Westwind, Fall 2023

Nursing a “best school”

Trusting He will guide

Updates boost an already highquality program p. 5

Shane Anderson '94 shares God's calling throughout his ministry p. 28

THE MAGAZINE OF WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY FALL 2023

The magic of memory Alumni share poignant memories from college life. p. 12

HOMECOMING WEEKEND April 26‑28, 2024

Join us for Homecoming Weekend 2024!

This year, we celebrate 50 years of our social work program, pre-professional program alumni, and the 100th anniversary of Bowers Hall! The weekend will begin Friday morning with an engaging awards celebration and excellence in thought showcase. Other events include the annual golf tournament (on Sunday this year!), alumni dinner in Kellogg Hall, car show, music concerts, celebration of Alumni of the Year, honor year class reunions and photos.

Honor years: Vanguards (pre-1964), 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2019, and a special reunion of SFS current and former employees.

Submit a class member profile to share with your class at wallawalla.edu/ alumnotes.

Nominate a fellow alumnus for an award at wallawalla.edu/nominate‑alumni.

Find more information and register for homecoming at wallawalla.edu/homecoming or call (800) 377-2586.

Registratio n opens February 2024!

NEWS // 30TH FALL SERVICE DAY

For 30 years, WWU has set aside a day to serve the community through a variety of volunteer projects, translating generosity and Christ-like compassion into action.

4 From the President 5 College Avenue News from across campus THE MAGAZINE OF WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY // FALL 2023

12 Magic of Memories

Relive college memories and shared stories from across campus, across the years

20 Paying it Forward

All the numbers, plus why so many continue to pour into the WWU mission

26 Alumni Currents

26 AlumNotes, 27 In Memory, 30 Richman Siansimbi '07

28 Back to You

Theology alumnus Shane Anderson '94 shares God's leading in his life

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHE

About the cover The magic of memory

WWU has seen many campus changes over the years, including the transformation between two iconic administration buildings represented here in paper art. ARTWORK BY ALLISON (BERGER) PALMER '13

Westwind Fall 2023, Volume 42, Number 3 // 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 November 2023. © 2023 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 Dos Santos Staff writer Emma Dodds Design Adam Newbold/ANEW Creation Limited

FROM THE PRESIDENT

A Day in the Life of WWU’s President The year has begun well, celebrating all the new that accompanies a fresh start—new students (especially freshmen), new faculty and staff members, newly returned Adventist Colleges Abroad students and student missionaries, new academic initiatives (the Center for Health Professions, for example) and programs (like cybersecurity and game development), new facilities (such as two nursing simulation labs), and new missional priorities for the year.

After the first several frenetic days, the happy celebrations of newness are transitioning toward all the good work that lies ahead. The academic machinery of the institution is beginning to thrum and you can feel its steady vibrations.

Students are grappling with course requirements and both faculty and staff educators are hard at work, shaping and delivering excellence in thought twinned with faith in God. My day begins by meeting with leaders Tony Buettner of Blue Zones and Mark Ishikawa of Adventist Health, together with David Lopez, director of WWU’s Center for Humanitarian Engagement. As a Blue Zones certified workplace, it is appropriate that our meeting is a walking one, touring campus as we think about how WWU and Blue Zones can collaborate in drawing our campus further into the values of life balance and healthful practices. We pause at the new bike lanes on 4th Street, thinking about next steps to further our relationship.

As each year begins, I have the privilege of engaging student leaders. I participate in events with our deans and resident assistants for training and inspiration, and start to take the measure of our excellent corps of student leaders. On this Thursday, I am meeting with returning student leaders in ASWWU: President Annaliese Grellmann and Collegian Editor Ashley Herber. We draw on our previous collaboration as we think and pray about the year ahead.

The day also features an hour catching up on WWU’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders with sponsor Natalie Smith-Gray, assistant professor of engineering. She has just returned from leading a trip of faculty and students to Manda, Tanzania, one focused on their latest project: improving delivery of fresh water to the 5,000 residents of Manda, a large area on the shores of Lake Malawi. SmithGray has printed out a map of the area and circles various schools that need better water service, features of the current water system, and proposals about how to improve things. She tells me EWB is garnering fresh recruits for the project and describes the next steps in drawing students into “generosity in service.”

In the evening, I have the privilege of attending a meeting of student varsity athletes and coaches as Athletic Director Nestor Osorio celebrates new athletes and accomplishments and identifies priorities for the year ahead. The room throbs with energy and excitement! Chaplain Albert Handal draws expertly on his passion for running to offer an exhortation on the importance of character development. Newly-appointed Vice President for Student Life Darren Wilkins and Assistant Vice President for Student Life Brooklyn Armesto-Larson team up to winsomely and effectively outline student life procedures and expectations.

The events of the day add up to a settled sense that the 2023–2024 school year is solidly underway. The fulfillment of WWU’s mission in this new academic year has begun. A skilled, dedicated team is once again leading the institution in valuing excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and faith in God. Thank you for joining in WWU’s peerless mission.

John McVay, president

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS: WALLAWALLA.EDU/WESTWIND

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Westwind Fall 2023

PHOTO: CHRIS DRAKE

As I write these lines to you, we are closing out the first week of the 2023-2024 academic year.

College Avenue The latest from across campus

Best school in WA for nursing

PHOTO: DOUG MCCLAY

Nursing program at forefront of nursing pedagogy

A

fter receiving two significant grants last fall, the nursing program at Walla Walla University welcomed students this fall with newly renovated simulation labs and modernized curriculum. The goal of both updates is to provide high-level nursing education to our students, continuing the tradition that earned Walla Walla University recognition in 2021 as the best school in Washington state for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The new state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs provide a decidedly realistic and safe environment for students to practice and master their skills. Students interact with manikins that provide feedback verbally and through vital signs such as a physical pulse, and lung, cardiac, and bowel sounds. A control room allows instructors to oversee work and help students better understand their performance.

Recent renovations also modernized a realistic hospital and long-

term care room. Working in realistic settings and simulations allows students to build confidence and step into their clinical rotations with confidence. “We are so delighted to be able to provide this rich simulation experience for our students,” said Michaelynn Paul, dean and professor of nursing.

These facility transformations are part of the university’s continued transition to competency-based learning. “We’re part of a limited group that is leading the way on these exciting changes. With competency-based learning, our nursing program is more student-centered, individualized, and provides clearer expectations on how to meet class learning objectives,” said Paul.

WWU received $100,000 in funding from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to support these curriculum changes over the next two years. The grant was awarded to only 10 schools nationwide, including Johns Hopkins University and Texas State University.

“We're part of a limited group that is leading the way on these exciting changes.”

To learn more about undergraduate opportunities in nursing, visit

wallawalla.edu/ nursing.

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College Avenue The latest from across campus

Two new degrees offered in computer science

B

and security. Game design majors will be prepared to enter a growing field with huge educational and evangelistic potential. While it is acutely evident that computer games can negatively influence college students, WWU believes the industry and students interested in this field would benefit from the solid Christian ethical framework offered

by WWU. “Students interested in these fields will gain a combination of critical-thinking and technical skills, and be

Center for Health Professions

1

new center

Cybersecurity and game development offer faith-focused foundation EGINNING THIS FALL, Walla Walla University became the first Seventh-day Adventist college to offer degrees in both cybersecurity and game development.

These new programs aim to prepare students for these quickly growing fields with a strong foundation in Adventist values.

Cybersecurity majors will gain skills to manage systems in health care, business, and other industries to protect them against attacks on privacy

BY THE NUMBERS

well-prepared to earn industry recognized certifications,” said Ben Jackson, chair of computer science and math departments. “We’re excited to offer a strong foundation for those pursuing these in-demand careers from a perspective of faith.”

Learn more about computer science programs offered at WWU by visiting

wallawalla.edu/cs.

supports well-rounded preparation for a variety of health professions under the direction of a former dentist with personal experience in health care.

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health programs guide students on paths to medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing, and more.

192 students

Supporting art in education

Early this year, Pedrito MaynardReid, professor of biblical studies and missiology, narrated two symphonic fairy tales in partnership with the Walla Walla Symphony.

Alongside the longest continually

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Westwind Fall 2023

operating symphony west of the Mississippi, Maynard-Reid recorded both “Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev and “The Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saëns. “We did both recordings in the same day; it was an intense session, but we did them both in one take,” said Maynard-Reid.

The recordings were made available for free to Walla Walla elementary school students in support of local education.

Guiding safe media use

Lynelle Ellis, associate professor of communication at Walla Walla University, led a three-session seminar titled “The Power of Media: Healthy Choices for Families!” at the Spokane Valley Seventh-day Adventist church this fall.

Ellis explained that this topic is of great importance in today’s world because people are inundated with media and messages on a daily basis, from the movie theater to social media feeds.

“Our brains actually change in response to the things we see or do online,” Ellis said.

In her seminar, she stressed the importance of using discernment with regard to media choices and following Christian principles that can help guide media use.

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specialized advisors give personalized guidance on careers that match students’ interests, courses to take, and more.

Want to support students pursuing a health career with advice or shadowing opportunities? Contact Jeremy Wiggins, D.D.S., at

jeremy.wiggins@ wallawalla.edu.

FIND MORE NEWS AT WALLAWALLA.EDU/NEWS.

PHOTOS: CHRIS DRAKE

Beyond the classroom

use resources of the center to make connections with alumni, find job shadowing opportunities, and prepare to pass entrance exams.

Lights, camera, action!

