Media Contacts:
Lupe Brito, WVC Foundation development director 509-682-6573 
Rachel Evey, WVC Foundation executive director, 509-682-6415

The Wenatchee Valley College Foundation Board of Directors has selected Bertha Sanchez as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Sanchez is a 1994 graduate of Wenatchee Valley College, where she earned her Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. Now the Director of Counseling and Support at WVC, Sanchez has spent over a decade guiding students through both academic and personal challenges.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award,” said Sanchez. “This recognition holds special meaning for me, not only because of the personal journey it reflects, but because it comes from an institution that played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today."

Sanchez launched numerous student-centered initiatives over the years that continue to benefit the WVC community. She founded the Knight’s Kupboard, a student food pantry available at both Wenatchee and Omak campuses, and created the Knights Care Fund, which provides emergency financial support to students facing unexpected challenges.

“Bertha has been a cornerstone of WVC and our community for several years. She embodies everything we stand for,” said Jenna Floyd, WVC Student Access Manager. “She is one of the most dedicated and resilient people I have ever met. Bertha exemplifies the spirit of WVC by helping the next generation of graduates tap into their potential.”

Beyond campus, Sanchez has contributed her time and expertise to several community boards and initiatives. She has served with Columbia Valley Community Health, the Community Foundation of NCW, and Children’s Home Society. She has also supported wildfire relief efforts and other regional aid programs over the years.

Her nominating colleagues wrote that Sanchez’s service goes far beyond her job description. She played a key role in developing the Dreamer’s Taskforce at WVC, curated wellness programs during the pandemic, and continues to support students through her work with the Bias Incident Response Team, CARE Team, and Crisis Recovery Team.

The WVC Distinguished Alumni Award began in 1975 to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen professional field; made significant contributions to their community on a local, state, national or international level; and have demonstrated integrity in their personal life and gained the respect of their peers. Recent recipients include social worker Ricardo Escobedo (2024), entrepreneur Dennis Carlton (2023), community volunteer Darrel Dickenson (2022), Eastmont educator Jaime Ramirez (2020), and NCW Libraries executive director Barbara Walters (2019).

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The WVC Foundation was incorporated in 1971. The foundation’s mission is to provide equitable access to education and invest in student success through philanthropy. For information on how to make a gift to the foundation, establish a scholarship or include the WVC Foundation in your estate plans, contact (509) 682-6410. Visit the WVC Foundation website at http://www.wvc.edu/foundation.

Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:

• To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Wenatchi Hall 2322M, (509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.
• To request disability accommodations: Student Access Manager, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.