Community spirit shined bright as supporters came together for the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s Opening Doors Scholarship Event, raising funds to help students achieve a brighter future. The 12th-annual Opening Doors Scholarship Event and online auction, Sept. 15 – 28, raised $243,544* benefiting student scholarships.
The live event, hosted Friday, Sept. 26 in the QUAD area in front of the new Nampa Campus Health and Science Building (NCHS), brought together CWI leaders, community members, and supporters for an evening filled with student success stories and spirited bidding. Guests also heard remarks from CWI Vice President of Advancement, Mark Arstein; CWI Foundation Board President, Mike Peña; and CWI President, Gordon Jones.
Students and alumni who have received scholarships were also part of the evening, sharing their stories and connecting with guests to show firsthand the impact of community support. Throughout the event, attendees watched video testimonials from faculty and students, highlighting how donor generosity continues to strengthen the College and expand opportunities for students.
“The amount of support that CWI receives is amazing,” said Horticulture Technology student, Jessica Conley. “Being a nontraditional student, I support myself. There were semesters when I could only take a few classes because of the financial strain. Because of the scholarships I’ve received, I can now attend full time and pursue my dreams. Without this support, it would not be possible.”
Guests at the in-person event were able to interact with a variety of students and faculty representing diverse programs from Collision Repair to Fire Service Technology and bid on silent auction items. The evening concluded with a paddle raise led by auctioneer Kevin Seward, where supporters pledged donations, some as high as $10,000, to benefit the CWI Foundation.
Auction highlights included a one-of-a-kind firepit created by a CWI Welding student, a handcrafted chess board with custom pieces designed by CWI Bookstore Manager, Stephanie Walker, and her father, Dennis Walker, along with experience packages, sporting event tickets, and more – with a three-month-old Labradoodle puppy becoming one of the stars of the evening.
“I’m once again inspired by the incredible generosity of CWI’s donors and friends,” said Arstein. “The success of Opening Doors is a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to our mission and vision, and the life-changing impact this support has on our students.”
It is never too late to give the gift of education. Visit the CWI Foundation online to learn more and donate today.
Contact the Foundation at 208.562.3100 or foundation@cwi.edu for more information and ways to get involved.
*The numbers are an early estimate before finalized expenses.
