Homecoming Weekend 2024 Schedule
This schedule includes a few more details than what we could include on the printed schedule. Be sure to pick up a printed copy of the schedule when you arrive on campus for homecoming.
Jump to a specific day
Friday | Sabbath | Sunday | Announcements | Alumni of the Year 2024
Friday, April 26
Heubach Morning Worship
Heubach Chapel | 7:30 - 7:50 a.m.
It’s been 28 years since the seed of Morning Worship was planted by two ASWWU/C Spiritual Vice Presidents! Join in this worship experience.
Registration and check-in
Administration Building, 4th floor | 8 - 10 :50 a.m. and 12:15 - 4 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.
Havstad Alumni Center visiting hours
Havstad Alumni Center | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
A gathering space for alumni, family, and friends, available for you to rest and visit with friends while you are here.
WWU Historical Exhibit
Havstad Alumni Center, Heritage Room | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Rich in WWU history, available to visit while you are on campus.
The Atlas
The Atlas, corner of College Ave and Whitman Dr, kitty corner from Smith Hall | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Enjoy a hot or iced drink at WWU's study house run by ASWWU. Drink menu and pricing available on site.
50-Year Reunion Breakfast – MUST REGISTER FOR EVENT - $15 (complimentary to members of the Class of 1974)
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room | 8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and a WWU update with your fellow '74 class members, and help select the 50-Year Reunion class gift. Register at vbj4.com/homecoming.
Student Development Center
Village Hall Lower Level | 9:00 - 10:50 a.m.
Visit the Student Development Center to discover how you can support current students in their career path development.
Awards Celebration
University Church, Sanctuary | 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy this special program highlighting the best of WWU student and faculty academic achievements as well as scholarships awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year, and celebrating Alumni of the Year 2024 (Herb Larsen '79, Kari (Cooper) Firestone '94, Pedrito Maynard-Zhang '94, and Les Zollbrecht '99.
Alumni Business Meeting
Havstad Alumni Center, Board Room | 1 p.m.
Learn about alumni programs and hear a report of the alumni activities this past year. Complimentary dessert starts at 12:30 p.m.
Student Missions Open House
Campus Ministries Center | 1 - 3 p.m.
Swing by and visit with fellow SM alumni and current staff and students helping keep the program strong.
Chat with the President
Bowers Hall, room 201 | 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Dr. John McVay became Walla Walla University's president in July 2006. He will retire at the end of this academic year after having served Walla Walla University for 18 years, holding the honor of being the longest-serving president in our history. Take this opportunity to say hello, shake his hand, and thank him for 18 years of service to Walla Walla University.
Seminars, 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Several locations on campus
Seminar: "Your Secret is Not Safe With Me: Engaging in Archival Research as a Scholar and a Teacher" | William Landeen Library Lecture 2024
Peterson Memorial Library, Reference Room | Hilary Dickerson '02, professor of history | 2:00 p.m.
WWU Professor of History Hilary Dickerson '02 examines the ways in which archival research illuminates the transpacific friendships and international tensions that marked the life of librarian, theologian, and Office of Naval Intelligence translator B.P. Hoffman. Dickerson’s own time in the archives serves as her framework for teaching university students the fundamentals of primary source scholarship, particularly in an era of artificial intelligence, through their own projects in WWU’s Peterson Memorial Library Special Collections.
Seminar: Film viewing "The Color of Threads"
Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium | 2:00 p.m. | Lynelle Ellis '90 and associate professor; Matt Webster '21 and production and facilities coordinator; and Josie Henderson '18 and '20
A weaver and a group of seamstresses learn to navigate the unstable climate in post-Civil War Pendleton, Oregon, while trying to secure their futures in the town.
Seminar: “Shame Shields and Our Shame-based Culture: Learning Healthy Responses.”
Winter Educatonal Complex, room 209 | 3:00 p.m. | Pamela Bing Perry, MBA, MS, DMFT, LMFT, professor of social work (2009-present) and program coordinator for the Billings, Montana, extension MSW campus of the WWU Wilma Kepker School of Social Work and Sociology.
Dr. Pamela Bing Perry is a Professor and Program Coordinator for the Billings, Montana, extension MSW campus of the Walla Walla University Wilma Hepker School of Social Work & Sociology. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Walla Walla University-Billings Mental Health Clinic which she helped to found and open in March 2015. She received her Doctorate of Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. In her combined roles, she has the privilege of helping master’s students along their journey to becoming trauma-informed therapists. She serves on the Big Sky CISM Team in Billings, Montana, which helps to provide crisis debriefing services for the Billings Region. In addition, she has a small private practice where she utilizes both Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approaches. She has previously facilitated workshops and developed trainings on many topics. She is married to Rick and they have 7 grandchildren. She enjoys going for walks, reading, and playing with her 4 pets.
