A snapshot of a wonderful weekend of celebration p.
Students are creating and discovering with implications that carry beyond the classroom. p. 10
Portfolio Design taught by Dr. Linda Felipez was one of my favorite classes at WWU. I loved learning how to create a portfolio and craft my personal brand!
—Jennifer Buyco, creative manager
My favorite college class was Business Ethics. The instructor used different methods including TED Talks, guest speakers, and the traditional lectures. I felt that all my college education came together in that class.
—Claudia Santellano, director for Alumni and Parent Relations
Susan Gardner’s College
Writing inspired me to write for a living. Alden Thompson’s History of Adventism settled my faith. Mel Lang’s Statistics taught resilience. Nancy Semotiuk’s Copy Editing launched my career.
—Jodi Wagner, vice president for University Relations and Advancement
Student Mission Year
CSV 100, the student mission year, was probably the most impactful class of my college experience. It allowed me time to implement class knowledge I’d gained and reflect on the next steps of my journey.
—Chris Drake, senior manager for media and design
My favorite learning moment: demonstration speeches in Donnie Rigby’s Fundamentals of Speech Communication class. What a creative and fun way to develop skills to move me outside my comfort zone, inspired by a caring and encouraging teacher. Forever grateful!
—Dorita Tessier, director for gift planning
Marine Ecology
My favorite class I took was Marine Ecology at Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. We went on fun camping trips, and I enjoyed learning about sea creatures. No better classroom than the outdoors!
—Summer Boulais, student writer
My favorite class so far has been the third quarter of Western Thought taught by Hilary Dickerson and Sara Kakazu. It was particularly fascinating to learn about literature composed as a response to wartime.
—Emma Dodds, student writer
I thoroughly enjoyed British and American Literature taught by Cynthia Westerbeck. I was fascinated by the connections she made between our readings and the historical worlds they came from.
—Kelsi Dos Santos, Westwind editor
One class that was really special for me while working toward my doctorate was an ethical leadership course at Liberty University. It helped me reflect on how to best lead with integrity, honesty, and high level of care for those that I work with on a daily basis.
—Aaron Nakamura, director for Marketing and University Relations
My freshman year, I took Intro to Music. This class helped me discover a love for learning music theory and history. A year later, I felt God guiding me to switch to a music education degree which changed my path.
—Kayla Hastings, student writer
“I was simply another voice urging them that writing is not frightening; it is
and has
—Susan (Sanders) Gardner '70, Professor of English
Every alumni weekend, the President’s Office hosts a unique chapel service focused on three things: scholarships, awards, and scholarship.
This Awards CommUnity is one of the annual events that I enjoy the most because it provides opportunity to rejoice in the generosity of donors (who often contribute nearly $700,000 through numerous scholarships to help fund the education of hundreds of students); the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who have earned a variety of awards; and the excellent, varied, and often awe-inspiring scholarship practiced by faculty, staff, and especially students.
Every year we invite chairs and deans to nominate faculty and students to be featured in our excellence in thought segment. Usually, we assemble an impressive list of more than thirty individual scholars. We have about twenty minutes to survey all this wonderful scholarship, so we adopt a BaskinRobbins, taste-test-spoon model. We compose slides highlighting all the rich, complex detail, and I ask each scholar or team a human-interest question. Each interview takes just a minute or two. In each case, we celebrate the God-serving accomplishments with warm applause. It is rewarding to watch the student audience tune into the contributions of their fellow students and to feel the inspiration—“If she can do that, so can I!”
Most but not all of the scholars mentioned in this edition of Westwind were featured in our most recent Awards CommUnity (the editors have discovered several impressive contributions that we missed). Allow me to mention three more case studies of excellence in thought.
This year, something unusual happened. We featured nine faculty and staff members who have recently completed doctoral degrees, perhaps the largest such cohort in the history of the university. They earned doctorates in education, English, marital and family therapy, materials science and engineering, social work, and theology. They came to the platform representing a rich array of accomplishments and research, possessing fresh expertise to teach and mentor students. A treasure trove of talent from the risen Christ!
Just a few days before, at a ceremony hosted by the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good and sited at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, I had the privilege of presenting the Student Civic Leadership Award to two students with rich resumes in serving both on and off campus, Anilce Castillo and Shayla Kern. We took opportunity to honor
them again at Awards CommUnity. Their fine examples remind us that the highest scholarship is excellence in thought shaped into the form of generosity in service. As is true every year, tracing the stories of student scholars highlights a key feature of the Walla Walla University brand of higher education: WWU students have opportunity to be drawn into the research agendas of skilled faculty members who help them develop their own identity as scholar-researchers. It is impressive to watch faculty members as they mentor students in conducting research, connect these budding scholars to networks of other researchers, and activate students as participants in the wide world of scholarly discourse. It is part of the secret sauce of a Walla Walla University education, which has four key ingredients: Excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and that most important one of all, faith in God.
John McVay, president
BBioengineering students in Walla Walla University’s School of Engineering are actively learning in newly redesigned bioengineering labs to complement their studies in research and development. Over $700,000 was invested in new equipment and renovations thanks to generous support from WWU alumni and a $351,000 grant by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Located in Chan Shun Pavilion, the redesigned space is now operational for research in biomaterials, bioprocessing, and tissue engineering—industries that have all experienced substantial growth in recent years. In the safe, sterile
environment, students are able to work with living cells and test biomaterials. Students from a wide range of disciplines have access to the labs and collaborate on sophisticated design and research projects.