Film students assist in production of professional period film

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OURTEEN STUDENTS of the communication department spent two weeks of their summer vacation working closely with costumes, cameras, and a clapperboard. The group was working alongside eighteen film professionals, including talent and crew, on the set of a short film produced by the WWU Center for Media Ministry (CMM).

Set in 1909 and centered on a message of hope, the project was written by Josie Henderson, a 2015 and 2020 alumna, and is considered a proof of concept in hopes of being developed into a series.

The project also served as an excellent educational tool to expose students to a professional film set, provide hands-on experience, and help them build their

filmmaking portfolios. This is one of three film projects that received funding through CMM to be produced over the next year.

Learn more about the Center and film program at

wallawalla.edu/commlang.

PHOTOS: AARON NAKAMURA, JENNIFER BUYCO

New workforce development programs offer in-demand certifications Walla Walla University is offering non-credit, industry-recognized certificate programs to provide education centered on workforce development. Hosted by WWU, the Professional Workforce Development certificate programs are administered by CORE Higher Education as part of a consortium with other Adventist colleges and universities.

The programs are designed to equip employees with in-demand skills, and develop a robust and high-performing talent pool for employers to

draw from. The programs center on rapidly evolving fields such as healthcare, information technology, and professional development.

“By offering these programs to both individuals and through corporations, we’re hoping these programs will allow our community to grow and flourish,” said John McVay, president of WWU.

Welcome, new faculty!

From left to right: Eduardo Ribeiro, professor of engineering; Stephen Pilgrim, dean of the School of Business and professor of economics and marketing; Analizeth Pesqueira ’11, assistant professor of social work and sociology; Greg Brothers ’80, assistant professor of history;

James Veverka ’07, instructor of technology; Nathaniel Sanchez ’23, director of aviation.

Not pictured: Kayla Cohen, assistant professor of nursing; Mary Cohen, assistant professor of nursing; and Janice Vigil, assistant professor of nursing.

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College Avenue The latest from across campus

books + sites

Reading and browsing recommendations from our experts

The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man

By Abraham Joshua Heschel (The Noonday Press, 1984)

Faculty contribute to significant Adventist Bible commentary New Bible commentary is a resource for Adventists around the world.

Learn more about the School of Theology at wallawalla.edu/

theology.

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HREE WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY faculty members contributed their scholarly expertise to the second volume of the Andrews Bible Commentary covering the New Testament, which was published January 1, 2022. Written by 60 leading Seventh-day Adventist biblical scholars from around the world, the volume is an all-inclusive resource accessible to everyone from new believers to experienced Bible students and pastors.

Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology and professor of biblical studies at WWU, served as the New Testament associate editor of the commentary.

According to Cosaert, the commentary is an academically sound yet approachable text that offers significant themes and many practical applications.

John McVay, president of WWU, and Brant Berglin, associate professor of biblical studies, also authored various portions of the commentary.

WWU professors and leaders have played an instrumental role over the past several years in the creation of both the Andrews Bible Commentary and the Andrews Study Bible, demonstrating the notable contribution to Adventist biblical study WWU continues to make.

In this brief book, Heschel offers a meditation on the Sabbath that, while being a classic book in Jewish spirituality, is essential for all those who celebrate the seventh day. With plain yet vivid speech, Heschel argues that the Sabbath is not only a rest and recompense from the busyness of modern life, it is “a window into eternity” that invites us to commune in both the transcendent and immanent nature of God. —Rachael Schremp, writing instructor and advancement assistant

Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World

By Vivek H. Murthy (Harper, 2020)

The subtitle for this book accurately describes the content. In a world that is increasingly fractured, Murthy provides research-based evidence that building true community is both desperately needed and incredibly powerful. When we are truly "together" we are changed for the good.

—Paul Dybdahl, professor of mission and New Testament

Gospel in Life podcast

By Timothy Keller

While I’m not much of a podcast listener, this podcast of 30- to 40-minute episodes has become one of my few favorites. The title speaks to the belief that the gospel changes everything in life, and Timothy Keller has an honest way of speaking that makes his messages both insightful and applicable.

—Kelsi Dos Santos, university relations supervisor

From the Archives If memory serves

1997

Week of Prayer Starting the year off right by giving it all to God, students gather for prayer in the University Church. For many years, the second week of every quarter has been dedicated to a special week of prayer and worship. To this day, these series of daily programs continue to be led by

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF WWU ARCHIVES

students and set the tone for each quarter.

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College Avenue The latest from across campus

Building leaders NextGen scholarships are allowing future teachers and pastors to prepare for their calling

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ince their launch in the fall of 2022, NextGen Scholarships have provided $2 million in support of education and theology students at Walla Walla University. For many of these future leaders, God placed a call on their hearts to serve and yet the education they needed seemed unreachable. Deih Niang is just one example of a student whose response to their calling was made possible by a NextGen scholarship.

Long before thinking about her education or her calling, Niang escaped her home country of Myanmar with her family in 2010, becoming a refugee in Bangladesh and India before moving to the United States four years later. She described her childhood as something that most children would never be able to envision.

Arriving in the United States did not ensure a smooth road moving forward for Niang. Attending school in a foreign country with an unknown culture proved to have its own share of difficulties for Niang, and studying a new language and culture simultaneously forced Niang to develop a new understanding of resilience.

On starting high school, she applied these lessons in grit to the United States Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) with the plan to join the Marines and dedicate her life to the military.

Niang excelled in her program and reached an officer status, usually reserved for seniors, during her freshman year. When she received a scholarship to attend a college in her home state of Kentucky, she believed her life’s course was charted out.

Despite her progress, Niang felt lost and unfulfilled. Her interest was aroused when her brother received the opportunity to attend a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school. When another student backed out, a spot became available for Niang to join her brother.

A summer evangelistic program hosted by the school gave Niang the opportunity to canvas door to door and promote the Adventist health message. It was during this time that Niang recalls God turning her life around and begin to redirect her path.

Struggling with doubt and comparison, Niang began talking with mentors, reading the Bible, and asking God to reveal what he wanted for her. Becoming a resident assistant at her school allowed Niang to be a refuge for other girls that needed someone to talk to. “I realized that God had a purpose in putting me where I was,” Niang said. “I decided to do everything in my power to understand him and understand his plans for me.”

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I learned that the hard times I’d been through had not been for nothing ... ”

Niang’s personal and spiritual breakthrough came when she realized that the hardships she had endured put her in a unique position to help lift others out of similar situations and be a stronghold for them. “I learned that the hard times I’d been through had not been for nothing, and that was really impactful,” said Niang. It was this understanding that sowed the seeds in Niang’s heart to become a youth pastor.

Financial barriers made Niang’s pursuit of an Adventist higher education and a career in ministry challenging and even scary.

After a great deal of prayer, she learned about an offer of free tuition for new theology students at WWU through a partnership with the North Pacific Union Conference. She met with Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology, who encouraged her to attend WWU. Niang had less than a week to make a decision, which didn’t allow her to base her decision on whether she

An impactful investment This investment in our future leaders has supported more than 60 education and theology students by combining with other sources to allow them to attend college tuition free.

PHOTO: CHRIS DRAKE

“ earned the scholarship or not. In an extraordinary act of faith and hope, Niang committed to WWU. The following Monday, she felt an incredible wave of relief when she was notified that she had earned the scholarship. “After a summer full of asking, a door was finally opened for me,” said Niang.

Niang feels a uniquely strong calling that not many students of her age experience. “God has given me so much more than I ever even asked for,” Niang said. She expressed her gratitude for all of the professors and friends she has met at WWU. Sharing her faith and talents as a member of praise teams has become one of her fondest parts of collegiate life.

When asked for her best advice for other students, Niang said simply, “Never give up on Jesus. Whatever you choose to do in your life, do it for the glory of God.” Niang has realized that the difficulties she went through and overcame have given her a passionate love of God and a unique commitment to serve his children.

The scholarship allows us to bring students to our campus who would not be able to join us otherwise.

These students who often come from minority groups bring diversity and unique perspectives that enrich our campus community.

Their presence in our classrooms means we benefit from a more inclusive and representative student body, which enhances the overall educational experience for everyone.”

—Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology

WWU is grateful to the North Pacific Union Conference for partnering with us to provide these funds.

