Westwind, Fall 2019

A safe haven for kids

Shining our light

The Ojedas find their dream jobs p. 12

The WWU annual report p. 16

THE MAGAZINE OF WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY FALL 2019

Essence of Courage

Rich Tyler puts community and compassion at the heart of his work P. 28

Walla Walla University

Celebrating art, service, and a time-honored space If you attended WWC/WWU, you are invited to join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Village Hall, 60 years of student missions, and 50 years of art majors. Special reunions will be held for art majors, honor-year classes, anyone who participated in drama productions, and for those who served as student missionaries. The weekend will officially begin on Thursday evening with the alumni homecoming banquet. Other weekend events will include PRISM vespers, the annual golf tournament, honor class reunions and photos, seminars by faculty and alumni, and more!

Honor Years: 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2010

Plan to attend! For more information, go to wallawalla.edu/homecoming or call Alumni and Advancement Services at (800) 377-2586.

As part of his work as principal at Holbrook Indian School, Pedro Ojeda ’88 takes students mountain biking near Zion National Park.

FEATURE // HIS KIDS // P. 12

“As the students start to heal, it makes it easier for them to learn.”

—Anita Ojeda ’87

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News from across campus

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Adventists and visual media

From the president

THE MAGAZINE OF WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY // FALL 2019

12 16

PHOTO: JOSEF KISSINGER

About the cover

During his 21 years as a firefighter in Portland, Oregon, Rich Tyler ’93 has found that his commitment to making positive contributions to his community started at WWU. PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN AULICK

Westwind Fall 2019, Volume 38, 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 in December 2019. © 2019 by Walla Walla University. Mail Westwind, 204 S. College Ave., College Place, WA 99324.

E-mail westwind@wallawalla.edu Telephone (509) 527-2363 Toll-free (800) 541-8900 Online westwind.wallawalla.edu Editor Kim Strobel Staff writers Kiersten Ekkens and Makena Horton Design L/Bailey Design

College Avenue

Lynelle Ellis reveals findings from her doctoral research

Superstar students How two alumni are changing the lives of Native American students in Arizona

Blazing forward

Four students share how alumni are supporting their goals for bright futures

Alumni Currents 24

24 AlumNotes, 27 In Memory

FROM THE PRESIDENT

A laboratory for grace As the Christmas season descends on the campuses of Walla Walla University, the pace slackens a bit and an opportunity to reflect emerges.

For me, some convictions about the mission of Walla Walla University come to the fore—especially how the social and political context in which we live provides a wonderful opportunity for Seventh-day Adventist higher education.

It also offers significant hazards. for Seventh-day Adventist higher education? This is a moment when the control tactics used by Christian education in the past no longer function well. This means that in pursuing our mission we must adopt new strategies, drawing students into internalized choices about values and ultimate truth. These strategies fit far better with the gospel and offer a true moment of opportunity.

There is also grand opportunity on the wider stage of our social and political contexts. The world has never needed a good example of Christian community more than it does today.

Seventh-day Adventist higher education has a great deal to offer here. Embedded in a highly diverse religious community, Adventist institutions offer a microcosm of our increasingly diverse world, a marvelous laboratory for God’s grace. Paul imagines that “through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10, ESV). As we offer respect to each other amidst our differences, valuing every person as “created in the image of God as a being of inestimable value and worth, imbued with powers of intelligence, stewardship, and creativity akin to those of the Creator,” we can find the way forward for our fractured world and add real, intellectual value to the important conversations of our time.

This Christmastide, I thank you for being part of the peerless mission of Seventh-day Adventist higher education and for your prayers and support for Walla Walla University.

Cordially, John McVay President

FIND MORE NEWS ABOUT WWU AT WALLAWALLA.EDU/NEWS.

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PHOTO: CHRIS DRAKE

Chief among these hazards is a virulent culture that preaches its values 24/7/365. One of the volumes in my little collection of old Seventh-day Adventist books is an early 20th century edition of James Edson White’s The Coming King, which catalogs signs of Christ’s soon return. On one page is a line drawing of a movie theater of the time, which carries the alliterative caption, “The character of many of the movies is a menace to morals.” (You might consider this in the context of Lynelle Ellis’s thoughtful reflections on visual media in this edition of Westwind!). What would Adventists of yesteryear make of the fact that most of us carry the theater in our pockets, and all of us—Walla Walla University students included—have ready access to the values of a world gone astray? In spite of our very best efforts, will the mission of WWU be fulfilled in the lives of students … and faculty, staff, and alumni as well? Not without the power of the risen, ascended, and exalted Jesus being expressed in our midst.

Another significant hazard is that the mission of WWU will be co-opted by any—or all—of the urgent agendas of our time. Heresy has been defined as “truth out of balance.” The educational mission of WWU is not an insular one. Our mission statement speaks of “careful instruction and open inquiry.” We believe that the times require broad learning and exhaustive research.

There is much to be learned in this world of ours and much to be learned from it. However, the exalted Christ must ever reign supreme. Heresy is a threat. No political or social agenda, whatever its stripe, should compete with the values of the gospel and the claims of Christ on our hearts and lives. None of the pressing issues of our time, however urgent and attractive, should take the place of our paramount, shared commitment to Christ.

In all the troubled context of our day, where is the opportunity

College Avenue The latest from across campus

How do you see the world?

Joel Libby ’04, chair of the WWU Department of Art, continues to create paintings in rich, vibrant color schemes.

Libby’s work has been featured in galleries across the country, including WWU’s own Clyde and Mary Harris Art Gallery.

Find more of Libby’s work at joellibby.com.

Westwind Fall 2019

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College Avenue The latest from across campus

Archaeological studies Washburn research informs teaching methods

Jody Washburn is pictured here in Israel photographing the Beit Lei inscriptions.

imaging techniques involving a fixed camera position and multiple light angles. Like the photography technique, which integrates multiple photographs into a composite image, Washburn’s research involves integrative analysis of ancient inscriptions in their socio-cultural contexts.

The contextual and integrative nature of Washburn’s research has increasingly impacted the way she approaches her general education religion courses. For example, in Biblical Archaeology students are asked to write a short biography of an artifact, researching the origin of the raw material, the techniques used to produce the artifact, the trade routes over which it may have been carried, how it was used, and ultimately how it ended up in the location where it was then discovered thousands of years later by archaeologists interested in the world of the Bible. Through this project, students learn to think like an archaeologist and to approach material—be that textual or archaeological—from multiple angles in order to ensure their conclusions are fair and nuanced.

A paper by Washburn titled “The Family Tomb as an Inscribed Artifact: Toward an Integrative Analysis of the Beit Lei Inscriptions” was published this year in MAARAV: A Journal for the Study of the Northwest Semitic Languages and Literature.

Stronger together

WWU recognized for exceptional campus diversity Walla Walla University is ranked No. 135 out of 2,238 colleges and universities in the United States for diversity. This puts WWU in the top 10% of all schools in the U.S. WWU earned this ranking by having one

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of the most diverse student populations in the country with respect to race, age, gender, and geographic origin. WWU improved its ranking position 26 places over the previous year’s ranking of 161.

WWU is also ranked No. 3 for diversity out of 42 colleges in Washington state. This puts WWU in the top 5% of all colleges in the state.

The rankings were provided by College

IWASA JOINS STUDENT LIFE TEAM AS DEAN OF STUDENTS

D

AVID IWASA ’90 has joined the Walla Walla University Student Life team as the new assistant vice president for Student Life and dean of students. In this position, Iwasa will serve as advisor for the Associated Students of Walla Walla University, will lead in the development of campus initiatives that promote overall student well-being, and will help oversee the university judicial system.

Iwasa joins the WWU staff with 19 years of experience in student life, most recently at Andrews University where he was director of university housing and conventions/guest services, as well as Graduate Student Association sponsor. He has also served as an academy dean and vice principal and has held positions in accounting, management, and administration.

“David brings to Walla Walla University a passion for Adventist education, a deep love for students, and years of experience in residential life and higher education,” said Doug Tilstra, vice president for Student Life. “His generous spirit, seasoned faith, thoughtful engagement with tough issues, and love for helping students find and express their fullest and beautiful potential are fully aligned with the core values of WWU.”

Factual, which analyzed the age, gender, race, and location of origin of each school’s student population. The greater the variety, the higher a college ranks.

“Walla Walla University has been on an important journey, one that brings focus to our mission statement, which affirms that ‘every person is created in the image

of God as a being of inestimable value and worth,’” said John McVay, WWU president. “Viewed through that lens, Walla Walla University celebrates and cultivates diversity as a sacred calling.”

Learn more about diversity at WWU at

wallawalla.edu/ diversity.

READ WESTWIND ONLINE: WESTWIND.WALLAWALLA.EDU

PHOTOS: VLADIMIR NAIKHIM, CHRIS DRAKE

J

ody Washburn ’05, assistant professor of Hebrew and biblical studies at Walla Walla University, has long been fascinated by the study of Scripture in its ancient context. As part of her doctoral work at the University of California, Los Angeles, Washburn took new photographs of several tomb inscriptions using reflectance transformation

WWU ALUMNI

Let us help you stay connected!

The WWU alumni office offers services to help alumni reconnect with WWU friends.

Attend homecoming weekend and regional alumni events hosted by the WWU alumni office to reconnect and make new memories.

Enjoy affordable overnight stays in Havstad Alumni Center guest rooms and access to the WWU fitness center and pool with an alumni ID card.

Leave your mark for posterity in the Administration Building belfry where alumni have been signing their names since 2014.

PHOTOS: CHRIS DRAKE, BRANDON HILL

Receive three issues of Westwind each year highlighting alumni and campus news.

Use the WWU Career Network for résumé updates, job searches, and to help launch a student career.

Visit collegecentral.com/ wallawallauniversity.

For more information, visit wallawalla.edu/

alumni.