Janice McKenzie, professor of bioengineering, said that the new laboratories are substantially improving the research she does with students. The laboratories offer students the chance to study topics not typically taught at the undergraduate level, such as aseptic mammalian cell culture, equipping them with skills highly sought after in the bioengineering industry.
Bioengineering expansion supports advanced study
The latest from across campus
PHOTOS: CALEB RISTON, CHRIS DRAKE
THIS SPRING, Walla Walla University’s Enactus club entered the Alaska Airlines 2023 Environmental Innovation Challenge alongside 20 other teams in Seattle, and took home the $5,000 Community Impact Prize for their project on energy innovation.
The team of five students is developing Bionova, a biogas production process to provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to wood and charcoal for cooking fuel. Nyasha Pazvakwambwa, a junior accounting and finance major, explained it was Zimbabwe’s need for a cost-efficient and environmental-
ly-friendly energy source that served as the motivation for the project. “We aim to utilize waste from animals to create a network of bioreactors producing biogas in nylon-coated bags and distribute it to propane tanks for local use in cooking stoves and generators,” says Pazvakwambwa. The Community Impact Prize recognized the project’s priority of justice while providing an innovative way to improve community resilience in the face
On April 29, the Associated Student Body of Walla Walla University (ASWWU) hosted its first ever Connect With the Creator film festival. During this event, students presented original films that revealed how they connect with God through time spent in the outdoors. Students from WWU,
Southern Adventist University, and Union College created films featured in the festival, many of which took months to film and edit.
Isaac Baik, WWU exercise science senior, was selected as the peoples' choice award. Nathaniel Sanchez, WWU aviation senior, won the judges' choice award.
WWU President John McVay has written the third quarter Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides which will be read around the world and translated into over 120 languages. Founded during his doctoral research, McVay’s interest in Ephesians led him
to study with leading scholars of the letter and write extensively on its lessons.
Cliff Goldstein, editor of the study guides says, “His scholarship really came through in these lessons. Yet at the same time they are accessible to non-schol-
ars. This study guide is going to be a treat for Sabbath School students everywhere; the lessons are logical, spiritual, and theologically sound.”
McVay is supporting the release of the guide with accompanying podcast episodes and a companion book.
of climate change. Elizabeth Hernandez, a junior business major, said the $5,000 of prize money will go towards bringing the project to life.
To learn more about the exceptional academics at WWU, visit wallawalla.edu/academics.
Anilce Castillo, senior bioengineering major (left), and Shayla Kern, social work major (right), were awarded the 2023 Walla Walla University Student Civic Leadership Award in April. The awards are given as a part of a larger initiative organized by Campus Coalition for the Public Good to celebrate students who are passionate about civic engagement and to recognize their community service.
Castillo was recognized for her work at CHE on the Hey Neighbor
Neighbor program, Hispanic Ministries, and WWU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Kern has worked extensively with the Walla Walla Children’s Home Society and serves on the Walla Walla Community Council, all while being a full-time student, mother, and advocate for local organizations like the YMCA.
The two were honored alongside other recipients at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, for embodying service as a way of life and for being leaders in that space.
IN FEBRUARY, WWU’s Center for Humanitarian Engagement (CHE) hosted the grand opening of a new community tool library. In partnership with Upper Columbia Conference’s Adventist Community Services (ACS), the library provides tools, training, and volunteer opportunities to the community.
The idea for the project began with the realization that tools used in annual university-organized service days went unused most of the year. Megan Lersback, senior business major and project lead, said, “Many people have the skill to do home repairs of community projects, but might not have the resources or funds to spend hundreds of dollars on expen-
sive tools.” For a low annual membership fee, students and community members alike can borrow tools and even party supplies like a cotton candy machine.
When interviewed by the local newspaper, Lersback said, “We’re giving people, quite literally, the tools they need
to succeed … I’ve seen a lot of excitement, and that’s been really affirming.”
To learn more about how WWU is developing service leaders, visit wallawalla.edu/ CHE.
Albert Handal, doctor of ministry degree in practical theology
Amanda Lewis, doctor of social work degree
Kristen Coffeen-Smith, doctor of social work degree
Lauren Peterson, doctor of philosophy degree in English
BY THE NUMBERSAutomotive
#1
Placement in the Northwest for automotive programs for 2023 according to Intelligent
100% Placement rate for graduates in auto-related fields, in-part due to their hands-on experience with modern equipment
4
Car lifts in University Auto, the on-campus shop where students gain experience with real cars and customers
75
This June, 346 graduates marched across the stage on Centennial Green to receive their hard-earned diplomas including 75 master’s degrees, and 8 doctoral degrees. The class of 2023 was awarded a record-breaking $24 million in scholarships and grants thanks to the support of WWU alumni and friends.
Corrections:
SPRING 2023
Amanda Ramoutar, doctor of philosophy degree in education
Deisy Haid, doctor of social work degree
Jeremy Springer, doctor of social work degree
Page 20 — Donald Tall ’68 was an educator for 44 years.
Melody Ezpeleta, doctor of marital and family therapy degree
Natalie Smith-Gray, doctor of philosophy degree in materials science
Page 21 — Vernon Tall’s sister, Wilma ’41, was a nurse, and brother, Keith, was a doctor.
Page 27 — Anastasia Haddad-Scott lives with her spouse, Sam.
Page 30 — Henning Guldhammer’s sister is Anette Beals. Ellen Pflugrad-Cunningham’s daughter is Debbie Stentzel.