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The Magic of Memory paper art by ALLISON PALMER ’13

Shared memories of campus remind us of impactful, and sometimes entertaining, college moments

S

as individuals. tories make up who we are ries of singing mo me y’re And whether the bath mornings, along to the organ on Sab , or enjoying nds playing pranks with frie up who we ke ma ries sto outdoor wonders, shared much a part as ’re you m, alu U are together. As a WW t of your par a tory as it’s of the university’s rich his own unique story. myriad of colors, many As the leaves turned their U. d their first quarter at WW incoming students starte cov dis and wth gro e of This is a new season—a tim world of possibilities. ole wh a to ft shi a and , ery were about to begin You remember when you y—the anxieties that your own collegiate journe m home, making fro built up about being away tionships with old rela g inin inta new friends and ma God was calling you to do friends, figuring out what would go about achievwith your life, and how you

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Westwind Fall 2023

students may be feeling ing your goals. Some new internal, to succeed, not the pressure, external or r lts in an increasingly secula only in school but as adu ore , as you likely did bef world. They’re wondering ir story will be. the at wh U, starting at WW d these halls before, From those who’ve walke en, and strolled the Gre l who’ve crossed Centennia all e of their stories. They rec Hello Walk, here are som es tim nt, me mo in the times when they felt truly ted with God, and times nec con st mo felt y the when course of their lives. that changed or shaped the y enjoyed are different, While the experiences the ter is the same. We hope their love for their alma ma of joyful nostalgia for these stories are a source U’s history and a source those who are part of WW are about to begin their of comfort for those who S ’23 ER journey. ­ —DANAE MY

EN ’17 S N E J I R H C ZA Life f

In All Walks o

that phomore year during my so ould sh m I ra if g og in pr s at e vesper contempl at th up I remember on ningful for me. I had been ly made ly mea ind was near m r, y ke m d un D an was especial y, ce er ent missionar as Marilee Pi t ou ab lk serve as a stud e speaker that evening w ta g in very inspir . Th a go t ve y no ga m e ld er Sh ou Iw consid Vision. or for World I started to re as I listened, an ambassad d pray to God u an s, yo f on “I si at is of m she said th , ks ar ur life will the meaning m re en yours,’ th yo concluding r ks he ea In br . t on ha si w deci art for , break my he this prayer. and say ‘God red us to say da ings, but I e Sh ” e. m sa e ghts and feel th ou th y m ld lead t never be ou is prayer wou confused ab see where th changed to I left vespers e d lif de y ci m de dare and ajectory of r tr e he th ed w pt ho ce as e ac to se e year a pect, it’s easy ssons from on le d an s llowed. ce me. In retros en e experi s that have fo Th ar t. ye en e th om l m al in that over into d my major onary spilled uage, change si ng is la m t w en ne a ud st ied truly grateful le people, stud out how to be ed ur fig d ns to be a an I met incredib , d what it mea how to pray d ne ar ne le ar I , le y, tly of stud t importan e things. Mos for the simpl e. lif of all walks missionary in

G I NG E R

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G-WELL

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Westwind Fall 2023

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JERRY W OODS, ’97 Pray er Group

s and

Forgiven When I w Debts as a soph omore in picked u high scho p a full-tim ol, e job to h security elp my m my dad passed a che way. I om. I also second q cks because my started g dad was uarter of etting so a senior c my fresh security cial itizen. Th man yea administr r an en ation. Th school I s ey say sin d I get a letter fro in the houldn't ce m the so have gott As an 18-y cial en $5,00 I worked full time ea 0 and I n during h been five r-old working an e ig e h d ed to pay d barely milli scraping them bac Every nig on. b y k. it might as ht at 10 p well have Sittner H .m. I wen all. I told t to a prayer gro the 10 gu up with $ up on Th ys in my 5,0 ird North praye Walla. Go 00 or leave scho in ol. They s r group that I had d's got th aid, "You is." to come That wee 're not le k I made aving Wa Walla Wa an appoin lla lla. I aske tment at d the rep th "You can e S ocial Sec resentati challeng urity ve e the lett en, but y er, but alm what I could do, a office in ou can fi nd he o ll s o t u n t these fo o one ge A week la ts their d said, rms and ter I get a ebt forgiv a The rep s p c p a e ll from th a ays e Walla W l their decision." plies, "We , "Who do you kn a ll a Social Se ow in D.C ll, your ap curity Off .?" I said, peal has I told my ice.

"No o bee Third No rth praye n accepted, and th ne. Why?" He rewe knew r group th God wou at never ld take ca happens at night, that God ." and they re of you really wa ." F sa nted me at Walla W rom that momen id, "See, t on I kne alla Colle w ge.

H, ’92 G I D I E N A SH A UN sment barras

A Brief Em

e that barrass m m e to g in er heard do anyth enge if I ev uld never ll o a c h c u a o s “y t’ id ha grabbed a A friend sa arrass you more.” T dy-whities, ti f o k ed c b a m -p We stretch us a three wouldn’t e t to work. n ds bought e mp n a w ie c e fr r e w e v d m o ad out one. So rpies an a re h S sp e l d u n rf a r lo co set up in th binde handful of ear over a ent band to e rw d e th u d st n to a u p t f u o o g alled each pair them. We r, he was c fs in ple to sign e to dinne m rated brie a o c c d e n d asking peo f ie o fr s r ir u a o p n ll e e e Wh h thre ent w . cafeteria. sented wit isproved his statem re p d n a e n d micropho . I think we acked cafe front of a p

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Westwind Fall 2023

L A UR E L R O

Snow Day E

GERS, ’95

scapade

Nothing tran sformed the W snowfall. W hen one such alla Walla University Co llege Place ca spell turned shenanigan mpus like a the whole w s. go orld white, w My roommat e knew it was od e was the qu time for Jim Nestler ee n of shenan lived within igans, and sh walking dista club memb e h ap pened to kn nce of camp ers and rand ow that Dr. us. So, a gro om friends lik “honor” this up of us—so e me, all Dr. professor. me biology N es tle r As we appro fans—set ou t late one nig ached his h ouse, we sile ht to coordinated nced our gig the building gles and, wit of a snowm carefully bu h only hand an. And, bec ilt this snow gestures, au man right b large surpri ehind Dr. Nes se location is everythin se when he g, we tler’s vehicle tried to leav We slipped so he would e the next m back into th have a rather orning. e night, sure However, th our prank w ere was one as as anonym big problem ing, had fou : Dr. Nestler ous as it was nd footprints was quite th delightful. leading bac impression e sleuth, an k toward ca of my broke d come mo mpus. One n foot’s walki But oh, that rno f those inclu ng boot. We moment—h ded the odd were caugh ow it has liv t. ed in our sh ared memo ries to this d ay!

SON ’58 N E R O S F F CLI rspective

Canadian o years at tw g in v a after h as my lanas a junior hed at me g e u g e la ll ericans n o e C ft quite o lla Walla is what Am a ts h n W ic e h d to u w e , st ld m I ca esterfie merican a thing in ege. The A dian. You sat on a ch iving, which wasn’t Union Coll a sg n r football in k a fo n C a g gisterin s strictly ard of Th re e t h ven u r o e b v a e n guage wa ad all wasn’t e talking . And we h ckey; footb ere learning ys were all o o h b t e u h o call a sofa T b a s. ing we w those day e were talk f the road Canada in me from, w like at every turn o a c I re e h and the fall. W , it seemed on classes uage. Here al educati c si m. y u h ri p o in our lang w! f it o d e number mbia Au n a lu g o id C in d I th ld t e o u ll, b som d to stack at the yed footba use we ha adminton a b c f e o b t use lo re e I never pla a yed rium beca down th inton. I pla the audito ut and go o y in t t la e u p g o ld love badm 'd s u e ir w you co nd cha had class, t a thousa tes so that u u o in b When we a m re 15 e r rk fo There w had to wo the chairs. hapel. You c r fo d se it was u inutes. n for 30 m badminto

n Pe A Canadia

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MARTA STONE ’96

A Reminder from the Moon As a student at WWU, I felt most conn ected to God when participating in or listening to music, espe cially on Sabbath. Afterglow in Sittner Hall following vespers was always a highlight of the week, and I loved the music during church serv ices on Sabbath mornings, particularly the pipe organ played by Dr. Scott or Dr. Logan, or on special occasions, Dr. Maynard-Reid.

In addition to my memories of the amazing music, one moment that particularly stands out was whe n I left the Walla Walla home campus and went to study at Sagu nto, Spain, for a year. After taking flight in Portland, Oregon, in the predawn hours, and traveling for 36 hours, I stepped out on my balcony my first night in Spain, saw the full moon, and realized anew that I had left behind every single thing that was familiar—everything exce pt God. God was truly the only thing that hadn’t changed. Psalm 139: 9, 10 became very real: If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

HEVIN, C A K U S N E K AD

’20

nture

A Winter Ve

to p early to go d to wake u se o p d p n u su ro e er me. A ter and we w got up on ti go iddle of win t none of us u e heck, let’s b , th se at ri h n It was the m w , su e ed th id e ec e se d it h d d an an ew Palouse Falls efully texted each other y hills and th ve, the snow fall wasn’t am ro er d sh d at e w w an e ., r th m ca t a.

9 over bu ed in the p ed p w o o h e sn of the w p , as to w itself nd the anyway. So her. Palouse e hung arou et W g . ls and to w al o g b el in w b o rr sky blu the water ith wet sn w to in . ce n ed fe ar e ro th it ion sneakers beyond frozen, and for-the-occas eto hit a sign n g at ra n ri p yi ah tr o ro , p N it d b h an falls for a r not-quite-ap ld and Josep le sliding in ou e in some fie line of purp id a e as d er running and w lle e u p se e ld w u e k, th co ac ll e b hardly te that all w On the way . You could d got so far ts e ir an h m e it ts ca h ea w ey e h sw f their them. T out into th the colors o ched sky beyond e at e— w lu th I b f f o d o e an e it h drew and a lin om the w ow while An field apart fr ve into the sn r. o d h white of the p se Jo e ca s us and warmth of th back toward the relative m o fr ed h g and lau

STEVE WALIKONIS ’78

One Sad Night

It was during the night of March 23, 1978, in my senior year. In the dark ness one could see a cloud of smoke floating low over the campus. Word got around quic kly that our beloved Columbia Auditorium was on fire!

Many made their way to stand at a distance and watch as firefighters hosed water into the ragi ng inferno.

As I watched, I recalled my attachm ent to the Auditorium. It was where I worked my first campus job doing custodial work as a freshman. I was on the crew that set up and took down those hundreds of chairs each wee k for assemblies and lyceums. It was also the site of my first date with my future wife, Cindy. Part of my life history went up in flames that night, but I will always cherish the memories I have of Columbia Auditorium.