Biblical scholars contribute to new

Garo Hills project

NIV STUDY BIBLE

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RECENTLY RELEASED study Bible features editorial commentary from four biblical scholars connected to Walla Walla University.

The Andrews Study Bible New International Version was released in September by Andrews University Press as a follow-up to their New King James Version, which was released in 2010.

The study Bible includes commentary from 1 / Jon Dybdahl, former WWU president and professor emeritus of biblical studies; 2 / John McVay, current WWU president and professor of theology; 3 / Zdravko Stefanovic, former WWU professor of biblical studies; and 4 / Pedrito Maynard-Reid, WWU assistant to the president for diversity and professor of biblical studies and missiology.

Dybdahl, who was general editor of the NKJV Study Bible, also oversaw any necessary adjustments related to the recently released NIV Study Bible.

The Andrews Study Bible was the first scholarly Seventhday Adventist study Bible to be produced. The study Bible includes more than 12,000 study notes written by an international group of Bible scholars and theologians.

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Engineering students visit school in India as part of EWB project Two engineering students from Walla Walla University traveled to Riverside Adventist Academy in India in September with the WWU chapter of Engineers Without Borders. Along with their faculty sponsor, Melodie Selby ’86, associate professor of engineering, the group spent 13 days helping the school with a variety of projects.

They started the process of building an incinerator, filmed promotional video footage for RAA, and assessed the status of the roof on the girls’ dormitory.

“A highlight of the trip was interacting with the students,” said Eric Welch, senior mechanical engineering major. “Building relationships and networking with the locals was the most important part of the trip.”

WWU has been involved with RAA for almost a decade helping with projects related to sanitation, water purification, architectural design, and more.

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Learn more about EWB at WWU and about future EWB projects at ewb-wwu.org.

NEW FACULTY WWU welcomes five new faculty for the 2019–20 academic year From left: Kendrick Mensink ’12, visiting assistant professor of engineering; Christine Janis, assistant professor of music; Conna Bond, associate professor of business; Jonathan Spracklen ’17, instructor of technology; and Frank Fabian, assistant professor of chemistry.

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College Avenue The latest from across campus

BY THE NUMBERS

Women in ministry

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Partnering to keep student debt low

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ALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY is intensifying its focus on helping students and their families avoid or minimize debt.

The average educational debt for WWU students has been 16% below the national average, and the number of WWU students who graduate debt-free is on the rise. For the last 10 years, WWU has held tuition increases around 2%—less than half of the national average of 5% per year.

WWU encourages students to get the most from grants, scholarships, and work programs, and only then to consider student loans. WWU offers substantial scholarships, which don’t have to be paid back, such as for academic achievement (up to $48,000 over four years), out-of-area grant (up to $8,000 over four years), and church match (dollar-for-dollar match up to $2,000 each year).

WWU also has a generous need-based aid program and a robust work program that helps students get jobs on and off campus. Students who work full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year can reduce debt by up to $32,000 over four years.

WWU has also increased efforts to counsel students about debt, including monitoring debt levels, helping identify debt-reduction strategies, and encouraging students to index debt levels to future earnings based on their field of study.

The WWU student For more strategies success and retention proto keep costs grams can help students down, call a graduate in four years— WWU financial students who graduate counselor at (800) in five years can see an 656-2815 or visit payforwwu.com. increase in costs by 26%.

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Number of women majoring in theology, religion, or biblical studies at WWU during the 2019–20 academic year (This number has doubled since 2012.)

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Faculty in the WWU School of Theology who are women

38

Percentage of theology, religion, or biblical studies majors graduating from WWU in 2019 who are women

50

Percentage of pastors at the University Church who are women

Find more WWU news wallawalla.edu/ news.

books sites Reading and browsing recommendations from our experts

Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service The Disney Institute with Theodore Kinni (Disney Enterprises, Inc., 2001)

Disney is magical, uplifting, encouraging, and extraordinary.

Be Our Guest is a short and sweet overview of how Disney creates a magical environment for everyone they encounter with an expectation for customer service that is unheard of elsewhere. They create an atmosphere of happiness and ease not only through their employees but in every little detail of your experience with Disney including elements you may never consciously recognize. It’s a great reminder that each of us can care for others in a way that can make a wonderfully positive impact on their days or lives with just a single encounter.

That is a goal worth striving for.

—Melissa Rae ’05, director for recruitment

Man’s Search for Meaning

By Viktor E. Frankl (Beacon Press, 2006)

While in college I had a conversation with one of my professors about what things I could control in life.

I contended that my attitude was beyond my control, dictated by circumstances. He handed me a book and quoted from it, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl’s account of his experience in the concentration camps of WWII is unlike any other.

I have chosen my attitude carefully, knowing that it is the only thing that I can control.

—Karen Murcia, Advancement officer

illustration by CHRIS GASH

From the Archives

If memory serves

’62

Rivalry!

PHOTO: WWU ARCHIVES

Long before WWU had the more robust athletic program it has today, the Sonnenberg basketball series was an outlet for the mostly friendly rivalry between dormitory and village students.

The series was named in memory of Henry Louis Sonnenberg (seen at left), a 6′5″ German teacher and academic dean at WWU from 1938 to 1954.

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Faculty in First Person

Lynelle Ellis Associate professor of communication

A deep dive into Adventist views on visual media reveals tenacious beliefs about the importance of careful media consumption

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WAS TOLD THAT if I went into a movie theater my guardian angel would stay outside.” This comment describes the experience of thousands of Seventh-day Adventists who were told that movie theaters were a bad place to go and off-limits for the true Christian.

The idea may sound surprising to the general population, but it’s one Adventists are familiar with.

There has been long-standing tension between visual entertainment and the Christian church that crosses denominations. Adventists and their relationships with movies are a part of that story. Where and how were such beliefs and practices about visual entertainment introduced and perpetuated within our denomination?

Why do some Adventists maintain such beliefs within our highly mediated current society? These are questions I set out to answer with research for my doctoral dissertation, “Seventh-day Adventists and the Movies: An Historical and Contemporary Exploration of the Conflict between Christianity and Visual Media.”

Adventists as a group historically approached movies in much the same way as many other Christian faith traditions. When movies were a new art form in the early to mid-1900s (Angly, 1934), many Christian groups and individual leaders expressed concern. The early cautions of Adventist church leaders regarding movies were very similar to the warnings given by leaders of the Methodist denomination, for example. There was concern that movies and such entertainment were a “worldly distraction from higher things” and would “dull the spiritual sensitivities” (Berckman, 1980).

What perhaps sets Adventists apart is the tenacity with which we have clung to the early taboos about movies and attendance at movie theaters. Early admonitions about the theater (stage productions) by Ellen White were certainly influential, but my research showed that White never wrote that our angels would not go into the theater with us even though many Adventists probably thought her to be the source of this widespread idea. The most closely related statement by White speaks of thoughtful consideration for places where a husband might take his family for entertainment. In The Signs of the Times, White wrote: “A great responsibility rests upon the husband—house-band—to bind the household together, by the ties

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For her doctoral research, Lynelle Ellis ’90 reviewed all published work by the Adventist church on visual media.

of kindness, love, and harmony. … When about to accompany his wife and children to the theater or the ball-room, let the professed Christian ask himself, Can I seek God’s blessing upon the scene of pleasure?

Would my master be a guest at such a place? Will angels minister to me there?” (White, 1882, n.p.)

The more apparent influence in the church related to movies came from Francis M. Wilcox, editor of the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald from 1911 to 1944, whose warnings put the Adventist church in the position of essentially forbidding movie-watching for members. Wilcox presented a rigid viewpoint related to movies and influenced his readership through a series of editorials on the topic. While his views changed over time from being concerned about the film medium itself to greater concern

READ WESTWIND ONLINE: WESTWIND.WALLAWALLA.EDU

What perhaps sets Adventists apart is the tenacity with which we have clung to the early taboos about movies and attendance at movie theaters.”

about the content of movies, the writings of Wilcox were significantly influential during his lifetime—and even, to some extent, today.

Wilcox’s death in 1945, on the eve of the arrival of television in the homes of Americans, may have contributed to the more casual way Adventists approached the use of television. His clear-cut warnings and guidelines relative to movies were absent when television arrived on the scene. As Adventists sorted out their own perspectives on television, including its relationship to their faith, church leadership mostly ignored the topic (Strayer, 1993). In general television was much more widely accepted among Adventists than movies and movie theater attendance had been.

Gradually visual entertainment made its way into the lives of many, if not most, Adventists. With the addition of VCRs and DVD players many Adventists began watching movies at home, and the old admonitions about avoiding movies by staying away from theaters seemed outdated and even a double standard. This led to a relaxation in practice related to movies and movie theaters by many Adventists, although the official stance of the church—no movies, no attendance at movie theaters—remained unchanged until 2010 (Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual,

photograph by CHRIS DRAKE

2010). In the past 10 to 20 years, Adventists have been increasingly exposed to content that may not be supportive of Christian faith and spiritual growth.

Most Adventists, as revealed in the interviews I conducted for my dissertation research, seem to be mostly unaware of how the church came to its early understanding of movies. There has been dissatisfaction among Adventists over perceived double standards related to watching movies at the theater versus watching them at home or at other venues.

The reluctance of church leaders to address issues related to movies and other visual entertainment during the past several decades has left members charting their own courses. Some have held tenaciously to the old warnings, some have tried to find a principle-based middle ground, and some have thrown out the old cautions entirely.

My study illuminated a need for further media literacy education among Adventists. As a group, we seem to have held onto a strict perspective of the necessity of abstinence from movies much longer than many other Christian groups. Without good tools for discernment or critical analysis of media content, we followed early admonitions of church leaders almost blindly for generations and then quite dramatically threw out much of their guidance. Many young Adventists seem to embrace movies and other visual media without much discernment and with little concern about potential media effects. There is a need for communication and biblically based training to equip Adventists to relate to and use visual media—including movies—in a truly Christian manner.