Seminar: "What makes a five-star student?"
Rigby Hall, room 112 | Dr. Tammi Thomas '83, dean at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and executive vice president for Medical Affairs for Loma Linda University Health | 3:00 p.m.
Everything today seems to be on a star rating system – books, car salesmen, podcasts, doctors - you name it. Let’s explore components that make a five-star student into a five-star health care provider.
Dr. Thomas is a Professor of Emergency Medicine who has been actively involved in emergency medical education for many years on the local, national and international level. Dr. Thomas graduated from Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University) and from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She has extensive experience in medical education and emergency medicine training and has overseen curriculum development in disaster, trauma, and wilderness medicine. She served as an International Emergency Medicine fellowship director and gained recognition as a leader in medical education, particularly in regard to faculty development of medical teachers internationally. She previously served in leadership roles as Interim Chair in the Department of Emergency Medicine and as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs in Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
Family Swim
Winter Educational Complex, Pool | 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Specifically planned for families and children – free swim at the WEC Pool. Lifeguard on duty; parent must accompany children.
30th Annual Randy Yaw Pi Contest
Kretschmar Hall, Physics Lecture Hall, Room 107 | 3:14 p.m.
Enjoy a slice of pie and watch students recite digits of Pi. The record for this contest is 1,773 digits! First place winner receives a $314.15 scholarship.
Pre-professional reception and Rigby Hall Open House
Rigby Hall, various classrooms| 4:00 p.m.
Following Dr. Thomas' 3 pm seminar, we will enjoy light refreshments and conversation in Rigby Hall. Take this opportunity to visit with fellow pre-professional alumni and take a tour of the classrooms and labs you once enjoyed as a student.
Climbing Wall
Winter Educational Complex, Gymnastics Gym | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Alumni and friends are invited to see WWU's newest climbing wall during this session. You can also have a climbing experience by reserving a slot at http://connect.vbj4.com/register/climbwallFriday.
Historical Campus Tour
Begin at Administration Buidling, room 117| 4:30 p.m.
Join Terrie Aamodt, professor emeritus of history, on a walking historical tour of campus. The tour will begin in ADM 117 with a brief slideshow. We’ll then walk to Village Hall, Conard Courtyard, the library, Rigby, and will end this part of the tour at WWU church. You will then have two options: Take a short trip to the bell tower in the Administration Building and/or a trip to the rooftop of Kretschmar Hall (weather permitting).
Registration and check-in
Kellogg Hall, front of cafeteria | 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.
Alumni Dinner in Kellogg Hall - TICKETED EVENT - $15
Kellogg Hall, Alaska Room| 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a supper and good fellowship in Kellogg Hall, Menu options will include gluten-free and vegan. Come and go event. While we prefer that you pre-register at vbj4.com/homecoming, tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Piano Vespers
This event will be presented on Sabbath at 4:00 p.m. as part of Alleluias and Meditations, in the WWU Church, Sanctuary.
PRISM Vespers
University Church, Sanctuary | 8:00 p.m.
Welcome the Sabbath with a program of sacred music, designed as a PRISM concert by the Walla Walla University Department of Music. Doors close promptly at 8 p.m. No late entry.
Sabbath, April 27
Bird Walk
Rigby Hall Parking Lot | 6:30 a.m.
Early risers are invited to join Joe Galusha ’68 and professor emeritus of biology, David Cowles ’78 and biology faculty, for a nature walk. This iconic and cherished event was introduced in 1976.
Registration and check-in
WWU Church, outside front entrance | 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.
Sabbath Schools
Various Locations | Various Times (see WWU Church Bulletin at www.wwuchurch.org)
German Christmas sing-along
Fine Arts Center, room 208 | 10 a.m.
Come sing-along Stille Nacht, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, O Tannenbaum, and many other German Christmas favorites. Song-sheets provided. All are welcome regardless of German level. Visiting and treats following the sing-along.
50-Year Reunion Sabbath School
Heubach Chapel | 10:30 a.m.
Members of the Class of '74 present a special reunion Sabbath School for classmates and friends.
Sabbath Seminar: Christian Nationalism
Canaday Technology Center, room 105 | 10:30 a.m.
