Honoring the individuals whose generosity is building NUNM’s next chapter
The National University of Natural Medicine’s new campus is being constructed by more than bricks and beams. It is being built through belief, generosity, and a shared resolve to advancing whole-person education across medicine, nutrition, research, and community health.
As construction begins on our new building, we are proud to recognize the individuals and families whose philanthropy makes this moment possible. This feature is the first in an ongoing series highlighting the donors whose support is helping bring NUNM’s future to life.
“NUNM gave me the foundation to serve my patients, my family, and millions through my books and media work.”
Trevor Cates, ND ’00
The Cates Family Conference Room
Dr. Trevor Cates, ND ’00, along with her mother, Gwendolyn Cates, and sister, Ayn Cates Sullivan, has made a generous gift to name the Cates Family Conference Room. Designed as a space for connection and collaboration, the room will support meetings, learning, and conversations that bring together students, faculty, clinicians, researchers, and community partners.
A NUNM board member and alumna, Dr. Cates was introduced to natural medicine early in life through her own health experiences. That introduction shaped a career spanning clinical practice, education, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout her work, one belief has remained constant: people deserve access to care and information that support real, lasting health.
For Dr. Cates and her family, this gift is both personal and forward-looking. It honors the institution that helped shape her path while creating a space where future students can gather, exchange ideas, and move the profession forward.
“NUNM gave me the foundation to serve my patients, my family, and millions through my books and media work,” Dr. Cates shared. “Contributing to the new campus is more than a donation — it’s an investment in the future of our profession, and I encourage every alum to be part of building what comes next.”
“As we navigate these changing tides and shifts in consciousness, it is clear to me that the ‘medicine of the future’ will be a deep remembering that Nature is truly the best medicine.”
Babbie Stern, ND, MSOM ’06
The Nancy Wastcoat Garbett Reflection Room
We are also grateful to recognize Dr. Babbie Stern, ND, MSOM ’06, and her husband, Lessing Stern, for their generous support of the new building. Dr. Stern received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from NUNM and has built a career grounded in integrative, patient-centered care.
Dr. Stern is a licensed, board-certified primary care physician and naturopathic doctor in Utah, as well as a licensed acupuncturist. As the owner of Healing Seeds, she brings together nature, tradition, and innovation in service of her patients’ wellbeing.
Her support of NUNM comes from both gratitude for her education and confidence in where the university is headed. In honor of her mother, Nancy Wastcoat Garbett, an inspiration to Dr. Stern and a dedicated NUNM board chair for ten years, a quiet meditation space within the new campus will be named the Nancy Wastcoat Garbett Reflection Room. This dedicated reflection and meditation space will offer students a place for stillness, renewal, and connection amid the demands of their studies.
“As we navigate these changing tides and shifts in consciousness, it is clear to me that the ‘medicine of the future’ will be a deep remembering that Nature is truly the best medicine,” Dr. Stern shared. “NUNM is uniquely poised to provide the foundational principles, research, and partnerships that will carry us into the next iteration of healthcare. I am honored to be a part of the change we wish to see in the world.”
“I’m honored to support NUNM’s journey and the work being done to shape the next generation of healthcare practitioners.”
Ron Brey, NUNM Board Treasurer
Supporting the Journey: Ron Brey
We are equally grateful to NUNM Board Treasurer, Ron Brey, who has generously supported NUNM’s new campus. A retired college professor and administrator from Austin, Texas, Brey spent thirty-five years advancing higher education and distance learning programs before moving to Portland in 2006. He has served on multiple boards, including Equity Foundation and Pride Foundation, helping expand resources for the LGBTQ community in the Pacific Northwest.
Brey’s support reflects a commitment to fostering opportunities and advancing education for future generations. “I’m honored to support NUNM’s journey and the work being done to shape the next generation of healthcare practitioners,” Brey shared.
A Shared Vision for What Comes Next
The generosity of the Cates family, Dr. Stern, and Ron Brey reflects a shared belief in NUNM’s mission and in the power of natural medicine to transform lives. Their gifts support more than a building. They support students finding their calling, patients finding healing, and a healthcare future grounded in prevention, compassion, and whole-person care.
As we prepare to open the doors of our new campus, we do so with profound gratitude. Every room, every gathering, and every moment of learning will carry the legacy of those who believed in what NUNM has been and what it is becoming.
We look forward to sharing more stories of alumni, friends, and partners whose generosity is helping shape this campus and the future it holds.
To our donors: thank you for helping us build the future of natural medicine, together.
To learn more about supporting NUNM’s next chapter we invite you to reach connect with our Advancement team at: advancement@nunm.edu