Angly, E. (1934). Boycott threat is forcing movie clean-up. Literary Digest, July 7. • Berckman, E.M. (1980). The changing attitudes of Protestant churches to movies and television. Encounter, 41(3), 293-306. • Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (18th ed.). (2010).

Secretariat General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Retrieved from http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Resources/Church Manuals/CM2010.pdf • Strayer, B.E. (1993). Adventists & movies: A century of change. Dialogue, 5(1). 12-15.

Learn more about the WWU master’s degree in cinema, religion, and worldview at

wallawalla.edu/CRW.

Westwind Fall 2019

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Outdoor School at HIS is an effective teaching tool for Anita Ojeda’s English and history classes.

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When they were students together at WWU Pedro and Anita Ojeda never would have guessed they were

being prepared for dream jobs

they didn’t even know they wanted.

By Emily Huso ’17

Westwind Fall 2019

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OOKING BACK AT THE past 30 years, Pedro ’88 and Anita (Strawn) Ojeda ’87 can see how, through a variety of twists and turns, joys and adversities, God prepared them for their current work supporting Native American youth as educators at Holbrook Indian School (HIS).

HIS is a first- through 12th-grade boarding school just south of the Navajo Nation in Arizona that serves the local Native American community.

HIS students represent as many as nine different tribes. Operated by the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the school aims to improve every dimension of student wellness, including mental, academic, physical, and spiritual. “Our goal is to help kids find wholeness in the different areas of their lives,” says Anita, who teaches English and history at the school.

As Pedro, the school’s principal, puts it, the mission of HIS is to combat the effects of abuse, poverty, and generational trauma in the community by “providing a safe haven for Native American students while introducing them to their creator and best friend, Jesus.”

ABOVE: One HIS Pedro’s and Anita’s experiences at WWU helped lay student described the foundation for the important work they do at HIS. working with horses Pedro studied business administration and developed in the Horsemanship a strong work ethic in his job on the college farm.

Program as “peaceful, While Anita­—who majored in history and Spanish— silent, and safe.” TOP RIGHT: Principal Pedro didn’t decide to be a teacher until her senior year, she Ojeda takes breaks developed research skills and an interest in culture from administrative that she would later use in her work in education. work to connect with When they got married in 1988 it was the beginning of elementary school stua 30-year partnership that both consider instrumental dents. BOTTOM RIGHT: Test scores are on to their growth as educational leaders. the rise at HIS in both By the time Pedro graduated, Anita had finished math and reading. her undergraduate degree and was enrolled at Washington State University on a scholarship to study bilingual, bicultural education. When she received a call to teach at Calexico Mission School (CMS) they packed up their few belongings and moved to Calexico, California, not far from the Mexico border.

During their six years at CMS, Pedro discovered an unexpected passion for education when he began serving as a substitute teacher at CMS. Less than a year later, when a position as business manager and vice principal opened at the school, Pedro was selected for the job. “I absolutely loved it,” he says.

That experience was the inspiration for his dream to one day be a principal.

With a newfound sense of direction, the Ojedas moved so that Pedro could pursue a degree in education at the University of Nevada, Reno. As he completed his student teaching, Anita picked up a master’s degree in English and began teaching English as a Second Language in the public-school system. By then, the Ojeda family had expanded to include two young daughters. Not long after, they answered a call to return to the Pacific Northwest where Anita taught at Mt. Ellis Academy and Pedro at Mt. Ellis Elementary in Montana.

Less than a year after their move Pedro was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In June 2002 the cancer went into remission, only to be followed by a relapse. The cancer had spread to his brain.

“That was the worst year of my life, to date,” Pedro says. During those dark months the Ojedas leaned heavily on their faith and on each other.

While Pedro focused on resting and healing, Anita devoted her energies to caretaking. The whole family prayed for a miracle.

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After a year of treatment and a stem cell transplant in January 2003, Pedro made a miraculous recovery. With a new lease on life and eager to return to the classroom, he applied for new teaching positions in the area. Despite his strong reputation in the community, no doors opened for him to teach again. He gave up on education and decided to work in construction, little knowing how valuable this twist would be for his future.

During this time, Pedro developed trade skills and gained firsthand experience with life lessons, such as the patience it takes to work with different kinds of people and the perseverance needed to do manual labor in harsh conditions. After several years in the construction industry, however, a number of setbacks redirected him back to his calling in education.

In 2008, the housing market crashed, and one by one Pedro’s job opportunities disappeared. “God just kept shutting doors,” he says. It became clear to him that he needed to heed God’s voice. “That day, I said, ‘God, I’ve given up on education, but today I’m recommitting.”

Pedro finished his requirements for an Adventist administrator credential and began applying for principal positions. He interviewed for the position at Holbrook Indian School and was offered the job. Once more, the Ojedas found themselves preparing for a big move, this time from Montana to Arizona.

THE DREAM JOB In their first year at Holbrook, Pedro and Anita found that many of the school structures were in desperate need of renovation. “The buildings were put together with band-aids and matchsticks,” Pedro recalls. More importantly, the Ojedas learned that Holbrook kids were not succeeding academically. The students were

PHOTO PREVIOUS SPREAD: JOSEF KISSINGER

TWISTS AND TURNS

PHOTOS ABOVE: JOSEF KISSINGER, RUSTY MCKEE, ALYSSA WILLIAMS

The use of the word “Indian” in the name of Holbrook Indian School has been the subject of debate.

AlterCaption about natives, such where she is tktktk tktk tktkkt cust as Holbrook landusa nisimus Indigenous a cor am, omnisin School or Holrem brook Intertribal School, have been proposed but were met with similar opposition, as these terms are not considered wholly correct either. For now, the name remains.

testing three to nine grade levels below the national average in math and reading. To Pedro, these academic struggles pointed to a greater underlying need: the need for psychological counseling.

“About 98% of our students have experienced trauma or suffer from the effects of generational trauma,” Anita says. Indeed, the statistics within the Native American population paint a grim picture. Studies show that one in three Native women are raped or suffer sexual abuse. Of those who die by suicide, 40% are between the ages of 15 and 24. Nearly half the population never graduates from high school, and only eight out of 100 obtain a college degree. More than 50% of the population live at or below the poverty line. To Pedro, it was clear that the students’ mental health needs must be addressed first and foremost.

School administrators started by hiring one counselor; now there are two.

“As the students start to heal, it makes it easier for them to learn,” Anita says.

“And as academics become easier, they gain more self-confidence because they’re doing better in school and catching up to their non-Native peers.”

One of Anita’s first projects was to help raise the students’ grade levels by implementing Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math programs. Having used these programs in the past, Anita was confident that this change would help HIS students advance. Her instinct proved correct. Each year since the new systems have been implemented, the students have improved incrementally. “We actually have four kids in calculus for the first time ever at this school,” Anita says. With higher than ever standardized test scores, HIS students are meeting and exceeding graduation requirements for the first time.

To further support well-rounded education, Pedro and Anita have poured their energies into other projects, including a Garden-to-Plate Program, athletic program, and Outdoor School. Pedro’s construction experience from his time in Montana was helpful with an initiative to restart the Garden-to-Plate Program in the school’s five greenhouses. The program allows students to grow much of the produce served in the school cafeteria.

Pedro has also supported the start of an athletic program with a focus on physical fitness and teamwork. Observing how much the kids enjoyed riding the school’s ragtag, run-down bicycles, Pedro appealed for donations for new bicycles. With these donations, he purchased 10 new bikes and began taking students on mountain bike trips in nearby Sedona, Show Low, and Flagstaff. “Our students have never done anything like this until they go with me,” says Pedro. “It teaches them so much character, so much leadership, and so much about themselves.” Meanwhile, Anita organized Outdoor School for the students, taking them on trips to locations including the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Kodachrome Basin.

Anita has also started projects such as the Navajo Long Walk and Voices of Native Youth to provide opportunities for students to learn more about Native American history and to help regain their voices. For the Navajo Long Walk, Anita and her class retrace the path the Navajos took on their two-month forced march from Navajo land in Arizona to Fort Sumner in New Mexico. The students research and plan the trip, which gives them the chance to explore history and to ask whose version of events is recorded in history books. “I always ask them, ‘Who’s left out of telling the story? What do we need to discover so that we have a fuller picture?’” Anita says.

In an effort to give her students a platform to express their perspectives on issues that matter to them, Anita started a blog called Voices of Native Youth. As part of their culminating work for history and English classes, the students write and publish essays on the blog about a wide range of topics such as cultural appropriation in Halloween costumes or the difficulties of breaking the cycle of poverty.

With HIS students now meeting graduation requirements, Pedro and Anita’s next priority is to prepare them to take the next step toward higher education. To this end, as part of their senior class trip, the students visit prospective college campuses, including WWU. The visits expose students to life on a college campus and connect them with resources that can help them be successful when they attend. Anita believes that at WWU her students will find the welcoming environment that she and Pedro enjoyed when they attended.

“Walla Walla is kind of like family,” Anita says, recalling all the people at WWU who went out of their way to help her and Pedro succeed years ago. The caring family environment they enjoyed at WWU is one that both she and Pedro are committed to creating for the students at HIS. “We have kids around Friday nights for cookies, we hang out with them, we try to do life with them,” Anita says. The Ojedas believe HIS students are as capable as any other students in the world, and they are dedicated to supporting the success of HIS kids. “I haven’t looked at one principal position post since I’ve been here,” Pedro says. “I am here until God makes it clear to me that He wants me to move on. These kids are worth it.”

Learn more about the work at HIS at holbrookindianschool.org.

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Rebekah Fink Junior, biology major Recipient of the

DONALD W. RIGBY BIOLOGY AWARD and the

SEIBLY FAMILY AWARD

Dear Donor, Thank you so much for your generous gift that is helping to provide me with the education I need to achieve my dreams!