Years of preparing excellent automotive graduates, many of whom are hired before graduation
To learn more about the automotive program at WWU, visit wallawalla.edu/ auto.
we hate it, but occasionally mistakes happen.PHOTOS: CALEB RISTON, CHE, ISAAC BAIK
Brad Brown will serve one year as president-elect, one year as president, and one year as board chair of the Alumni Association. Brown has a bachelor’s degree in theology from WWU and doctorate in ministry from Andrews University. He worked as director of mission and spiritual care at Adventist Health Feather River Hospital. Brad married Melea (Spencer) ’97 and has two children, who both now attend WWU. Unfortunately, Melea passed in 2018 after a 6-year battle with cancer.
Laurel Rogers will serve a two-year term as Alumni Association secretary. Rogers completed a bachelor’s degree in English and speech communication during her four years at WWU. She also has a master’s degree in writing from Portland State University. Laurel has thoroughly appreciated her four years as board secretary and is honored to be asked to run again. She and her husband, Tony, have three kids, two of whom are in their second year at WWU.
Loren Dickinson will serve a three-year term on the Alumni Association board. While not born or schooled at Walla Walla Walla University, Dickinson came in the early 1960s to manage KGTS radio and teach communications courses. His wife, Carolyn also worked at the university in accounting. He enjoyed learning and striving to be an excellent instructor. He now aims to do the same as a WWU board member, lending a listening ear to those who offer their views.
New Alumni Association board member Joy Veverka will serve three years. Veverka earned her master’s degree in curriculum from WWU in 2004, after years of teaching. She began her career at San Diego Academy and then the Oregon Conference for a total of almost 24 years. Most recently she taught at Rogers Adventist School, where she was for 19 years and spent time teaching education classes for WWU. Her three children are also WWU alumni.
Leonardo da Vinci is purported to have said “learning never exhausts the mind.” Perhaps things have changed since the High Renaissance, but it seems the rigorous academics at Walla Walla University often lead to late night study. In the fish bowl, under a desk lamp in the dorm, or among the library stacks, there’s always a place to cram in a few more hours of prep. Perhaps these students are studying for Organic Chemistry, Western Thought, or Business Law? Do you have memories of earnest collegiate study? Tell us at westwind@wallawalla.edu.
Under Dr. Frankis Almaguel, I researched a novel approach to treating neuroendocrine prostate cancer, which is a very deadly type of prostate cancer with few treatment options. The main treatment option is chemotherapy, but often the cancer cells will become resistant to this treatment over time.
While mitochondria are often known as the powerhouses of a cell, these mitochondria proteins function to regulate cell death. Changes to the proteins can allow cells to escape the normal death process which is seen in cancer and chemotherapy resistant cells. The experiments consisted of testing the effects of a mitochondrial protein inhibitor and determining whether the drug is able to resensitize prostate cancer cells to chemotherapy. My results indicate that a non-lethal dose of this drug will resensitize the cells to chemotherapy.
I presented this research at a Loma Linda University symposium at the end of the summer as well as at the Murdock conference, where I won the 2022 Murdock Poster Prize for Molecular and Cell Biology. My poster presentation was one of only 15 projects selected for this award.
The original problem I set out to solve is wheelchair users often get dirty hands as they contact the wheels and hand rims. Shoulder injuries are another concern, because of the repetitive motion. While there are some existing solutions to these problems, like wearing gloves all day or using an electric wheelchair, they are inconvenient or expensive. I’ve tried to design something that is simple and versatile that would be much less expensive.
I have designed a handle that
attaches to the outside of the hand rim. As you push forward, it locks and as you pull back, it releases allowing the wheel to freewheel. It’s been a challenge to create something universal because of the lack of existing data on wheelchair design dimensions.
As is true with most projects, you go in thinking one thing, but it's important not to make assumptions and to continually ask questions throughout the project to ensure you’re creating an effective solution.
Excellence in thought is not just a mission statement—across campus students are creating and discovering with implications that carry beyond the classroom.
DRAKE
While researching the revolutionary surgeon Joseph Lister, I came across the extraordinary contributions of his wife, Agnes. It quickly became apparent that Agnes Lister had an outsized impact that does not correlate with the credit she receives in academic literature.
Analyzing a large array of sources about Joseph Lister allowed me to compile fragmented details about Agnes into sources that didn’t even exist, as direct documentation about her is very limited. My research revealed that Agnes composed lab notes, letters, and speeches for her husband, was an active participant in the laboratory,
and was even willing to be experimented on herself. Many of Joseph Lister’s written articles published in British medical journals also show detailed and comprehensive edits by Agnes, demonstrating her thorough understanding and competency as a scientist.
If the story of the Listers is told with Agnes included, there is a new lens into a more accurate portrayal of history and medical advancement. Women deserve to be included in scientific narratives, and medical students today deserve to see that women have been indispensable to science.
Previous to World War II, the U.S. Army knew that whole blood was best to transfuse into someone suffering from shock, but entered the war using blood plasma as a substitute. When the inadequacy of blood plasma became apparent, the U.S. pivoted to supplying whole blood. The U.S. had to innovate using new refrigeration techniques and technology along with adequate
preservatives to supply blood in sufficient quantities to the frontlines, saving countless lives in the process.
In the modern day, there are still arguments and debate about the use of whole blood over other types of transfusion materials. It is important that we know what came before so that we may continue to make progress in the future.
