich ’80, CEO
p. 28
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From the President
THE JOURNAL OF WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY // SPRING 2022
College Avenue News from across campus
10
In the Classroom
14
Shared Wisdom
18
Nursing Journey
22
Alumni Currents
Discover the WWU classroom in the sea
Five alumni pass on life lessons to current students
The School of Nursing through alumni eyes
About the cover PHOTO: RYAN GREENLEAF
Meghann Heinrich, Kyler Alvord, and James Humbert are three alumni who’ve shared insight with students on life after college. ILLUSTRATION BY JACQUI OAKLEY
Westwind Spring 2022, Volume 41, Number 1 // Westwind is published three times a year by Walla Walla University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, and is produced by the WWU Marketing and University Relations office. This issue was printed March 2022. © 2022 by Walla Walla University. Mail Westwind, 204 S. College Ave., College Place, WA 99324 E-mail westwind@wallawalla.edu Telephone (800) 541-8900 Online wallawalla.edu/westwind Editor Kelsi Nash Staff writers Kiersten Ekkens, T. Brooke Fisher, Lauren Vizcarra Design L/Bailey Design
22 AlumNotes, 26 In Memory 28 Alumnus of Note: Kerry Heinrich ’80 30 Back to You: Gerald Winslow ’67
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Relationships are the essence As I survey the pages of this edition of Westwind, I am reminded of the rich tapestry of relationships that is at the heart of Seventh-day Adventist higher education. In these pages I read of Walla Walla University graduates who have had a profound and long-term impact on me. I read of others, such as Austin Archer and Steve Rose, who have been enriching my life over the past fifteen years. The wise man says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another” (Proverbs 27:17). Enriching, nurturing, mind-expanding relationships provide a durable legacy in the lives of all who have called WWU home.
This theme emerged poignantly for me over this past weekend. Two members of the first New Testament Greek class that I taught visited our campus. Now able and seasoned pastors serving congregations on the West Coast, they visited in order to connect with students from their congregations and to visit family members and friends. They rented a lovely home a few miles from campus and gathered a group of about 30 there, mostly current students at WWU, who enjoyed home cooking and great fellowship. My two former students were kind enough to invite Pam and me to join the group for Sabbath lunch. Early in the afternoon, one of my former students alerted the current WWU students of an opportunity. They would, he said, have a chance to pose any question they wished to the president of the university. This was a surprise to me—a good one! A while later, after the excellent meal, the group convened in the spacious kitchen and the questions began. Early on came some surprising ones. They asked questions about a sermon I had preached early in the year (I was delighted they remembered it). Turning to Pam, one student asked, “What has been the most difficult part of your marriage?” Some of the questions were more predictable. Is CommUnity (our weekly chapel gathering) a worship service or an information session? There were compliments, questions, and suggestions about the cafeteria (ones we have since passed on to our dining service provider, Sodexo). Along the way came some very thoughtful and searching questions about Christian discipleship and Adventist faith. It proved a fun and heartwarming conversation. In the glow of that moment, I found myself treasuring the wonder of Adventist education and the cross-generational, wide-reaching web of friendships it creates. Could I ask you to do two things to strengthen and extend the mission of WWU?
Thank you for doing that winsome work as a celebration of a great truth—that grace-bathed, Christ-initiated relationships are the very essence of Seventh-day Adventist higher education. John McVay, president
ALUMNI IN THE NEWS: WALLAWALLA.EDU/WESTWIND
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Westwind Spring 2022
PHOTO: CHRIS DRAKE
1. Nourish the network of relationships from your days as a student here. Place that phone call. Write that email message. Make a date for that long overdue conversation. 2. Look for ways to build relationships with the current generation of WWU students. Join your WWC story to their WWU story. Expand your Walla Walla network into a cross-generational one.
College Avenue The latest from across campus
Unlocking innovation PHOTO: CHRIS DRAKE
WWU receives grant to upgrade bioengineering laboratories
W
alla Walla University’s School of Engineering has been awarded a $351,000 grant by the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust to redesign space and provide new equipment for bioengineering labs. The grant will be matched by generous WWU donors to provide more than $700,000 to be invested in the new laboratories. The funds will provide the School of Engineer-
ing with the needed space to grow its bioengineering concentration and actively engage students in bioengineering design, research, and development. “Coursework and research in this new space will provide students with excellent preparation to enter the rapidly growing field of bioengineering or to excel in medical school,” said Brian Roth, dean of the School of Engineering. The redesigned space in Chan Shun
New labs will allow students from many disciplines to participate in tissue engineering research.
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College Avenue The latest from across campus
Discover more about the bioengineering program at wallawalla.edu/
engineering.
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Westwind Spring 2022
Revival Project Student-led church takes practical approach to Christianity
L
AUNCHED ON Oct. 9, the Revival Project is a new studentled church at Walla Walla University that takes a practical approach to Christianity. Through a fourSabbath rotation of learning, serving, gratitude, and building, students are given a unique blend of church fellowship and community service. The Revival Project is unique because it is the only service on campus that has engrained community service into its church program. For some projects, students worked in connection with the WWU Center for Humanitarian Engagement. Matthias Bernard, student co-pastor of the Revival Project, said, “Our other sister churches offer a more structured production that is put on every Sabbath. The Revival Project is different; we have a rotation that gives people an chance to be involved in different areas of ministry, not just a production. We want people to leave the Revival Project knowing that ministry is not just confined to the four walls of the church. Ministry is with people, and being with people is the ministry we are called to do!” Each four-week rotation of services focuses on a specific topic. The first Sabbath is an
Generosity in service Steve Rose, vice president for Financial Administration, is the recipient of the 2021 Walla Walla University Community Service award. The award was given at the 139th Annual Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards presentation,
which has been held virtually for the past several years due to COVID-19. Rose’s community involvement includes serving as a member of various boards including for Gospel Outreach, SonBridge Financial Committee, Walla Walla Valley Hospice Finance Committee, and the Walla Walla Valley Chamber
WWU students prepare soup for a local homeless care center.
in-depth discussion of the topic. The next Sabbath, the group responds to the sermon discussed the previous week through community service. The third week, they practice gratitude through sharing personal experiences related to the selected topic of the rotation. The final service is a more traditional service where speakers answer the “so what” and “why” questions. “Many students have reached out to me about our church, and they love the unique ministry we have to offer,” Bernard said. “They have also appreciated the gratitude Sabbath that allowed them to be in a space to slow down from a busy week.” The Revival Project To learn more about is a unique opporthe diverse spiritual tunity for students to programs at WWU, find spiritual growth visit wallawalla. and community. edu/worship.
of Commerce Board. He helped establish the WWU Center for Humanitarian Engagement and he
is actively involved with the Walla Walla University Church. Steve’s dedication to service has motivated him to accept a financial administration position in service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, one focused on nurturing medical and educational institutions in Hong Kong.
FIND MORE NEWS AT WALLAWALLA.EDU/NEWS.
PHOTOS: CHRIS DRAKE, COURTESY OF CHE
Pavilion and new laboratory equipment—such as laminar flow hoods, centrifuges, a spectrophotometer, microscopes, incubators, an autoclave, and a bioreactor—will allow students to work with living cells and test biomaterials in a sterile environment. Previously, bioengineering classes have been accommodated by the Department of Biological Sciences and functioned with shared space. The expanded laboratories are expected to be completed in time to hold classes during spring quarter. Janice McKenzie, associate professor of bioengineering, said the new laboratories will substantially improve the research she does with students. “It’s a great opportunity to collaborate. Students will have the chance to build connections with people in the industry and academia through bioengineering projects,” said McKenzie. In addition, students from a wide range of disciplines will have access to the labs. Previous bioengineering research has involved students studying biochemistry, mechanical and electrical engineering, and biology. The School of Engineering has seen significant success in its bioengineering program since adding a bioengineering concentration in 2017. An interdisciplinary bachelor’s of science in bioengineering is also offered jointly by the School of Engineering and the Department of Biological Sciences. Over the last two years, 100% of bioengineering graduates were employed or accepted to graduate school by the time they graduated.
Cue the lights
Jamie Palmer and Jacob Mayes star in “A Year with Frog and Toad”
WWU students bring a whimsical musical to the Village Hall stage
Mentors
100% of freshmen students have a mentor
T
HE MUSIC department and wwudrama collaborated to present the 2021 fall drama production, a musical titled “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Actors on stage in Village Hall brought the lives of Frog and Toad along with their friends to life with the help of live music performed by 10 musicians located in the balcony. “A Year with Frog and Toad” follows two friends on their adventures through the year’s seasons. It’s a tale of companionship and thoughtfulness based on the children’s book series written by Arnold Lobel. “I chose this musical because it had a great story and it made me happy while listening to the music,” said Christine Janis, associate professor of music. “After the months of isolation we had due to the pandemic, a touching story about two friends and what it means to be a friend seemed appropriate.” Donnie Rigby, founding director of
BY THE NUMBERS
17
of 31 mentors have secondary or doctorate degrees
93%
student satisfaction rate in 2020–21 despite pandemic
the WWU drama program, passed away about a week before the opening night of “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Proceeds from the first performance were donated to the Donnie Rigby Drama Award Fund as a memorial for her life and legacy. The musical was well received and most performances sold out.