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Westwind Fall 2023

CHARLES SCRIVE

N, '66 The Healing Pow er of Music

I came to Walla W alla from a mid-siz ed church in Spok worshipped in my ane. I had normall church’s junior ac y ademy gym and ha anything remotely d never experienc like Melvin West bla ed sting out the mor then-new Casava ning hymns on th nt organ in the Co e llege Church. I mor that I could hardly e and more realize feel closer to God d than when, to such ment, I was singin stirring accompa g the great hymns niat the top of my vo ings. I say “at the ice on Sabbath m top of my voice” be orncause I was (for go scious about my od reason) self-co singing and didn't nreally want to be the many other vo heard. The organ ices were like grac an d e, co me out of myself vering my imperfe into exuberant pr ctions and lifting aise. What's more healing than that ?

ATEM MALEK, ’15

An Answer to Pra yer

I do not remembe r how I learned ab out Heubach Chap opportunity, but as el’s worship soon I started atte nding a few mornin knew immediately g prayers, I that I had found m y spiritual family. el prayers started Heubach Chapat 7:30 a.m. I would wake up very early and then run for th to shower, e morning worship . Heubach Chapel started with us sin prayers always ging a few hymns , then we took pray concluded with pr er requests and ayer from a few vo lunteers. This mem life because it brou ory shaped my ght me closer to Go d.

After I graduated, I needed a place to stay for the summ I got clarity on wh er or until at to do next. I wa s so stressed out my graduation be on the day of cause I was suppos ed to vacate cam and had not foun pus housing d a place to live. On e of my Heubach reached out to a fe Chapel friends w community mem bers, and someone a place to stay. Th offered me is story taught m e that God always for a reason. Whe put you in a place n I started going to Heubach, my sole worship and sing reason was to with my fellow be lievers, but throug ence, I saw God wo h this experirking and made fri ends with a few pe been a huge bless ople who have ing in my life.

Westwind Fall 2023

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SA, ’13 JILLIAN MELFGriOends Finding Lifelong

eated alla University cr out how Walla W ab endly fri nd g fo in k st la ea to form always sp ade it easy for us My friends and I m when at e at th t st n en to nm ng ro hi t envi e soul in Was gl sin a a warm, close-kni ow full of e kn bl ’t a lunch ta day one. I didn tart, I sat down at pS m ships—even from e feel Ju m of e y ad da m me and . On the first ly they embraced I started college we ate, ick r qu te af w er ho th ed ge ris s surp to hang out to s an pl e dI strangers and wa ad di m e ly ttl d be ok. Li e. We immediate everything woul at ong th el like I wasn’t alon rd lif y wa m e on t m that momen " would beco le op pe e bl ta h and I knew from "lunc of those original know that many e my husband! m ca be nderful friends. en ev e on e many more wo ad m I , best friends, and ge lle kes, and co in four years events, nature hi Throughout my y dates, ASWWU r reunion, ud st ea -y of s 10 ie r or ou ss mem ing 2023 for om ec m Ho We share countle at d ite friendships are to Many of us reun important these w ho r Vespers nights. fo n tio ia newed apprec er! and I gained a re inging us togeth ul to WWU for br ef at gr me. I am so

18

Westwind Fall 2023

UMOT S T A M I K NAO ing Fun

O ’13

Excruciat

ere Hall, we w at Sittner t istants n ss ta a is r e ss a sident ll the oth a re h a it s w a ll w a I e While eske H had be n eeting in M ular occasion, food m sa a g in v ha rtic meeting; a On this pa rior to our ne o e v e li e b and deans. e were able to eat p citing. I x e w s y ed a so n t lw h so a od is broug re sea d they we ent, free fo n d a u s st n a e e g b e coll t chili ns brough ns of the dea s. ie David Eva il h c nero ting, Dean e t one if e a m e l a ’ll with haba “I tu , nd said re the ac a e fo e e m b t to h d t ig R I’ll ge to se , turne habanero food, plus a y ic d e sp b b e v ra g y lo e in. e.” I alread you eat on at one too? Count m cruciating, but so e s ere ex ing our Dean Evan minutes w h other try 0 c 3 a e to m 0 2 o t fr ring the cross The nex iness in du re sitting a e ic w sp e e e w th s; stare whil nd hold hilariou ep quiet a ing us the e iv k is g h s to T a . st e w e n r hard ad do welde e what we h ean Black th D w . e in g n n st k ti e ju e h e ; m we were smiling s re a e w h w te s o e o Dean F f those tim together. inly one o suffering— r o — g was certa in y while enjo moment,

JAMES MA

New Persp

YNE, ’13

ectives in

Poland After my fi rst year at W a voluntee WU, I spen r teacher in northern t nine months as out that e Poland. Th xperience , I fe roughI hadn’t be fore. I was lt God’s presence in a way in a new p of my com lace, stepp fort zone ing out in so man and work y ways, an schedule d my days were less I’d typicall frenzied th y experien a n what c ed as an a States. I h dult ad ti meaningfu me to think, read, p in the United ray, conne lly with pe ct op of life at a deeper lev le, and experience the joy e l. God’s pre became le sence in m ss abstrac t an y life more spac e in my life d more tangible as I made to perceiv year abro e ad gave m e a glimpse it. That school nected life at what a —connecte well d to purpo people, an se, to othe -cond to God— r could look a beautifu and l th enabling m ing; I am forever gra feel like. It was teful to W e to have WU for that experi ence.

About the artist

ALLISON (BERGER) PALMER, ’13

Paper artist

After graduating in 2013 with a degree in fine arts with a concentration in illustration, Allison Palmer continued exploring a love for paper art that she had discovered long before. As a young teenager, Palmer loved creating her own greeting postcards for family and friends from wrapping paper or other paper scraps. The clean lines of paper cutouts appealed to her, and she experimented with creating scenes of animals, buildings, and holiday cheer.

Now with a well-rounded arts degree and priceless mentorship from WWU art professors like Martha Mason and Tom Emmerson, she’s discovered that passion for paper continues. Palmer and her husband, Matthew, founded Wheat Art Co. in 2019 and through their business, she sells holiday cards, creates custom paper art for local Walla Walla businesses, and works on commissioned pieces like the artwork for this article.

Palmer also runs Make For Joy Art Studio with Matthew, where she gets to flex her artistic muscles by teaching a wide variety of art media to children. “I love seeing how they interpret and learn about things that I love,” she explains.

Next up on her artistic bucket list? Illustrating—and maybe writing—a children’s book. You can learn more about Palmer’s work at wheatartco.com.

the future held but open to WWU unsure of what they All these alumni came U, they gained the tools ghout their time at WW ir the in le op pe the to God’s leading. Throu h wit ip with God and nsh atio rel ir the en the ep d de an needed to e experiences, bonds formed, the uniqu lives. Their stories—the d—will last a lifetime.

Go h wit n nts of connectio deeply personal mome

Westwind Fall 2023

19

Paying it forward W

HEN YOU REFLECT on the most impactful times in your life, what led you to those big moments? Who supported you in times of growth? What made you who you are today?

Walla Walla University students access an exceptional education surrounded by a faith community—an experience that often impacts them for life and life eternal. More often than not, this impact happens through moments of selflessness from others.

Dedicated faculty and staff take extra time to connect with students outside of class,

BY Kelsi Dos Santos

friends share in thoughtful discussions after vespers or in hall worships, and mentors impart godly guidance during moments of uncertainty.

In many ways, the significance of time spent at Walla Walla University might not be seen or felt until years down the road, and perhaps the origin of that influence might never be clear. What is sure? The unique chemistry of this place of growth is only possible with the faithful support of alumni and friends. On the following pages we share a few stories about alumni and their commitment to paying it forward.

PHOTOS BY Chris Drake

Thank you!

2022–23 ALUMNI CLASS GIVING AWARDS

ANNUAL GIVING REPORT

Walla Walla University is a community of faith and discovery committed to excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and faith in God. In support of these core themes, from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, alumni and other friends of the university gave gifts totaling

$10,094,367.65 20

Westwind Fall 2023

Gateway Award

Mountain Ash Award

Orange and Green Award

Special Mention

Highest total giving by class

Highest class participation

CLASS OF 2004

CLASS OF 1990

Highest participation of a class to graduate in the last 10 years

Second most improved participation

$282,599

47%

CLASS OF 2012

CLASS OF 1980

The class of 1990 increased their participation by 38.4%—more than our special mention winner.

participation rate

Congratulations, class of 2004!

You’ve earned the highest giving award for the second year in a row.

participation rate

25%

This is the third year in a row the class of 2012 has taken this award.

Thank you for your generosity!

31 %

improvement from last year More than 40% of the class of 1990 participated in giving this year.

