Walla Walla University Alumni

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Current issue: Spring 2024

Your career milestones are an inspiration to current and future WWU students. Find (and share) news about WWU alumni in the news.

An unexpected trip

by Abbie (Lam Yuen) Watt '69, nursing

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Abbie Watt is a retired nurse who currently volunteers with an organization to translate study guides on Ellen G. White’s writings into Samoan. She lives with her husband, Jonathan '69, in Vancouver, Washington.

I grew up in America Samoa, and my parents were pioneers in starting the church in American Samoa. My nine siblings and I grew up going to Catholic schools because they were the best schools on the island. For college, most students would go to Australia or New Zealand. But I had an American scholarship, and I ended up coming to the States and studying biology at Union College. After I graduated, I was planning to go to graduate school at the University of Idaho. Within the first week of classes there, I was anxious and stressed because I was not used to schools that size. It wasn’t a great fit.

That weekend, I attended church in Moscow, Idaho, and it was there I met Gary Patterson. He was the pastor of the College Place Church and he asked if I had heard of Walla Walla University. I had heard the name but didn’t know anything about it.

He asked, “Would you agree if I took you to Walla Walla so you can tour the campus and see if you like it?”

I told him about my scholarships and transcripts, and my worry that they wouldn’t transfer. It was also already registration week for the university. But he was enthusiastic that it could be a good fit for me. So I agreed, and, since I didn’t have any money to get there, he offered to drive me to WWU the very next day.

One of the first things I noticed was the friendliness of the campus. As I passed by, people said, “Hi.” Even the upperclassmen would direct you where to go. I remember talking to Wilma Leazer, who was the chair of the nursing department, and she sat down and helped me look at the curriculum and see what program would fit me best. They all really took time for me. It made me feel very comfortable. I felt more at home.

So, I registered for classes. My scholarship and transcripts transferred, and all of my things arrived by the end of the week. I hadn’t even had time to unpack at the University of Idaho, so it was easier to move.

I made so many friends there. And teachers and other families, like the Claridges, always took us in on weekends or vacations when other students went home. Coming from a small island, I was grateful to have found a small community where I felt comfortable.

My husband and I have returned to Walla Walla University almost every year for homecoming weekend. All my younger siblings eventually came to study here too. In total, at least 29 members of my family have now attended Walla Walla University. I felt very blessed to have met Elder Patterson on that day in 1967.

Portrait of Abbie Watt
Photo of Abbie Watt, her father, and her sister at Watt's graduation.
Watt graduated in 1969 with a nursing degree. Her father and sister, Alvina Lutu '72, helped her celebrate.
Group photo of Abbie Watt's family.
Except for Watt's two older sisters, all of her siblings attended Walla Walla University. Shown here with her siblings and parents, Watt is dressed in blue in the upper left.

12 ways to support your alma mater:

  1. Ask your employer to match a gift or talk to us about setting up a matching gift program where you work.
  2. Keep your contact information current with our office by submitting a Class Member Profile form so we know what you’ve been up to since your time at WWC/WWU.
  3. Add Walla Walla University in your estate plan.
  4. Send us the names of high school students you know who may be interested in quality Christian education.
  5. Nominate a fellow alumnus for Alumni of the Year.
  6. Share internship opportunities available at your company with our Student Development Center.
  7. Volunteer to talk with students interested in your company or industry.
  8. Come to WWU for homecoming weekend.
  9. Attend alumni events in your area.
  10. Display a WWU license plate holder and/or sticker on your car.
  11. Stay connected with faculty and staff you learned from at WWU. Some alumni even get involved with academic departments doing classroom presentations, seminars, panels, mock interviews, and more.
  12. Attend a Wolves game when WWU athletic teams play on the road near your home.