2009 Learn about upcoming performances at
wallawalla.edu/ wwudrama.
the year when longest-serving mentor, Mikelle Reiswig ’97, started
65%
of mentors are WWU alumni
MSW director presents at CSWE conference
PHOTOS: CHRIS DRAKE
Laurellé C. Warner, MSW program director and
WWU professor of social work, recently presented her research titled “The Resilience Model” at the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 67th annual conference. Warner’s presentation explored her continued research on resilience. Warner explained, “I want to bring forward a new resilience model by defining what it is and describing its nature through the perspective of black women and men.”
NASW recognizes Haid as Social Work Educator of the Year The National Association of Social Workers Washington Chapter recognized Deisy Haid, field education director and assistant professor of social work and sociology, as 2022 Social Work Educator of the Year. Haid is a licensed clinical social worker and played a major role in founding a new mental health clinic in the Walla Walla Valley which offers behavioral health services in an underserved
It’s like having a road map, a counselor, and a friend in one person who makes one half-hour a week all about you.” –WWU STUDENT
area and provides field practicum opportunities for students. Haid plans to graduate this year with her doctor of social work degree from WWU.
Interested in supporting students as a mentor? Contact
corren.current@ wallawalla.edu.
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College Avenue The latest from across campus
CEED equity training will impact student teachers and local educators.
books + sites
Reading and browsing recommendations from our experts
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021)
Student equity training
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WU’S CENTER FOR Educational Equity and Diversity (CEED) was awarded a $20,000 grant by the Washington State Professional Educators Standard Board. The funds will allow CEED to implement a training program that will increase cultural competence for student teachers and their mentor teachers. Amanda Ramoutar, assistant professor of education, says faculty have seen a “clear and urgent need” for this program. “Cultural competence training is important because it will allow for more mindful education practices by our graduates and make their schools more welcoming to those from diverse backgrounds.”
This book emphatically reminded me that as a mortal, finite being I need to think carefully about how I spend my time on earth. I’ve lived roughly half of my 4,000 weeks already! My hope is in heaven, but it is imperative to think deliberately about how I spend (and enjoy!) the remaining time allotted to me by my creator. —Ben Jackson, associate professor of mathematics
The Three Languages of Politics: Talking Across the Political Divides By Arnold King (Cato Institute, 2019)
In this short book, King argues that Americans don’t simply disagree about politics, but instead we don’t understand each other because we are talking different languages. These “languages” are based on three vocabulary axes: oppressor/oppressed for progressives, civilization/barbarism for conservatives, and liberty/coercion for libertarians. By recognizing these differences in vocabulary, we may be able to reduce “friction, anger, and frustration” with those with whom we disagree. –James Foster, assistant professor of computer science
New members join WWU Board of Trustees
Numberlandadventures. blogspot.com
Accomplished mathematician Alice Silverberg is a vocal advocate for fairness and equal opportunity in the mathematical community and more generally. Her blog, Alice’s Adventures in Numberland, is a collection of short stories of her personal experiences with sexist treatment. –John Foster, associate professor of mathematics
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EUGENE LEWIS was elected to join the university board in November 2021. He is the coordinator of regional ministries for the Washington Conference and the senior pastor of the Emerald City Church, located in Seattle, Washington.
DAVID JAMIESON joined the university board after accepting the call to serve as president of the Upper Columbia Conference in January 2022. He was previously the senior pastor of the Church in the Valley, located in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
Alienated America by Timothy P. Carney (HarperCollins Publishers, 2020)
There are many theories about the fall of strong local communities and the rise of political divisiveness, the opioid epidemic, and the class gap. This is one author’s attempt to diagnose the root problems and prescribe a solution that begins with family and church. —Logan Seibold ’21, instructor of product design
PHOTOS: CRHIS DRAKE; WWU ARCHIVES (RIGHT)
KEN NORTON joined the university board as the new president of the Montana Conference in May 2021. Norton was previously the president of the GuamMicronesia Mission with a passion for church planting and evangelism.
From the Archives If memory serves
1974
Late nights at the copy desk Walla Walla University’s student-run newspaper, The Collegian, has gone to press since 1916. Here, Stan Cleveland, Edwin Schwisow, Denae Swanson, Pat Farver, and Dave Schwantes work on the paper in 1974. You’ll notice we are missing information on one of the female writers. Do you know, or think you know, who she is? Help us make our records complete and email the name to westwind@wallawalla.edu.
DID YOU KNOW?
The top Collegian news story during the 1974–75 school year was about the implementation of a faculty evaluation system. The year prior, The Collegian earned the highest rating by the Associated Press.
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In the Classroom
A taste of the classroom experience in 2022
SCDI 441, 442
Scientific Diving I & II COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course meets the training and performance standards for scientific divers as prescribed by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). Students receive safety training and an introduction to underwater scientific methodology in the classroom, swimming pool, and open water. OBJECTIVES:
By the end of both classes, students will have satisfied the 100 hours of training required for scientific divers by the AAAUS; learned advanced safety skills, first aid, oxygen administration, and dive rescue; and discovered how to use scuba diving as a scientific research tool.
Prerequisites include holding an Advanced Open Water dive certification and passing a swimming evaluation.
SKILLS:
Swimming Underwater data collection First aid for professional divers Dive planning Boating safety Dive rescue
e.g. surface an unconscious diver
WWU's Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory is located in Anacortes, Washington.
1. ANeque ad eaque parchillique volupta eperspe dipsam est im rerovidessum volume sunt eictetur aut elibuscid es unt, venduciis sus. 2. A Neque ad eaque parchillique volupta epers. 3. The Neque ad eaque parchillique volupta epers. 4. TheNeque ad eaque parchillique volupta epers.
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PHOTOS: CHRIS DRAKE, MAEL BALLAND
CAPTION HED TKTKTK:
2
CREDITS EACH
Scientific Diving II is offered spring quarter but most activities occur during spring break at the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory.
PROFESSOR:
Jim Nestler Professor of biology Jim Nestler has been obsessed with biological research since studying sleep in wild birds during his junior and senior years at WWU. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s in biology from WWU, Nestler continued studying dormancy, this time in small mammals, during his doctoral program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. His research now focuses on sea cucumbers while he continues to teach and serve at WWU. Nestler has been scuba diving for years and is a certified PADI and DAN instructor. He enjoys scuba diving and traveling with his wife, Nancy.
The underwater environment is unique, beautiful, and important for future research.” —JIM NESTLER
CERTIFICATIONS TO EARN:
DAN Diving First Aid for Professional Divers PADI Rescue Diver AAUS Scientific Diver
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Faculty in First Person
Austin Archer Professor of psychology and education
The Distinguished Faculty Lecturer for 2021 explores memory, prophecy, and why it is so difficult to change our minds.
W
HY AND HOW do people change their minds? Why do we forget important things and remember trivial ones? Do we remember events as accurately as we think we do? How come two people can be equally confident of different memories of the same event? And regarding prophecy, how do our minds change when prophecy fails? These questions summarize the issues that have fascinated me for the past several years. MEMORY PUZZLES Evidently, when we experience an event, our minds change to preserve a record, so to speak, of that event. However, each person records that memory in totally idiosyncratic ways, based on the prior experiences and current expectations that form the context of our perspective on that experience. To the degree that each of us experiences that event individually, the memory formed is unique. What is more, these memory records are not organized images at all. Rather, they are more like scrambled puzzle pieces in a box that must be reconstructed each time we retrieve the event. So, what happens if additional pieces get secreted into the box when you are not paying attention? The likely result is that you will reconstruct an image that is different than the one you experienced. The resulting false memory has been demonstrated by various cognitive psychologists, such as Ulrich Neisser, Elisabeth Loftus and Henry Roediger, among others. That matters a great deal because we depend on our memories, not just to reconstruct our private experiences, but to make important life decisions, and to give testimony that has life consequences for other people as well, like jury decisions. DISCREPANCIES IN OUR BELIEFS While the facts we store in mind seem easy to change, the things we believe turn out to be much more resistant. When a belief comes under factual challenge, or when a prophecy fails or appears to fail, we are left to reconcile beliefs with the evidence or the facts as they have emerged. This discrepancy is what social psychologist Leon Festinger came to call cognitive dissonance. The result is that we
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must either change our minds about the prophecy or the belief, or we must hold on to the belief, but either deny the facts or reinterpret those facts. A familiar example for us Adventists is the nonappearance of Jesus on Oct. 22, 1844. What emerged as the sanctuary doctrine represents a reinterpretation of what the prophecy predicted. A more contemporary example is response of many so-called prophets to the failure of their prophecy that President Trump would be reelected in 2020. Cognitive dissonance has resulted in many insisting that he was elected but defrauded of the result. Others have even suggested that he has somehow been secretly reinstalled as president and is in place as commander-in-chief, but that the current incumbent is merely a mirage of some sort. SHIFTING BELIEF SYSTEMS I recently published research showing that people tend to go through a protracted process on the way to changing their system of beliefs, such as their religious or political worldview. Such changes are often triggered by a significant event and accompanied by acute emotional turmoil. Similarly, societies tend to change their minds with difficulty, and often only after significant social ferment. It took a civil war in the 19th century to change America’s position on the enslavement of people, and further civil unrest in the 20th to change its views on racial equality. Signs remain that these changes are not yet complete. A recent example of dramatic change in the society is its attitude regarding same-sex marriage. This appears to be an exception as this change seems to be occurring even more rapidly and without the social turmoil observed in the other instances. Social scientist Michael Rosenfeld suggests that a key element here was that as LGBT+ persons came out of the closet, people were able to identify that these were people like them—relatives, coworkers, colleagues, and friends—making them appear less alien and their life choices more acceptable. Understanding the fragility of memory makes us humble about the decisions we make affecting others and should cause us to reconsider public policies we advocate such as the death penalty. Our society must also change to meet the challenge of racial and ethnic inequality, and of environmental degradation. On the other hand, such changes are not easy for a society to make because people’s beliefs tend to be resilient. Yet, notwithstanding the turmoil that accompanies them, we are challenged to change as individuals and societies when such changes bring us closer to fulfilling Jesus’ prayer: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth…”
photograph by CHRIS DRAKE
“Understanding the fragility of memory makes us humble about the decisions we make affecting others.” Watch Archer’s lecture online at
wallawalla.edu/DFL.