I am studying to be a marine biologist and have always had a passion for the water. I hope to do several things in my professional career, including work at an aquarium, conduct research, and give underprivileged kids the opportunity to visit the Pacific Northwest coast and teach them about all the cool sea life in a hands-on way. I am unsure how my last goal will unfold, but I have the idea that a summer camp setting might work well to accomplish this.

I was blessed to have spent the 2018-19 school year working as a student missionary, which provided me with invaluable experiences. I have worked as a nurse in clinics in Peru, done Bible work in Spanish, put on nightly meetings for kids whose parents are attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and worked as a teacher’s aide during my year as a student missionary, but I am so excited to resume my marine science studies at WWU. I will also be starting a new undergraduate research project this coming school year and am looking forward to it with anticipation.

Without your help, it would be significantly more difficult to get through my schooling and then recover from student loans after university, so to you I am grateful! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely, Rebekah

The WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REPORT for 2018–2019

Shining

Light “The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.”

—JOHN 1:5, THE MESSAGE

A

T WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY, learning takes place

within a framework of faith. Faculty and staff work to foster the unique gifts of every individual within a closeknit Christian community. During this Christmas season, as we celebrate the advent of our Savior—the Light of the World—we take stock of our blessings, which include you, WWU alumni and friends. Thank you for your faithful support of WWU and the mission of this unique university, and thank you for letting your light shine! photographs by CHRIS DRAKE

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17

Shining Light 2018–2019 ANNUAL REPORT

A community of faith and discovery Excellence in thought.

• WWU students consistently score above national averages on standardized Major Field Tests.

• Our partnership with Adventist Colleges Abroad provides language-learning opportunities at 11 locations around the world.

• Faculty expand learning to the world outside the classroom through field education, design competitions, lab research, art shows, student teaching, studio work, and study tours around the world.

Borders has completed more than seven international projects, including designing and building schools and water systems in Africa, Central America, India, and South America.

• The WWU Center for Humanitarian Engagement organizes community-wide service initiatives and develops opportunities for service locally and globally.

Beauty in expression.

• One in 10 students serve as student missionaries.

• Artistic expression at WWU brings together human creativity, appreciation of beauty, and scholarly study.

Art speaks to our souls and enhances our worship of God.

• In the last 10 years the WWU chapter of Engineers Without

• Notable scientists, poets, philosophers, historians,

Generosity in service.

THANK YOU!

sociologists, and writers speak on campus to celebrate beauty in the disciplines of careful thought, reasoning, word craft, and the spoken word.

• More than 45 campus clubs provide opportunities for growth and expression.

Faith in God. • A team of student ministry leaders facilitates more than a dozen worship opportunities each week.

• Religion classes are an integral part of the general studies curriculum.

• Our patterns of study and work cease each week for Sabbath rest as we enjoy relationships with family and friends and renew our devotion to God.

2018–19 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 four core themes, from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, alumni and other friends of the university gave gifts totaling

$11,856,753.

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Gateway Award

Mountain Ash Award

Orange and Green Award

Special Mention

Highest total giving by class

Highest class participation

Most improved participation

CLASS OF 1961

CLASS OF 1958

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

Congratulations, class of 1961!

Your gifts in 2018–19 represent an 851% increase over 2017–18.

participation rate

$1,003,475

29.5%

The class of 1958 takes home the Mountain Ash Award for the second year in a row and nearly doubles their total gifts from last year. Nice work!

CLASS OF 2009

4. 9%

participation rate

The class of 2009 takes this award for the second year in a row, topping their participation rate from last year by an increase of 1.4%.

CLASS OF 1949

5. 2%

improvement from last year

Thank you for your continued generosity, class of 1949!

Kyle Malaguit Junior, electrical engineering major Recipient of the

EDWARD F. CROSS SCHOLARSHIP and the

CLASS OF 1978 SCHOLARSHIP

final retouched image tk

Dear Friend, I am a junior studying electrical engineering, and I have so much to be thankful for. Before coming to Walla Walla University, my family struggled with the idea of sending me to college due to financial constraints. With many prayers and blessings, I was somehow able to come here for school.

Over the course of these past two years, I have undeniably matured as an individual—academically, mentally, and spiritually. I know just how much it took to bring me here and that has helped motivate me to grow. This school, its teachers, students, faculty members, and many others have allowed me to succeed as a student, and as a result, every quarter that I have been here I have made it to either the Dean’s list or Dean’s list of Distinguished Students.

This year I was given the opportunity to be a resident assistant at Sittner Hall, and I have no doubt that this role has helped me grow towards the person that I want to be. Being able to form so many connections with many wonderful people and to be able to create an atmosphere that others can enjoy has been an amazing experience. I want to continue to embody the school culture that I have been able to enjoy so much.

In addition to all that, I know for certain that I have been growing immensely in my walk with Christ. Prior to coming here, I had been raised SDA but had grown up through the public school system. I am extremely glad that I have come here as it has allowed me to grow as a Christian.

You are the reason that I have been able to have these experiences, and I am so very grateful for that.

God bless, Kyle

ALUMNI CLASS GIVING Class year Total giving Participation

1933-1947 $12,564 1948 $620 1949 $4,261 1950 $14,394 1951 $3,329 1952 $768,540 1953 $4,770 1954 $3,355 1955 $1,590 1956 $1,505 1957 $182,198 1958 $22,265 1959 $4,485 1960 $58,746 1961 $1,003,475 1962 $82,915 1963 $7,750 1964 $14,275 1965 $204,776

3.4% 11.5% 12.8% 9.1% 16.1% 10.9% 14.0% 14.8% 22.2% 23.4% 19.5% 29.5% 27.0% 26.2% 22.1% 25.6% 27.1% 19.9% 25.0%

Class year Total giving Participation

Class year Total giving Participation

Class year Total giving Participation

1966 $28,258

20.1%

1984 $9,982

9.4%

2002 $2,823

1967 $6,610

25.2%

1985 $38,480

14.8%

2003 $1,740

3.6%

1968 $40,440

16.7%

1986 $11,605

11.7%

2004 $52,956

4.8%

1969 $14,200

22.6%

1987 $33,515

10.8%

2005 $1,667

5.6%

1970 $58,400

15.3%

1988 $24,325

15.4%

2006 $8,186

5.8%

1971 $5,020

13.2%

1989 $4,755

8.8%

2007 $6,144

4.1%

1972 $4,298

15.1%

1990 $6,208

11.9%

2008 $1,504

2.8%

1973 $19,511

12.4%

1991 $32,737

10.5%

2009 $12,270

4.9%

1974 $133,345

13.5%

1992 $9,695

8.7%

2010 $1,213

2.6%

1975 $11,205

9.2%

1993 $15,481

9.2%

2011 $8,340

0.8%

1976 $20,026

14.1%

1994 $40,150

9.3%

2012 $1,237

2.9%

1977 $11,316

10.0%

1995 $7,796

6.1%

2013 $1,577

2.8%

1978 $20,124

13.2%

1996 $24,135

6.4%

2014 $2,969

1.6%

1979 $42,470

9.5%

1997 $55,875

7.7%

2015 $880

1.7%

1980 $39,657

13.0%

1998 $4,711

3.8%

2016 $5,309

2.5%

1981 $10,468

10.5%

1999 $2,455

3.4%

2017 $875

2.3%

1982 $20,300

9.5%

2000 $7,934

4.9%

2018 $2,396

3.0%

1983 $22,205

14.5%

2001 $8,082

4.2%

2019 $5,147

5.3%

5.6%

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Shining Light 2018–2019 ANNUAL REPORT

LEGACY SOCIETY

Dear Donor,

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

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Stan ’68 and Irene ’70 Hixson Jeanie Hixson ’72 Lloyd* and Lorena ’43 Hoffman Archie Howatson* Delta and Harold* Huber Wynelle Huff* Eunice Johnson Ed ’66 and Marilyn* Karlow Robert ’57 and Peggy ’60 Kaye Susan and Alvin ’34* Kincaid Clarence ’50 and Helen Klopfenstein Mel and Joyce ’73 Lang Bill ’55* and Rose Lay Walter and Luella ’53* Litchfield Sandra Love-Dahl ’62 William ’49* and Edna Mae ’50 Loveless Karen MacIvor Edward ’67 and Ruth ’71 MacKenzie Dan ’57 and Betsy Matthews Marja-Leena McChesney ’91 James McMillan Walt ’62 and Bonnie* Meske David and Florence* Miller 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 Orland* and Joan Ogden Calvin ’50* and Alyse Olson Howard* and Monta Osborne Effie Pampaian ’39 James ’59 and Della ’65* Park Troy ’99 and Renee Patzer Oscar* and Beulah Payne ’52 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

*Deceased prior to June 30, 2019

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

I am a biology and health science major going into my third year at WWU after taking a year to be a student missionary.

Thank you for supporting WWU and providing such a generous scholarship. Your generosity is what makes it possible for students like me to be able to attend WWU. There are so many things about Walla Walla that I love: the campus is beautiful, the professors take time to engage with their students, fellow students are welcoming and friendly, but even more so I know I am getting a great education, and the friendships I make will last a lifetime. I could not have asked for better people to support me in my year abroad. Their letters and calls meant the world to me.

The WWU community really is the best!

My year as a student missionary helped me discover more clearly what I want to do in the future. Upon graduation, I plan to go back out into the mission field and use my degrees to help people in need around the world.

One day, I too plan to support WWU and give someone the opportunities that you have so graciously given me with your support.

Thank you so much for all that you have done and continue to do for the WWU family and for me!

Sincerely, Mikaela

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS These endowed scholarship funds provided $980,702 in scholarships for WWU students during 2018–19 fiscal year. Funds from the new endowed scholarships will begin to be awarded in 2019–20. Your investments today help secure the future success of Walla Walla University and generations of students to come.

