School spirit was in full force this past week as College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated its inaugural CWI Week, Oct. 19 – 23, bringing students, employees, alumni, and community partners together.
From career exploration and hands-on experiences to student activities and community celebrations, the week highlighted the people, programs, and partnerships that make CWI a place to learn, connect, and grow.
Exploring Careers and Opportunities
One of the week's largest events, Micron Day, welcomed approximately 800 students, job seekers, and community members to the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center on Tuesday.
Attendees connected with representatives from Micron Technology and other industry partners, explored high-tech career opportunities, toured CWI labs, and participated in hands-on demonstrations. The event also featured discussions about Idaho's growing semiconductor industry, paid apprenticeships, internships, and employment opportunities.
Other events throughout the week encouraged students to explore new interests and connect with professionals. The Business Speaker Series provided opportunities to hear from local business leaders, while the Cyber Escape Room and Tutoring with Virtual Reality offered interactive ways to experience technology, learning, and problem-solving.
Celebrating CWI's History
CWI also took a walk down memory lane during Celebrating CWI's History: Panel Discussion and Reception also on Tuesday. Six individuals who helped shape the College's early years shared stories, memories, and reflections on CWI's beginnings and how far the College has come.
The panel featured former CWI President Bert Glandon; former Executive Vice President of Operations, Craig Brown; founding Board of Trustee, Mark Dunham; founding faculty members, Cathy Carson and Heather Schoenherr; and CWI alumna and Learning and Development Director, Christie Cremer.
Hosted by the CWI Library, the event also marked the launch of the College Archives, a collection dedicated to preserving the stories, milestones, and memories that have shaped CWI.
Connecting Through Community and Conservation
The Agricultural Sciences department hosted its annual Restoration Day at the Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex on Thursday, bringing students, employees, and community partners together to learn about local conservation efforts and opportunities to get involved.
Attendees heard from Karie Pappani, Conservation Director at the Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association, about ongoing conservation projects and volunteer opportunities. CWI Horticulture Instructor, Jared Capell, also shared plans for an upcoming restoration project in partnership with Boise Parks and Recreation, and the Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District.
As part of the project, approximately 80 cottonwood trees are being grown for planting along the Boise River in October 2027.
Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed lunch and conversation, with an opportunity to get hands-on experience preparing the market garden for winter.
Showing CWI Spirit
Beyond the learning opportunities, CWI Week brought the College community together through activities celebrating student involvement and school pride.
Club Fest gave students an opportunity to connect with student organizations and discover ways to get involved on campus. The Entrepreneur Lab Open House highlighted resources for aspiring business owners, while the family-friendly Trick or Treat celebration brought students, employees, and their families together for an evening of fun.
Throughout the week, students and employees showed their CWI pride through daily Spirit Week themes, including Mismatch Monday and CWI Day.
The celebration concluded with the Otter Cup Soccer Championship on Friday, bringing the College community together to cheer on student teams and celebrate a friendly competition. Overtime FC claimed the title over Hemm FC in a thrilling match that ended in double overtime and a penalty shootout.
CWI Week marked the beginning of a new College tradition, with events recognizing CWI's history, academic programs, community partnerships, and student life.
Thank you to the students, employees, alumni, and community partners who participated in the inaugural CWI Week and helped bring the celebration together.