After 30 years of teaching at WWU, Archer retired in December 2021.
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SHARED WISDOM We are shaped by the people we rub shoulders with, those we work alongside. By conversations at key moments. By classes we’ve taken and the people who taught them. Five alumni speak with current students to share the wisdom they’ve collected on the paths they’ve traveled. Written by
KIERSTEN EKKENS & LAUREN VIZCARRA
Illustrations by
JACQUI OAKLEY
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Communication majors Meghann Heinrich, Kyler Alvord, and James Humbert recently returned to campus to speak at a colloquium held by the Department of Communication and Languages.
“If my experiences starting out in this field are at all helpful to current students, I’m more than happy to share.” —Meghann Heinrich
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COMMUNICATION
Class of 2019
Class of 2020
Class of 2019
Associate crime editor at People New York, New York
Managing editor at Alumni Journal Loma Linda, California
ESL teacher Nagoya, Japan
Alvord always knew that he wanted to work in a big city after graduation, so his years at Walla Walla University were dedicated to preparing for the type of job he wanted. Since graduation, Alvord has worked in a number of roles, including as a news writer for digital media brand Thrillist. Now living in New York City, he works as an associate crime editor at People magazine, writing coverage of murders, cold cases, and the nation’s high profile criminal trials. Driven for success in his professional career, Alvord has worked hard to fulfill his dreams. Alvord’s recent presentation to WWU communication students aimed to pass on the knowledge from working professionals that he valued during his time as a student. “I don’t have all the answers of course, but I make it a point to share whatever bit of knowledge I can with current students to hopefully pay it forward.” Alvord’s advice? Entering a competitive job market is no reason to be discouraged. Alvord encouraged students to see their education at a smaller university as an advantage that allowed them to easily gain job experience and advice from writing professionals. And most importantly, the hard work will make it all the more rewarding when you get your foot in the door.
In the fall of 2020, Heinrich began work at Loma Linda University’s School of Medicine Alumni Association as the editor of the Alumni Journal. Her recent presentation to current Walla Walla University students covered her tips for landing a job in a competitive job market. Heinrich highlighted two main points: first, that tailored cover letters matter, and second, WWU’s communication classes prepare students well. Her work includes writing, copyediting, designing, and creating each issue’s editorial vision alongside her team. “While every new position involves a learning curve, being confident in the skills required means that learning curve isn’t quite so daunting. “When I was asked to present, it was easy to say yes,” said Heinrich. “I have very fond memories of the communication department, and if my experiences starting out in this field are at all helpful to current students, I’m more than happy to share.” Heinrich added that her involvement in the university’s drama classes was especially helpful in building relationships and revealing personal insights that she has found incredibly meaningful.
KYLER ALVORD
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MEGHANN HEINRICH
JAMES HUMBERT
Humbert is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Nagoya, Japan, and teaching English as a second language. He works with business executives who want to improve their conversational English in preparation for business abroad. Upon completion of his doctoral program, he hopes to teach at a university in Nagoya. His interest in intercultural communication was born during his years at WWU where Humbert spent two years in the Adventist Colleges Abroad program—one year in Argentina and the second in Spain. These years shaped his life in a way he hoped to share with current students. Humbert encouraged students to learn a second—or even third—language. While being immersed in other cultures, he’s gained insights about intercultural life and the challenges and positive experiences that accompany it. “I love experiencing new cultures and meeting new people,” said Humbert. “I think my two years of ACA taught me more about the real world than my years studying at WWU.”
“I make it a point to share whatever bit of knowledge I can with current students to hopefully pay it forward.” —Kyler Alvord
BUSINE SS
Class of 2016
TYLER SHERWIN
Crypto sales executive, Cross River Bank Portland, Maine
Tyler Sherwin recently connected with current business students at his alma mater to present his professional expertise in an exciting, expanding field: cryptocurrency. Sherwin is currently based in Maine, where he works at Cross River Bank, a digital infrastructure bank which is building crypto technology in connection with financial technology companies like Coinbase.
BIOLOGY
Class of 2004
LISA McGILLVARGAS
NICU director Spokane, Washington
This April, Lisa McGillVargas took time to speak with WWU students addressing equity in rural medicine from her perspective as a medical director at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane,
Washington. Due to her fond memories and gratitude for the educational experience at WWU, she readily accepted the invitation to return to campus, if only on a virtual platform. As the director of one of the few level-four neonatal intensive care units in the region, providing the highest level of neonatal care, McGillVargas sees patients from all over Washington as well as transfers and referrals from nearby states where there is limited access to premium healthcare. In her presentation to students, McGill-Vargas explained that creating equal access to healthcare is a goal that everyone should promote. “We are as strong
as our weakest link,” she said, “and we owe all parts of our state, our country, access to healthcare and for some of our stronger areas to be a voice for all areas. I hope students from Walla Walla can be an advocate for all people.” WWU has a heart of service, she said, that helped prepare her for her career as a neonatologist where she advocates for the most vulnerable among us: infants. McGill-Vargas is grateful for the lasting friendships she developed in college, not only with her fellow students, but with teachers as well. “I really value the time I had at Walla Walla, both setting up my basic foundation in science and founda-
tions for service and caring for others,” said McGill-Vargas. WWU cultivated McGill-Vargas’ passion for ministering to others, and the presentation she gave to current students highlighted the importance of caring for all people. Now having worked in Spokane for five years, she continues to see the importance of service and strong academics. She hopes to continue the tradition not only by sharing wisdom with current students, but by passing those values on to her own family. McGillVargas said, “For our son, we choose Adventist education for the values, but beyond that, we feel that it’s a good education.”
“I really value the time I had at Walla Walla, both setting up my basic foundation in science and foundations for service and caring for others.”
“... If millennials, Gen Z, and others don’t pay attention to crypto, they could very easily be left behind. That’s part of the reason I’m so passionate about crypto.” Following graduation, Sherwin worked in finance for a few years. However, he soon realized that he wanted to work directly with customers and gain sales experience, so he moved to Southern California to work as a solar panel system salesman. One of his sales put him in touch with a hedge fund manager who was mining Bitcoin, and this interaction got him thinking about the expanding world of cryptocurrency. The interest quickly turned into a passion, and Sherwin set about making crypto his career. His presentation to Walla Walla University students focused on how they can get
involved with cryptocurrencies and find jobs in the field, as well as defining crypto, decentralized finance, and other similar subjects. It was an opportunity to share what he wished he could tell his college-age self. “This whole macroeconomic environment is positioned in such a way that if millennials, Gen Z, and others don’t pay attention to crypto, they could very easily be left behind. That’s part of the reason I’m so passionate about crypto,” Sherwin explained. Sherwin added that the foundation for his interest in decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies was born out of macroeconomics
classes he took at WWU. Bruce Toews, dean of the School of Business, and other professors played instrumental roles in his understanding of the values that make cryptocurrencies work. To return the favor and pass on his own bit of wisdom to those at WWU was very exciting for Sherwin. “I just really enjoy sharing my passions.” While WWU prepared him for the exciting and fulfilling career Sherwin now has, that isn’t what he considers his biggest takeaway from his time at WWU. “I met my wife, Trinity, in the library, and we’ve been married for four years now. That has been the best return on investment.”