2022-23 WWU BOARD OF TRUSTEES John Freedman, CHAIR Joyce Newmyer, VICE CHAIR John McVay, SECRETARY MEMBERS

Daniel Bergeron Douglas Bing Gary Botimer Columbus Candies, Jr. Andrew O. Carrington Lowell Cooper Travis Crumley Larry Dodds Stephanie Gates Keith Hallam Sergio Hernandez Clint Hess Rena Holland Yvonne Iwasa David Jamieson Monty E. Knittel Steve Kreitner

Rhona Kwiram EuGene Lewis Dan Linrud Mileen Loeffler Bill McClendon Kevin Miller Kathy Morgan Ken Norton W. Todd Pascoe Dennis Plubell David Prest, Jr. Mark Remboldt Paul Rhynard Jaime Rodriguez Bruce Thorn Rodney Wehtje Ron Wilkinson

2022–23 WWU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD Eric Denney, CHAIR Jerry Woods, PRESIDENT Lisa Jervey Lennox, PRESIDENT-ELECT Jimmy Johnson, TREASURER Laurel Rogers Smith, SECRETARY Jodi Wagner, VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT, EX OFFICIO

Claudia Santellano, DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI AND PARENT RELATIONS, EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

Danielle Craig Craig Cummings Briggitte Davis

Jilma Jimenez Verlie Ward Teresa Wilkens

ALUMNI CLASS GIVING Class year

Total giving

Participation

Class year

Total giving

Participation

Class year

Total giving

Participation

Class year

Total giving

Participation

1948

$2,225

4.76%

1968

$108,138

23.62%

1987

$66,380

31.94%

2006

$3,675

1950

$3,200

9.43%

1969

$12,169

7.69%

1988

$24,275

18.93%

2007

$3,913

9.71%

1951

$70

4.55%

1970

$12,240

31.32%

1989

$37,325

20.54%

2008

$13,940

8.72%

1952

$15,200

6.38%

1971

$5,998

18.70%

1990

$5,165

47.04%

2009

$15,734

17.38%

1953

$1,230

8.16%

1972

$33,730

20.45%

1991

$1,630

5.56%

2010

$1,115

14.32%

1954

$93,971

9.76%

1973

$32,555

20.68%

1992

$17,635

23.80%

2011

$2,890

7.54%

1955

$785

9.80%

1974

$135,044

21.94%

1993

$2,579

32.93%

2012

$742

25.21%

17.04%

1956

$1,325

19.30%

1975

$12,640

15.41%

1994

$11,081

9.09%

2013

$2,269

10.51%

1957

$64,039

20.00%

1976

$12,668

12.45%

1995

$2,540

19.58%

2014

$3,609

10.58%

1958

$12,374

22.47%

1977

$5,780

19.87%

1996

$27,220

30.39%

2015

$1,030

10.86%

1959

$1,980

27.88%

1978

$13,009

19.67%

1997

$4,375

29.65%

2016

$6,440

7.29%

1960

$49,997

31.20%

1979

$8,810

21.04%

1998

$5,923

24.94%

2017

$2,105

1.85%

1961

$19,503

13.22%

1980

$26,438

41.15%

1999

$965

12.66%

2018

$620

3.22%

1962

$4,495

25.40%

1981

$13,355

17.39%

2000

$13,153

10.38%

2019

$240

5.49%

1963

$4,250

17.07%

1982

$11,000

16.51%

2001

$8,650

10.45%

2020

$150

0.95%

1964

$21,458

15.75%

1983

$19,645

18.56%

2002

$15,374

15.38%

2021

$2,043

1.48%

1965

$53,262

32.14%

1984

$35,164

26.45%

2003

$3,365

16.93%

2022

$870

8.46%

1966

$140,245

20.56%

1985

$16,305

18.53%

2004

$282,599

14.54%

2023

$4,704

6.19%

1967

$10,805

22.52%

1986

$30,937

18.75%

2005

$1,525

17.94%

Join in at wallawalla.edu/give.

Westwind Fall 2023

21

LEGACY SOCIETY The Legacy Society honors individuals who included the university in their estate plans or make a deferred gift of any size to provide for the work of Walla Walla University.

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Yvonne Hanson Stan ’68 and Irene ’70 Hixson Jeanie Hixson ’72 Eunice Johnson Kurt Johnson '72 Ed ’66 and Barbara Karlow Robert ’57 and Peggy ’60 Kaye Susan and Alvin ’34* Kincaid Clarence ’50* and Helen Klopfenstein Edward ’75 and Priscilla ’73 Ko Diane Wagner Lampson ‘62 Mel and Joyce ’73 Lang Bill ’55* and Rose Lay Sam* and Donna LeFore Sandra Love-Dahl ’62 William ‘49* and Edna Mae ’50 Loveless Karen MacIvor '68 Edward ‘67 and Ruth ‘71 MacKenzie Dan ’57 and Betsy Matthews Marja-Leena McChesney ’91 James and Kathy McMillan Walt ’62 and Bonnie* Meske Phyllis Miller ‘52 Lloyd ’51 and Maud ’51* Moody William ’50* and Marjorie Moreno Olen ’52* and Mary ’53 Nations Ted ’72 and Nancy ’74 Nedderman Gregory Neustel ’72 Howard* and Monta* Osborne James ’59 and Della ’65* Park Tom* and Barbara* Pelett Lawrence Perrigoue and RuthAnn May* Jen ’97 Pinder Jim ’96 Pinder Lloyd and Fern ’55 Piper Marvin A. Piper ’60 Hoe ’52* and Mary Poh Kenneth Purdom ‘57 Sandra Renaux '74 James M & Sandra Dassenko ’75 Reilly Avonelle Remboldt ’53

Bob ’62* and Barbara Richards David Richter '69 Norton* and Lois ’59 Ritchie-Ritter Marilyn Rollins ‘83 Nancy Ann Romine ‘82 Brian ’01 and Trasa ’02 Roth Glenna Ryder Elmar and Darilee Sakala Robert ’88 and Janelle ’87 Schmidt Roy Schmunk ‘50 Gerald and Shirley Schoepflin Gene ‘69* and Caroline Settlemier Dorothy Smith ’52 Jaclin Smith Samuel and Carol ’67 Smith Ralph ’81 and Franice Stirling Craig ’84 and Cheryl ’81 Stowers Muffy Piper ’83 and Rob Sweezey ‘80* Doug Taylor ‘78 Mark ’81* and Dorita ’80 Tessier Everett* and Shirley Tetz Alden ’65 and Wanda ’65 Thompson Kelly Turner ’96 Dennis Vories ’74 Philip and Reid Wasser Ray* and Pat* Watson James ’46* and Betty* Webster Dorothy Weisz ’49 Florene Wells Keith ’78 and Joyce ’78 Wilkens Stephen ’98 and Kelly Wilson Tim and Cheri Windemuth Vicki and Gerald Winkle Vera Young ’53 *Deceased prior to June 30, 2023

To learn more about joining the Legacy Society, contact Dorita Tessier at (509) 527-2646 or visit legacy.wallawalla.edu.

L

ISA JERVEY LENNOX and sister Gina Jervey Mohr heard of Walt Meske before they actually met him in person.

When Lisa and Gina moved to the Walla Walla Valley in 1980, their father Bill Jervey came ahead of them to meet the shipment container coming from Hawaii with their belongings. Bill went to Sittner Hall looking to hire some college students to unload the container and there he met Walt. It was the beginning of a friendship between Bill and Walt that lasted until Bill’s death in 1999.

Walt had a soft spot for Bill, a non-Adventist man who adopted children in his late 60’s and brought them to Walla Walla to put them through the Seventh-day Adventist school system where he thought they would have

ENDOWED FUNDS & SCHOLARSHIPS The endowed scholarship funds listed here provided $1,329,105 in scholarships and other forms of support for Walla Walla University during the 2022–23 year. Funds from the new endowed funds will begin to be awarded in 2023–24. Your investments today help secure the future success of WWU and generations of students to come.

»

Anonymous (33) Paul and Patricia ’68* Ackerman Ed ’90 and Julie Ammon James and Barbara Anderson Kirk and Melody Ayers Beverly Beem Jack ’48* and Evelyn Bergman Darold ’66 and Barbara Bigger Maxine Blome ’50 Bob ’60 and Georgene Bond Marjorie Bregar Daryl and Patricia Burghart Merle Calkins Robert '07 and Elizabeth '07 Carlson Lois Carscallen Sam ’60 and Grace Carvajal Challis Casebolt ’75 Leonard* and Sue Cason Ruth Christensen ‘57 Douglas ’70 and Carmen Clark Bertrum ’68 and Evelyn Connell Carlton Cross ’66 Dorothy Curameng Don ’48* and Orletta ’68* Dealy Laurel* and Virginia Dennis Jon* and Kathryn Dybdahl Jim and Vicky Edwards Joyce Engel ’63 Kerry Ferris Allen and Donna Fisher Kerry and Marian ’70 Forschler Jim ’67 and Christie ’90 Forsyth Brant Foster Gary ’67 and Udell ’66 Fresk Leslie* and Barbara Ann ’62 Fromm Henry ’62* and Mayme* Gerber Keith ‘60 and Elizabeth Gibbons Theo and Marianne Goltz Don ’68 and Trish Hall Jim ’65 and Ruth ’65 Hall Howard* and Elizabeth Hanafin

In honor of Meske's influence

Administration Building Maintenance Advancement of Chemical Research at Walla Walla University Paul W. Anderson Scholarship ASWWU Student Aid Endowment Claude Barnett, Ph.D., Scholarship James and Ruth Bebee Computer Science Scholarship

James and Ruth Bebee Nursing Scholarship Dr. Frederick and Mrs. JaneAnn Bennett Engineering Scholarship Beverly Math Faculty Improvement Shannon Marie Bigger Memorial Christian Service Volunteer Scholarship Lester and Geraldine Border Christian Service Scholarship Alice I. Bowden Memorial Theology Scholarship

Paying it forward 2022–2023 ANNUAL REPORT

good role models and develop strong values.

“As a young, insecure, Catholic teenager who had been dropped into a foreign Adventist community, I was definitely ‘the other.’ But Walt never saw that," Lisa explains. "He was good to our parents, and he championed Gina and me from the get-go. It sounds corny, but he made us feel like we were home. When my Mom died in 1999, Walt had just had surgery and we were living in Seattle. He called up Loren Dickinson for a ride to Seattle to do the service. If I didn’t love him already, that would have clinched the deal!”

Gina has similar recollections.

