Bert's Alerts—Dec. 6, 2019
In the Spotlight
Students in Reggie Jayne's United States History class (HIST 111) brought their family histories to life on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building, as they presented posters showcasing family members who were on the Mayflower to prominent leaders who settled Utah.
News Highlights
Workforce Development Receives Award for Excellence
Christi Rood, Assistant Vice President of Economic Development at College of Western Idaho (CWI), accepted the 2019 LERN International Award for Excellence in Management Practice on behalf of the College’s Workforce Development program at the Learning Resources Network (LERN) Annual Conference, Nov. 19-22 in San Diego, California. LERN is the world’s largest association in continuing education and lifelong learning. As recipient of this award, Rood and her team, were recognized for demonstrating implementation of better operational practices to increase efficiencies and cost-effectiveness.
“The key to improving operations is the key to improving performance,” LERN President, William Draves, stated. “After getting a program review from LERN, [CWI’s Workforce Development program] made more decisions that were data driven, made plans by division… made a $400 thousand dollar reduction in operating costs, provided better oversight, and increased registrations in targeted programs.”
CWI Facilities Team Receives Governor's Award
Gov. Brad Little announced College of Western Idaho (CWI) as a recipient of a 2019 Idaho Awards for Leadership in Energy Efficiency. The awards acknowledge Idaho companies who exhibit leadership in their communities by implementing energy efficiency measures at their local facilities and buildings.
CWI Facilities Planning and Management, along with Idaho Department of Public Works, partnered to deliver a state of the art chiller installation for CWI’s Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB). The project which was funded through the Idaho Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council will save the college approximately $23,000 in utility costs annually.
Join CWI and Gov. Little on Tuesday, Dec. 10, for an award presentation on the second-floor atrium of NCAB at 3:30 p.m. The event will have food and refreshments.
Jensen and Anderst to Lead CWI Foundation
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is pleased to welcome Michael Jensen, CWI Foundation’s new Director of Development, and Foundation Operations and Database Coordinator, La Dawn Anderst.
Michael Jensen
Michael Jensen was born in Malad City, Idaho. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University in Parks and Recreation, Jensen spent 28 years in the non-profit world. The last 15 years he served as COO/Director of Field Service for the Ore-Ida Council BSA in Boise, Idaho. Jensen also served as a commissioner for the Idaho Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism, Serve Idaho, for 10 years, including a term as President, Vice-President, and Chairman of the Governor’s Brightest Star Recognition Event.
Jensen has been married to his wife, Trudi, for 29 years. They have three children: McKenna, a graduate from University of Utah; Shad, a senior at Mountain View High School; and Sarah, a fifth grader at Christine Donnell School of the Arts. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, reading, and spending time at Disneyland.
La Dawn Anderst
La Dawn, or “LD” as she prefers, is a 30-year transplant from the state of Washington. She made the Treasure Valley her home after attending Northwest Nazarene University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.
Prior to joining the CWI Foundation, Anderst served the last two years as the Idaho Bankers Association’s Executive Vice President. She boasts a 26-year career with the Idaho REALTORS®, the last four as the CEO. While there, she also assumed the roles of Education Director, Membership Services Director, Policy Coordinator, Convention Coordinator, Idaho REALTOR® Leadership Academy Coordinator, Director of Operations and Interim CEO.
Anderst lives in Nampa with her family. They volunteer and support several non-profit organizations in their community, especially the Boys and Girls Club of Nampa and 208 Cares veterans organization where she also serves as a founding Board member.
The CWI Foundation, in partnership with the community, is dedicated to empowering student success and affordable access to education. The Foundation, governed by a Board of Directors, is made up of community members dedicating their time and professional expertise to support the mission of the college. Funds raised by the Foundation support student scholarships and provide vital educational opportunities.
“Supporting students through the Foundation goes beyond helping one individual,” said Jensen and Anderst. “The ripple effect is felt by those who support them, including their community. The opportunity to pursue post-secondary education at CWI creates a pathway for future success. Together, those contributions add up to an optimistic future for us all.”
Learn more about the CWI Foundation and giving opportunities by visiting cwi.edu/foundation or calling 208.562.3100.
Staff of the Month—August 2019
Congratulations to Terra Boozer-Matson, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for August 2019. Terra’s first role at the College was as a student during fall of 2012. She obtained a work study position in One Stop Student Services in 2013 and was hired on as a full-time employee in December of 2014. Currently a One Stop Representative, she is celebrating six years of service to CWI students and the institution as a whole.
Terra graduated from CWI with a Liberal Arts degree in May 2015 and is currently working to complete a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lewis-Clark State College.
A lover or art, Terra enjoys watching animation and anime then sketching what she sees. She loves making someone’s day with a smile or laugh, a quality those around her notice.
“Since working alongside Terra,” stated one of her coworkers, “I have seen her give up her own snacks to lend them to a hungry co-worker in need. She has gone out of her way to get cards for staff in other departments who she knew needed a few kind words, and she is always kind and respectful with our students. Terra goes above and beyond to help students and express genuine concern often turning unpleasant experiences into positive moments. She is truly an amazing person, and I feel lucky to work with her every day.”
Faculty of Distinction—October 2019
Dr. Suzanne Oppenheimer has been recognized as College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for October 2019.
Oppenheimer, an Assistant Professor of Biology, has been at CWI since 2010. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wollongong in Biological Sciences. Before joining CWI, she was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of Idaho and adjunct professor at Saint Michael’s College and Occidental College. She has a long and varied list of research experience, publications, and posters which cover topics such as behavioral endocrinology, behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, and conservation biology.
Each summer, she leads the Idaho INBRE Research Program at the College. The program gives students the chance to immerse themselves in scientific research for two weeks. They delve deeply into the research project and carefully investigate a research question. Last summer students researched the effects of social media on people and they found it reduced stress levels.
“Suzanne is an excellent teacher who works hard to explain difficult material clearly and prepare students to do well on exams," her nomination noted. "She has a sense of humor and makes her classes interesting. She is passionate about human biology and passes that on to her students.”