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Nursing Journey For 125 years the School of Nursing has readied many for a calling to care By KELSI NASH
T
ODAY WITH THE EXPLOSION OF
medical discoveries, pharmacology advances, and technology developments, many healthcare fields look
vastly different than they did 100 years ago— nursing included. But the mission remains the same: to care for the sick and hurting with compassion and resilience. Clockwise from top left: A group of 1997 nursing students; a student receives We asked several alumni to her pin; Lucy (Vance) Powell in 1975; Nicholas Heinrich give us a peek inside the administers a COVID-19 vaccine; Stuart Tonack ’20 stands with professor Kari history of the School of Firestone and his mother, Edda ’89; and Bev Gimbel in 1983. Nursing through their eyes.
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The early years Nursing has always played an important role in the Adventist call to serve and minister to the sick. In 1897, just a few short years after Walla Walla University opened its own doors, Portland Adventist Sanitarium offered a two-year training program for nurses, and what would become the School of Nursing was born. Students were taught Adventist ideals of health, and many prepared to be medical missionaries. By 1949, Walla Walla University was offering a full nursing degree in partnership with the Portland Sanitarium and Hospital (PSH). The transition to a full degree program took several years, but by 1951, the nursing degree awarded to graduating seniors was similar to what WWU currently offers. In the interim two years, the woolen capes worn by nursing students had both PSH and WWC embroidered on the edge. Then, that changed to just WWC.
Most nursing students experienced two WWU campuses, in College Place and in Portland.
A school of two campuses With the new degree track, nursing students now studied at the College Place campus for their freshmen and sophomore years, then transitioned to Portland for the last two. This format remains today. Francis Kilmer, a nursing graduate from 1972, remembers enjoying the connection with both campuses that allowed her to find friends among other disciplines of study. During her time as a student, College Place nursing courses were held in the basement of Rigby Hall. Nursing students were also introduced to the spiritual guidance of professors and staff on the College Place campus. Kilmer recalls, “Elder Paul Heubach not only preached excellent sermons but demonstrated a contagious spiritual joy. He made Christianity seem fun. Helen Ward Evans’ evening worships in Conard Hall were also memorable.”
MICAH ANDERSON ’12 Cardiology nurse practitioner, Legacy Health Vancouver, Washington
ONE REASON I LOVE NURSING:
“I love being a nurse because I get to connect with so many different people from different walks of life. In the hospital you almost always meet someone at a low point in their life, but you have an opportunity to connect with them and share their experience. Good or bad, you’re a part of that experience with your patients.” ONE MEMORABLE DAY ON THE JOB: “This last year my
great-grandpa was admitted to the hospital where I work. I had heard he was doing fine and just needed a little extra support, but while I was working the next day I heard he was transitioning to comfort-care in the middle
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While most WWU alumni are familiar with Conard, Sittner, and Meske Halls, only a portion know what life was like at the residence hall on the Portland campus. Before the school’s transition to the current location, students stayed in dorm buildings on the Mount Tabor campus. Kilmer held a high opinion of her deans on both campuses, who were understanding and fair. She adds, “I loved our Portland dean, Blanche Jones, known as ‘Jonesy’ to all of us.” The School of Nursing moved to the current Portland location in 1978, which included a new residence hall, Hansen Hall. The school benefited from the new hospital campus, completed just a year before, which stood next door and continues to provide a myriad of opportunities for clinical experience. Today’s nursing students complete 960 clinical hours, of which more than half are with real patients. The rest are completed through virtual simulations or on realistic mannequin
of my shift. I was shaken by the news. My coworkers heard about it and scrambled to cover my patients for the rest of my shift and sent me up to see him. I was only able to say goodbye because I was working in the hospital and my coworkers sacrificed to give me that opportunity. It is a bittersweet memory, but it beautifully reflects the sacrifice that nurses often make to put others ahead of themselves.” A LASTING MOMENT OF HOPE:
“Working in critical care the last couple of years has been especially tough. One day I received a transfer patient who was in the same situation as my other patients. We
started talking and I discovered he was Seventh-day Adventist. He asked if he could pray and began praying for me and all the nursing staff while he was in this extremely critical condition. It was one of the most impactful days at work and changed my perspective.” A FAVORITE MEMORY AT WWU:
“I have fond memories of playing basketball and longboarding to the dorm from Rooks Park. But the best memory was my first date getting coffee with my future wife.” Micah graduated with his doctorate in nursing as a family nurse practitioner from Washington State University in May 2021.
“Adventist nurses continue to be sought after because of their altruism and their belief that each human being is a child of God.” —FRANCIS FICKESS, BOLD VENTURE
patients. Back in College Place, the need for space and to improve simulated hospital rooms for skills labs led the school to remodel the upper floor of the Winter Educational Complex; the construction was completed in November of 2010.
A special group During the 60s and early 70s, Wilma Leazer was at the helm of the school. She oversaw one of the largest departments with over 300 students. She also helped guided the School of Nursing through its transition to the current campus in Portland and was honored in the Association of Seventh-day Adventist Nurses’ Hall of Fame in 1982. Trudy Klein, a nursing graduate who returned to teach in the 1990s, remembers Leazer as an inspiring nurse and leader and has now dedicated 21 of her own years to nurse education. “Nursing students are a very special group; it takes a level of maturity to be encountering the nursing classes when you are 19 years old,” says Kline. “Nurses can’t be in their little cocoon and can’t avoid thinking about the needs of the rest of the world.” Klein says that in her college years even she wasn’t sure if nursing was a good fit for her. She didn’t find her first nursing classes enjoyable, but soon she arrived on the Portland campus and got a taste of the large hospital setting, she knew she would stick with it. Nursing became her calling. “I knew that even on the horrible days, I’d be there for somebody.” Of course, nursing has its fun days too. Klein recalls with fondness the amount of responsibility she was entrusted with during her time as a student. During a community health class her senior year, she and her peers worked as school nurses teaching health education without supervisors. “That was empowering and a lot of fun. I remember we had taken infant mannequins to a health ed event where we taught parents how to bathe a child. People must have thought it funny that at a red light, we had a Chinese fire drill running around with all these babies!”
Growth and nursing now Nursing is a dynamic and challenging profession with diverse practice options. Klein enjoyed working as a nurse educator because of the access to all kinds of areas of nursing. She has also seen significant growth and change in the field since she graduated in 1972. “The decision-making capabilities of a nurse are highly regarded. Many doctors today see the nurse as the most important person because they are the only one with direct patient contact,” says Klein. Because of this shift, nurses are taught a lot more about physical assessment than they once were. Klein adds that there is additional emphasis on cultural awareness, mental health, and public health in the modern field. Modern nursing curricula also must evolve to address new advances in medicine and pharmacology. Klein notes that nursing is both academically and emotionally challenging. Bonds formed during nursing are strong because of the obstacles often faced together. Kilmer adds that even during school, nursing seems to pull people together. “We’ve met friends and fellow WWC grads every place we’ve worked and traveled, both in the home country and abroad. It’s a warm fellowship. And friendship is the real treasure takeaway from my Walla Walla College experience.”
Nursing is still a special career. Nurses are in high demand as many in the workforce are reaching retirement age. There are few places where the call to serve the least of these is practiced so consistently; nurses are at the heart of health care. Nursing graduates serve not only in intensive care units or outpatient centers, but also as government leaders, researchers, and educators. Walla Walla University continues to prepare nurses for the challenges and joys of the years to come.
KATEY DONESKY ’11 ICU charge nurse, Adventist Health Portland Portland, Oregon ONE REASON I LOVE NURSING:
“Working in the ICU is a place like no other. It can get really crazy; but to guide families through what can be a tremendously scary time for them and to show them compassion, that is so rewarding.” ONE MEMORABLE DAY ON THE JOB: “At the height of
COVID-19, or one of the heights, everyone was just a little worn down. It was kind of a depressing time. Then one day our chaplain team walked into the unit with a cart of cloth gift bags filled with lotions, chocolates, and lots of little handwritten notes. Each note had words of encouragement and thanks. My coworkers and I, we just started to break down a minute because we were touched someone took the
time to write all these beautiful notes—letting us know someone was praying for us to have brighter tomorrows, thanking us for the work we were doing and sacrifices we were making, wishing us strength. It was a small moment but so encouraging. It told me, ‘I can do this. This is why I’m a nurse. I can keep going.’” A FAVORITE SELF-CARE MOMENT: “To be compas-
sionate healthcare worker can be exhausting. It takes a supportive home situation to be able to go back day after day. I don’t think I would be as passionate about my work if I didn’t have a healthy support system.” A FAVORITE MEMORY AT WWU: “The clinical
opportunities in Portland were great and the nursing teachers are so dedicated. They push you hard and they want you to succeed. They give you all these pointers and do whatever it takes to help you through the courses. It was through connections with my teachers I was able to interview for my first job where they weren’t initially hiring new graduates into the department. Thankfully, I got the job and it’s been the best thing. I’ve been there almost 10 years now.” In 2021, Katey was one of ten nurse preceptors selected as an Outstanding Nurse Preceptor by the Oregon Center for Nursing.
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AlumNotes
Get up to date with fellow WWU alumni. Submit your information for AlumNotes at wallawalla.edu/alumnotes.
