Honoring Washingtonians during Women’s History Month

More than 36 years ago, three women in Central Washington pioneered their vision of serving their community through improving access to higher education opportunities for students who society may not have considered college-bound.

Martha Yallup and Violet Lumely Rau of the Yakama Nation, and Sister Kathleen Ross of Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus, came together to found what would become Heritage University in the Yakima Valley.

Their determined efforts continue to bear fruit in Central Washington communities and in the lives of graduates.

Decades ago, Fort Wright College, the predecessor o...