Kathleen Ross' sister act has been astoundingly impressive

Don't ever underestimate the power of someone consumed with a vision, sustained by faith and driven by a desire to help those without privilege or power.

Such a person is Sister Kathleen Ross, Heritage University's president, who has lifted up an entire generation of Native Americans, Latinos, single moms and dads by enabling them to accomplish the dream of securing a higher education that otherwise would have eluded them.

The 68-year-old Ross is leaving the university's presidency this summer, but only after what amounts to an endless string of successes remarkable for their scope and magnitude. Here are just of few of her achievements:

* She seized an opportunity when Fort Wright College closed its doors in Toppenish in 1980 and opened Heritage College, gaining full accreditation in five years.

* She helped lead a capital fundraising campaign in 1994 that raised $7.1 million, eclipsing its goal by 45 percent. This was followed by another campaign 14 years later that raised $27 million in a three-year-span.

* She received the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship "genius grant" in 1997 along with 22 others.

* She witnessed the renaming of the college to Heritage University in 2004 thanks to its numerous degree programs, which include American cultural studies, environmental science and social work. Today the university offers more than a dozen undergraduate degrees and 10 graduate programs.

* She was on hand for the groundbreaking in 2008 of a $15 million, 35,000-square-foot Arts and Sciences Center, which offers four designated science labs, a nursing skills lab and a meeting room large enough for 450 people.

Since 1985, when Heritage held its first graduation ceremony, more than 7,000 degrees have been awarded.

Not a bad record for a Catholic nun who has embraced a vow of poverty and a life filled with an abiding faith in the goodness of others and the power of prayer.

Ross will not retire from the scene for long. After a nine-month sabbatical, she plans to create an institute that will help disadvantaged students earn baccalaureate degrees at colleges nationwide.

Miracles do indeed happen, but it doesn't hurt to have someone like Sister Kathleen Ross leading the way.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.