“Walt always showed concern for students who seemed to struggle in school, and even those expelled from other schools. He knew they would do better if he

George W. Bowers Excellence in Chemistry Scholarship Boyson Family Communication Scholarship John F. Bregar Memorial Scholarship Burton and Carol Briggs Chemistry Scholarship Junior Senior Business Scholarship School of Business Fund Clair and Myrtle Calkins Library Book Fund D. Ordell and Margaret A. Calkins Business/ Education Faculty Development Merle Clairon Calkins Computer Science Faculty Development Lewis Canaday Memorial Technology Scholarship Dr. James R. Chambers Memorial Scholarship Janice P. Chance Memorial

Nursing Fund Dr. Muriel Chapman Nursing Scholarship Percy W. Christian Excellence in History Scholarship A.J. and Gladys E. Christiansen Memorial Scholarship Class of 1954 Scholarship Class of 1955 Scholarship Class of 1956 Scholarship Class of 1957 Scholarship Class of 1959 Student Missions Scholarship Class of 1960 Student Missions Scholarship Class of 1961 Student Missions Scholarship Class of 1965 Scholarship Class of 1968 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Class of 1971 Scholarship Class of 1978 Scholarship Class of 1983 Scholarship Class of 1984 Scholarship

could help them see the value of completing their Christian education.” Gina saw this firsthand when she worked for him at Walla Walla when Walt served as Dean of Students. “Walt understood that discipline without love would never work, so he always incorporated both,” she explains.

Because of the impact Walt had on Lisa and Gina's lives, Gina

Class of 1989 Edwin Zaugg Memorial Scholarship Class of 1996 Scholarship Class of 1997 Scholarship Class of 2003 Scholarship Class of 2009 Student Missionary Scholarship Class of 2011 Shari Booth Memorial Scholarship Class of 2012 Scholarship Class of 2014 Scholarship Class of 2017 Merit Award Verlin L. and Thelma (Kumalae) Cochran Memorial Scholarship Communication Development Course Computer Science Magazine L.P. “Jim” Corbett English Scholarship L.P. “Jim” Corbett History Scholarship L.P. “Jim” and Jane B. Corbett Student Aid Scholarship

Lee Crain Memorial Music Scholarship Edward F. Cross Engineering Scholarship Nancy Cross Memorial English Faculty Development Fund Vera Davis-Michel Memorial English Scholarship Edward F. and Clara M. Degering Memorial Educational Scholarship Claude and Annie Deming Memorial Fund Loren Dickinson Communications Scholarship Dietrich/Wilkinson Aviation Scholarship Frances Dixon Special Education Dr. Ralph A. Drake Scholarship Lars and Anna Dybdahl Scholarship Josephine Cunnington

decided to throw him a surprise party for his 95th birthday. "And what better gift to give him than a scholarship fund in his name?" Gina said.

The Walt Meske "Firm Handshake" Scholarship honors Walt Meske's respect, compassion, deep faith, and lifetime of service. The scholarship is awarded to students with significant financial need who, like Walt, demonstrate a commitment to hard work and service.

If your life has been blessed by Walt Meske, if you've gotten to experience his bone-crushing handshake, or if you were given a second chance by Walt, please consider joining us in honoring an Adventist education legend: Walt Meske.

Gina is married to Lance Mohr ’91; they graduated from Loma Linda Medical School together in 1995 and live in California. Lisa is married to David Lennox ’88, and they both work at Cornell University in New York.

Edwards Memorial Scholarship H. Russell and Genevieve Emmerson Memorial Scholarship Engineering Chair Endowment Mary Garner Esary Memorial Scholarship Faculty/Staff Scholarship Dena W. and R. B. Farnsworth Nursing Scholarship Lawrence C. Folkes, M.D., Scholarship Ray and Alice Fowler Scholarship Norma S. Gardner Memorial English Scholarship Wilford and Emma Goffar Scholarship Graduate Dean’s Award Graham Family Scholarship Albert E. and Reta J. Graham Memorial

Scholarship Grellmann Family Scholarship J. Paul Grove Memorial Scholarship John J. Hafner Music Scholarship Lovyl and Mary Hagle Memorial Worthy Student Scholarship Richard and Dena Hammill Memorial Scholarship Thomas Hampson Humanities Merit Scholarship Howard E. Hanafin Scholarship Bryan G. and Susan J. Harris Endowed Excellence in Work Ethic Scholarship Clyde and Mary Harris Challenge Grant Pauline Hart Memorial Social Work Scholarship Richard and Georgiana Hayden Christian Service Scholarship (continued on page 24)

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Hoping what goes around comes around I

WE INVITE YOU to view the videos our Pay It Forward Grant recipients watch and be inspired to make your own difference! To view them, scan the QR code.

from ENDOWED FUNDS & SCHOLARSHIPS (continued page 23)

Rodney Heisler Engineering Scholarship/Grant Robert A. and Solange Henderson Memorial History Scholarship Wilma E. Hepker Scholarship Paul and Frances Heubach Memorial Theology Scholarship Jess Holm Memorial Scholarship Juanita Wagner Holm Memorial Nursing Scholarship Helen and Archie Howatson Nursing Scholarship Oland F. Hubbs Memorial Theology Scholarship Vera Johnson Hubbs Memorial Business

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Westwind Fall 2023

Scholarship Dr. and Mrs. Harold Huber Scholarship Wynelle J. Huff Nursing Scholarship Jess M. Hutson, M.D., Memorial Scholarship IBCC Jensen Memorial Math Scholarship Dr. Gordon Johnson Physics Scholarship Murray L. and Ilene Johnstone Scholarship Carl and Lucile Jones Nursing Scholarship Peggy Henderson Kaye Nursing Scholarship Robert Kaye, M.D., Rosario Scholarship Helen Wineberg Kendall Women in

Business Scholarship KGTS Positive Life Radio Announcer Fund Meade and Frances Kinzer and Family Nursing Scholarship Betty Klein Engineering Scholarship Rudolf and Anna Klimes Learn Well Physical Education Scholarship Edward and Priscilla Ko Math & Nursing Scholarship A.H. and Mary Koorenny Memorial Scholarship Robert H. and Thorna Koorenny Scholarship Kretschmar Hall Maintenance Luella Latham Kretschmar Memorial Scholarship

AM IMPORTANT ENOUGH that someone will invest in me … and someday I’m going to do the same for somebody else.”

That’s the message that one forward-thinking couple hopes students will glean from the Pay It Forward Grant program they launched in 2016 with a $3 million gift to help students with financial need attend Walla Walla University.

Though the couple wishes to remain anonymous, they want to encourage other donors to invest in students.

She remembers, “While my dad was going back to school money was tight and the church came to my parents and said, ‘We’d like to have your kids in our church school.’ My dad told them we couldn’t afford it, and they said, ‘Don’t worry about it. Some day when you’re able, give what

Laura G. Larson Memorial Nursing Scholarship H. Lloyd Leno Memorial Music Scholarship Lewiston/Clarkston Scholarship Paul Lindgren History Scholarship Jennie M. Livingston Memorial Library Fund Dr. C. Stanley Lloyd Jr. Scholarship Kelly Logan Social Work Scholarship Romulo and Mercedes Lozano Scholarship Mary E. Marker Memorial Theology Scholarship Roy and Lois (Dorland) Martin English Scholarship Sukhdev Mathaudhu Engineering Scholarship Mathematics Alumni Scholarship Dorothy and Byron

Miller Mathematics Scholarship Warren Matheson Memorial Christian Service Scholarship Matiko Theology Award Harden M. McConnell and Alvin L. Kwiram Award Eldena McDow Scholarship Jacob G. and Lois A. Mehling Business Scholarship Messenger/Loewen Scholarship RS Michel Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurship Jack Evan Miles Memorial Scholarship MariAnne Jensen Moore Memorial Nursing Scholarship Wilda Means Morasch Nursing Scholarship Joseph and Beth Murray Memorial

Scholarship for Resident Assistants Music Scholarship Dan and Mary Morrison Necker Scholarship Llewellyn and Vivian Nixon Scholarship Nursing Scholarship Daniel A. Ochs Memorial Theology Scholarship Alfred R. Ogden Endowed Theology Award Mary Ogden Art Scholarship Orland Ogden Memorial Music Scholarship Orland and Mary Ogden Music Scholarship Dr. and Mrs. Howard Osborne Scholarship Blythe Owen Music Scholarship Doreen Paulson-Evans Memorial Scholarship Yvonne Pickett

Paying it forward 2022–2023 ANNUAL REPORT

you can.’ We don’t know who donated, and it doesn’t matter. We always felt like the church cared about us, and they took care of our family. As I got older, I realized that people had invested in me and my education, and it gave me a sense of worthiness.

“I hope our investment gives college students the confidence of knowing they are valuable,” she says, “and that they will follow their calling and do the best they can.”

To encourage a cycle of generosity, each Pay It Forward Grant recipient watches three short videos that explain how WWU donors have supported students over the years and encourage

Memorial Scholarship Piper-Johanson Scholarship Helen L. Popoway Endowment Robert L. Reynolds Excellence in History Scholarship Robert M. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Donald W. Rigby Biology Award Donald W. Rigby Biology Faculty Research Donnie Rigby Drama Award Rigby Hall Maintenance John D. Rogers, M.D., Memorial Scholarship Rosario Marine Station Maintenance Rowsell Family Memorial Scholarship James and Thais Thrasher Sadoyama Scholarship Doyle B. and Lorelei

students to help somebody else when they are able. Then, upon their graduation, each student receives a letter listing the grants and scholarships provided to them during their time at Walla Walla University and reminding them to someday repay this generosity by helping someone else.