»

Anonymous (34) Paul and Patricia ’68 Ackerman James and Barbara Anderson Paul 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 Lester Border Marjorie Bregar Robert ’50 and Treva* Burgess Daryl and Patricia Burghart Merle Calkins Lois Carscallen Sam ’60 and Grace Carvajal Challis Casebolt ’75 Leonard Cason Sue Cason Douglas ’70 and Carmen Clark Bernard* and Margaret ’60* Cook Carlton Cross ’66 Dorothy Curameng Don ’48* and Orletta ’68 Dealy Jon and Kathryn Dybdahl Jim and Vicky Edwards Joyce Engel ’63 Kerry Ferris Allen and Donna Fisher Darius ’06 and Amanda ’05 Fleck 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 Gerald and Orah ’47* Hixson

James M. and Sandra Dassenko ’75 Reilly Avonelle Remboldt ’53 Bob ’62 and Barbara Richards Norton* and Lois ’59 Ritchie-Ritter John ’41* and Kathy ’40 Robertson Nancy Ann Romine ’82 Alberta Roth ’47 Brian ’01 and Trasa ’02 Roth Glenna Ryder Elmar and Darilee Sakala Doyle ’49* and Lorelei ’49 Saxby Robert ’88 and Janelle ’87 Schmidt Roy Schmunk ’50 Gerald and Shirley Schoepflin Don ’49* and Marcella Schwisow Caroline Settlemier Dorothy Smith ’52 Jaclin Smith Samuel and Carol ’67 Smith Ralph ’81 and Franice Stirling Eldon ’48* and Barbara ’49 Stratton Mark ’81* and Dorita ’80 Tessier Everett* and Shirley Tetz Griffith ’57 and Shirley ’60* Thomas Alden ’65 and Wanda ’65 Thompson Kelly Turner ’96 Dennis Vories ’74 Philip and Reid Wasser Ray and Pat Watson Dorothy Weisz ’49 Florene Wells Betty and Melvin West Keith ’78 and Joyce ’78 Wilkens Stephen ’98 and Kelly Wilson Virginia Wilson Tim and Cheri Windemuth Vicki and Gerald Winkle Yew-Chong and Lily Wong Vera Young ’53 Helen Thompson Zolber ’49

Administration Building Maintenance Advancement of Chemical Research at Walla Walla University 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 * NEW! 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 George W. Bowers Excellence in Chemistry Scholarship Boyson Family Communication Scholarship John F. Bregar Memorial Scholarship Burton and Carol Briggs Chemistry Scholarship

2018–19 WWU BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mikaela Gorton

John Freedman, CHAIR Rhona Kwiram, VICE CHAIR John McVay, SECRETARY

Senior, biology and health science double major

MEMBERS

Daniel Bergeron Douglas Bing Andrew Carrington Bryan Clay Lowell Cooper Larry Dodds Stephanie Gates Rena Holland Yvonne Iwasa Monty Knittel Stephen Kreitner Minervino Labrador Jr. Daniel Linrud

Recipient of the

DONALD W. RIGBY BIOLOGY AWARD

Bill McClendon Kevin Miller Joyce Newmyer Todd Pascoe Dennis Plubell David Prest Elden Ramirez Mark Remboldt Paul Rhynard Jaime Rodriguez Terrance Taylor Rodney Wehtje Ron Wilkinson

2018–19 WWU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD Steve Walikonis, CHAIR Jim Kneller, PRESIDENT Brent Stanyer, PRESIDENT-ELECT Giselle Hepker, TREASURER Heidee (Leno) Hanson, SECRETARY Jodi Wagner, VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT, EX OFFICIO

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

Amy Alderman Ben Marson Greg McCulloch

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 1971 Scholarship Class of 1978 Scholarship Class of 1983 Scholarship Class of 1984 Scholarship 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

The average scholarship awarded during the 2018–19 Awards Celebration was

$1,166.

These funds were applied to student accounts during the current school year.

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 Edwards Memorial Scholarship H. Russell and Genevieve Emmerson Memorial Scholarship Engineering Chair Endowment

Teri (Pifer) Richardson Jan Roberts Tom Thompson

Stephen and Margaret Tan Engineering/Computer Science Scholarship 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 Albert E. and Reta J. Graham Memorial Scholarship Grellmann Family Scholarship (continued on page 22)

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21

Dear Donor, Thank you for providing a generous scholarship. Those funds help me to be able to study and achieve my goal here at WWU. I am from Colombia, and as an international student, I don’t get as many scholarships as other students. This contribution helps a lot. Thank you so much.

As a student, I enjoy so many things at WWU. The most important for me is being able to study in an Adventist environment.

I always wanted to study in an Adventist university, and God answered my prayers.

Upon graduation, I plan to use my degree to go to medical school, and after that I want to serve God as a missionary. My family is really thankful for your contribution as well. I would like to meet you guys and keep you in my prayers. I hope, and I know for sure, that God is going to return in many blessings all the goodwill that you guys have done for me.

One day, I plan to support WWU as you have done.

Thank you for providing scholarships for students like me at WWU.

Juan Ruiz

Sophomore, business major, premedicine Recipient of the

ASI NORTHWEST BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP

Sincerely, Juan

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS (continued from page 21)

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 Clyde and Mary Harris Challenge Grant Pauline Hart Memorial Social Work Scholarship Richard and Georgiana Hayden Christian Service Scholarship Rodney Heisler Engineering Scholarship/Grant Robert A. and Solange Henderson Memorial History Scholarship

22

Westwind Fall 2019

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 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 Betty Klein Engineering Scholarship A. H. and Mary Koorenny Memorial Scholarship Robert H. and Thorna Koorenny Scholarship

“When I say that I am extremely thankful for your kindness, it is not just for the monetary kindness, but also for helping me experience God working directly in my life once again.”

—SENIOR, ENGINEERING MAJOR

Kretschmar Hall Maintenance Luella Latham Kretschmar Memorial Scholarship Laura G. Larson Memorial Nursing Scholarship Rudolf and Anna Klimes Learn Well Physical Education Scholarship H. Lloyd Leno Memorial Music Scholarship Lewiston/Clarkston 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 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

Shining Light 2018–2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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.

During the 2018–19 WWU Awards Celebration last April

398

students received scholarships from the endowment funds listed in this annual report.

Music Scholarship Dan and Mary Morrison Necker Scholarship Llewellyn and Vivian Nixon Scholarship Nursing Scholarship Daniel A. Ochs Memorial Theology Scholarship Dr. and Mrs. Howard Osborne Scholarship Blythe Owen Music Scholarship Doreen Paulson-Evans Memorial Scholarship Yvonne Pickett 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

Nieta Adams Theresa Alekel Don Barrett James Barrett Lois Barrett Valerie Bass Cleona Bazzy JaneAnn Bennett Deirdre Benwell Evelyn Bergman Robert Bergman Marjorie Bregar Jim Cain Larry Canaday Lois Canaday Elizabeth Claridge Rick Claridge Ann Cornell Nancy Cowin Loretta Cotter Dottie Curameng Joan Deming Jordan Dickinson Amanda Eldevik Donna Fisher Christie Forsyth

Jim Forsyth Garey Gantz Marilyn Gantz Allegra Gienger Virginia Gonthier Jacque Goodhew Larry Goodhew Frances Henderson Linda Hintz Roman Hintz Joe Humble Bernie Janke Carolyn Janke Tonia Jeffery Dale Johnson Ginger Johnson Gordon Johnson Patricia Johnson Echo Johnston Pat Johnston Ruth Joice Barbara Karlow Ed Karlow Richard Kruger Joyce Lampson Barbara Lee

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 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 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

Aileen Litchfield Carol Maher Tom Maher Martha Masden Raymond Mayor Walt Meske Jessica Mueller Vivian Mueller Virginia Napier Larry Panasuk Shirley Panasuk Lois Pegel Carol Perrin Milford Perrin Carmella Phillips David Pontius Richard Pontius Roberta Pontius Florence Ray

Stanley Ray Sandra Reeves Pat Reynolds Antonio Rodriguez Gladys Rodriguez LaVerne Rudolf David Russell Maylene Russell Aileen Saunders Lorelei Saxby Rita Schroeder Laviera Swanson Helen Thompson Zolber Barbara Vories Shirley Walde Verlie Ward Richard Worley Valorie Wren

“Your generosity has inspired me to support future WWU students like you have done for me.”

—SOPHOMORE, SOCIAL WORK MAJOR

Janis Suelzle Memorial Student Missionary Fund T5 Foundation Business Excellence Fund 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, * NEW! PE, Engineering Scholarship Stanley E. Walker Music 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

Your contribution makes a difference! wallawalla.edu/give

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23

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.

1950s

James Smith Sr. ’59 and his wife, Ruth (Cain) att., live in College Place. Before 1955, Jim spent two years in the Army stationed at Ft. Lewis and in Paris, France. Upon returning to the states, Jim studied anesthesia in Spokane. He practiced in the states for four years before receiving a call to work in Puerto Rico where he worked as an anesthetist for 33 years. In retirement, Jim has traveled to Nepal to work as a relief anesthetist and has worked locum tenens throughout the U.S. Jim and Ruth have three children, James Jr., Susan Bockmann-Thomas, and Guito Wingfield. Jim writes that one of his favorite memories from WWU is working with Lloyd Scherer and others at the farm.

Grace Wetter ’59 lives in Leduc, Alberta, Canada. Following graduation from WWU, Grace worked as a nurse in the Portland Sanitarium.

In 1960 she returned to Canada where she worked for more than

25 years in Leduc and writes that she “got to know many wonderful people.” Some of her favorite memories of WWU are nursing at the Portland Sanitarium, skiing, and rock hunting. Of her time at WWU, Grace writes, “The Christian teachers helped influence me to live a Christian life.”

1960s

Ronna (Archbold) Davis ’69 and her husband, John, live in Sterling, Mass., where Ronna is semiretired but continues to work part time as the minister of music for the First Church in Sterling and as the finance and sales support for TDNet, Inc., in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Her hobbies include music and her family, which includes her three stepsons, Jed, Larry, and Doug.