Jenna Wagner, health science
I wanted to explore what was known about exercise’s impact on people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so I reviewed recent studies that explore the use of exercise as a method for ADHD symptom management. The research does seem to support that physical exercise before activities increased neurocognitive function and improved inhibitory control in those with ADHD. However, it seems that exercise may cause children without ADHD to have poorer performance in those same testing activities, when compared to those who rested.
Knowing that research supports exercise as an effective way to minimize ADHD symptoms, I can see a myriad of applications in working with children in schools, during 1-on-1 sessions with, say, an occupational therapist, or at home.
I presented these findings at the Seventh-day Adventist Health, Physical Education & Recreation Association conference, which was a really exciting experience.
We created a web-based application for medication administration that the School of Nursing could use in teaching drug administration skills. We coded in Dart which was challenging as a newer language with less existing knowledge around it which made it more challenging to find solutions to coding errors.
Reese and Matthew worked on the front end that users interact with, using Flutter for the framework. Garret and I worked on the back end using Dart shelf, organizing all of the data so it was easy for the front end to access. Sometimes our vision of how the app would work was misaligned, but we worked with our customers in the nursing department to make sure we were meeting their expectations.
It was much different working with clients that couldn’t give the clear requirements we have for class assignments. We basically got experience doing what we will be doing when we leave college. It's been super fun working with the clients outside of a class environment, meeting with the team to plan and problem solve.
Isac and I developed a concept for an app that takes the guesswork out of morning sunlight exposure, a practice that has an incredible impact on well-being. Andrew Huberman, professor of neuroscience at Stanford University, considers viewing morning sunlight to be among the top five actions that support mental and physical health.
With my experience in math and finance and Isac’s background in business consulting, we efficiently combined our strategies to build a concept that considers user inputs including geolocation and demographic factors to recommend an individualized duration of sunlight exposure to users. Our mobile app, SYDR, will incorporate daily reminders and progress tracking to motivate people to start their day right.
I remember the stories of Beatrix Potter from my childhood. I wanted to pay homage to my parents and their excellent taste in children’s books by creating my own book dedicated to Potter’s short stories.
I started by using a digital software program to design the technical aspects of a book such as size and margin, and selected fonts. I wanted to highlight the pastoral nature of the stories in my illustrations which were predominantly made using a sketching and inking process. Once my book was laid out, I printed, trimmed, and hole punched the pages, then used handsewn binding to bring the pages together. It was so fun to create something beautiful and tangible from start to finish.
WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY alumni have a reputation for thinking deeply, creating with passion, delighting in God, and serving their communities and the world with a sense of mission and abundance. Practicing generosity and kindness has long been tradition at WWU. This year around 1,000 alumni gathered on campus in April for homecoming weekend to celebrate that same mission and spirit of friendliness, reconnecting with old classmates and creating memories with new friends.
BY KELSI DOS SANTOS ’21
MARCI KNAUFT says, “I came to Walla Walla College with a plan for my life, but God used my time here to prepare me for His plan.” She was set on becoming an elementary school teacher in an Adventist school, but after graduation, it became clear that God was calling her to a special education classroom in the public school system, filled with kids who couldn’t stay in their regular classrooms. Despite trepidation, she answered the call. For the last 19 years, Knauft has continued working with at-risk students, both as a high school teacher and principal. Knauft earned her master’s degree in students at risk from the university in 2003 and continues to see God’s hand in her work. “Every day I get to work with students who are struggling with life. I get to listen to their stories and be a role model for them. I get to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” she says. Knauft also finds joy in helping with Pathfinders, teaching Sabbath School, and leading vacation Bible school programs. She and her husband, Ted, have four children and have fostered several others.
Kellogg Hall became a 50s diner serving veggie burgers, fries, and root beer floats on Friday night. Gathering over meals is a special part of college life that will live on in the soon to be renovated space, which will become the Student Life and Ministry Center.
Alumni were reminded of WWU’s tradition of deep thinking and passionate service while listening to seminars on Friday afternoon, including “Resilience: Uncovering a Bold New Narrative” shared by Laurellé Warner, professor of social work and sociology. Other presentations included a panel of the School of Business deans, “Live Longer, Better” by David Lopez ’04, “Seizing Opportunity: The Currency of Cars” by Ronley Guth ’10, and “Answering the First Question You’ll be Asked in Heaven” by Ann Gibson ’68.
DOUG TAYLOR graduated in 1978 only to start work at Walla Walla University the day after commencement, the start of 44 years of service to the university. His degree in business and concentration in information science uniquely prepared him to work as the university’s first systems analyst, assist in designing the first networked computer system for administrators on campus, and long career in Student Accounts. He formed strong friendships both in school and at work that brought much joy to his career. In 1997, Taylor fulfilled
a dream to start his own business and shared his bill collection expertise with healthcare offices across the country. This unique opportunity allowed him to visit all 50 states and log over 1 million air miles. Taylor can now honestly say that for him there’s no place better than Walla Walla Valley. He’s given back to his community in many ways, earning the WWU Award for Community Service in 2021. Now retired, Taylor has also found a passion for train travel and enjoys seeing new corners of the country. However, his exceptional dedication remains as he teaches a query training class for university staff.
