Walla Walla University is made up of a bright, hardworking student body who are often recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and other achievements by both the university and external entities.

Freshman Kiana Cueto was recently announced as one of just 11 students to receive the 2024 AlohaCare Healthcare Scholarship—an academic scholarship created to support local workforce development in Hawai’i. She is currently working towards an associate degree in sonography while also sharing her time with the Wolves volleyball team as a middle blocker and outside hitter.

According to Cueto, all of the success that she has earned, on and off court, is thanks to the support and encouragement of her family and hometown community. “Everyone back home is always looking forward to what I have been doing and that really pushes me,” said Cueto. After graduation, Cueto plans on returning home to Wai’anae, Hawai’i, where she hopes to work as an OB-GYN sonographer.

To celebrate the accomplishments of dedicated students like this, WWU maintains over 200 scholarship funds of its own. Lautaro Brehm, junior business administration major concentrating in accounting, received an academic scholarship from the WWU School of Business and an athletic scholarship for his contributions to the Wolves men’s soccer team. Like Cueto, Brehm has put in the work to succeed in both aspects of the student-athlete lifestyle.

As an international student, Brehm has traveled miles from his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina to play at WWU. Though many WWU student-athletes come from all over the world, they are not alone. Brehm said, “I have found so many really good mentors who have been willing to help and guide me through work, study, and life.” In the future, Brehm hopes to offer that same guidance and support to students who are international or in financial need. Brehm said from experience, “having someone to support you like that is really valuable.”

WWU seeks to foster the unique gifts of every individual within this Christian community of faith and discovery. In doing so, just last year, WWU provided nearly 600 awards and distributed over $40 million in total financial aid.

To learn about more WWU award opportunities, go to wallawalla.edu/awards.

Posted April 30, 2025.