Presenter: Alumnus Greg Dodds '97 also WWU professor of history and chair of humanities and interdisciplinary studies. Dr. Dodds will explore the historical idea of Christian nationalism and the SDA response.
Church Service: A Pupil's Pilgrimage (Luke 2:40-52) | 11:40 a.m.
University Church | WWU President, John K McVay (2006-present) |
It is a quirky homecoming tale. If you’ve ever misplaced a child, you’ll be able to feel the special anguish of those parents who, having attended their alumni weekend, discover they’ve left a child behind. What might we learn from the parents . . . and from that Boy . . . in this ancient story?
Dr. John McVay became Walla Walla University’s 23rd president in July 2006. He will retire at the end of this academic year after having served Walla Walla University for 18 years, holding the honor of being the longest-serving president in our history. As president he oversees all operations of the university, which includes more than 1300 students, and hundreds of faculty and staff members on our five campuses in three states.
President McVay is a New Testament scholar, a voracious reader and careful note-taker whose curiosity is contagious. Both President McVay and his wife, Pam, have served as tireless boosters for the university’s core themes—excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression and Faith in God—and throughout their tenure, they have been deeply committed to providing the very best education in a healthy environment that nurtures faith and discovery.
Registration and check-in
Winter Educational Complex, Alumni Gymnasium | 12:45 - 2 p.m.
Pick up weekend materials (name badge, special ribbons, and weekend schedule) or register for the weekend.
Sabbath Lunch - TICKETED EVENT $15
Winter Educational Complex, Alumni Gymnasium | 1:00 p.m.
Come fellowship with friends and classmates, and enjoy a catered Sabbath lunch. DOORS OPEN AT 1:00 p.m.
Student Financial Services reunion
Winter Educational Complex, room 139 | 1 p.m.
If you worked for Student Financial Services, as a WWU student or staff, come enjoy sharing a memory or two. If you purchased lunch, go through the main line in the gym, then bring your food to WEC 139.
School of Nursing Open House | 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Winter Educational Complex, 2nd floor
Enjoy the newest office display, updated lab space, and student lounge.
Honor Class Reunions and Photos | 2:00 - 5:30 p.m..
Various locations, see schedule below.
Reconnect with your classmates from Vanguards (1963 and before) 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014.
Vanguards (graduates from 1963 and before)
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:20 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 226 | 3:15 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 1964
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:00 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 225 | 2:45 p.m. | John Fackenthall, class hostClass of 1969
Photo: WEC Gym | 2:50 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 217 | 3:30 p.m. | Jim and Vivian Robertson, class hostsClass of 1974
Photo: WEC Gym | 3:10 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 209 | 4:00 p.m. | Doug Logan, class hostClass of 1979
Photo: WEC Gym | 3:40 p.m.
Reunion: WEC, Room 215 | 4:10 p.m. | DeLona Bell, class hostClass of 1984
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:00 p.m.
Reunion: CTC, Room 128 | 2:30 p.m. | Wendi Kannenberg, Bill Gerber, and Bobby McGhee, class hostsClass of 1989
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:20 p.m.
Reunion: Bowers Hall, Room 201 | 2:45 p.m. |TBA, class hostClass of 1994
Photo: WEC Gym | 4:40 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 204 | 3:00 p.m. | Peter Fackenthall, class hostClass of 1999
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:00 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 203 | 3:30 p.m. |Paddy McCoy and Jerry Hartman, class hostsClass of 2004
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:15 p.m.
Reunion: CTC, Room 305 | 3:45 p.m. | Jessical Stone, class hostClass of 2009
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:20 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 210 | 4:00 p.m. | TBA, class hostClass of 2014
Photo: WEC Gym | 5:25 p.m.
Reunion: BWH, Room 202 | 4:15 p.m. | TBA, class host
Alleluias and Meditations
University Church Sanctuary | 4:00 p.m.
Piano and chamber music by the WWU Department of Music.
School of Theology Open House
Administration Building, 3rd floor, west side | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy light refreshments and conversation with alumni and with current and past faculty in the updated "home” of the School of Theology, Administration Building, 3rd floor, west side.
Department Suppers
5:30–7 p.m. Various locations Visit with your favorite teachers and fellow alumni. Suppers begin at 5:30 p.m.
