Cheers, applause, and celebration filled the Ford Idaho Center on Tuesday, May 19, as College of Western Idaho (CWI) honored more than 1,800 graduates during its 2026 Commencement Ceremony in Nampa. The event marked the largest graduating class in school history and the College’s first commencement ceremony held at the Ford Idaho Center on CWI’s Nampa Campus.
“Today marks both an ending of a chapter and the beginning of another,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “It is the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and countless exams. More significantly, it is a journey you took into the unknown when you started at CWI, a journey that now brings you here tonight as we gather to celebrate your success in Idaho.”
The ceremony recognized Fall 2025 graduates, Spring and Summer 2026 degree and certificate candidates, fourth-year apprenticeship students, and GED completers. In total, 1,826 graduates ranging in age from 15 to 66 earned 2,300 degrees and certificates during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Additional highlights from the graduating class included:
- 768 Graduates with Honors
- 316 Graduates with Multiple Degrees and Certificates
- 172 Veteran and Active Military Graduates
- 397 Apprenticeship Graduates
- 92 Associate of Arts Degrees Awarded to Dual Credit Students
- 41 GED Completers
- Average Graduate GPA of 3.28
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the determination, resilience, and sense of community that helped graduates reach commencement.
In remarks to graduates, Jones acknowledged the challenges many students overcame while balancing school, work, family responsibilities, and personal commitments throughout their educational journeys.
“The hardest part of college is often just choosing to go,” Jones said. “I applaud each and every one of you for making that choice.”
Jones also recognized several groups of graduates during the ceremony, including first-generation college students, veterans and active-duty military students, apprenticeship graduates, GED completers, student leaders, and dual credit students who earned associate degrees while still in high school.
CWI Board of Trustees Chair, Jim Reames, congratulated graduates and encouraged them to carry forward the connections and experiences they gained during their time at the College.
“CWI has equipped you with the tools, the knowledge to navigate the world with confidence,” Reames said. “Your education here has prepared you to pursue your dreams, overcome challenges, and make a meaningful impact in your community.”
Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke delivered the ceremony’s commencement address, focusing on the perseverance and sacrifices many students made to complete their education.
“This is a room full of people who did something hard — not just academically hard, though that was part of it,” Bedke said. “I mean hard in the way real life is hard: while working a job, raising children, caring for a parent, paying a mortgage, and wondering whether it was all going to be worth it. Graduates, it was worth it. You’re here, and that’s no small thing.”
Bedke also recognized the role families and support systems played throughout students’ educational journeys and encouraged graduates to use their education and experiences to serve Idaho communities and industries.
“Hold this day precious. Photograph it. Remember exactly what it felt like to watch someone you love to walk across this stage, because what happened here is not a small thing,” Bedke said. “On behalf of the state of Idaho, we are proud of you.”
Student speaker and Associated Students of College of Western Idaho (ASCWI) President, Erin B. Huff, reflected on the personal growth and connections she built during her time at CWI. Graduating with an associate degree in Social Work, Huff encouraged fellow graduates to move forward with confidence, even amid uncertainty about the future.
“One reassuring lesson I’ve learned is that we often assume others have their life planned out and possess a certainty we lack,” Huff said. “In reality, no one has everything figured out. Most of us learn as we go, doing our best and hoping our choices are right.”
“As you move forward, whether starting a job, continuing your education, or taking a break, remember your resilience, new skills, and the growth you’ve achieved. You are more capable than you think.”
During the ceremony, CWI awarded posthumous degrees to two members of the graduating class, Elwood B. Elliott and Brendan Lee Tschida, honoring their academic accomplishments and lasting impact on the college community.
The evening concluded with the graduates crossing the stage to be individually recognized and the traditional turning of tassels as they officially joined CWI’s alumni community.
“As you leave us today, please know that you’re not just walking away with a degree, but with the power to shape your own future,” Jones said. “You have the tools, the knowledge, and the skills to take on any variety of challenges that will come your way.”
