College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated the naming of its new Simplot Agriculture Building on Friday, June 6, honoring a generous gift from the J.R. Simplot Foundation. The gathering marked a significant milestone in the College’s ongoing investment in Idaho’s agricultural future.
Held on CWI’s Nampa Campus, the sign unveiling event brought together Simplot family members, representatives from the J.R. Simplot Foundation, CWI faculty, trustees, and students. The event recognized the deep-rooted partnership between CWI and Simplot — one that continues to grow stronger with shared commitment to education, innovation, and workforce development.
“The J.R. Simplot Foundation’s generosity is a lasting investment in Idaho’s agricultural future,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “This building will not only provide state-of-the-art resources for our students, it will inspire them to lead, innovate, and strengthen the agricultural economy of our region.”
Set to open in Fall 2025, the Simplot Agriculture Building will serve as the centerpiece of the new Agricultural Sciences Complex. The facility is designed to support hands-on, industry-aligned instruction and accommodate CWI’s rapidly growing agricultural programs. With its modern labs and student-focused learning spaces, the building will help prepare the next generation of agriculture professionals to meet the needs of Idaho’s evolving economy.
“We’ve worked closely with CWI in the past and we not only believe in their mission to empower students through affordable, accessible education, but we have witnessed firsthand the impact this has on the workforce,” said John Otter, Simplot Board representative and family member. “When we saw this need in the community, and the opportunity to step in and help, that experience provided us with strong confidence to get involved.”
The J.R. Simplot Foundation’s support is also a major contribution to CWI’s Powering the Treasure Valley campaign — a multi-year initiative focused on expanding access, opportunity, and workforce innovation through strategic investments in campus infrastructure and student support.
Guests at the event enjoyed remarks from College leaders and Simplot representatives, along with a video tribute and ceremonial unveiling of the building signage. Attendees also had the chance to explore the new space and hear more about the vision for the Agricultural Sciences Complex.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for later this year to coincide with the building’s opening to students in the fall.
Learn more about campus development at CWI and the Powering the Treasure Valley campaign.