ANN GIBSON is the first to say that her life has been full of surprising twists and turns. After graduating from Walla Walla University with a degree in accounting, working her first accounting job, and earning her Master’s in Business Administration from Andrews University, her first surprise was the opportunity to work in Singapore for the Far Eastern Division. There, she made lifelong friends and discovered a love for teaching to which she would return many times. “I’m most grateful for the opportunity to teach so many talented students,” she says. Gibson taught at the collegiate level, hosted a
variety of international seminars, and wrote a textbook on Christian business ethics. She earned a doctorate in accounting in 1992. Between teaching stints, Gibson’s business acumen also made her an excellent accountant and administrator. Gibson is the first female auditor for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and was named Andrews University’s Outstanding Woman of the Century. Now in retirement, she and her husband, Larry, enjoy spending time with Gordon, Heidi, and their three kids. From her varied experiences, she can tell others that letting God lead will bring possibilities beyond anything imaginable.
Friday morning, alumni joined current students and faculty for a celebration of the excellent work that continues at Walla Walla University. Faculty and staff were recognized for their dedication to Christ-centered education, advising, and scholarship. More than 500 students were awarded nearly $700,000 in scholarship funds as a result of the generosity of WWU alumni and friends.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST Sunshine and old friends made annual events such as Eugene Winter Golf Classic and the Sunday morning car show easy to enjoy. Alumni reconnected with old classmates and created memories with new friends, picnicking on lunch while spring blossoms showed the shining cars.
Staying in touch with our family of graduates
ALUMNUS
not often common among Adventist graduates, yet Matthew Walter, who has now served in the Army for more than 20 years, can point to moments of preparation for his upcoming post as defense attache of the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan among even his earliest days.
Choosing a career in the military is
As a child, Walter relocated every couple of years to his father’s latest post as an Army physician, giving Walter both abundant cultural experience and a sense of resiliency. Walter spent three years living in Germany during one of his father’s assignments and became fascinated by his grandparent’s stories about living in Germany during World War II. He also became enthralled with culture, language, and travel.
Walter found himself asking complex questions about military history and the nuances of interpreting international relations during his peripatetic growing up. Walter decided that majoring in history would allow him to explore these interests and expand his knowledge about both the past and the present. Arriving to study at Walla Walla University carried on a legacy for Walter; both of his parents and numerous other family members had previously studied at WWU and created many fond memories there.
Walter remembers particularly enjoying the classes he took from Roland Blaich, professor of history. “I always found Dr. Blaich’s classes fascinating,” said Walter. “Having grown up in Germany himself, Dr. Blaich was able to blend his experiences with his course material in a way that captivated our attention.” Walter’s history major laid the groundwork for a wide variety of career paths. He considered pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a historian, but also felt a strong call to be involved in public service. The right career path for Walter became clear to him during his master’s program in international relations at Yale University. Studying under and being mentored by a retired lieutenant general and defense attache at the university demonstrated to Walter that he could advance from being a soldier to eventually serve as a military diplomat. Surrounded by many classmates
who were in the military made Walter value the honor and impact of service to the country. Shortly after graduation, Walter joined the Army.
The experiences Walter gleaned from his education at WWU had a profound impact on his early years in the Army. “It taught me the value of critical thinking and reading broadly, and it did so from a Christian perspective,” said Walter. He acknowledges that his career path is not a typical choice for Seventh-day Adventist university graduates, but also encourages students considering the military not to be deterred by their faith but rather to be inspired by it. “We have a Christian faith that guides us, but we still live in this world,” said Walter. “It is so important to be able to make a difference and be a part of the world as it is today.” Having the opportunity to advise leaders and make decisions during pivotal moments has made Walter feel proud and incredibly fulfilled from his work in diplomacy.
In 2021, Walter began the rigorous two-year training process for his new appointment as the defense attache of the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan. “It will be a great honor and a great responsibility to serve as a defense attache—the highest position available in my career field,” said Walter. As defense attache, Walter’s responsibilities will include being a direct representative and advisor to ambassadors, being a representative of the United States, conveying official messages between the two militaries, and being a lead for United States military programs in Tajikistan. His role will be an integral part of negotiating new international agreements.
Walter is excited to arrive in Tajikistan with his wife and seven-year-old daughter in July. Together, they will experience a new culture and support each other during their international move. Walter expects
the most difficult part of the move to be ensuring that his two cats have a comfortable journey overseas. The achievement of this highly-ranked senior post within his field will give Walter the option of completing additional assignments as a defense attache around the globe if he enjoys his twoyear post in Tajikistan.
When asked to consider his greatest successes, Walter reflected on the continuous nature of his work in the military. “Everything we do is part of a process,” Walter explained. “We receive our duties from the person that came before us, and eventually pass it on to the next person. I am proud to have been even a small part of implementing United States strategy and to have acted on my commitment to serve my country.”
Walter’s unique experience, his sense of duty, and his family legacy all will be invested into his new role in Tajikistan.
“[WWU] taught me the value of critical thinking and reading broadly, and it did so from a Christian perspective.”
Gerald Dunifer ’63 lives in Ferndale, Mich., with his wife, Caroline. He worked for 35 years as a professor at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. On sabbatical, he lived in London, Paris, and Berlin. He also traveled to China several times while working with a colleague at Nanjing University. Since retiring, he has earned his private pilot certificate and continued his extensive travels. He also enjoys sailing and has taken his 31-foot cutter-rigged sloop on all of the Great Lakes and among the Grenadine Islands in the Caribbean. From his time at WWU, Gerald fondly remembers physics classes with Claude Barnett and walks to Whitman Memorial.
