The Center for Humanitarian Engagement at Walla Walla University is a student-led service hub that encourages students to connect with one another and the residents of our neighboring communities through Christian acts of care—love in action.
It is by utilizing the abundance of skill, generosity, and passion within the WWU student body that the CHE is able to support service, connection, and experiential education within our community.
This year, the CHE is saying goodbye to six graduating student workers. One of these graduates is Ashley Davila, event coordinator. She has played a key role in numerous engagement events, from last-minute pop-ups to community educational booths to the recent Spring Block Party. Throughout planning and execution of Block Party, she helped maintain communication and collaboration between WWU and the City of College Place.
WWU graduation took place just last weekend, yet Davila already knows what her next step will be: serving as an associate pastor in Caldwell, Idaho. She said her certainty in this decision comes from the sense of belonging she already feels with that conference, after discussing the importance of community involvement with the president.
“While our words matter, I believe our actions often speak even louder. CHE’s slogan, ‘Love in Action,’ reflects that belief, and I sincerely wish more of us embodied it in our daily lives. As I move forward into this new role, I hope to carry that principle with me—not only in ministry, but in every aspect of my life,” said Davila.
Another graduate, Tawanda Meda, volunteer project specialist, gained experience leading more service-based projects. He was responsible for collaborating with the CHE volunteer management team on large community- and student-engaging events like Tri-College Community Day and Fall Service Day.
“Through my time at CHE, I've gained valuable experience, strengthened my creative skills, and learned the importance of community engagement. I'll miss being part of a team that creates meaningful connections and makes such a positive impact,” said Emily Vaughn, content creator. She played a vital role in each CHE event: creating professional-level promotional material and helping capture key moments from these events to share later.
Gina Lorenz, CARE Weekend co-coordinator, supported the CHE by helping plan and lead weekly service opportunities where students and community members could make friends and connect with Christ through meaningful service.
Another important CHE program is the Tool Library, whose goal is to cultivate spaces where neighbors can learn and grow together by loaning tools and providing training, organizing volunteer opportunities, and hosting community workshops. Caleb Shirnizadeh, Tool Library manager, was able to expertly handle daily operations and aid many CHE volunteer opportunities by preparing necessary tools and equipment for each project.
“I'm going to miss the community that is at CHE, it's very warm and welcoming. I'm also going to miss the mission of CHE. I hope I can find something like this place in my future career,” said Emily Deisch, communications specialist. She served as the CHE’s sole journalist, gathering key quotes and information, building relationships with community partners, and creating captivating stories.
Real-world experiences like these do more than just educate. By connecting with other students and community members, seeing their work make a difference, and learning through doing, the CHE helps students find a calling—not just a career.
Our graduates have grown so much already and are more than prepared to take on this next step. And to each CHE and WWU graduate, we wish you luck and love in whatever it is God leads you to next!
To keep up with the CHE and watch as student-leaders grow, learn, and succeed, follow us on Instagram @che.wwu.
