WVC Foundation names Bertha Sanchez as 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley College Foundation has named Bertha Sanchez, director of counseling and support services at WVC, as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Sanchez, who graduated from WVC in 1994 with an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree, was recognized for her extensive contributions to student support services and the wider North Central Washington community.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award,” Sanchez said. “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."

In her current role, Sanchez has spearheaded a range of initiatives to meet the needs of WVC students. She founded the Knight’s Kupboard, a food pantry with locations at both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses, and established the Knights Care Fund, which provides emergency financial aid to students encountering unexpected hardships.

“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.”

Sanchez has also been active in community service beyond the college, having served with organizations such as Columbia Valley Community Health, the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, and the Children's Home Society. She has supported wildfire relief and other regional aid efforts throughout her career.

Her colleagues noted in their nomination that Sanchez's work often goes beyond her formal responsibilities. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Dreamer’s Taskforce at WVC, organized wellness programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to participate in the Bias Incident Response Team, CARE Team, and Crisis Recovery Team.

The WVC Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented annually since 1975 to honor alumni who have excelled professionally, contributed significantly to their communities, and demonstrated personal integrity. Past recipients include social worker Ricardo Escobedo (2024), entrepreneur Dennis Carlton (2023), community volunteer Darrel Dickenson (2022), educator Jaime Ramirez (2020), and NCW Libraries executive director Barbara Walters (2019).

For more information about the WVC Foundation or to contribute, visit wvc.edu/foundation.