1960s James Hein att. is currently a retired dentist. His favorite memories from WWU are his many friendships. John Hodgkin ’60 is married to Jeanie and has five children, Steve, Kathryn, Carolyn, Jonathan att., and Jamie. He graduated from LLU School of Medicine in 1964 and was awarded the Bronze Star for U.S. Army service in Vietnam in 1967–68. He fondly remembers his time as a member of the WWU band, president of the missionary volunteer society, and the summer at the biology station at Rosario Beach. Kenneth James ’65 is married to Janice (Payne) att. and lives in Camas, Wash. He currently works as a professor of public health and biostatistics at Oregon Health and Science University. He enjoys being involved in his local church and in eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandchild. Carol (Basaraba) Kegebein ’62 attended Portland campus all four years of college and went on to become an RN and case manager. She lives in Hanford, Calif., and has three children, Coralie Deniger, Heidi Meyer, and David ’02. Robert O’Day ’61 is married to Wilma (Meske) O’Day ’61 and has two children Anita (O’Day) Dorland ’86 and Carol (O’Day) Hildebrand att. He worked as a teacher for 30 years and then operated his own cleaning business. He is currently retired and lives in Aberdeen, Wash. Of his time at WWU, he says, “The godly influence of instructors like Alcock, Westermeyer, Searle, Stoehr, Lay, Davis and others were a great inspiration.”
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Wilma (Meske) O’Day ’61 is married to Robert O’Day ’61 and has two children. She taught elementary school for over 30 years and enjoys outdoor activities and community service. She says, “Among some of my favorite memories of WWC is the spiritual atmosphere exemplified by elders Paul Heubach and Alcock in church and in the classroom.” Cecelia (Hall) St. Clair ’60 studied theology and worked as a teacher, literature evangelist, cleric, and instructional assistant for many years. She has three children, Shelley, Shaun, and Shane. She is currently retired and living in Yucca Valley, Calif. From her time at WWU, she remembers the joy of fellowship with like-minded Christians and the stimulating learning environment. Ronna Witzel ’62 is a retired administrative assistant who currently enjoys digital scrapbooking and making greeting cards for anyone in her church who needs a little encouragement. She has three children, Shonna Dalusong, Darold, and Darin. She fondly remembers her many friends who made her last two years of college at WWU very memorable.
1970s
year and soon after shared their first airplane ride with Loren’s roommate. Carolyn spent two years on the Portland campus and remembers growing close to her fellow nursing majors. Anders Engdahl ’77 lives in Kalispell, Mont. He is recently retired, and spent the last 35 years as a radiologist at Northwest Montana near Glacier National Park. He is looking forward to staying active in his retirement by climbing, hiking, backpacking, and volunteering, as well as spending time with his family and friends. One of his favorite experiences at WWU was receiving personalized teaching as one of only three math majors in his class. Deborah Hutton ’76 worked as a dentist for 40 years and chaired on a board for a dental clinic for underprivileged children for many years. She fondly remembers learning from Dr. Dickinson, Dr. Liske, and Dr. West as well as Lorne Glaim, Malcolm Maxwell, Ernie Bursey, and Alden Thompson, who changed her life forever. Bob Davidson ’72 lives with his wife Janice (Wiebold) Davidson ’71 in Kamiah, Idaho. They have three children: Todd, Paul, and Jonathon.
Geneva (Lopez) Martin att. from 1975-79. She is married to Richard and has three children, Calina, Charlene, and Richard II. She is retired, sings with a cappella groups, and loves babysitting her grandson. Her favorite memory from WWU is playing the piano and singing with “All God’s Children,” which was a Black gospel group. She still sings with the then-leader and another of her fellow members. Lester Merklin ’72 is currently a special assistant to Global Mission Centers and lives in Dalton, Ga. He obtained his M.Div. in 1975, receivied his D.Min. in 2001, and served in many positions in the SDA church, including 20 years as a church pastor. He fondly remembers being the coordinator of “Singing Bands,” being a student missionary in Belize, and taking Greek from Mrs. Knapp. Sarah Omache ’79 is married to Solomon and has three children, Steve, Stella, and Susan. She lives in Kisii, Kenya, and works as the county executive committee member for health. She also established a private primary and kindergarten school in 1991, which she still manages. Her favorite memories from WWU include class sharing with Alden Thomson and faculty get-togethers in various homes. Dennis Reed ’72 and ’75 is married to Sharon (Huddleston)
Loma (McCreery) Boyd ’76 is currently retired and lives happily with her husband Bruce ’77 in Canada. She has three children, Benjamin ’02, Jeremiah ’05, and Jodi (Boyd) Sremac ’07. Her favorite memory from WWU is walking in the fall leaves on campus. Carolyn (Woolbert) Clausen ’72 lives with her spouse Loren Clausen ’72 in Libby, Mont. They are retired and have two children, Elizabeth Oberg and Casey. Carolyn and Loren met freshman
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Reed ’74 and they have two children, Brant ’03 and Holli Bieler att. He is retired now but worked as an RN for 30 years. He also served in the U.S. Army in 1967–69. Of his time at WWU, he recalls, “I played baritone and loved to play in the church in front of the pipe organ. You could FEEL the bass.” He adds he found a lifetime friend in John Waterbrook. Best of all? “Meeting my lovely wife of 50 years.” Keith Riese ’70 is married to Jacqueline and has two children, Kent and Kevin. He worked as an engineer and then professor for 33 years at Union College and is now retired. His favorite memories from WWU include making friends with his fellow engineers, putting a VW bug in the Sittner Hall lobby, listening to music and readings at vespers, and dropping large glass bottles from the fourth floor of Sittner Hall onto the courtyard below.
1980s
Valley Hospital Medical Center and lives in Glendora, Calif. Her favorite memory from WWU is “studying with students from different countries and learning about their diverse cultures.” Robert Henderson ’87 is married to Rachel and has two children, Julian and Jacob. He lives in San Francisco, Calif., and works as a supervising attorney for the state bar. He enjoys playing basketball and traveling. His favorite memories from WWU include making friends and going on ski trips. Tamara Fuchs ’82 is a retired integrative health coach and lives in Wallowa County, Ore. She spent many years teaching. In 2020, she published a memoir, journal, and reference guide to healing with food named Blossom’s FearLess Journal. She has a son, Dustin, and a daughter, Carly. Her favorite memory from WWU is biking around the area.
Humberto Acuna ’84 lives in Fontana, Calif., and works as the lead mechanical engineer at California Steel Industries, Inc. He loves fellowship with other SDA believers, astronomy, guitar, accordion, bike riding, fishing, being out in nature, and aviation. He fondly remembers the closeness of WWU to rivers and mountains and the Christian atmosphere.
Colleen (Nelson) Gonzalez att. from 1987-89 and has two children, Kenton ’16 and Andre ’20. She lives in Yakima, Wash., and works as a scheduling coordinator. Her favorite memories from WWU are speech class, vespers on Friday nights, the cafeteria food, and going pinging.
Don Brassington ’87 lives with Colleen, his wife of 36 years, and has four children, Jacob att., Jonathan att., Connor, and Elisabeth ’19. He has worked for the last 34 years as an SDA teacher and has “enjoyed (nearly) every moment.” He has many fond memories from WWU, including the following: “Having vespers on the roof of the old Administration Building, falling on my date (twice) on an icy sidewalk in front of Sittner Hall to the raucous laughter of Afterglow attendees, playing in the Mud Bowl, and delivering items to customers for the College Dairy.”
Janella Spears ’82 currently works part time as both a medical sign language interpreter and a CPR and first aid teacher for foster homes. She became a reverend in 2005 and is now able to perform marriages, funerals, and baptisms for deaf people. She has a daughter, Mae Araki. When she attended WWU she contracted hepatitis A had to finish school on a stretcher in the back of class. She is grateful to all the people who helped her through this time.
Emily (Yap) Cheung ’82 is a registered nurse at Pomona
KEY: att. = attended
Lori (Ciccarelli) Stotko ’81 lives in Orcutt, Calif., and is married to Steven and has a son named Jeremy. She earned her master’s degree in leadership
curr. att. = currently attending
honest, and pushed me to be the best person I could be.”
What is
SEEN & HEARD? Seen & Heard is an online supplement to our print issue of Westwind that provides opportunities to celebrate career milestones and inspirational stories about WWU alumni. This online portal includes a collection of links to national media news stories about alumni. FIND IT AT
wallawalla.edu/ westwind Click on “More Seen & Heard” for the full archive. Send your info for Seen & Heard to westwind@wallawalla.edu.
and organizations and is an ordained minister. She currently works as the leadership specialist and spiritual director for Transforming Lives Advocacy. She is also an award-winning author and enjoys hiking on the coast with her husband. Helen Teske ’82 lives in Bothell, Wash., has too many fun memories from WWU to list.
