Bert's Alerts—Dec. 8, 2017
News Highlights
A New Idea for Whitewater Park Property
The locally elected trustees of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) were informed on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, of a potential conversation regarding an idea involving the College’s existing property on Whitewater Park Boulevard, and a possible trade of land also located in downtown Boise.
A number of media sources are covering this topic. Links to the stories may be found in the “CWI in the News” section of this newsletter. As prospects for campus development surface, CWI Board of Trustees and leadership at the College are open to exploring and participating in a conversation that benefits our students and community.
The College is filling an important role in helping Idaho residents’ access higher education and CWI is focused on providing the best opportunities for students while meeting the workforce needs of business and industry.
If and when a plan is presented to the board, they would be interested in learning more about a potential agreement. As the conversation continues and more details become available, updates will be shared with the campus community.
Shoes That Grow
Kenton Lee, the founder of the Shoe That Grows, spoke on Tuesday, Nov. 14, with business students about starting a non-profit organization. In 2007, while traveling in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, Lee saw a need for shoes that can grow as children get older. Lee was able to take his idea and make it a reality. Today, more than 100,000 pairs of shoes have been distributed in 91 countries. CWI business students were able to hear Lee’s story and learn about working in a global economy, raise money, and build a team that can help them make their vision successful.
For more information about the Shoe That Grows visit https://theshoethatgrows.org/.
Campus TV Screens Receive a Facelift
Check out the new TV screen across campus on Monday, Dec. 11! The TV screens, featuring a new layout, will showcase announcements, upcoming events, and new programs at the College. The upgrade will allow multiple contributors from around the College to create slides. Slides can be created ahead of time, then scheduled with a published and unpublished date, keeping content timely. Contributors can choose which TV screen locations they want the slide to be displayed on and additionally have an option to select the Current Student web page. Once submitted, slides can be added to TV screens within 24 hours.
Content contributors are encouraged to submit slides sharing information and exciting events from their department. Tuesday, Jan. 16, is the official refresh launch for Spring 2018 semester. Submit slides using a help ticket and the deadline for submissions, prior to this launch, is Thursday, Jan. 11.
Shop Amazon, Help Students!
Did you know when you shop on Amazon, you can also help College of Western Idaho (CWI) students? Through AmazonSmile, 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchases will be donated to student scholarships at CWI at no cost to you!
Contact the CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu to learn more or with questions.
Guest Speaks to Future Educators
Dr. Teri Thaemert, Math Supervisor for the Boise School District, was a guest speaker in College of Western Idaho instructor, Cathy Carson’s, Math for Elementary Teachers (MATH 157) classes the week of Dec. 4. Dr. Thaemert shared her professional knowledge and experience as a teacher, principal, and curriculum supervisor, with these future educators. Class discussion covered a wide range of topics including curriculum, instructional methods, assessment, classroom support, and professional training and development. Students enjoyed directing questions about real-world issues to someone working in local schools.
Fall 2017 Settlers of Catan Tournament
The College of Western Idaho Entrepreneurship Club would like to thank everyone who participated in the Settlers of Catan Tournament on Dec. 2. Twenty-four students, employees, and community members enjoyed a fun afternoon of friendly competition. Congratulations to Justin Griffin (pictured right) for placing first and C'Line Duff (above left) for finishing second in this semester's event. Both placed first in all three rounds!
November Staff of the Month: Ann Potcher
Ann Potcher has been name the November 2017 Staff of the Month. Potcher has been employed at College of Western Idaho (CWI) since August 2012 – first as the Chemistry Lab Materials Supervisor and since January 2015 as the Science Lab Manager for both Life and Physical Sciences. Prior to joining CWI, Potcher worked at several state agencies including the Idaho State Bureau of Labs, Central District Health Department, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. She earned an M.S. in Biology at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania before moving to Idaho in 1997. Potcher lives on a 10-acre horse farm in Kuna with her husband Craig, four horses, and two dogs. Consequently, when she is not working at CWI, she is out riding the trails of southwest Idaho!
November Faculty of the Month: Ken Manship
Ken Manship has been named the November 2017 Faculty of the Month. Manship graduated from Boise State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education. In August 2014, he began work on a Masters in STEM Education with an emphasis in Computer Science, which he received August 2017. Manship’s number one career goal is to create and implement a top tier computer science transfer degree at College of Western Idaho. Manship started working at the College in August; however, he spent one year as adjunct faculty in the Math Solutions Center during the 2014-2015 academic year.
Manship also volunteer’s as a Guardian ad Litem for the Third District Guardian ad Litem Program in Canyon County – and outstanding organization that advocates for abused and neglected children.
For leisure Manship likes to hang out with his wife Jen, their two dogs, and two cats, Conkey and Bubbles. Additionally, he and his wife enjoy the outdoors. They try to hike, backpack, whitewater raft, or go camping in their travel trailer as much as possible.
