Blue Mountain Community College

Phillip Walchli
A.A.-BMCC ‘75
B.S. - UO ’77, Finance
MBA – Univ. of Colorado

Born and bred in Hermiston.  Phil was raised on the farm his father, John, started in 1952.  After high school graduation, Phillip finished his AA at BMCC, and completed his BS degree in finance from the University of Oregon.  Continuing his education, Mr. Walchli then earned his Masters’ degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado in Denver.

He was hired by the Carnation Company where he worked as a management trainee in Moses Lake, WA. Offered the opportunity to transfer to a bigger market and a higher position almost immediately, Phil moved to his family to Los Angeles, where he spent the next eight years in managing logistics for the potato processing branch of the company.

Carnation was sold to the Swiss-based Nestle corporation in 1988. Finding the winds of this management change and focus weren't to his liking, Phil decided to take a leap of faith and accept his father's offer to go back to his roots and farm in Hermiston. He's been there ever since!

Phillip and his father work about 1800 acres, raising potatoes, melons, wheat, asparagus, alfalfa and buffalo. He's known as a hands-on manager, doing these parts of farm-related responsibilities he enjoys most, and delegating the rest to an excellent crew.

Phil has three daughters and enjoys reading, golfing, skiing and travel.

Help us plan Blue Mountain Community College's 50th Anniversary (1962-2012)

• 50 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE: We are collecting BMCC memorabilia from the early days to present time. If you could donate pictures, clothing with the old BMCC logo or insignia, or anything from your days at the college, we would be pleased to add them to our retrospective exhibit.
• I REMEMBER: We would also like to interview retired faculty and staff and former students to add to the I REMEMBER section of our 50th anniversary website. Your pictures and stories will help create a walk down memory lane.
• FINDING BMCC ALUMNI & FRIENDS: We need your help to locate BMCC alumni and friends to invite to the party.
• CONTACT: Bobbi Kristovich, Director, Alumni Relations at alumni@bluecc.edu or call 541-278-5933.