1990s Melissa Andrewjeski ’97 lives in Eltopia, Wash., with her husband, Kevin Jones, and they have a daughter, Kayla. Melissa works as the superintendent of a facility in the Department of Corrections and is a proud grandmother. Of her time at WWU, she recalls being significantly impacted by Pam Cress. “She was caring,
Jeremy Mays ’98 and Stephanie (Phillips) Mays ’86 live in College Place and have two children, Gabriel and Phoebe curr. att. Stephanie’s favorite memory is of moving Bev Beem’s class clock forward, and Jeremy’s favorite memory is of attending concerts on Centennial Green. Sam Tooley ’95 is married to Lynn and has two children, Sammy and John. He works as a band and orchestra teacher for Tacoma Public Schools and lives in Tacoma, Wash. He has been learning the viola so he can play quartets with his musical family. His favorite memory from WWU is playing in the symphony and all the musical groups on campus, as well as hanging out in the music buildings with friends. Jeffrey Colburn ’97 enjoys golf, woodworking, community service, world travel, and playing with his two kids, Kaelan and Kesara. He lives in Williston, N.D., where he runs his own business. Of his time at WWU, he fondly remembers trips to Rosario Beach, a hole-in-one at a local golf course, Wolfpack hockey games, and the “wonderful food fight of 1994.”
2000s Warren Carver ’02 loves to kite board and scuba dive when he is not working as a wireless radio frequency systems engineer. He is excited about becoming a dual Italian American citizen, and has one daughter, Kaitlyn Mata. His favorite memory from WWU is playing Wolfpack hockey for five years. Ashley Elston-Hurdle ’07 currently works as a nurse in Loma Linda, Calif. She has particularly fond memories of the snow and people from her time at WWU. Anthony Grovet ’04 is a self-employed insurance agent who loves serving others by helping seniors meet their goals and preserve their financial security. He lives in Redding,
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Calif., with his wife, Jennifer ’02. He fondly remembers studying in Chan Shun Pavilion, going on senior engineering trips, and mountain biking from Tiger Canyon to South Fork.
solve, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. His favorite memory from WWU is having game nights in the computer lab with the computer science club.
Jennifer Grovet ’02 has worked for the last 18 years as a marriage and family therapist for high-risk youth. She lives in Redding, Calif., with her husband, Anthony ’04. She recently published a book and expected
2010s
it to be released before the new year. Her favorite memories from WWU are hiking in Harris Park and playing games with friends at Coffee Perk. Jonathan Knoll ’04 is married to Bonnie (Rick) Knoll ’04 and lives in Alvarado, Texas. He works as the principal engineer at Bell Helicopter, and his favorite memory from WWU is learning from the engineering professors. Michael Sogioka ’03 is a red team lead in the U.S. Army. He has served on Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield/Operation Inherent Re-
Kandice Anderson ’12 is a stay-at-home mom and has two children, Asher and Harper. She met her now husband, Jared ’12, on the first day of registration freshman year, and they once won an ASWWU challenge for how well they knew each other. Joseph Cawood ’12 is married to Lorissa (Shelman) Cawood ’12 and has two children, Emily and Melany. He lives in Citrus Heights, Calif., and works as a clinical informaticist. His favorite memories from WWU include worships, Sabbath activities, and snow activities. Cheree (Hill) Dennison ’12 is the founder and lead bookkeeper at Dennison Bookkeeping Services and lives in Yakima, Wash., with husband Ryan. She is excited about using the skills she learned at WWU in her new entrepreneurial venture. She has many fond memories from WWU including working at the front desk in Foreman Hall and having game nights with friends.
Janette Ellis ’12 works as a therapist in Montana, where she loves to go on outdoor adventures such as snow hiking and canoeing. She and her husband, Gary, have been foster and adoptive parents for 29 years. She is grateful for her time at WWU because it gave her the opportunity to grow personally and make lifelong friendships. Eric Fiedler ’12 lives in Florida with his wife and three children and works as a manager/ member at Oak and Shield. He enjoys going on adventures like canoeing, traveling, and eating new foods. He fondly remembers his many adventures at WWU such as exploring the steam tunnels and climbing campus buildings on weekend nights. Anita Helsius ’12 works as a specialty clinic RN case manager in Nome, Alaska, and has two children, James and Kandice Gren. She loves the beauty of Alaska and enjoys watching the aurora lights. Her favorite memory from WWU is of her classmates staying up late at night to help her with class work.
Lupe Mares ’14 is married to Karla Rojas and has a child, Maria. Lupe lives in Pasco, Wash., and works as the executive director at Communities in Schools of Benton-Franklin. Of her time at WWU, she says, “In the mornings before class, I always loved grabbing a hot cup of cocoa and getting together with classmates in the various gathering areas around campus.” Kendrick Mensink ’12 is married to Chelsea (Hanson) Mensink ’12 and they have a son named Evrick. After graduation, Kendrick taught some engineering courses at WWU and University of California, Riverside. His favorite memories from WWU are bed races, driving in the snow, and warm, sunny spring quarters. Evangelica Monroig ’12 is married to Jermaine Lattimore att. and lives in Festival City, Dubai. She works as an early years instructional leader and teacher. Her favorite memory was decorating the hall in the
Summer Kurts ’15 lives in Templeton, Calif., and works as a third to eighth grade teacher. She is grateful for the WWU professors who went out of their way to ensure she succeeded and was ready for her career.
August 26–28, 2022 Always a serene setting and enriching alumni opportunity, come for Sabbath or the entire weekend. Activities will include a worship service, Sabbath lunch, nature walk, hot dog roast, sundown worship on the beach, a bonfire with s’mores, and lots of great music and fellowship.
wallawalla.edu/rosario-sabbath (800) 377-2586
Alumni Sabbath at
Rosario
dorm with a Super Mario cart theme and pulling pranks on her hall including turning milk blue, hiding things, and taping drawers shut. James Oliver ’12 went on to Andrews University and obtained a master’s of science in administration and met his wife, whom he married in 2016. He is a human performance director at Adventist Health and lives in Sonora, Calif. He has two children, Alina and Anna. His favorite memories from WWU include half-tree conspiracies, serving as ASWWU president, longboarding at Rooks Park, and the many music opportunities like spring jam. Paige Seely ’12 lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, and works as a telemetry nurse. She enjoys water activities, sewing, cooking, crafting, and traveling. Her favorite memory from WWU is enjoying Portland and all the delicious food as well as going to Cannon Beach on the weekends.
2020s Sarah Bailey ’20 lives in Loma Linda, Calif. and is working as a transplant nurse. Her favorite memories from WWU include organized sports, small groups, downtown Walla Walla coffee shops, Sabbath brunch, ASWWU events, and traveling to Spain. Aldo Munoz ’20 is a psychology associate at the Washington State Penitentiary and lives in Walla Walla. He loves to spend time with his family by going swimming, hiking, and playing soccer. He has five children: Zoe, Zac, Leonardo, Geovanni, and Mateo. His favorite memories from WWU include getting to know many people in the social service program.
KEY: att. = attended
In Memory
Family members may submit obituary information for their loved ones at wallawalla.edu/obituary. Dorothy (Gerling) Blodgett ’57 was born in 1934 in Portland, Ore., and died Oct. 8, 2021, in Cottonwoods Heights, Utah, at age 87. Surviving: daughters Sandy ’82 of Cottonwood Heights, Mona Beaton of Salem, Ore., and Toni of Cottonwood Heights.
Walla at age 94. Surviving: daughters Carolyn (Brock) Karlstrom ’73 of Walla Walla, and Susan (Brock) Ratcliff att. of College Place; and sister Janice (Brock) Carlson ’68 of Portland, Ore.
Beverly Bottsford att. was born in 1937 in Portland, Ore., and died July 7, 2021, in Mexico City, Mexico, at age 84. Surviving: daughters Tina of Cleburne, Texas, and Tammy Muse of Cleburne.
Elizabeth “Beth” (Brinker) Dilts ’86 was born in 1934 in Walla Walla, and died Oct. 28, 2021, in Walla Walla at age 87. Surviving: son Daniel of Walla Walla; and brother Robert of Milton-Freewater, Ore.
George Brock ’52 was born in 1928 in Milton-Freewater, Ore., and died Sept. 9, 2021, in Walla
Margie (Brown) Francisco att. was born in 1922 in Klamath Falls, Ore., and died Sept. 27, 2021, in
Loma Linda, Calif., at age 99. Surviving: son Kelly of Bakersfield, Calif.; son Patrick ’77 of Camas, Wash.; and sister Bette Davis ’52 of Loma Linda. Cardinal “Keith” Gibbons ’60 was born in 1924 in LaVoy, Wyo., and died Nov. 19, 2021, in College Place at age 97. He was a professor of education at WWU from 1966–71.Surviving: daughters Yvonne (Gibbons) Jackson ’86 of Madras, Ore., and Linda (Gibbons) Sanborn att. of Redmond, Ore.; son Edwin ’68 of Madras; and sister Opal Abbott of Anderson, Ind.
