Established in 1994, in loving memory of Heritage University co-founder, Violet Lumley Rau, this award is bestowed annually to an alumnus who embodies the ideals of the University in their personal, professional and community life.

Congratulations 2011 Violet Lumley Rau award recipient
Commencement is always an extraordinary time for graduates, but for Heritage alumna Krista Goudy-Sutterlict the day was twice as special. Not only did she receive her master’s degree, she was also the recipient of the 2011 Violet Lumley Rau Alumni Award.

Krista, a preschool teacher at the Toppenish School District and member of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) board of directors, received the award for both her work in the classroom and her national leadership in Native American education. She graduated from Heritage in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and again this year with a Master of Education.

“Krista puts forth 100% of her efforts and does it most humbly. As a teacher, she commits herself to be a positive role model for all,” said Dr. Charles Wheaton, her professor and award nominator.

For Krista, teaching preschool is an unexpected career that turned into a passion. As an undergraduate student, she planned on teaching and coaching sports at the middle school level. Shortly before she graduated with her bachelor’s degree, she was offered a teaching position at the preschool. It was her foot in the door to a career that she now can’t imagine leaving.

“There is so much sparkle and light in the kids’ eyes at this age, and there is still such a sense of optimism in their families,” she said. “I am truly amazed to see how their minds work at the ripe old age of four and five.”

The Toppenish preschool runs morning and afternoon sessions each day. Krista leads classes of 18 four- and five-year-olds through activities designed to prepare them to enter kindergarten. Students learn about classroom routines and behavior expectations as well as early academics, like reading, writing and color recognition. In her years at the school, Krista estimates she has seen more than 250 students move through her program.

While Krista believes strongly in helping all children succeed, she has a special affinity for Native American children. As a member of the Yakama Nation and a lifelong resident of the Yakima Valley, she knows the struggles that Native American families go through to balance their traditional culture and modern education. As a member of the NIEA board of directors, she is helping to advocate for increasing educational excellence, opportunities and resources for Native American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian students. Krista is the only classroom teacher to sit on the 12- member board.