“We see the ‘pay it forward’ idea as an important cycle. If someone gave to you, then someday when you’re able to do something, it’s your turn to give what you can.”

She adds, “Whether it’s $5 or $5,000, we should be doing what we can. And then if you give, it comes back to you. If we’re doing the right things, God will bless it.”

Pierce Saxby Business Scholarship Gayle L. Saxby Memorial Scholarship Schlotthauer-Risinger Math Scholarship Eleanor B. Schofield Memorial Teachers Scholarship John Montgomery Schultz Engineering Fund Donavon and Marcella Schwisow Scholarship Seibly Family Endowed Scholarship Cecil W. Shankel Memorial Chemistry Scholarship Shattuck/Zitterbart Memorial Nursing Scholarship Donald and Virginia Sherwood Memorial Scholarship Herbert Z. and Jessie K. Shiroma Scholarship Endowment Cliff and Betty Sorensen

Scholarship Fund Carolyn Stevens Shultz English Scholarship Dan Shultz Music Scholarship Robert and Susan Smith First Generation Endowed Scholarship Robert and Susan Smith Social Work and Sociology Scholarship Solomon Scholarship Gene and Betty Soper Music Scholarship Robert L. Spies Memorial Scholarship Glenn Spring Music Scholarship Eldon and Barbara Jean Stratton Scholarship Joseph L. Stubblefield Memorial Scholarship Janis Suelzle Memorial Student Missionary Fund T5 Foundation Business Excellence Fund

VOLUNTEERS Thank you to the alumni and friends listed here who give their time and energy to support Walla Walla University and to many others who give to WWU in countless ways.

Sheron Alvarez Theresa Alekel James Barrett Cleona Bazzy Evelyn Bergman Robert Bergman Larry Canaday Lois Canaday Elizabeth Claridge Rick Claridge Dakota Clark Ann Cornell Loretta Cotter Dottie Curameng Dorothy DeMoss Joan Deming Donna Fisher Garey Gantz Marilyn Gantz Allegra Gienger David Gillham Rosa Gillham Virginia Gonthier Terrie Griebel Carol Hanson Kathy Hazen

Arlo Heinrich Sharon Heinrich Frances Henderson Linda Hintz Roman Hintz Joe Humble Bernie Janke Carolyn Janke Dale Johnson Ginger Johnson Gordon Johnson Pat Johnson Pat Johnston Ruth Joice Art King Rhonda King Mariana Knobahara Rufus Knobahara Joyce Lampson Aileen Litchfield Carol Maher Tom Maher Raymond Mayor Ken McVay Judy Meske Liz Meske

Walt Meske Nancy Myers Linda Olson Larry Panasuk Shirley Panasuk Carol Perrin Milford Perrin Roberta Pontius Dianasti Potes Sandra Reeves Antonio Rodriguez Gladys Rodriguez Dave Russell Maylene Russell Aileen Saunders Rita Schroeder Shirley Walde Verlie Ward Terry Waterbrook Richard Worley Charles Wren Valorie Wren Betty Jo Wresch Bob Wresch

To learn more about volunteering at WWU, call (800) 377-2586 or email alumni@wallawalla.edu.

Stephen and Margaret Tan Engineering/Computer Science Scholarship Theology Library Book Fund George and Lola Thompson Memorial Scholarship Thomas M. Thompson and Kenneth L. Wiggins Excellence in Mathematics Scholarship Harry and Ella Thornton Memorial Scholarship E. E. and Jane Breese-Trefz Christian Service Scholarship Clarence O. Trubey Memorial Music Scholarship Undergraduate Advanced Study Marilyn K. (Dammrose) Van Stee Memorial Nursing Scholarship Verde Fund for Graduate Marine Research

Eva Stratton Vliet and Jess Vliet Scholarship Dennis L. Vories, PE, Engineering Scholarship Eldon and Barbara Vories Student Missions Endowment Scholarship Stanley E. Walker Music Scholarship Raymond L. and Rosemary Watts Scholarship Francys C. Welch Scholarship Melvin K. West Music Scholarship Lois Whitchurch Nursing Scholarship

Monte Wilkins Memorial Scholarship John and Inez Willey Family Memorial Scholarship WWU Student Aid Randy Yaw Pi Contest Scholarship Young Memorial Lecture in Biology Norma R. Youngberg Scholarship Helen Thompson Zolber Fund Melvin L. Zolber Fund

Alumni and Friends in Canada: If you or a member of your family is a WWU alumnus or student, you can make charitable donations to the university and claim them on your Canadian tax return without the need for United States source income. For more details, contact advancement.office@wallawalla.edu.

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Alumni Currents

Staying in touch with our family of graduates

AlumNotes Get up to date with fellow WWU alumni.

Submit your information for AlumNotes at wallawalla.edu/alumnotes.

1970s Vicki Jacobs ’79 lives in Burlington, Wash., where she works as a registered nurse at PeaceHealth United General Hospital. She

currently works in an oncology clinic providing support and encouragement to cancer patients.

She has plans to retire soon and is looking forward to spending more time with her family as well as traveling, gardening, and trying new things. She is also very active in her local church, serving her community by providing dental and vision clinics.

Adam Newbold att., Shelly Hendrickson Williams ’85, and Tristinn Williams ’12 Adam Newbold att. was visiting Helsinki, Finland, this summer on a walking tour when a happenstance conversation with two women on his tour led him to connect with a former classmate from WWU. He had previously studied in Sagunto, Spain, through the Adventist Colleges Abroad program and overheard one of the women talking about her own time spent in Sagunto.

When Newbold introduced himself, he found that both women were WWU alumni and that one of them had actually been a former classmate of his. Newbold enjoyed reminiscing about shared memories from musical groups, classes, and life at WWU. When the group visited the large Helsinki cathedral complete with a beautiful pipe organ, they were reminded of the University Church and the excellent organ playing of Kraig Scott, professor of music. Upon sharing lunch with his newfound friends, Newbold reflected on how amazing it was to meet people from WWU in far-off places and how God’s plans sometimes involve fun surprises.

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.

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David Jewkes ’74 lives in Everson, Wash., and recently retired after 46 years of teaching. His career included nine years of teaching at Walla Walla University. In retirement, he is excited to enjoy his interests in sailing, photography, music, and automobiles. Many of his favorite memories of his time at WWU are from the music department, from accompanying voice students of Harold Lickey to singing in the college chorale. He also fondly remembers the years he spent teaching math at WWU and coaching the Walla Walla WolfPack hockey team.

Wayne Schafer ’78 lives in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, where he works as a lawyer for

the Department of Justice. He has practiced aboriginal law with them since 2000. His contributions to the legal community and excellence in the law earned him a designation as King’s Counsel in 2008. Of his time at WWU, he most fondly remembers Friday vespers, Evensong, and the friendships he formed. His classes with Roland Blaich, Loren Dickinson, and David Schwantes were also favorites.

Craig Sonnenberg ’79 is retired and lives in Walla Walla, Wash. From his time at WWU, he fondly remembers basketball tournaments between village students and dorm students.

READ WESTWIND ONLINE: WALLAWALLA.EDU/WESTWIND

In Memory Family members may submit obituary information for their loved ones at wallawalla.edu/obituary.

Jane Smith ’68 was born in 1946 and died Jan. 2, 2023, in Medford, WA, at age 113. Surviving: husband Peter att. of Medford; and sister Sharon Stein att. of Chicago, IL. 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.

Robert Brody ’64 was born in 1936 in Wenatchee, Wash., and died Oct. 17, 2023, in Wenatchee, at age 87.

Surviving: wife Charlotte ’63 of Wenatchee; and daughter Kari Volyn of Chicago, Ill. Neil Carr att. was born in 1939 in Milton, Ore., and died Oct. 18, 2022, in Walla Walla, at age 83.

Surviving: wife Donna (McDow) ’62 of Walla Walla; daughter Grace Killin ’89 of Brisbane, Australia; son Daniel ’88 of Orangevale, Calif.; and sister Nelda King of Weston, Ore. Harry Elliott ’56 was born in 1932 in Takoma Park, Md., and died April 9, 2023, in Mountain View, Calif., at age 90.

Surviving: wife Ava att. of

KEY: att. = attended

Sunnyvale, Calif.; daughter Becky Goettsch of San Jose, Calif.; sons Bradford ’88 of Sunnyvale, and Scott of Hillsboro, Ore.; sister Marjory Finck of Gresham, Ore.; and brother James att. of Newport, Wash.

Donna Fikes ’64 was born in 1943 and died Jan. 10, 2023, in Redding, Calif., at age 79. Surviving: husband Jerry of Redding; daughter Jennifer Espitia of Stockton, Calif.; son Jeff of Little River, Calif.; brother Ronald Grider of Redding.

Deltalee M. Gates att. was born in 1927 in Bremerton, Wash., and died Aug. 11, 2021, in Saint Helena, Calif., at age 94.

Surviving: son Wesley of Saint Helena.

Henry Gerber ’62 was born in 1934 and died March 7, 2023, in Langley, British Columbia, at age 88. Surviving: daughters Sherry ’84 of Langley, and Heather of Langley.

Dorothy (Fried) Homann ’57 was born in 1931 and died May 25, 2023, in Forest Grove, Ore., at age 92. Surviving: husband Charles E. ’57 of Hillsboro, Ore.; and daughter Linda Cowels ’81 of Gaston, Ore.

curr. att. = currently attending

Karen (Olson) Johnson ’76 was born in 1953 and died May 2, 2023, in Richland, Wash., at age 70. Surviving: daughter Kristen Hanson att. of Walla Walla; son Erik att. of Walla Walla; sister Donna Olson of Sonora, Calif.; and brothers Eric Olson ’77 of Pasadena, Calif., Bob Olson of Davenport, Wash., and Bill Olson of San Diego, Calif.

