Walla Walla University Alumni

We’re so glad you're part of our family. Let us help you stay connected!

Download the alumni services brochure.



Westwind online

Read more issues

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

NextGen scholarships

Aspiring pastor has opportunity to share his faith at WWU

##

Jeremias Cruz, freshman theology major at Walla Walla University, was awarded the NextGen Pastor scholarship this past summer. WWU was provided with scholarship funding by the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC). This forward-thinking investment was designed by the NPUC to equip and recruit the next generation of pastors and teachers. 

Cruz grew up with a gift for speaking and a passion for God, but faced unique barriers during his childhood, including a rare condition that required him to undergo surgery every six months between the ages of two and 15. 

As a young person, Cruz considered a few career paths before realizing his calling. Cruz credits his father with helping him connect his ability to speak with his love for God. When his father invited him to preach, Cruz felt God speaking to him and through him. He knew it was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life and began to look for a way to answer the call. 

A year before coming to WWU as a freshman, Cruz had no idea that the university existed. He was enrolled at Andrews University with a down payment submitted and a roommate assigned before it became evident that finances would simply not allow him to pursue higher education there. After considering community college options, Cruz recalled his father praying, “Lord, how is it so hard for my son to serve?” Just two days later, a local pastor’s wife sent the family a link about the NextGen Pastor scholarship offered at WWU.

A rush of adrenaline hit Cruz when he found out he had won the scholarship just one month before fall term began at WWU. Shortly after, he called Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology and professor of biblical studies, and realized it would be possible to attend WWU. Cruz remembers his parents listening to the call at his door and shedding tears of gratitude. 

According to Cruz, attending WWU has renewed the fire inside him to serve, and he has a difficult time imagining himself anywhere else. His foremost goal is to develop his relationship with Christ as a friend and savior. He believes this relationship will aid him in every other aspect of his life, including his pursuit of a pastoral role. He mentioned a verse in the book of Matthew that has inspired him; “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 

Bible Study

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.