Art, Communications and Languages, English, History and Philosophy
Administration Building, room 238 | Breads and saladsBiology and Chemistry
Rigby Hall, Courtyard | Breads and saladsSchool of Business
Bowers Hall, Lobby | Light SupperSchool of Education and Psychology
Smith Hall, Lobby and Room 202 | Soups and SandwichesEdward F. Cross School of Engineering
Walla Walla Valley Academy, Multipurpose Room | Bread and salad potluckHealth and Physical Education
Winter Education Complex, Room 142 | Salad supperMath, Computer Science, and Physics
University Church, Youth Room | Sandwiches and saladsMusic
The Department of Music invites alumni and friends to the 4:00 p.m. Alleluias and Meditations concert and the 7:00 p.m. Piano Vespers, both events take place in the University Church Sanctuary.School of Nursing
Fellowship Hall, University Church | Light supperWilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology
University Annex (corner of College Ave and 4th St., across from The Express | SupperTechnology
Canaday Technology Center, Room 129 | Breads and saladsSchool of Theology
Administration Building, 3rd floor, west side | Hors d'oeuvres
Evensong
WWU Church, Sanctuary | 7:00 p.m.
Close the Sabbath with this sundown service that combines sacred music and the spoken word. Evensong is a special tradition started by former faculty Mel West and Loren Dickinson in the spring of 1963.
Ice Cream Treats
Front of church entrance | following Evensong - 8:45 p.m.
Visit with friends and enjoy an ice cream sandwich.
Engineering Labs, Open House
Chan Shun Pavilion, rooms 318 and 319 | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Please join us for an open house and general lab tour.
Observatory Open
Kretschmar Hall | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
The Physics Department invites you to come look through the telescope on top of Kretschmar Hall. Weather permitting, the observatory will be open right after the Milestones and Mission Celebration till 10:00 pm on Saturday evening. To get to the observatory, take the middle stairwell in Kretschmar Hall (the one next to the CHE office) to the 3rd floor. The door leading up from 3rd floor will be open during this time.
Climbing Wall
Winter Educational Complex, Gymnastics Gym | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Alumni and friends are invited to see WWU's newest climbing wall during this session. You can also have a climbing experience by reserving a slot http://connect.vbj4.com/register/climbwallSatNight.
The Climbing Wall offers top-rope sport routes and a bouldering area with routes ranging in difficulty from 5.4—5.11. Ropes, harnesses, and shoes are available. Climbing wall staff are available to provide assistance. All abilities are welcome!
Class of 1984 and friends, the way we were.
Village Hall | 8:45 - 10:00 p.m
Please join the Class of 1984 as they gather for a special program reminiscing about "the way we were" and reconnecting with former and loved professors A special one of kind program emceed by Bill Gerber and Bobby McGhee.
Sunday, April 28
Richard J. Kegley Memorial Fun Run/Walk – TICKETED EVENT – $20 REGISTER AT 6nsd.vbj4.com/homecoming
Winter Education Complex, North Entrance | 7:30 a.m.
Join us for a healthy 5k run/walk, named for ultramarathon runner Richard J. Kegley ’47. Registration opens 6:45 a.m. Current WWU students receive free entrance. Net proceeds go to the worthy student fund. *Ticketed event
Eugene Winter Golf Classic – TICKETED EVENT - $100-$200pp
REGISTER AT 6nsd.vbj4.com/golf
Wine Valley Golf Course, 176 Wine Valley Rd. | Event start 8:00 a.m. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.
Enjoy a morning of golf while catching up with friends in the beautiful scenery of the Walla Walla Valley. Entry fee options include green fee, golf cart rental, Wolves hat, and raffle tickets. Proceeds benefit Walla Walla University Athletics.
This event is sponsored by Adventist Health, a faith-based, non-profit, integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 400 sites of care... in pursuit of living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope.
Havstad Alumni Center visiting hours
Havstad Alumni Center | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
A gathering space for alumni, family, and friends, available for you to rest and visit with friends while you are here.
WWU Historical Exhibit
Havstad Alumni Center, Heritage Room | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rich in WWU history, available to visit while you are on campus.
The Atlas
The Atlas, corner of College Ave and Whitman Dr, kitty corner from Smith Hall | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Enjoy a hot or iced drink at WWU's study house run by ASWWU. Drink menu and pricing available on site.
24th Annual Car Show – $5 to enter vehicle vbj4.com/car-show (free to attend)
Havstad Alumni Center Parking Lot | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Free admission to attend and vote for your favorite car from over 100 entries. Enjoy lunch on the lawn, proceeds go to WWU Auto Club. All are welcome!
To register your vehicle, visit vbj4.com/car-show or call Alumni and Advancement Services at 1-(800) 377-2586. Goodie bag to first 100 vehicle entries. All car entries must be in the lot by 9:00 a.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Complimentary WiFi
Complimentary wireless Internet is available. Search for the "WWU-Guest" network within 20 feet of any WWU building.
