Bert's Alerts—April 20, 2018
In the Spotlight
Graduates, along with their families and friends, helped kick off the countdown to commencement at College of Western Idaho's annual Grad Fest Wednesday, April 18. More than 150 students had an opportunity to share their stories of success while enjoying food and games. Thank you to all who helped make the event so memorable!
In the News
Idaho Press-Tribune: CWI to seek levy for Nampa health science center
KTVB: CWI proposes Health Science Building for Nampa Campus
President's Message
As we enter into the home stretch of the spring semester, I want to take a moment to share some news related to campus development. As outlined in the ten-year outlook of CWI’s Comprehensive Strategic Plan, we continue to strive towards: consolidation and growing of locations to serve more than 30,000 students, adding critical in-demand programs, addressing workforce skills gap, and increasing post-secondary credential attainment. Along with that, CWI’s Board of Trustees has determined our number one priority for campus development is the Health Science Building, as part of the Nampa Campus Master Plan.
In addition, Governor Butch Otter recently recommended a $10M appropriation through the Permanent Building Fund for a Health Science Building. The Idaho Legislature passed this funding support in March 2018 with a stipulation that we identify the balance of the remaining funding for the project before the end of June 2019. In the event that we are unsuccessful, these state funds will potentially go away.
While this is great news, our challenge is to identify the remaining funding needed for the building. In order to leverage the state’s $10M commitment, we need to move quickly to identify and secure the balance of the $39M in project funding. A combination of funding sources including a capital campaign, as well as support from the tax payers will be needed. CWI’s Foundation Board convened yesterday to begin discussion of how they can best support this campaign.
Upon the state’s $10M commitment, CWI’s Board of Trustees made a decision to pursue a plant facilities levy in November 2018, for up to $39M. The levy will require a 55% voter approval of the combined votes in Ada and Canyon Counties. The levy will extend for 10 years, resulting in an approximate annual tax impact of $8.42 per $100K of taxable property value. We are required to file with Ada and Canyon Counties to put the levy on the November ballot no later than September 7, 2018. It is our desire to reduce the levy amount through a capital campaign which will require identified pledges prior to the ballot filing date.
As valued employees of CWI, I want you to have the most up-to-date information and messaging, to help you in educating the community about the critical role CWI plays in training and preparing our future workforce. The Health Science Building will support this by providing a critical increase in capacity to address the current skills gap in the health care industry. Please find attached a messaging document with pertinent details related to this topic.
You truly are our best ambassadors! You not only work at CWI, but you live the #mightyCWI experience every single day! You all are changing lives for dynamic purposes – this statement never gets old and continues to grow in its truth. I invite you to buckle up, the next few months will be exciting as we embark on a journey to pursue campus expansion!
Thank you for all you do! I wish you all the best as we wrap up this semester and look forward to celebrating this year’s achievements at commencement!
Take Care,
News Highlights
Business of Alcohol Event a Success
Over 200 students, faculty, and community members attended the Business of Alcohol event held on April 6, 2018, at College of Western Idaho's Nampa Campus Academic Building. Twelve breweries, wineries, and growers spoke in a variety of panel discussions educating attendees about growth, production, and operations. Several government entities also spoke about licensing and regulations. Students were able to ask questions and network with the speakers.
The Artistic Side of Cardboard
Members of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Art Club, along with club advisor and Art instructor, Goran Fazil, will be embarking on a unique, structural project utilizing cardboard at the College’s annual Connections Project. The group is taking inspiration from the work of artist, Tom Hughes, who was featured in years past as part of CWI’s Visiting Artist Program. In Fazil’s words, a free material like cardboard always results in “something interesting”.
Preparation for this project started this week, as the Art Club began building the foundational pieces for the structure. On April 26 at 2:30 p.m., the team will assemble the main pieces together on the front lawn of the Nampa Campus Academic Building. Cardboard will be strategically added to the frame throughout the afternoon. Finishing touches will include spray paint and decorative drawings. The structure, intended to be temporary, will be dismantled the following week.