April (Cummings) King ’69 lives in Bend, Ore., with her husband Raymond att. She worked as a teacher in Eugene, Ore., and as a staff accountant. They have two children, Scott ’95 and Danielle (King) Kriegelstein ’97
George ’73 and Linda (Black) Gilbert ’73 live in Scottsdale, Ariz. Linda loved nursing school at the old Portland Adventist Hospital and dorm. She and George also met at WWU, and after their wedding, they went as missionaries to Ghana in West Africa. George worked in hospital administration, eventually earning his master’s degree. He worked as the chief operating officer for Pathway to Health and has organized many free medical clinics. Linda continued her education, earning a nurse practitioner license, master’s of science in nursing, and doctorate in nursing, while working at VAMC as a primary care provider. She has also volunteered throughout
her life, working with Pathway to Health at Liberty Health. She continues doing locum medical work. George stays busy with commercial contracting and development work. They have three children: Lela Lewis, Geoffrey att., and Jonathan att.
Thomas Spechko ’78 lives in Loma Linda, Calif. He began as a telephone installation and maintenance worker in the Pacific Northwest, but relocated to California in 1988. Now retired, he still remembers the faculty of the industrial technology department at WWU with affection.
Jeffrey Cross ’98 lives in Moscow, Idaho. He works as a chemistry instructor at the University of Idaho. Unsurprisingly, his favorite memories at WWU are from his organic chemistry class.
David Rae ’07 lives in Walla Walla with his wife, Melissa (Tessier) ’05, and their four children. He works as a senior commercial lines underwriter at Western National Insurance. He fondly remembers time spent with friends at WWU, trips to Bluewood, and late night Taco Bell runs.
Yvonne (Brenneise) Iwasa ’88 and her husband, Dan att., live in Boise, Idaho, after moving there in the summer of 2022. Dan works as an optometrist and has operated Iwasa Eye Center for 31 years. Yvonne began her career as a college sociology teacher, then quit to raise their three kids: Carly ’18, Makoto, and Chloe. She returned to work as a counselor, starting her own practice in 2022. Yvonne and Dan have fond memories of WWU, time spent with lifelong friends, and “meeting each other, of course!” Yvonne writes, “We are passionate about Adventist education, especially about making it a nurturing and accessible opportunity for young people.”
Michael von Pohle ’13 lives in Palo Alto, Calif., and works as an associate data scientist. After graduating from WWU, Michael spent a few years in San Diego before pursuing a master’s degree at San Jose State University. In 2018 he interned and then began working full time for NASA Ames in data science. In his free time, Michael enjoys snow skiing, rollerblading, and “throwing the most extravagant glow parties
with friends.” Michael enjoyed skiing in college too, and some of his favorite memories include trips to Bluewood, as well as afternoons at Whitman Mission, and late-night library study sessions. He even snuck into the McVay’s house to steal their Christmas penguin decorations.
Brenna (Nakamura) Johnson ’13 lives in College Place with her husband, Brandon. After completing her master’s degree in 2021, she has become a dyslexia remediation interventionist. She works with students in grades three through five to address “decodability and language structural problems in reading.” Her favorite memory from WWU is of music theory with Lyn Ritz.
Elena Harris ’21 lives in College Place. While she does work with a small marketing firm in town, she is most excited about her work as the owner of Elena’s Declutter. Elena received the 2022 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce for displaying “the necessary drive and determination to make their business a success” and for her “overwhelming ability to find creative solutions to old problems.” During her time at WWU, Elena enjoyed being surrounded by friends and things to do. Her time as a student missionary in Peru was especially impactful. She writes, “I became fluent in Spanish and figured out my career path—declutter coaching, not teaching.”
Patricia (Docherty) Ackerman ’68 was born in 1946 and died Jan. 4, 2023, in Medford, Ore., at age
77. Surviving: husband Paul att. of Medford; and sister Shirley Moon att. of Chico, Calif.
Patricia (Wilson) Bishop ’73 was born in 1950 and died Nov. 17, 2020, in Albuquerque, N.M., at age
69. Surviving: husband James of Vancouver, Wash.; sisters Constance Boskind ’63 of Ridgefield, Wash., and Elizabeth “Jeanne” Battenburg ’68 of Port Hadlock, Wash.; and brother Robert “Norm” Wilson ’70 of Lebanon, Ore.
Robin Burgess ’09 was born in 1971 and died April 18, 2022, in Portland, Ore., at age 51. Surviving: husband Greg of Gresham, Ore.; daughter Megan of Gresham; sons Mitchell of Boring, Ore., and Andrew of Gresham; and father David Creager of Medford, Ore.
Edwin Clark ’49 was born in 1927 and died Aug. 19, 2022, in Newport Beach, Calif., at age 95. Surviving: wife Gloria (Burns) att. of Newport Beach; daughters Jill Hirst of Corona, Calif., and Judy Bower of Bothell, Wash.; and sisters Mary Beth of Ladera Ranch, Calif., and Kathy of Lake Charles, La.
Chester (Bruce) Clough ’68 was born in 1945 and died March
20, 2022, in Fossil, Ore., at age 76. Surviving: wife Helen ’70 of Fossil; daughters Charissa Clough-Elliot of Battle Ground, Wash., and Derene Schultz of Monmough, Ore.; and sons Raleigh att. of Hillsboro, Ore., Ryan ’95 of Berrien Springs, Mich., Douglas of Scandua, Kan., and James of Gates, Ore.
Eileen (Allaway) Kurtz ’54 was born in 1933 and died Jan. 16, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif., at age 90. Surviving: husband Melvin of Pasadena; daughter Teresa Stitzel of Woodland Hills, Calif.; and sons Gary of Folsom, Calif., and Kevin of Pasadena.