Ronna’s best memories of her time at WWU include her favorite teachers, which include Donnie Rigby, Loren Dickinson, and Helen Ward Evans; choirs with Harold

Lickey, Melvin and Betty West, and Fay Blix; the zesty baked eggs and cottage cheese loaf in the cafeteria; the Conard Hall chapel; and the “Christ in the Concrete City” play members.

Ronald E. Fritz att. and his wife, Vicky, live in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Ronald spent the summer of 1966 learning to scuba dive at Rosario Beach before going on to graduate from La Sierra University.

Then in 1972, he graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He also has a master of public health degree from LLU. He began his dental career in the mission field at Bella Vista Hospital in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The following years were spent in private practice near Loma Linda.

After 46 years as a dentist, he was awarded the Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the International College of Dentists.

Ronald and Vicky have three children, Ryan, Nathan, and Erick Eduardo de la Cruz. Of his time at Rosario, Ronald writes, “My father graduated from WWU in 1940, and it was a privilege to attend the summer session at Rosario Beach Biology Station, and take scuba certification in the cold Puget Sound from Dr. Eugene Winter. I have never been the same since.”

Ben Lonto ’65 and his wife, Margaret, live in Gaffney, S.C., where Ben is retired. Throughout his career Ben was principal, business manager, teacher, and bus driver at Hatboro Junior Academy in Pennsylvania; business manager, personnel director, and vice president and construction manager at Hadley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.; president of the National Capital Area Hospital Council Personnel Division; and national Chapter 11 bankruptcy accounts receiveable manager for the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for U.S. Trustees

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in Washington, D.C. Ben has stayed busy in retirement working with Meals on Wheels. He is active in his church as head elder and as a teacher. He is also a Sunday School teacher for a nearby Baptist church and holds weekly Bible studies at an apartment complex.

Of his time at WWU, Ben writes that a life-changing experience was “meeting and marrying a wonderful Southern woman who introduced me to a perfect place for my retirement!” The Lontos have four children: Robert, D. James, Randall, and Richard. Some of his fondest memories of his time at WWU are of learning dairy plant operations and several construction trades during a time of major campus expansion.

Loren Starr ’64 and his wife, Joan, live in Spokane, Wash., where Loren is now retired from his work as a nurse anesthetist. Throughout his career he worked locum tenens across the United States, ending his practice in Spokane and Yakima doing anesthesia for children’s dental procedures. The Starrs have three children, Lori Desjardins, Julie, and Andrew Depaula ’96.

Some of Loren’s favorite memories of his time at WWU include working in the kitchen with Clyde Sample where he made soy milk tofu, helped on the serving line, and made “oatmeal mush so thick that the servers complained they couldn’t get it off their spoons.”

Dale VonBergen ’64 and his wife, Nancy (Ruuska) ’86 and ’92, live in Cashmere, Wash. Dale taught Bible and English to junior high school students for four decades in the Upper Columbia, Oregon, and Alaska Mission conferences.

During the summers he worked on forest service trails and did construction work with his sons.

In retirement he enjoys trail riding on horseback with his wife, backpacking, paragliding, and sailing with his two sons, Scott ’90 and Todd att. Dale has enjoyed travel and multiple mission trips to Mexico, Tanzania, Peru, China, and Switzerland. He enjoys staying

READ WESTWIND ONLINE: WESTWIND.WALLAWALLA.EDU

Abbie (Lam Yuen) & Jonathan Watt ’69 Abbie (Lam Yuen) Watt ’69 and her husband, Jonathan Watt ’69, live in Vancouver, Wash. They have four children, Michelle Couch, Shawn Steward ’96, Jonathan ’02, and Brandon ’04.

Following her time at WWU, Abbie obtained a master of science in nursing degree in child psychology from Loma Linda University. During that time, Jonathan attended medical school at LLU, and he eventually completed internships in general practice and obstetrics and gynecology. Throughout their careers, the Watts worked primarily in Springfield, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. Now in his spare time, Jonathan enjoys woodworking, making and fixing things, and spending time with their nine grandchildren.

Some of Abbie’s favorite memories of WWU are of answering questions about a little known South Pacific island, spending time in the library, and making lifelong friends. Of his time at WWU, Jonathan writes that it was his “first time away from home.” He enjoyed “making good friends and even found a lady that became my wife.” He was baptized during his time at WWU and writes, “I did not know it completely, but now I know that Christ is my very best friend and companion. I thank all those at WWU—students, instructors, and friends who influenced my path, especially the Lord.”

in touch with his former students on Facebook. Some of his favorite memories of his time at WWU include fall moonlight hikes, working on the Collegian and Mountain Ash, chorale tours, and the lifelong friendships formed.

Gary Wisbey ’69 lives in St. Louis, Mo., where he is a doctoral dissertation editor for students from Thailand and for physicians, engineers, and government ministers for whom English is a second language. His hobbies include personal charity work in Thailand.

Gary has three children, David, Erin, and Paige att. His favorite memories of WWU are of his professors, including Loren Dickenson, Gary Wiss, Melvin West, Harold Lickey, and John Christiansen.

Robert Wood ’60 and his wife, Elberta “Betty” (McGinnis) ’59, live in Walla Walla. Robert is retired from his position as dean of the School of Engineering at WWU.

KEY: att. = attended

The Woods have four children: Brent ’83, David ’88, Roland ’87, and Susan. Robert writes that one of his favorite memories of his time at WWU is “getting married in Conard Chapel the afternoon of my graduation on June 5, 1960.”

1970s

Carol (Tannich) Boulden ’74 and her husband, Patrick att., live in Fredericksburg, Va. They have two daughters, Bethany Shaffer and Miranda. Carol is retired from a 35-year career as a private music teacher. Now living on the East Coast, she and Patrick enjoy immersing themselves in American history. Carol’s favorite memories of her time at WWU are of concert choirs with visiting orchestras and dorm life with other music majors.

Robert Cushman ’79 and his wife, Judy (Cooksley) ’79, live in Angwin, Calif., where Robert is president of Pacific Union College and Judy is the disabilities coordinator at PUC. They have two sons, Ryan ’10 and Matthew att. The Cushmans write that they enjoy serving at PUC and “We loved our time at WWU both as students and as employees.”

Donetta (Rexin) Helein ’79 and her husband, James att., live in Willamina, Ore. They have two daughters, Rachel Schon and Amy. During her career as a nurse, Donetta worked in many capacities, including the intensive care unit, the coronary care unit, as a jail nurse, office nurse, and director of nursing. She is now retired and enjoys spending time doing crafts, sewing, and quilting. Donetta writes that some of her favorite memories from her time at WWU is of spending time learning with friends.

Wayne Johnson ’74 and his wife, Kathy, live in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, where Wayne works as a manager for airport terminal projects for the Vancouver Airport Authority. They have two children, Meike ’08 and Andrew ’09. Some of Wayne’s favorite memories of his time at WWU include volunteering at Positive Life Radio especially on Friday evenings and Sabbath mornings.

Merlin Knowles ’79 and his wife, Cheryl (Drake) att., live in St. Ignatius, Mont., where Merlin is the ministerial director for the Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Knowles have two sons, Nathaniel and Benjamin. Merlin has spent many years in pastoral service, including 23 years in New England and several years in Idaho before moving to Montana.

Merlin’s favorite memories of his time at WWU include vespers, “the great theology teachers,” summer at Rosario Beach, his year in Korea as a student missionary, getting married during his junior year to his best friend, and trips to the Blue Mountains, Spaghetti Factory, and

Tri-Cities. “God is good, and we are truly blessed,” writes Merlin.

Mardine (ThompsonJohnson) Long ’76 and her husband, Ray, live in Kingwood, Texas. They have four children.

Mardine writes that they are “mostly” retired and enjoy travel, family, and friends, and are active in their church and community.

Their last trip was to France where they enjoyed seeing the men’s final of the French tennis tournament, the Roland-Garros. Mardine’s favorite memory of her time at WWU is of “the positive energy from students and faculty!”

Daniel Wells ’75 and his wife, Donna (Spenst) att., live in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Throughout his career with the British Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Daniel was a pastor for 15 years and worked for the ABC Christian Bookstore for 28 years first in computer support, then as assistant manager, and then as manager for 20 years. He retired in 2018 after managing the bookmobile for a year. Daniel writes, “I am loving having my time free now to work on our yard and house, and to spend time with our children and six grandchildren.” The Wells have two children: David and Donavan.

Daniel writes that his favorite memories of his time at WWU are of the Vets Apartments, many hours at the swimming pool, and his favorite professor, Larry Lewis.

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Alumni Currents

Staying in touch with our family of graduates

Ron Hockley ’89 Ron Hockley ’89 and his wife, Suzanne, live in Gresham, Ore., where Ron is the executive director for the NEO Fund, a nonprofit organization that works with local partners in Haiti, India, and Nicaragua to provide micro-loans to the very poor. Ron’s hope for this organization is that the work will grow “until extreme poverty is practically eliminated from every neighborhood where we work.”

Some of his favorite memories of his time at WWU are of the “encouragement and guidance Chaplain Winston DeHaven gave me to participate in the student missions program. It took me to the Philippines, and that experience changed my life and perspective. I learned firsthand that meeting needs isn’t always about handouts; it’s about relationships that engage the poor in crafting their own solutions. This is the hallmark of my work through the NEO Fund to this day, and I’m proud to trace this back to my days at Walla Walla.”

Lynn (Barter) Yanke ’78 and her husband, Edward ’77, live in Gresham, Ore., where Lynn is a nurse at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center.

She and Edward have two sons, Roderick att. and Royce. Her favorite memories of her time at WWU include meeting her husband, Ed, of 40 years, the chapel programs, and interactions with the Canadian students. In their spare time, Lynn and Ed enjoy travel and golf.

1980s Mary Ann (Burkin) Barrett ’87 lives in College Place. She writes that her favorite memories of her time at WWU include enjoying the campus grounds.