Donnie Rigby Donnie G. (Thompson) Rigby was born in 1930 in El Centro, Calif. Donnie attended La Sierra College, where she met Donald W. Rigby, WWU professor emeritus. They married in 1950 and welcomed daughter Shonna in 1955. Donnie earned a master’s degree in speech therapy from the University of Redlands in 1965 and curated her own post-grad drama studies with courses from 12 different national and international universities. After several other teaching posts, Donnie worked at WWU from 1959–1992 in a variety of capacities including professor of communication, speech, and drama, and chair of the communications department. She was dedicated to her students and committed to meeting with every one of her Fundamentals of Speech students. She most enjoyed establishing and spearheading the university’s drama program—the first of its
kind on any Adventist campus. Beginning in 1961, she produced over 100 productions, great labors of love. Donnie also established the drama minor and believed drama instrumentally encouraged students’ confidence, expanded their worldviews, and engaged the community in larger discussions. Donnie also acted as an advisor on the Master Planning Committee, oversaw the 1971 transformation of the Village Church into today’s performance venue, Village Hall, and in 2004 the school’s black box theater was dedicated as The Donnie Rigby Stage. Donnie passed away on Oct. 23, 2021, in Los Gatos, Calif. Her family fondly remembers her generous spirit, her joy of performing (both on stage and in casual conversation), and her out-of-this-world pies. She is survived by husband Donald ’56 of Los Gatos, and daughter Shonna (Rigby) Larson att. of Saratoga, Calif.
The Donnie Rigby Endowed Drama Award recognizes student achievement in drama. To donate to this and other scholarships, visit
wallawalla.edu/give.
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Willard “Bill” Hodgkin ’57 was born in 1935 in Portland, Ore., and died Oct. 25, 2021, in Alpine, Utah, at age 86. Surviving: wife Margaret “Rose” (Dubyna) Hodgkin ’60 of Alpine; sons Doug of Plymouth, Mont., and Robert of Alpine; and brother John ’60 of Santa Rosa, Calif. Virginia (Poe) Hoffarth was born in 1933 in Walla Walla, and died on Sept. 3, 2021, in Walla Walla at age 88. She worked at WWU in Plant Services from 1979 to 1997. Surviving: husband Arnil of College Place; sons Kevan of Milwaukie, Ore., and David of College Place; daughter Alexandra ’15 of Walla Walla; brothers Vernon of Umapine, Ore., and Duane of Burbank, Wash.; and sister Alice Allen of Milton-Freewater, Ore. Robert Jones ’12 was born in 1977 in Missoula, Mont., and died on Oct. 24, 2021, in Temple, Texas, at the age of 44. Surviving: wife Ali Jones of Temple; daughters Serena and Angelina of Temple; son Vincent of Temple; sister Eleana McGree of Butte,
John Foote John B. Foote att. was born in 1950 in Canton, N.Y. to a farming family and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Atlantic Union College in 1975. Soon after, he and wife Teri (Dana) ’08 moved to California where he helped the academy in Newbury Park with their industrial broom shop before moving back to New York for a similar role. It was there at Union Springs Academy that he
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Mont.; brother Kevin of Evans Ga.; and father Bob of Thousand Oaks, Calif. John Kelley ’61 was born in 1941 in Roseberg, Ore., and died May 29, 2020, in Bend, Ore., at age 79. Surviving: wife Darlene (Ehman) Kelley ’67 of Redmond, Ore.; daughters Alisha Hamel of Newport News, Va., and Katherine (Kelley) Keltz ’88 of Greenville, N.C.; sons John of Redmond, Ore., and William of Saginaw, Texas; sister Joann Yale of Walla Walla; and brother Bob of Eugene, Ore. Nathan M. Merkel ’50 and ’67 was born in 1926 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and died Dec. 14, 2021, in Ringgold, Ga., at age 95. Surviving: wife Phyillis (Hickman) att.; son Clifford ’76 of Anacortes, Wash.; and daughter Carol of Apison, Tenn. David Miller att. was born in 1927 in Colorado Springs, Colo., and died Sept. 22, 2021, in Pleasant Hill, Ore., at age 84. Surviving: daughters Melody att. of Springfield, Ore., Carolyn (Miller) Force att. of Tigard, Ore., and Cheryl Boney of Baxter, Tenn. Donald Ogilvie ’68 was born in 1935 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, and died Sept. 8, 2021, in Walla Walla at age 85. Surviving: wife Margaret (Burns) Ogilvie ’91 of College Place; daughter Elizabeth Ploulos; sons Robert and
first worked as a dean. John moved his wife, Teri, and two children to College Place in 1997 where John became the associate dean of men at WWU. It wasn’t long before he stepped into the role of head dean, in 2001. His deep care for students was evident to those who worked with him. He prayed often for their successes and considered the men in the dorm family. John loved ministering to young people and found many ways to serve others. He drove bus for class
Andrew; and sisters Elizabeth and Sandra Malahias. Richard Roberts ’57 was born in 1934 in Clarkston, Wash., and died Nov. 24, 2021, in Kirkland, Wash., at age 87. Surviving: wife Barbara (Parker) Roberts att. of Brier, Wash.; daughter Sally ’84 of Brier; son Richard ’81 of Everett, Wash.; sister Kathy Larabee of Clarkson, Wash.; and brother Ralph att. of Rio Dell, Calif. Sidney Stafford ’84 was born in 1959 in Tacoma, Wash., and died Oct. 24, 2021, in Vancouver, Wash., at age 62. Surviving: daughter Abigail Abadi of Vancouver; brother Jerald att. of Carmel, Calif.; father Thomas ’56 of Vancouver; and mother Brooke (Huntington) ’56 of Vancouver. Charles Stevens ’70 was born in 1933 in Riverside, New Brunswick, Canada, and died Oct. 3, 2021, in Phoenix, Ariz., at age 88. Surviving: wife Lois (Hollenbeck) Stevens ’56 of Phoenix; daughters Tracee of Phoenix, and Audra att. of Phoenix; and son Eric att. of Loomis, Calif. Richard Tucker ’59 was born in 1935 in Sandpoint, Idaho, and died April 23, 2021, in Sandpoint at age 86. Surviving: wife Ruth (Sleeter) Tucker att. of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; daughters Carol Nord of Coeur d’Alene, Lynda (Tucker) Bailey att. of Sandpoint, and Lori
(Tucker) Kyle ’84 of College Place; sister Marjorie (Tucker) Dillon att. of Parker, Colo.; and brother Wendell att. of Sandpoint. Ramona (Bates) Wesson ’50 was born in 1927 in Glendale, Calif., and died Jan. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Calif., at age 93. Surviving: daughters Sally of Apison, Texas, and Laurie of Auburn; and sister Juanita of Gilbert, Ariz. Michael White att. was born in 1945 in Auburn, Wash., and died Nov. 25, 2021, in Gig Harbor, Wash., at age 76. Surviving: wife Tami of Gig Harbor; daughter Michele of Tacoma, Wash.; son Sean of Port Orchard, Wash.; sisters Sandra (White) Hunton att. of Everett, Wash., Patricia (White) Hoerner ’72 of Yakima, Wash., and Pamela (White) Fisher att. of Walla Walla; and brothers Ronald ’58 of Olathe, Kan., Gerald ’59 of Spavinaw, Okla., and Nicholas att. of Milton-Freewater, Ore. Albert Will ’52 was born in 1921 in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada, and died July 26, 2021, in College Place at age 100. Surviving: daughters Susan of Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, and Lana of Calgary, Alberta; sons Gayle of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, Dennis of McBride, British Columbia, Ronald att. of Colbert, Wash., and Robert of Irricana, Alberta; and sister Esther of College Place.
trips, volunteered for Senior Survival, and was a deacon at the University Church. John passed away on August 27, 2021, just a few weeks after having celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with Teri and his 71st birthday. He is survived by wife Terri of Cayuga, N.Y.; son Joseph ’06 of Canton, N.Y.; daughter Amy (Foote) Main ’04 of Canton; mother Ethel of Canton; sister Joan Fisher of Canton; and brothers Jim of Canton, Ben of Canton, Carl of Canton, and Dan att. of Cleveland, N.Y.
READ WESTWIND ONLINE: WALLAWALLA.EDU/WESTWIND
PHOTO: CIRCLE CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY
Craig Hisey ’69 was born in 1946 in Walla Walla and died on May 6, 2020, in Richland, Wash., at the age of 73. Surviving: wife Sheryll (Hensley) Hisey ’68 of Pasco, Wash.; son Michael att. of Yakima, Wash.; and brother John of Wenatchee, Wash.
Know someone making a college decision?
Recommend a visit to Walla Walla University!
During their visit, they will enjoy: Going on an informative campus tour customized to their interests. Meeting with helpful people like financial counselors and recruiters. They will also learn about the admissions process and discover student employment opportunities. Food and lodging on us for up to three days and three nights during in-person visits. Hearing from current university professors and students pursuing majors they are interested in. Learning about what it’s like to live in the residence halls. Exploring the resources we have ready to help them succeed.
In-person or virtual campus visits can be scheduled at wallawalla.edu/visit.