Marilynn (Thompson) Ladd ’64 was born in 1942 and died Dec. 17, 2022, in La Crosse, Kan., at age 80. Surviving: husband Robert R. ’61 of La Crosse; daughter Linda Cormell of Antioch, Calif.; son Robert of La Crosse; sister Evelyn Grosboil ’66; and brother Thomas Thompson ’68
William McGhee ’68 was born in 1947 and died Jan. 5, 2023, in Redlands, Calif., at age 75. Surviving: wife Julie (Witcombe) att. of Oak Hills, Calif.; sister Caroline McGhee-Wrightman att. of Hesperia, Calif.; and brother John ’73 of Redlands.
Perry Parks ’60 was born in 1934 and died Feb. 28, 2022, in Medford, Ore., at age 86. Surviving: wife Gloria of Medford; daughters Donita Jensen of Eagle Point, Ore., and Darlene Perkins ’92 of Redlands, Calif.; son Dan att. of Brandon, Fla.; and brothers Otis ’63 of Deary, Idaho, Dennis ’60 of Eagle, Idaho, and Nick att. of Bennet, Neb. Phil Quishenberry att. was born in 1937 and died Sept. 28, 2022, in Loma Linda, Calif., at age 85. Surviving: wife Mary (Bradshaw) att. of Loma Linda; and sons Tom of Loma Linda, and Mike of Altadena, Calif.
William “Bill” Rea ’51 was born in 1923 and died Aug. 7, 2018, in Eckert, Colo., at age 94. Surviving: wife Julia att. of Eckert; daughter JoAnn Dunn of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and son Steve att. of Walla Walla. Donald Roper ’74 was born in 1950 and died Dec. 13, 2022, in Post Falls, Idaho at age 72. Surviving: wife Judy (Wesslen) ’74 of Post Falls; daughter Jana att. of Post Falls; and son Jeremy ’00 of Hayden, Idaho.
Martin W. Scott ’74 was born in 1949 and died Dec. 2, 2022, in Walla Walla, at age 73. Surviving: wife Beverly “Bev” (Petersen) ’71 of College Place; and sons Rudy ’02 of Walla Walla, and Jesse ’05 of Portland, Ore. Scott was a full-time aviation and psychology instructor during the years 1974–1977, a physics and computer science instructor during the years of 2003–2004, and a contract instructor for computer science, physics, astronomy, and technology during the years 1992–2003 and 2004–2022
Myrna (Johnson) Tetz ’53 was born in 1934 and died Oct. 19, 2022,
John Louis Waterbrook, former professor of health and physical education at Walla Walla University, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022.
Waterbrook was born in DePere, Wisconsin, in early February, 1940. He graduated from Wisconsin Academy and served on active duty in the Army for two years before arriving to attend WWU. Waterbrook and his future wife, Terry, attended Portland State College the following year.
Waterbrook was asked to return to Walla Walla University to teach health and physical education. During his first summer of teaching, Waterbrook started several popular fitness programs for faculty and local residents. His strong belief that lifetime sports were
in Durham, N.C., at age 88. Surviving: husband Bob of Durham; daughter Linda Shaw att. of Durham; son Gary ’85 of Portland, Ore.; and sisters Marilyn (Johnson) Morgan ’54 of Fletcher, N.C., and Carole Johnson Foll.
Wilma (McRae) Torretta att. was born in 1943 and died Dec. 12, 2022, in Mount Vernon, Wash., at age 79. Surviving: husband David of Mount Vernon; daughter Julie Hummel of Conway, Wash.; son Tony of Ferndale, Wash.; and brother Robert McRae att. of Auburn, Wash.
Orvin Edson Wagner ’53 was born in 1930 and died Sept. 2, 2017, in Grants Pass, Ore., at age 87. Surviving: wife Claudia of Grants Pass; daughters Dianne Wagner att. of White City, Ore., Susan Dietel att. of Rockland, Wis., Sharon Stiveson att. of McMinnville, Ore., and Kimberly Garver of Columbus, Ga.; and sons Darrell ’79 of Ham Lake, Minn., Raymond of Grants Pass, and Michael of Eagle Point, Ore. Wagner worked as an assistant professor for the physics department during 1963–1966.
Cynthia (Cindy) Walikonis ’78 was born in 1957 and died Dec. 24, 2022, in Walla Walla at age 65. Surviving: husband Steve ’78 of College Place; and daughters Charis ’05 of Baltimore, Md., and Christa ’10 of Heidelberg, Germany.
Marlene (Weiss) Weaver ’58 was born in 1936 and died Aug. 19, 2022, in Garfield, Ark., at age 86. Surviving: daughters Sandra (Weaver) Tonack ’89 of Highland Park, Texas, and Sheri Decker of Siloam Springs, Ark.; sons Robert of Denton, Texas, and Russell of Burleson, Texas; and sister Mafalda Schmidt of Banning, Calif.
an important part of education led him to start many innovative programs at WWU during his 15 years of teaching, including fencing, water rescue, and more. He also continued his own education, receiving a master’s degree from WWU and later a doctoral degree in experiential education.
Waterbrook is survived by his wife Terry ’74 of College Place. He is also survived by their children DeAnn Masden att. of Kent, Wash.; Dawna Hunter att. of Post Falls, Idaho; Johnny ’04 of Seattle, Wash.; and by his brother Carl ’68 of FayeNeville, N.C. A memorial service was held on March 25, 2023, in the College Place Village Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Family members may submit obituary information for their loved ones at wallawalla.edu/obituary.