William Kast ’62 was born in 1938 in Odessa, USSR, and died June 10, 2023, in Cottonwood, Ariz., at age 84. Surviving: wife Edryn att. of Cottonwood; daughter Debbie Evans att. of Evergreen, Colo.; sons Kent att. of Ringgold, Ga., and Doug of Taos, N.M. Marlys Leeper att. was born in 1935 and died April 24, 2023, in Walla Walla, at age 87.

Surviving: daughters Rori Bumgarner att. of Rockwall, Texas, Gina Stahlheber ’82 of College Place, Marci Payne att. of Las Vegas, Nev., and Lona Mason att. of Walla Walla; and sister Lorence Hiebert of Milton-Freewater, Ore. Leeper worked in accounts payable at WWU during the 1980s.

Robert G. Moon ’59 was born in 1936 in Klamath Falls, Ore., and died Oct.

23, 2021, in Lodi, Calif., at age 85. Surviving: wife Joan; daughter Danielle Caldwell of Medford, Ore.; sons Rob of Fountain Hills, Ariz., Randy of Chico, Calif., and Mark Van Deusen of Hamilton, Mont.; and sister Shirley Ebster of Lodi.

John T. Parks att. was born in 1942 and died March 13, 2023, in Walla Walla at age 80. Surviving: sisters Ruth Massey ’63 of College Place, and Lois Pryor ’90 of Bainbridge, Wash.

Bonita (Cook) Wasli ’84 was born in 1960 in Portland, Ore., and died May 30, 2023, in Denver, Colo., at age 62. Surviving: husband Kevin ’83 of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; daughter Kaitlyn of Loma Linda, Calif.; sister Donna Cook of Grand Junction, Colo.; and father Robert Cook of Grand Junction.

Robert A. Pryor att. was born in 1948 and died March 20, 2020, in Vancouver, Wash., at age 72. Surviving: wife Lois (Parks) ’90 of Bainbridge, Wash.; sons Nathaniel of Vancouver, and Matthew of Vancouver; sisters Barbara of Portland, Ore., Dorothy Stellner of Phoenix, Ariz., and Marleen Lizer of Portland.

Frank Salt ’53 was born in 1928 and died March 20, 2023, in SedroWoolley, Wash., at age 94.

Surviving: wife Virginia att. of Sedro-Woolley; daughter Sheril Fetter att. of College Place; and sons Kevin att. of Mount Vernon, Wash., Randal ’86 of Sedro-Woolley, and Donovan ’89 of Sedro-Woolley.

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Alumni Currents

Staying in touch with our family of graduates

BACK TO YOU // SHANE ANDERSON ’94, AS TOLD TO EMILY (HUSO) LOGAN ’17

Trusting that He will guide

O

n my journey, one of the most powerful lessons I have learned is to trust in God’s leading every step of the way. But surrendering to His plan for my life hasn’t always been easy.

I remember that the day I decided to follow God’s call to change my major to theology felt like one of the worst days of my life. At the time, I was a freshman engineering major.

I loved design and research, taking things apart and putting them back together. I had grown up in a spiritually divided home and had no intention of going into ministry.

In the two weeks leading up to that day, I felt strongly impressed that God was speaking to me, and I was wrestling with that call. At the end of the two weeks, I found myself at the college running track on a Sabbath afternoon, surrounded by wheat fields, praying to God. “I don’t want this career,” I said. “I didn’t ask for this.” The spiritual pressure was unrelenting. After much resistance, I said, “Fine, if that’s what you want me to do, I’ll do it!” Immediately, I went from being blood-pumping red in the face, sweating, and angry to one hundred percent at peace. I knew very clearly that God had said, “Okay, you made the right decision.”

Because of the strength of that initial call, I have always felt that whatever happens with my career is clearly up to Him. Since then, I served as a student missionary in Micronesia, married my wife Darlene (Hintz) ’94, worked for the Washington Conference for 10 years, attended seminary, and welcomed two daughters. Up until my recent appointment at Pioneer Memorial Church, I served as a senior pastor for the Shenandoah Valley Academy campus church in New Market, Virginia.

During my tenure there, I worked to replicate in Shenandoah Valley Academy the blessing I experienced through Adventist education, including at Walla Walla. Adventist education saved my life. At a time when my home life was in chaos, I found peace and stability in the classroom with teachers that cared about me. Walla Walla College provided a transformative place for me to explore and learn about Christ. I wanted the same for the students at Shenandoah

Valley Academy. With faith and a lot of difficult, focused work, we were able to bring the school back from near closure to a healthy enrollment.

I shared about the positive changes we made at Shenandoah and my beliefs about how we can transform Adventist education in my book, How to Kill Adventist Education (And How to Give It a Fighting Chance!) (Review and Herald, 2009).

To briefly summarize, I believe that to revive our schools, we should be both academically and spiritually excellent. We shouldn’t have to choose between the two. We should have top-notch academic programs to the best of our ability—and, our number one priority must be to establish our students in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

I would love for Walla Walla and for all our institutions to be Christ-centered, faithfully Adventist, overflowing, academically excellent places, and I’m doing the best in my new context here at Andrews University to see that happen. I’ve witnessed God’s plan come together repeatedly over and over and over again. Our task and privilege is to trust that He will guide.

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PHOTO: DANIEL WEBER

Because of the strength of that initial call, I have always felt that whatever happens with my career is clearly up to Him."

Shane Anderson now serves as the lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church, on the campus of Andrews University.

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Alumni Currents

Staying in touch with our family of graduates

ALUMNI CURRENTS // RICHMAN SIANSMBI ’07

Seizing a chance “I

Richman Siansmbi's graduation as a mechanical engineer from WWU was made possible by a scholarship through Ford Motor Company. “Without that support, I would not have made it through college,” reflects Siansmbi. His journey to the United States would not have been feasible without this opportunity. So he seized it: “My education at WWU was a miracle. It was a blessing that I had that scholarship because I didn't have to work too hard outside school to pay my tuition.”

While these humble beginnings were a roadblock, Siansmbi gained a beautiful perspective on the resources that are available to students at WWU. He says, “There are students here that have so many opportunities and privileges. They just don’t utilize what they have to their full potential. People might not see the opportunity

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that’s right in front of them.”

Siansmbi now owns Digital Scan 3D, a successful engineering consulting company that aims to provide clients with quality assurance of their products through reverse engineering. With offices in both Portland and Seattle, Digital Scan 3D has done work with Boeing, Intel, Nike, Ford, General Motor Company, and others.

Siansmbi worked hard in his years post-graduation; at times working two full-time jobs plus conducting his own research for what would become Digital Scan 3D. Siansmbi encourages current students to go the extra mile and take advantage of all the opportunities that WWU offers them— research projects, internships, and technology. While in university, students have the opportunity to master the skill of working on a team. Siansmbi has learned from experience in the

workplace that being able to work well on a team is one of the best predictors of success in the engineering field.

Siansmbi at Digital Scan 3D has even been able to give a few WWU students internships and jobs post-grad.

School teaches you how to think, but solving problems in the real world is always a little bit different.

“I think most people have

the potential and if they are determined to, they have a goal and they want to achieve it, I think it’s achievable through God’s help. As long as they put in their time and they are honest and they are faithful, I believe that anything is possible.”

PHOTO: COURTESY OF RICHMAN SIANSMBI

was born in Zambia, Africa. I came from a poor family where, although we didn't struggle to eat food, I was disadvantaged. I did not even know how to use a computer. There weren’t computers at the school I attended. But I was determined, and I came here.”

The

Walla Walla University Fund

makes a difference.

Ashly “I believe WWU tries their best for each of their students to succeed here.”

Katie “Walla Walla University got me to believe in a future where I could thrive regardless of my circumstances.”

Lucy “Visiting Walla Walla University for U-days sealed the deal because I was able to experience the community atmosphere.”

Support students like these, and make your gift today at wallawalla.edu/give.

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31

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

Walla Walla University 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324

Paid WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY

See you there!

Upcoming events to note on your calendar

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 8

JANUARY 25–27

FEBRUARY 23, 24

The WWU Department of Music will present its annual Christmas Concert with performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Join us in person or online.

Both performances will be live streamed at wallawalla.edu/ concert.

More than 20 high school and academy basketball teams will be on campus for the annual Friendship Tournament. Join us to cheer on your favorite teams and to reconnect with friends old and new!

Visit wallawalla.edu/ friendship to learn more.

We're headed to Southern California!

Reconnect with Walla Walla University friends and fellow alumni at multiple events in Redlands and Loma Linda, California. Visit wallawalla.edu/homecoming to learn more.

MARCH 7-9 AND APRIL 7-9 Check out WWU during U-Days! High school students from throughout the Northwest (in March) and across the country (in April) will visit for events planned to introduce them to college life at WWU. Register by Feb. 14 for the March event and by March 14 for the April event. Learn more at wallawalla.edu/udays.

Master of Social Work graduate Virginia Avery '22 shares about the unique experience of completing her master's during the COVID-19 pandemic and the family she found at WWU. 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.

PHOTO: GIANNI PAQUINI

For local alumni and friends, we would love to have you join us for the Steel Band concert at 7 p.m. This performance is full of festive fun and will be held in the Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center.