Alumni Currents
Staying in touch with our family of graduates
ALUMNUS OF NOTE
Kerry Heinrich ’80 History graduate named CEO of Adventist Health
I
t was on a day when the workload was piling up that Kerry Heinrich first understood he would learn more at Walla Walla College than what was in a textbook. A student assistant for the history department, Heinrich was tasked with reading papers, and grading quizzes and exams. As the volume of work grew, he expressed his concern and then found himself face to face with Robert Henderson, then chair of the department. “He looked at me, took off his glasses, and said, ‘You never know how high a frog will jump until you step on it. And I intend to step on you.’” Heinrich’s interest in history led him to declare that major and launched a deeply fulfilling but challenging career. “I love to read the biographies of interesting people or events. And I loved the history professors at Walla Walla College in the 1970s. They were wonderful people, brilliant individuals,” Heinrich recalls. “They inspired me and helped me grow.” The college’s business professors simultaneously ignited in Heinrich an interest in business. “I enjoyed learning the fundamentals of what makes a business function. That was enormously beneficial to me,” he recalls. And by the time Heinrich’s senior year rolled around, he was in Henderson’s office again, this time to choose his next step. “I was considering getting a doctorate and becoming a professor or enrolling in law school and going into business. Dr. Henderson said, ‘Go to law school. It’s the right course for you.’” With a juris doctor degree in hand from the University of Oregon School of Law, Heinrich and his wife Judy, who also attended WWU, were determined to stay in the Pacific Northwest so that she could attend dental school. However, a series of obstacles pointed the couple to Loma Linda, Calif, where, as Heinrich jokes, his father-in-law’s prayers were answered. “He wanted us to go to Loma Linda, and it was the last place on our list. But, as I have learned, just when you think you have it all figured out, guess what? As my wife says, ‘Then God smiles.’” Heinrich joined a law firm that served Loma Linda University Medical Center, and then eventually joined the office of the general counsel at LLUMC. There he focused on business transactions, reimbursement, mergers and acquisitions, and dealing with Medicare and Medicaid, in the process learning about operations for one of the most regulated industries in the nation. “I spent a tremendous amount of time studying the evolution of health care,” he
By Jodi Wagner says. “In health care you force yourself to constantly learn, or you are rapidly irrelevant because things are moving so quickly.” This curiosity prepared Heinrich for leadership roles at LLUMC, and for the last seven years he has served as chief executive officer for the medical center, LLUMC Children’s Hospital, and LLUMC Behavioral Medicine. In October, Heinrich was named chief executive officer at Adventist Health based in Roseville, Calif., and after 38 years in Loma Linda, his family moved north. He is enthusiastic about working alongside more than 37,000 Adventist Health team members to further their mission of living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope. “When you’re sick, you realize what matters in life—God, faith, family. And if health care is just about productivity and creating margin, it’s meaningless. What differentiates Adventist Health is that we bring our faith and our values to the healing ministry,” he says. Heinrich points out that the faith and values he and other WWU alums bring to their Adventist Health workplace stem from what they learned in college. “Much of my quest for learning and the shaping of my life’s values came from my experience at Walla Walla College,” Heinrich says. “When you’re a student, it’s just another class, another assignment. But silently the university is shaping your work ethic and how you approach your life. That is priceless. “If you told me 42 years ago that I would be a CEO one day, I would have said, ‘I don’t know what that entails.’ The truth is, people do well if they’re given the right tools, and WWU is a special place to help people gain those tools. And one day, if you’re stomped on, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow.”
People do well if they’re given the right tools, and WWU is a special place to help people gain those tools.”
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photograph by RYAN GREENLEAF
Kerry Heinrich works out of Adventist Health headquarters in Roseville, California.
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Alumni Currents
Staying in touch with our family of graduates
BACK TO YOU // GERALD WINSLOW ’67
Reflections of a lifelong woodworker Dad needed to provide for my stay-athome mother and six children—relying, in part, on his education of only seven years on the Alberta prairie. During the depths of the Great Depression, the only job he could find was digging ditches with the Works Progress Administration (WPA). One day the crew chief told the workers that WPA would pay for them to attend a trade school for electricians, plumbers, or carpenters if they were willing to take a 25% pay cut. Most of the men declined. But Dad signed up for carpentry school. After only six months, Dad earned a living building houses, barns, church additions, and even the bleachers beside the local high school football field. When I was about 10 years old, I started going to work with my father whenever I could. During summer breaks, on Sundays, or on other vacation days, I became a junior carpenter. I loved the work, and I loved the fact that Dad would trust me with more and more difficult or dangerous tasks when I seemed ready. I was sure that Jesus didn’t have a worm-drive circular saw like my dad’s. But I imagined they both used many
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similar tools, such as squares, planes, chisels, marking gauges, and hammers. And I imagined they both took pride in their work. It was satisfying to complete a building, to watch a family move in and call it their home. For my sophomore year in high school, I went to Columbia Academy, a boarding school just north of Vancouver, Washington. It was my first experience in an Adventist school. All the students were required to work what were called budgets, numbered one through four. Those from families with very limited financial means, like mine, chose budget four. This meant four hours of work each afternoon and eight hours on Sundays. I spent a few weeks on the lawn crew, mowing acres of grass while walking behind a huge Toro mower. Then Joshua Wall, the shop teacher, discovered I had experience with carpentry and cabinet-making, and he recruited me to work in the cabinet shop. Mr. Wall was a masterful teacher and a gracious human being. To this day, whenever I go to work in my own woodshop, I use skills I learned from Mr. Wall and my father.
Gerald’s wood creations are often time-consuming and feature a variety of woods from around the world.
Now, more than 60 years later, I still love the aroma of fresh-cut wood. And I love the process of designing and then building projects from wood. Crafting a piece of furniture for a family member or turning a bowl for a wedding gift is satisfying aesthetically, physically, and spiritually. Woodworking fully engages all the senses simultaneously. With enough experience, the woodworker knows whether the sound is right or not, whether the feel
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF GERALD WINSLOW
L
ike Jesus, my father was a carpenter. The fact that Dad was superb at building things from wood offered me security as a boy growing up in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
LEFT: This cherrytktkt Is nulpa desto Caption cradle was madeenis for venihit, evelia il et earcias Gerald’s grandsons. vit reprate eum eatur, oditas taspele sequaturit BOTTOM:eaAvelesto traditional quo mo conserfera num Norwegian bench, known as a sengebenk.
Gerber and Tashinder
of the tool in hand is as it should be. Sometime in midlife, I read The Soul of a Tree by George Nakashima (San Francisco: Kodansha Publishing, 1981), an ingenious woodworker. The task of the woodworker, Nakashima taught, is to open the story of a once-living wonder we call a tree. Done well, the story of that tree can be appreciated in new ways: The tree’s good years and lean years, the stresses, and even the diseases can be opened to view to re-
veal the tree’s biography and the beauty of its life. What was a living entity may now live again—this time perhaps as a treasured part of a family’s life together. This is, I now believe, the right spirit for woodworking. A theologian friend of mine who was also a woodworker told me once about a conversation he had about Jesus and carpentry. The theologian’s visitor expressed the belief that the furniture Jesus made would have been
perfect because Jesus would never have made an error. The theologian huffed to me, “Obviously the fellow wasn’t a woodworker!” It’s true, of course. If one works with wood, there will be surprises, and there will be slipups. Excellence in this craft requires fixing mistakes. That’s what grace is for. Gerald Winslow graduated in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in theology.
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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
Walla Walla University 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324
Paid WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY
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Upcoming events to note on your calendar
HELP THEM DISCOVER WWU
APRIL 12–15
APRIL 21–24
MAY 14 & 21
JUNE 10–12
JULY 13
A consideration of Latinx experiences in the Walla Walla Valley will be the focus of the sixth annual
Plan now for Home-
The Department of Music will present its
The class of 2022 will join the auspicious ranks of WWU alumni during Graduation Weekend. The celebration will culminate with commencement at 8:30 a.m. Sunday on Centennial Green. Watch for updates at wallawalla.edu/grad.
Root! Root! Root! for the home team during a Walla Walla Sweets baseball game at Borleske Stadium. Reconnect with fellow alumni and friends from the valley and beyond. Tickets are $4 each and go on sale on June 15 at wallawalla. edu/sweets.
Donald Blake Center Academic Conference on April 12–15.
Presentations will be held both in person and online. Register at wallawalla.edu/DBC.
coming Weekend 2022! We’ll celebrate
being together again with more than 30 events created to help you reminisce and reconnect. Learn more and register now at wallawalla.edu/ homecoming.
Wind Symphony Concert on May 14 at 4 p.m. and its Spring Choral Concert on
May 21 at 5 p.m. Enjoy the music in person at the University Church or watch the livestream at wallawalla.edu/ concert.
For a full calendar of events, visit wallawalla.edu/calendar. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ASWWU
Do you know someone who would fit right in at WWU? The best way to get a feel for life on campus is to visit WWU ! Sign up for a customized in-person or virtual visit at wallawalla. edu/visit. There is so much to discover!