Staying in touch with our family of graduates
// BOBBY MCGHEE ’84Igot started on a trumpet when my mom gave me her radio, and she told my dad, a principal and band teacher, “Just teach him the scale and he can figure it out from there.” I learned to play all the scales. And then my dad said, “I’ll give you $10 if you can play middle C and $20 if you can play the high C.” I was six years old.
I played by ear, I knew what fingers to put down, and I could play in any key. When I was a senior in high school, I snuck my trumpet into a Portland Trailblazers game underneath my trench coat. They ended up hiring me for six years to play at half times, or for the national anthem, or to go on the court to play at the games. I played the night they clinched the playoffs in 1978 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
After academy, I stayed out a couple of years and when I was 20 my mom said to Dean Loewen, “Bobby needs to go to college.” She collaborated with Walt Meske to get me to Walla Walla, and I lived at Whitman Lodge, my first experience in the dorm or with people 24/7.
At college I remember leaving the key in my “McGhee Mobile,” a ’66 Chevy Chevelle station wagon with the top cut off and a loveseat in the back, so that anybody could drive it. Sonnenberg was a big thing for me—I lucked out and won a couple of MVP awards, and I really liked playing with guys like Mike Hellie, Mark Sprague, Terry Todorovich, and Aaron Koelsch.
My mom told me, “Bob, no matter what you believe or how far you go educationally, if you don’t keep track of the people God put in your life it doesn’t mean anything.”
I found a community of lifelong friends at Walla Walla College, and I keep track of them.
As a way to do that, three other guys and I started a softball tournament at Brush Prairie. At first it was a small number of teams, and it just kept going and getting bigger. Then we had all these Adventist softball teams, but
The program is on Labor Day Sabbath every year. I invite the talented performers that I know and pick a speaker every year. This year is our 20th (since we skipped during COVID). I don’t pay these guys, they just come out and do it for free. It makes me emotional, I don’t deserve it, but they bless everybody. People just step up
for that because it allows me to travel for these programs and to do stuff for others. God has found a way to allow me to be with people.
I don’t know how I know all these people except I spent a lot of time at Walla Walla College and since then walking around loving people. I’m especially driven to the people who are marginalized, minimized, and demonized. I want to be known as someone who can be trusted. The Bible says a good name is better than riches.
Next year is my 40th year of denominational employment—40 years as a pastor and chaplain! When I bring people together, they come out because I have kept track of them. Most of them have never heard me speak a single time. My ministry is not my job. My ministry is connecting with people. I like everybody, that is the gospel. And God uses anyone who wants to be used.
we didn’t have any spiritual program, so I asked Dr. Ivan Blake, then pastor at Sunnyside Adventist Church, if we could have a “little” program. It turned out to be big. Pretty soon they let me arrange the services, and to this day I’m shocked that they let me do that.
and support it, and they get to see many of their friends there. It’s beyond a blessing. I play the trumpet for this program and other places to make people happy. When I play for weddings or funerals “The Holy City” is my signature song. My wife is a flight attendant, and I thank God
Bobby McGhee is a pastor at Adventist Worship Center and Cave Creek Church in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his wife, Robin, have been married 21 years, and are parents to sons Lucky and Caspar. You’ll find Bobby at the annual “Bobby McGhee and Friends” worship concert on Sabbath, September 2, at Sunnyside Adventist Church in Portland, Oregon.
"My ministry is not my job. My ministry is connecting with people."
A legacy gift is a gift that impacts generations to come. Make Walla Walla University part of your heritage by including WWU in your estate plan. Remembering WWU in your will builds financial strength, bolsters academic and co-curricular programs, and helps students and faculty. Here are the benefits to you:
You can set up your gift with a single paragraph in your will or a simple one-page amendment.
You can leave us a specific asset or a share in your estate’s net remainder. Your bequest can support a specific program or whatever needs are most relevant when your gift is received.
Learn more about legacy giving by visiting legacy.wallawalla.edu or by contacting Dorita Tessier ’80, director of gift planning, at (509) 527-2646 or dorita.tessier@wallawalla.edu.
If your plans or circumstances change, you can easily revise the bequest.
OCTOBER 5–7
Cheer on your favorite soccer and volleyball teams at the Fall Classic Tournament. More than 20 high school teams from across the country will compete. Watch for the game schedule in September at wallawalla.edu/ fallclassic
Upcoming events to note on your calendar
SEPTEMBER 17
Freshmen arrive on campus for orientation at JumpStart. New students and their parents are invited to join WWU president John McVay for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Fall classes start for all students on Monday, Sept. 25.
OCTOBER 27–28
Come visit your student at Family Weekend! Events include class visits, ice cream at Bright’s Candy Shop, Friday vespers, and free Sabbath dinner for families of current students. Learn more at wallawalla.edu/ family-weekend
NOVEMBER 5
Rodd Strobel, professor of physical education, will speak for the annual Distinguished Faculty Lecture. You can join in-person or online for Strobel’s address to the university at 7 p.m. Learn more at wallawalla.edu/DFL
NOVEMBER 4–12
wwudrama will present five showings of musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. Full of music, color, and fun, you won’t want to miss this show. For a full cast list and to watch for updates, visit wallawalla.edu/drama
English graduate Susan Gardner '70 shares lessons learned from helping minority scientists write with excellence. Read her story online at wallawalla.edu/westwind.
For a full calendar of events, visit wallawalla.edu/calendar . Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn .
