Bert's Alerts - April 29, 2016
In the Spotlight
The President’s Writing Awards took place during the CWI Connections Project event today. Outstanding student writers were recognized for their work in numerous categories by President Bert Glandon. For complete results visit the President's Writing Awards
News Highlights
CWI to Hold Commencement Ceremony on May 7
On Saturday, May 7, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) will celebrate its 2016 class of graduates in a commencement ceremony hosted at Taco Bell Arena in Boise. The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will recognize degree and certificate graduates, as well as GED completers.
CWI will honor a record number of degree and certificate candidates as well as the most ever graduates with honors. Some of the highlights of this year’s commencement include:
- 1293 Degree and Certificate Candidates
- 508 Graduates with Honors
- 244 Graduates with Multiple Degrees
- 129 Veteran Graduates
- Average Graduate GPA 3.27
- Youngest Graduate - 17 Years Old
- Oldest Graduate - 68 Years Old
For more commencement details visit cwi.edu/graduation. Family and friends of graduates that cannot attend in person can watch a live stream of the event at cwi.edu. Community members are also encouraged to share messages with graduates using #cwigraduation on Twitter and Instagram. Messages will be streamed on screens for graduates to see while preparing for the ceremony.
CWI Announces Business Students of the Year Awardees
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is pleased to announce recipients of the fifth-annual Business Student(s) of the Year Award. Jessica Hansen, Dan Velez, and Audrey Waite are being recognized for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom.
STUDENT BIOS
Jessica Hansen:
I grew up in Miami, Florida. I am married with three children. I owned and operated an in-home childcare center for eight years before I decided I was ready to go back to school to pursue a business degree. CWI has been a wonderful experience for me as a returning student. I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and I am proud to be graduating with honors this spring. I will be transferring to Boise State University this fall. I plan to major in business and minor in nonprofit management. I have a passion for helping others. I volunteer with organizations such as the West Ada School District, the Treasure Valley YMCA, and CATCH (Charitable Assistance to Community's Homeless). I hope to work for a non-profit organization after I graduate. It is my hope to gain a leadership role as an executive officer, or to own a nonprofit in the future. My GPA is 3.897.
Dan Velez:
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and graduated from Mundelein High School in 1990 by the skin of my teeth. Directly after graduation, I was sent to Marine Corps boot camp. I quickly learned the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, and I found direction that would lead me to where I am at today. I later got married, raised a family, and worked my way up the company ladder which eventually transferred me to this beautiful state. By beautiful, I don’t only mean the scenery, but also the people. I lost my job of 15 years in early 2014; falling victim to the economy’s downward spiral. With guidance from my representative at the local Veteran’s Administration, I nervously enrolled at CWI with the goal of earning a business degree. I was nervous. The last time I set foot in a classroom was 24 years ago with results not designed to put smiles on my parents’ faces. I felt welcomed at CWI and the instructors seem to go out of their way to help you succeed. After graduation, I plan to transfer to Boise State to complete my college education with a bachelor’s degree in business management. I would like to thank the faculty for this great honor. You really can teach an old dog new tricks. My cumulative GPA is 3.85.
Audrey Waite:
My family moved to Middleton, Idaho, when I was in the second grade. I stayed there until graduating as valedictorian of my high school class in 2014. Go Vikes! The following fall semester, I started attending the College of Western Idaho full time. Staying in the Treasure Valley and going to CWI was a very late decision. By the time I registered for classes, only second-year courses still had availability. So there I was, an 18-year-old girl taking a few of the most rigorous classes required for the business degree in my first semester. I survived! The business department and tutoring center quickly hired me to work with other business faculty and students. During this last year I have been an active member of the Entrepreneurship Club; which has given me the opportunity to work with the United States Olympic Speed Skating team and countless local business owners. After graduating with my associate degree in general business this spring, I will be transferring to the University of Idaho. My goal is to earn a master’s degree in operations management, minor in accounting, and complete CPA certification. My GPA is 3.83.
Change a Student’s Life by Supporting Idaho Gives
On Thursday, May 5, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation is asking for support in helping to change students’ lives. The Foundation is participating in Idaho Gives; an annual 24-hour online fundraising event that supports the state’s nonprofits.
This year, the Foundation is supporting a scholarship established by CWI employee Nikki Houston. Called the "LTH Don't Give Up” Scholarship," Nikki's goal is to help single parents achieve their dreams of going to college.
“I am in no way rich,” she said. “But I felt strongly enough about this cause that I had to do something.”
Nikki is an enrollment advisor at CWI. She visits local high schools and talks to students about the benefits of going to college. Many of the people she talks to are at-risk students. She says a conversation with a single, pregnant teenage girl pushed her over the edge. The girl wanted to go to college but thought she couldn’t afford it.
“It absolutely broke my heart,” she said. “Money should never be an obstacle for a person who wants to go to school. So I asked my family to match my $250 donation to start a scholarship through the Foundation, and they did it.”
Thanks to Nikki’s friends, family members, and coworkers, the fund has already grown since it was created in December. To date, the scholarship has been awarded to two students.
"Thank you to the people who have devoted their time and money to this (cause),” Christina Northrop, a CWI nursing student, said. “I want them to know how much I really appreciate the opportunity they're bringing to people like myself. It's important that they know their effort is not taken for granted."
Idaho Gives begins at midnight on May 5 and ends at 11:59 p.m. To join Nikki’s cause click here. The site is currently set up to accept prescheduled donations. Any contribution made between now and the end of the day on May 5 will go toward the “LTH Don’t Give Up” Scholarship fund.
CWI Biology Students Answer Question about Mollusks
Do Travertine Springs limit the distribution of an invasive mollusk in Eastern Idaho?
The answer appears to be “NO,” at least that’s how we see it today. Three CWI students will discuss this question, and their findings, when they present the results of their year-long project next Saturday, May 7th at the College of Idaho Undergraduate Research Conference in Caldwell. The student researchers are (in alphabetical order): Jennifer Hines, Tabor Hoxsey, and Kassandra Townsend. All three were highlighted previously in a CWI Blog post. Dr. Steven Lysne, Assistant Professor of Biology, supervised the students’ work: “This is an amazing opportunity for these young scientists. All three of them have done a great job embracing our research question, doing the tedious work in lab, and developing their scientific skill-sets.”
The idea for a collaboration was developed by Tom Woolf, the Invasive Species Coordinator for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. He noticed an interesting pattern in how the non-native and invasive New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) was distributed in Fall Creek; a tributary to the Snake River near Palisades Reservoir in eastern Idaho. Tom thought that perhaps the travertine springs nearby contained some minerals the precluded the mudsnail from establishing residency in that area. He and a colleague at Department of Agriculture spent a day collecting invertebrate samples and water samples from Fall Creek that would be sent to CWI and the State lab for analysis. The invertebrate animals were sorted from the non-living debris in samples and then identified to the lowest level possible; usually species for all but a few specimens. The water was analyzed for its chemical composition including variables like calcium, copper, nitrogen, potassium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc. All of this data was fed into a statistical software application for analysis by Dr. Lysne.
“Our students collected and identified over 15,000 invertebrate animals! They used the tools that I use in the field of invertebrate zoology and they were given the opportunity, within an authentic research project, to struggle with interpreting the information collected; just like in the real world.” While there were not any conclusive answers to the original research question regarding the invasive animal’s anomalous distribution in Fall Creek, the research did spin off several new hypotheses and projects to be addressed by future students. Professor Lysne summarizes the project like this: “My research on invertebrate zoology will not cure cancer or fix global climate change, but it is important; particularly for natural resource managers here in Idaho. Projects like this just wouldn’t get done without the help of our students and engaging them in research is a high-impact practice that we’ve embraced in the Department of Life Sciences.” This collaboration represents the intersection of need and opportunity and is a win-win for all involved. Thanks to everyone that contributed to the success of this project: Tom Woolf and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, the College of Western Idaho, the U.S. Department of Education, Professor Bryan Krouse, Ann Potcher, and Vince Edwards.
CTL Recognizing Faculty the Week of May 2
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at College of Western Idaho (CWI) would like to thank faculty for helping our students bloom!
"As we enter into graduation season, we wanted to take a moment to recognize all that you have done and continue to do in making a difference for our students. It is through your dedication, extra effort and kindness that our students are able to achieve their goals in moving forward in their educational journeys. We celebrate the difference you make through meaningful contribution to the lives of our students and are inspired by all that you do," Center for Teaching and Learning.
Employee Appreciation Night at Wahooz Returns for 2016
The Third Annual College of Western Idaho (CWI) Employee Appreciation Night at Wahooz is right around the corner! We want to take the time to show each and every one of you how much we truly appreciate the work you put into making this place run! We couldn’t do it without you!!
This year we are excited to announce that Wahooz has a new attraction – the laser maze! Challenge your friends and family to see who can make it to the end first while crawling in and out of laser beams. When all the fun and excitement works up an appetite head to the dining area between 6 and 7 p.m. to enjoy some pizza and soda!
Please remember you must RSVP for this event no later than May 5, and bring your printed confirmation to get in the door. Hope to see you there!
Valuable to the Core Employees Celebrated
On Friday, April 22, College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated a group of employees who have been formally recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions to the College. CWI hosted a luncheon for the honorees from its “Valuable to the Core” initiative as well as Staff of the Month and Faculty of Distinction winners for the 2015-2016 school year. Seen here at the lunch are (back left to right) Marie Gabbard, Heather Haslam, Doug Willard, Kurtis King, President Glandon, Jim Gatfield, Autumn Brackley, Jessica Argyle, Kathy Guthrie, Heidi Mackenzie, Kris Monroe.
"Valuable to the Core" nomination cards and stickers can be found at bulletin boards across campus. Employees are encouraged to help recognize colleagues who demonstrate CWI’s values.
Surgical Technology Faculty is Published
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Surgical Technology faculty Angie Wachter has been published in the March edition of CTE Techniques magazine. The article addresses her work with Surgical Technology students to assist them with being successful and providing feedback on their education prior to moving on to the operating room.
Join CWI in congratulating Angie on this accomplishment.
Mechatronics Program Receives Certification
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Advanced Mechatronics and Engineering Technology program, formerly called Electronics Technology, has just been credited by FANUC Robotics as a Certified Education training center and is presenting its’ first FANUC Handling Pro certification to students this spring. CWI is the first FANUC Authorized Satellite Training Program (F.A.S.T) education partner in the Northwest for the world leader in manufacturing robotics. This demonstrates the College’s commitment to the training of students and industry professionals with relevant training for the 21st century. With companies incorporating robotics in their operations the demand for skilled workers in the operation, programming, implementation, and use of robotics is increasing. With the curriculum designed by FANUC, students receive an industry recognized certification though their course work. This partnership with FANUC endorses and promotes the College as a recognized training center for robotics.
CWI Honor Society Receives International Distinction
In mid-April, the College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Beta Sigma Pi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society traveled to the 2016 Nerd Nation International Convention to receive a “Distinguished Chapter” award near Washington, DC. This award is the result of their continued work as a “5-Star Chapter,” which sets them apart from other college chapters internationally in achieving the highest-level of chapter development.
The chapter’s president, Melissa Geary, and student officer team, Adriana Randall, Jason Ward, Brianna Snyder, and Kyle Johnson, received recognition at the International Convention award ceremony, and were accompanied by their assistant advisor, Scott Straub. Distinguished Chapter Officer Teams are chosen based on the team’s demonstration of an exceptional atmosphere of teamwork, leadership abilities, promotion of Honors in Action, other engagement in the Society, and enthusiasm for the Hallmarks of the Society (Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship). The Beta Sigma Pi Chapter Officer Team was selected by a panel of judges from 200 nominees internationally.
CWI is so proud of the student officer team and for the standard they set for members at the College.
Nursing Program Ceremony Set for May 5
On Thursday, May 5, College of Western Idaho (CWI) will formally recognize its newest Nursing program graduates at CWI’s annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony. The program will celebrate the class of 2016 at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center located at 1055 N. Curtis Road in Boise. The ceremony will be held in the McCleary Auditorium at 7 p.m.
New Copy Machine Features
Features on the new copiers
- If you forgot your badge, you can still login using the same credentials you use at a computer.
- When scanning documents, you can tell the copier to remove the blank pages from the finished product.
- All of the copiers have a hole punch and stapler built in.