Peggy (Casteel) Casebier ’80 and her husband, Rick ’80, live in Salem, Ore., where she works as a registered nurse in the operating room at Northbank Surgery Center. Peggy also has a master of arts in ministry degree from Andrews University. She enjoys playing the piano and flute and writes that she has “loved sharing a team ministry with my pastor husband ... and enjoy sharing the pulpit with my

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husband from time to time.” One of her favorite memories of her time at WWU was “meeting my husband-to-be in the cafeteria line of Kellogg Hall on a Sabbath after church.”

Kelly Coady ’80 and his wife, Jaleh Jahandideh, live in Germantown, Md., where Kelly is the assistant director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

They have three children, Andrew, Emily, and Alex. The Coady family endured a harrowing experience in 2006 when Jaleh was detained in an Iranian prison for 21 days during a visit to her family. She was imprisoned, interrogated, and beaten before escaping over the Zagros mountains into Iraq. Kelly helped coordinate Jaleh’s escape by working with U.S. officials. The

Coadys now enjoy golfing and spending time at their second home in Istanbul, Turkey. Kelly writes that one of his favorite memories of his time at WWU is of playing music for Lloyd Leno.

1990s

Jean (Punkey) Adams ’94 lives in Walla Walla where she is retired from her work as the executive director for the Walla Walla County Rural Library District. She now works as a court-appointed special advocate for foster children as well as the board chair for the Sherwood Trust. Her favorite memory of her time at WWU is of the “outstanding teachers.”

John Edwards ’90 lives in Oakland, Calif., where he is a self-employed psychotherapist and the owner of West Coast Psychotherapy. In November 2015, he became the first African American psychotherapist to become a certified Gottman Method couples therapist (CGT). He is one of less than 300 CGT’s in the world. He holds an active social work license in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and has done graduate work in psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children and youth.

John has served on numerous committees for the National Association of Social Workers including co-founding the Social Workers of African Descent Committee and the LGBT Committee.

John enjoys attending the opera and traveling. One of his favorite memories of his time at WWU is of “hanging out with other classmates who looked at me weird when I peeled the chocolate off of the Klondike bars in the cafeteria.”

John Mohr ’99 lives in Arlington, Va., where he is the science and technology advisor for marine aviation with Navair. He spent much of his career working with the Navy’s electronic warfare field as project manager before accepting a position at the Pentagon as a science advisor. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, and skiing. His favorite memories of his time at WWU include network

computer games in the recently networked dorm and late-night studying in Kretschmar Hall when Professor Heisler would drop by with doughnuts.

2000s Justice Candelas ’17 is in her second year of law school in San Diego where she also teachers English as a Second Language for VIPKID. Justice writes that “being a student at WWU taught me to be independent and learn more about myself to help me grow in my walk with the Lord and with others as well.” She writes that her favorite memories of her time at WWU include helping to plan InTents meetings, weeks of worship, and creating a strategic plan to reshape the School of Business for Strategic Management class.

Sabrina Kiele ’03 lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she is a page for the Fairbanks Public Library.

Sabrina has a master’s degree in military history from Norwich University and a graduate certificate in museum studies from the University of Cincinnati. Since graduating from WWU Sabrina has worked as an assistant girls’ dean at a small Adventist academy, as a church secretary, a church janitor, a daycare worker, a museum intern, and for several years in retail before beginning work at the library. “I read a lot,” she writes, “and when I was still working in retail, a coworker saw me reading a book about Gettysburg in the break room and was surprised that I was reading it for fun!” During her time away from work, Sabrina also enjoys spending time with her cat, Shelu, and her three African clawed frogs, Shalhoub, Halpert, and Jules. Her best memories of her time at WWU include “the great professors,” music at vespers, hiking and eating meals with friends, singing in the choir, and “even learning to play the pipe organ. The whole experience was great, and sometimes I miss being in college!”

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In Memory Garth C. Brinson att. was born in 1966 in Bend, Ore., and died April 6, 2019, in Walla Walla at age 53. Surviving: brother Darren of Walla Walla.

James K. Dixon ’61 was born in 1927 in Enumclaw, Wash., and died Aug. 29, 2018, in Gresham, Ore., at age 90. Surviving: daughter Barbara Gohl ’73 of Gresham, and sons Bruce ’77 of Oregon City, Ore., and James att. of Cairns, Australia.

Robert Forsyth ’64 was born in 1939 in Olympia, Wash., and died Sept. 14, 2018, in Yakima, Wash., at age 78. Surviving: sisters Lorraine Anderson ’57 of Corbett, Ore., and Irene Simmons of Days Creek, Wash., and brother James ’67 of College Place.

Ellen (Hill) Gregg ’63 was born in 1941 and died Oct. 28, 2018, near Merlin, Ore., at the age of 77. Surviving: husband James ’66 and ’69 of Central Point, Ore.; daughter Marla Erskine of Chattanooga, Tenn., and sons Shawn of Eugene, Ore., Jason att. of Seattle, Wash., and Alex of Tokyo, Japan.

LeAnn (Hoffer) Kang att. was born in 1930 in Meridian, Idaho, and died March 9, 2019, in College Place at age 88. Surviving: daughter Shawna Bay ’97 of Bellevue, Wash., and sons Bradley att. of Gainesville, Fla., and Mark of Walla Walla.

Rudy Klimes ’57 was born in 1932 in Czechoslovakia and died April 11, 2019, in Orangevale, Calif., at age 87. Surviving: daughters Anita Borrowdale of Granite Bay, Calif., and Bonnie Klimes-Dougan of Minneapolis, Minn.; and son Randy ’89 of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Kenneth E. Ladd ’60 was born in 1936 in Siloam Springs, Ark., and died March 10, 2019, in Burlington, Vt., at age 83. Surviving: wife Jacqueline (Esteb) ’57 of Williston, Vt.; daughter Lisa Comeau ’87 of Williston, son Michael ’87 of Medical Lake, Wash.; brother Robert ’61 of LaCrosse, Kan., and sister Dorothy Kromrei att. of Boise, Idaho.

Kenneth was an office manager

KEY: att. = attended

at WWU from 1960 to 1961 and an accountant from 1976 to 1978.

brother Theodore Nedderman ’72 of Gig Harbor, Wash.

Richard R. Madson att. was born in 1934 in Coeur ’d Alene, Idaho, and died March 15, 2019, in Walla Walla at age 84. Surviving: wife Kathryn (Post) of Milton-Freewater, Ore.; daughters Kristi Christofferson of Kodiak, Alaska, and Kari Madson att. of Kennewick, Wash.

Carl W. Rose att. was born in 1933 in Okanogan, Wash., and died March 28, 2019, in Hillsboro, Ore., at age 85. Surviving: daughter Sherrill Hawley of Mt. Angel, Ore.; son Howard of Pointe Vedra Beach, Fla.; and sister Myrtle Age of Colville, Wash.

Gilbert Mohr ’55 was born in 1932 in Spokane, Wash., and died March 17, 2019, in Sunnyside, Wash., at age 86. Surviving: wife Jean att. of Sunnyside; daughter Sherry Hamamjy att. of San Jose, Calif.; sons Gary ’85 of Lodi, Calif., and Jere att. of Kent, Wash.; and brother Don att. of Milton-Freewater, Ore. Cherie Nedderman ’70 was born in 1947 in Portland, Ore., and died Jan. 17, 2019, in Camarillo, Calif., at age 71. Surviving:

Gordon Hare

PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF MATHEMATICS

Ore.; sister Fairy Cooper att. of Chehalis, Wash.; and brothers Dale att. of Wapato, Wash., and Lamont of Apple Valley, Calif.

Virginia Mae (Hegstad) Rose att. was born in 1932 in Portland, Ore., and died June 23, 2018, in Woodburn, Ore., at age 86. Surviving: daughter Sherrill Hawley of Mt. Angel, Ore.; son Howard of Pointe Vedra Beach, Fla.; and sister Beverly Bottsford of Cleburn, Texas.

Robert L. Stumph ’70 was born in 1942 in San Francisco, Calif., and died March 12, 2019, in Burleson, Texas, at age 76. Surviving: wife Gail (Hubbard) ’68 of Burleson; sons Johnathan ’03 of Birmingham, Ala., R. Samuel of Burleson, and K. Joshua of Granbury, Texas; sisters ArlaMae Gross of Salem, Ore., Patty Cochran of Vancouver, Wash., and Pam Thompson of Madison, Tenn.; and brothers David att. of Westminster, Colo., and Greg of Arroyo Grande, Calif.

Leo C. St. Clair att. was born in 1940 in Yakima, Wash., and died Sept. 24, 2018, in Palm Springs, Calif., at age 77. Surviving: wife Cecelia (Hall) ’60 of Yucca Valley, Calif.; daughter Shelley Howell of Yucca Valley; sons Shaun of Yucca Valley and Shane of Milwaukie,

Zurla (Abegg Schmunk) Troeppl att. was born in 1927 in Portland, Ore., and died Jan. 3, 2019, in St. Helena, Calif., at age 91. Surviving: daughters Jennifer Wareham Best of Calistoga, Calif., and Jann Tucker of Fallbrook, Calif.; and son Jeff Schmunk of Vancouver, Wash.

Gordon Hare, WWU professor emeritus of mathematics, passed away Sept. 16, 2019, in College Place, at age 89. He was born in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 1930.

Hare received a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Union College in 1951. After completing his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Colorado, Boulder, he was a statistical analyst in the U.S. Army for several years before joining the WWU faculty. His area of specialization was number theory, and he regularly taught an introductory course on the topic.

Hare taught mathematics at WWU for 37 years from 1957 to 1994. In 1990, he said of his time at WWU: “I came here 33 years ago for the single reason that I had the feeling God was leading the way. I have had numerous opportunities to teach at other universities. However, I am committed to Christian education.”

Hare is remembered for his patience and accessibility as a teacher, for the encouragement

he gave students, and for celebrating his students’ successes. He is also fondly remembered for his handwriting on the blackboard!

