Bert's Alerts—Aug. 23, 2019
In the Spotlight
Gary Brennan and Pete Martinez, Building Specialists at the College, have known each other almost their entire lives. In addition to working as CWI employees, both have also spent time as students. Thank you to them, and the rest of the Facilities team, for all that is done in preparation for each semester and for their part in providing a clean and healthy learning environment for our students. We appreciate you!
Thank you to Bridger Butler, CWI student and Building Specialist, for this great photo!
10-Year Celebration
Don't miss out on the 10-year celebration as we share stories of amazing students, talented faculty, and quality programs!
CWI in the News
Idaho Press: With $10M on the line, CWI delays expansion decision
Idaho Press: Teachers push in favor of keeping Idaho Core Standards
News Highlights
2019 Wishing Well Applications
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation began accepting Wishing Well applications Monday, Aug. 12. The fund, established in 2015, was created to support small items and student learning opportunities not typically funded through department budgets. Thanks to the generosity of employees, supportive community partners, and the CWI Foundation Scholarship and Grants Committee nearly $3,000 was awarded to two programs at the College through the Wishing Well Fund last year. These funds provided students an opportunity to paint with internationally-known deaf artist, Nancy Rourke, and allowed Animal Anatomy and Physiology courses and accompanying labs to purchase vital course materials essential for hands-on student learning experiences.
“I cannot state enough the important of the Wishing Well grant in taking this course to the next level,” said Biology faculty, Danielle Alba. “Students of the CWI Animal Veterinary Sciences program will now have access to the most important materials for mastering animal anatomy and physiology with the same quality, specialized materials offered to our Human Anatomy and Physiology students. I am extremely grateful for your investment in this course and its students.”
Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity! Applications for this year’s Wishing Well funds will be accepted through Friday, Sept 27. Visit the Wishing Well Grants page on myCWI learn more and to find the 2019 Wishing Well application. For questions, please contact Rena McKean at renamckean@cwi.edu or 208.562.3182.
Living the Dream
Hometown: Meridian, Idaho
Major: Communication
Graduation: 2015
“CWI empowered me to meet, build relationships with, and accept people from all walks of life,” said 2015 graduate, Shane Larson.
A husband, father, and sports fanatic, Shane came to College of Western Idaho (CWI) to fulfill his life-long dream of getting a degree in hopes of providing a better life for his family.
“It took longer than I anticipated, but it was worth it in the end!”
Graduating from CWI with a degree in Communication in 2015, Shane went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Communication from Boise State University.
“CWI provided me with a platform that launched my education to the next level. I learned an immense amount about myself and others – many of whom I didn’t get along with or agree with. It was great for me to learn how to build relationships with people from all different backgrounds because that what happens in real life.”
It was at CWI where Shane fell in love with the storytelling aspect of communication. Today, as the creator and host of The Gametime Guru, a podcast designed to offer a panoramic view on sports, Shane is applying his education – through the art of storytelling – to share his love of sports, and people, with listeners.
“I get to hear all these people’s stories, hear their journeys, and talk to people who I never thought I’d talk to. With more than 120 episodes released, I’ve built some amazing relationships with people across the globe in the world of sports including my idol, Roberto Bergersen, and sports super-agent, Leigh Steinberg, who the movie, “Jerry Maguire”, was made after.”
The podcast, initially created to build his resume, has grown from 50 downloads to 2,500 to 4,000 downloads a month and has branched out to every state in the United States since its debut nearly three years ago.
“I’m an advocate of living your dreams, especially if I’m going to teach my children to go towards their own dreams in the future. Sports broadcasting has been a dream of mine since I was eight years old. This podcast provides me an opportunity to live out my dreams. I didn’t go to ESPN right out of college, but I’ve been able to publish my content on a public platform and share it all over the world. It’s been an unbelievable ride!”
Start empowering your future – visit cwi.edu/BeMighty!
Welcome Events—Fall 2019
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to welcome students back to campus for the start of another academic year! In celebration of the new semester, Student Affairs will be hosting a resource fair and outdoor movie night next week that you won’t want to miss!
Let’s TACO ‘Bout it! – Student Resource Fair
Wednesday, Aug. 28
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Learn about community resources, campus resources, and involvement opportunities at CWI!
Aladdin (2019) – Outdoor Movie Night
Thursday, Aug. 29
9:15 p.m. showtime
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Bring your friends and family to enjoy this wonderful outdoor movie! Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks.
Contact Amber Eubanks at 208.562.2416 or email RCO@cwi.edu to learn more.
Discovering a Career Path
Hometown: Meridian, Idaho
Major: Biology
Graduation: 2014
“CWI empowered me with a degree,” said 2014 graduate, Anjulie Thompson. “I wouldn’t have the job I have without it.”
Anjulie was inspired to attend college after her sister enrolled at College of Western Idaho (CWI).
“I was working at a tractor dealership and was not happy with my job. I wanted to find a better job, but was not sure what I wanted to do for a career. I decided to take a few classes at CWI to find out what I really wanted to do with my life.”
She soon discovered her love for Biology.
“My favorite class was Microbiology. In this class we were given the opportunity to grow a colony of bacteria off of any surface we wanted. I chose the bottom of my shoe. Throughout the semester, we performed tests on our colony and recorded the results. At the end of the semester we took all of the data we had collected and worked to decipher what type of bacteria we had been working with. As far as I could tell, I had Cilium bacterium, which can be found in the soil of East Africa or in dog feces. Since I have never been to East Africa, the only conclusion was I had dog poo on the bottom of my shoes. When I gave my presentation, I received a lot of laughs for my results. My project, called The Pet Project, was the most fun I had in college.”
Today, Anjulie uses the skills of transferring bacteria and keeping a colony alive she learned at CWI in her career as a Media Production Technician at Udder Health Systems Inc, a company that provides milk quality and food testing services for the dairy industry.
“I make agar or media to grow bacteria on – the very thing I used for The Pet Project. I love starting with simple ingredients, adding waters, then seeing the end product. It’s really a lot of fun.”
Planning to remain in the biology field long-term, Anjulie is happy to have discovered a career she enjoys.
“Because of CWI, I found confidence in myself and know I can do anything I want. I absolutely love CWI!”
Start empowering your future – visit cwi.edu/BeMighty!