This collaborative project will provide an excellent opportunity for club members to utilize their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to create something exceptional. Be sure to check out the building process in action at this year’s Connections Project, April 26, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Academic Building. The event is free and open to the public.
School Supply Drive Is In Full Swing
Education students in Assistant Professor, Scott Straub's, EDUC 200 – Education Around The World and EDUC 280 – Teaching and Field Experience classes, are collecting school supplies to help families in need.
Approximately 100 items were collected during the last week of Fall 2017 semester including items such as markers, binders, colored pencils, paper, pens, headphones, and notebooks. These supplies were then generously donated to the City Light Home for Women and Children in Boise. The City Light shelter offers a safe haven of hope and love, providing emergency services such as meals, shelter, and clothing, as well as education, work-search assistance, mental health counseling, and addiction recovery.
"My goal is to collect enough supplies to help 10,000 families over the next five years," commented Straub. "There is such a need for educational supplies for children around the valley, and our own students here at CWI are very eager to participate in programs that help others who are struggling."
Collection bins have been placed at CWI’s Ada County Campus Pintail Center and the Nampa Campus Multipurpose and Academic Building. The deadline for the donations is Friday, April 28.
Contact Scott Straub at scottstraub@cwi.edu or visit his website to learn more.
Staff of the Month—April 2018
Andrew Miller has been named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for April 2018. Miller joined CWI in February 2010 and is currently a Student Success Advisor at the Canyon County Center. During his time at CWI, Miller has been a GED Test Proctor, Assessment Specialist, Academic Advisor, and Learning Community Coordinator. He enjoys working at CWI because of the value a community college offers to the public. Helping people realize their potential and achieve their goals is what he likes most about being an advisor.
Miller earned his Bachelor of Science through the University of Idaho (U of I) in 2008, along with a minor in Spanish. While attending U of I, he was involved in leadership positions in student clubs and received an Outstanding Leadership award from the College of Natural Resources.
Miller grew up in the small town of Homedale, and is proud to call Idaho home. He enjoys spending his time outdoors fishing, hiking, and climbing. Him and his wife, Joy, have been married for nearly three years, and the couple has two beautiful daughters, Carmen and Anna. He has a big heart for animals and has two dogs, Bear and Maddie, and one cat, Theo. A fun fact about Andrew is he used to be a Basque dancer and was invited to the Basque Country to dance at festivals and even danced for the president of the Basque Country. He hopes to return someday soon to visit his family there.
Please join in congratulating Andrew on this achievement. Thank you for your commitment and continued dedication to CWI and its faculty, staff, and students!
Spring Skate 2018
Lace up your roller skates and join Associated Students of College of Western Idaho (ASCWI) for Spring Skate 2018! CWI students, employees, alumni, family, friends, and members of the community are invited to come skate with us, April 24, 2018, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Academic Building. The event is FREE, skates are provided, and food and drinks will be available for purchase on site.
Contact ASCWI President, Kerry Meredith, at kerrymeredith100@my.cwi.edu to learn more.
CWI Employee Appreciation Family Event
You and your family are invited to join the fun as the CWI community comes together for food, games, and entertainment. Willie and the Single Wides will be performing live during the event on Friday, April 27, 2018, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center.
Check your email for a calendar invite that was sent which includes RSVP information. Employees must RSVP by 5 p.m. Friday, April 20.
Email the Culture and Employee Engagement Committee at ceec@cwi.edu with questions.
De-stress with Blackout Events
With finals approaching – College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Affairs and Library have more than 20 fun events planned to battle stress! Take a break from a long day of studying by lacing up a pair of roller skates for the Spring Skate event, learning how to make your own sandals, or taking a yoga class! Refuel by keeping an eye out for the Travelin’ Coffee and Cereal Cart. In addition, the Library will be open until midnight April 30 – May 3 to help with your studies.
Join us for the fun during CWI Finals Blackout April 23 – May 4!