Homecoming 2025
Mark your calendars for Homecoming Weekend 2025, April 25-27
Thank You
A special thank you to current WWU students. From graphic design to assisting with the fun run/walk, weekend staffing, musical talent, and hours of detailed preparation, their contributions have added a special touch to this homecoming weekend. Also, a special thank you to alumnus Cody Sutton '18, for providing trophies for this year's 24th Annual Car Show.
Clyde and Mary Harris Art Gallery | Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center
Works curated by alumnus Steven Miller '01
- Thursday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Sabbath 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Havstad Alumni Center Visiting Hours
Thursday, April 25 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, April 26 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 27 1 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 28 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR 2024
Herb Larsen ’79
Herb Larsen is, in short, a multitalented and prolific creator. Growing up in the Canadian wilderness, he easily pursued interests in a variety of crafts. His mother encouraged his endless creativity, and his love for art and music has been enduring: he performs and writes music, studied under world renowned gun engravers, helped create a new form of offset lithography, produced commissioned art, and designed magazine covers.After graduating from WWU with a biology major and a stint teaching high school, Herb taught himself mechanical engineering to join his two younger brothers in business. Designing and engineering custom industrial equipment turned out to be a great fit, and Herb has run a successful firm since 1990. His art, music, and business ventures have led to connections with prominent people. Born as a third-generation preacher’s kid, Herb swore he would never be a preacher, yet his greatest passion has been using these divine appointments to share his faith. He regularly preaches, sometimes internationally, and conducts a weekly inner-city Bible study group. His partner in ministry and life is his wife, Tammy, with whom he has two sons.
Pedrito Maynard-Zhang ’94
As the child of two Jamaican immigrants pursuing their studies in the U.S., Pedrito recognized the importance of education from a young age. His academic journey eventually led to earning a doctorate
in computer science from Stanford University. His love for computer science was born in high school, but he studied electrical engineering at WWU to lay a technical base before focusing his post-graduate studies and collegiate teaching career in computer science and artificial intelligence. Despite his love of teaching, Pedrito eventually dove into industry-level software development, working at Amazon and Microsoft for over 15 years. He specialized in solving problems in machine learning and data science and received two patents for his work. His prestigious career and lived experience ignited a passion for promoting equitable access to STEM education and careers for all young people, and he now invests in that work as a research scientist on the Amazon Future Engineer team. Beyond his work, Pedrito has found rejuvenation in practicing traditional kung fu styles, hiking, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his wife, Margaret, and their two children.
Kari (Cooper) Firestone ’94
As a first-generation college student facing financial struggles, Kari Firestone was told, “Well, not all students are meant to go to college.” This experience lit a fire in her heart to prove all students deserve the opportunity to pursue higher education, and it shaped the direction of her life. As a nurse and nurse educator for more than 30 years, Kari says, “Having a small part in shaping the future of the nursing profession through my students gives my work meaning.” Kari completed her master’s in nursing education and clinical nursing specialist in 2008, and her doctorate in 2016. She has taught in Portland, Loma Linda, and Walla Walla, serving as a professor, adjunct faculty in social work, dean, and a director for COVID-19 response. In all these roles she has passed on her passion for service, inviting students to participate in the many health-related outreach activities she enjoys. She is currently director of a clinical education program at Oregon Health & Sciences University that teaches medical, dental, nursing, and nutrition students through providing health care for vulnerable and underserved communities.
Les Zollbrecht ’99
It was during a 30-day mountaineering and rock climbing educator course in the North Cascades and Canada that Les Zollbrecht saw the full potential of merging his interests in the outdoors and passion for empowering others. After graduating from WWU, Les served at several Adventist churches and as chaplain for Portland Adventist Academy while pursuing a master’s in leadership. It was during this time he went on the eye-opening trip and soon launched a non-profit organization called Mountain Leadership Institute. He continues to use outdoor experiences to empower others, leading trips in Nepal annually, and instructing rock climbing and mountaineering leadership courses. Les has worked as director of Big Lake Youth Camp since 2013, where he relishes the challenge of teaching young people to be dynamic leaders and change agents in the lives of kids. He’s helped form important partnerships to dramatically improve facilities, complete a $3.1 million reconstruction of the main lodge, acquire land, and build a Pacific Crest Trail welcome center. He hopes “that those around me will experience a love so compelling that they will spend the rest of their lives pursuing the source.”