“His blackboard handwriting was the most beautiful I have ever encountered,” said Tom Thompson, WWU professor emeritus of mathematics, a former student of Hare’s and one of his teaching colleagues. “He wrote always in cursive—never printed—and always in complete sentences.

His explanations were clear. And, when he had filled the available boards, his chalk erasure technique could be quite dramatic: full vertical swipes with an eraser—up, down, up, down ... all the while moving left to right until a full section was clean. … Chalk dust would literally be flying at times.”

Hare is survived by four children: daughters Sherilyn Jones att. of Spokane, Wash., Patsy Vasquez ’85 of Pasco, Wash., and Nancy Nestler att. of Walla Walla, and son Robert Hare ’83 of Melbourne, Fla.

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Back to You

A view from the field

Courage over comfort

By Rich Tyler ’94 // MASS COMMUNICATIONS

I

n the rainy spring of 2005, I swam out into the swift current of the Willamette River to rescue a woman who had accidentally driven off the Morrison Bridge. In the summer of 2017, I worked at the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia Gorge saving homes from a fast-moving winddriven wildfire. These are two examples of many situations I have found myself in where I could contribute to others in a compassionate way.

I realize in retrospect that the characteristics and habits I developed during my time at Walla Walla University are still very much a part of me today. In fact, my desire for personal growth and my passion for contributing to the lives of others have shaped the direction of my life. During my 21 years in the fire service, I have had many opportunities to personally grow as a community leader.

When I arrived at WWU in the fall of 1989, my eyes became open to what was possible. My first experience at WWU was when I walked onto campus and met Walt Meske. This large-palmed man grabbed my hand in a warm handshake and my hand literally disappeared inside his. When Dean Meske would see me around campus, he would change his course of travel to grab my hand, put an arm around me, and ask how I was getting along on the strange, new campus. Of course, there were boundaries, rules, and expectations at WWU, and Dean Meske was there to graciously guide me as a young man. I learned from him what unconditional love and acceptance could look like.

I will never forget the conversations in Pedrito Maynard-Reid’s Bible class where we actually talked about other religions and what they believed in comparison to Adventism. I remember sitting in Terry Gotschall’s history class where he would tell longer-than-class first-person history lessons from memory and then be able to discuss the impact of that history lesson on human rights in the present day. Then there was Loren Dickenson’s speech class where I learned that I could hand a cup to another person handle first, and it meant so much more about that person than it did me.

The first years at WWU opened my desire for personal growth—to really look inward and choose daily to improve myself. It didn’t matter which class I attended—Tim Windemuth coaching me in sports, participating in music and drama, or being involved in student government with Lisa Bissell—the ongoing desire to choose to improve daily was there for me to take on. I not only survived every one of those early college experiences, but I am who I am today due to the part WWU faculty and staff played in my life.

When I started my junior year, Wendy Hernandez asked me to assist with welcoming new students onto campus. I remember being a part of new student orientation, telling them about the student-support programs and what WWU had to offer them. I also shared how to find other people who cared about the same things they did. Looking back, this is where I discovered my passion for being a contribution to others. I was able to step into service leadership when I

“

was elected ASWWU president my senior year. It was an honor to contribute to the students, faculty, and staff as well as the College Place community.

The opportunities came then as they do in my work now when people call for help at possibly their lowest point in life. I have learned how to walk into chaos with a calm, compassionate approach so that those in need are seen, valued, and heard.

Several years ago when I was on call, a tree fell and crushed a home, pinning a woman inside. I was able to be there and provide support for the family.

I was able to coordinate fire and police crews so the family could say goodbye to their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother in the home they grew up in. What an extraordinary honor to be present and supportive of that family at such a difficult time.

In my work, I am privileged to be a part of an organization that by its very nature is tasked with taking care of all people and has the ability to contribute to our community. I know that many of you have similar stories of service in your own communities.

I have learned how to handle these situations over many years with a lot of training, much of which began at WWU. It’s about clear communication, a comforting hug, standing up for what’s right, providing structure and assistance, going the extra mile, lending a hand, and having faith.

My advice to WWU students today would be, first, share kindness with everyone you see regardless of whether you think they deserve it. When you see good, acknowledge the individual and elevate the good so that it shines brighter further. And a handwritten note goes a long way. Yes, that low-tech way of communicating still exists!

Remember, the people in your life are priceless.

Titles, houses, cars, watches, phones, and stuff come and go. The most important part of anyone’s life, I assert, are those people in your life that really matter. Love them, cherish them, forgive them, forgive yourself, and know that without them, life really could be empty and meaningless.

It all goes back to what we studied in Pedrito Maynard-Reid’s Bible class: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12 NIV), and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 7:12 NIV).

I have learned how to walk into chaos with a calm, compassionate approach so that those in need are seen, valued, and heard.”

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photograph by BRYAN AULICK

Westwind Fall 2019

29

Back to You

A view from the field

Power of nature

By Sheila VonBergen

ATT. // PREPROFESSIONAL

M

I had never spent time on the coast before, so to hear crashing waves every night, view pods of orcas swimming by, island hop the San Juans, and engage in field outings within the Olympic and North Cascade national parks opened my eyes to the beautiful state we live in and catapulted me into what would be a rich learning experience at WWU. That summer’s education has become part of who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

My husband, Scott ’90, and I met that fall at WWU. Interestingly, he had spent many summers working on some of the same hiking trails I had come to love, helping his father on trail and bridge construction for the National Forest Service. Less than a year after we met, Scott took me on my first mountain bike ride at South Fork, canoe trip on the Walla Walla River, backpacking trip in the Wallowas, and on a moonlit cross-country ski excursion in the Blue Mountains. We later took a rock-climbing class together and served on a WWU Maranatha trip to Honduras, where several of us finalized our scuba certifications through WWU along Utila’s coral reefs.

Looking back, I can see how God not only provided me with excellent education and teachers, but He wrapped it all up in a vibrant setting offering healthy outdoor learning opportunities to get to know Him and others better. As Scott and I both headed off to Loma Linda University to pursue our physical therapy and dental degrees, the stark con-

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Sheila’s advice to college students:

Sheila and Scott VonBergen enjoy hiking in the Valley of Fire State Park with their daughters, Leila and Makena.

trast between Southern California and Washington made us realize what a treasure we had living in the Pacific Northwest and planted a seed of longing to return.

Part of what made living in Loma Linda for the next six years easier for us was not just the academic preparation we received at WWU for the transition to professional school, but also our ability to immerse ourselves in nature as much as possible for a good mental and physical reset. As a married couple it was invaluable to our relationship. At the end of the day, no matter what happened, we could count on enjoying the great outdoors together.

After graduation, Scott and I worked at the Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic serving the people of Guam and Micronesia for eight wonderful years.

After our girls were born we decided to move back closer to family, and God led us full circle to where we live now near Camano Island—just 35 minutes away from Rosario Beach. Today Scott owns his own dental practice, and I work as a physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. I feel blessed that our family enjoys so many activities together—hiking, backpacking, trail running, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and cycling— exploring the natural wonder God packed into this amazing corner of the world. Our daughters plan to attend WWU in the coming years, and we look forward to hearing all about what they learn and discover at our alma mater.

Invest in friendships.

Find things you have in common with fellow students and carve out time to do what you love. These experiences can make these some of the best years in your life. We still look forward to getting together with lifelong friends from our WWU days.

Take time to reconnect with nature.

Notice little things, get swallowed up in big things, appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Your body and brain will thank you for the fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

Help others. Volunteer for a cause you are passionate about. Even one hour a week can give you a sense of purpose that can fuel a desire to make the world a better place and give you a reason to get up again.

Be okay being alone.

Silence and stillness offer golden opportunities for introspection.

Lonely times can transform into meaningful moments of connection with yourself and with God. Remember family.

They care about you more than you realize.

Keep in touch with them, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice, and invite them to be part of your world.

PHOTO: SHEILA VONBERGEN

y first college class at Walla Walla University was off the main campus in College Place. Being fresh out of high school and taking a year’s worth of General Biology at Rosario Beach in one summer was a wake-up call—with good instruction and planning—to how much one could learn and experience in a few months.

That summer made a big impact on my life.

How has the

Walla Walla University Fund made a difference to students?

Kati “It wouldn’t have been possible for me to attend WWU without generous donors.”

Zach “WWU has aided my passion to connect with people and help them.”

Emma “Receiving a good scholarship for WWU made it easier for me to attend.”

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

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

MARCH 5–7 AND APRIL 5–7 Learn more about life at WWU during U-Days! High school and academy students from across the country will visit campus in March and April for events planned especially for them.

Visit wallawalla.edu/ udays for registration deadlines.

JANUARY 11 Join Seattle-area alumni for a WWU alumni event at the Emerald City Community Adventist Church. WWU President John McVay will speak for church, which will be followed by a potluck and dessert provided by WWU. Learn more at wallawalla.edu/ alumni-events.

JANUARY 23–25 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 reconnect with friends old and new! Learn more at wallawalla.edu/ friendship.

FEBRUARY 21–22 Enjoy some downtime on Sabbath with fellow WWU alumni at three alumni events in Southern California. Meet at Loma Linda Academy on Feb. 21 and 22 and at the Redlands Adventist Church on Feb. 22.

Learn more and RSVP by Feb. 18 at wallawalla.edu/ alumni-events.

APRIL 23–26 Save the date for

Homecoming Weekend 2020!

We’re planning events to help you make new memories and reconnect with old friends. Lodging fills quickly, so reserve your hotel now. Learn more and register starting in February at wallawalla. edu/homecoming.

For a full calendar of events, visit wallawalla.edu/calendar.

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PHOTO: CHRIS DRAKE

DECEMBER 6 The Department of Music presented its annual Christmas Concert in the University Church. The concert featured excerpts from “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” Visit wallawalla.edu/concert to enjoy a recording of the concert during your holiday celebrations.