The distance between Sun City West, AZ to the campus of Heritage University is 1,228 miles. But the miles don't deter Swanee Pringle from continuing her support for Heritage University. Swanee has made Sun City West her home since 1996 when she and her husband, Douglas relocated from Washington. Douglas was initially the driving force that began to support Heritage decades ago.
Douglas met Sister Kathleen Ross, SNJM in 1980 when she was focused on building a college in Toppenish. With a career in the banking profession, Douglas was so impressed with Sister Kathleen's strong faith and her drive to establish a college for students in Yakima Valley that he jumped in to help secure financial support and even joined the board of directors for the college. Soon after, Swanee recognized the progress of the college and joined Doug in supporting Heritage.
One of the first fundraisers for Heritage was the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship dinner. For 36 years this event is held in June to raise funds for scholarships for students. Given that Swanee is a talented quilter, she utilized her sewing skills to make a quilt to be auctioned off to raise funds for the scholarship dinner for ten consecutive years!
The Pringles support goes further than making quilts to be auctioned off. Douglas and Swanee established a scholarship in memory of their parents to create a lasting legacy that has extended beyond the lives of their parents and Douglas who passed in 2012. Swanee and Douglas wanted to make a "lasting gift" and indeed their scholarship fund has benefitted countless students. And that is what makes Swanee proud. She shared that "anything you can do to help a young person who may be less-advantaged receive an education, this is how we can assist the students of Heritage."
Establishing a scholarship at Heritage University makes a significant difference in the lives of Heritage students. It helps to alleviate the financial burden of education for our increasing number of first-generation students who want to attend college. By making a commitment of $10,000 or more, you can establish a named scholarship to honor a family member or create a personal legacy for you and your loved one.
We're appreciative of the foresight that Swanee and Douglas had when they established a scholarship in honor of their parents.
