Bert's Alerts - June 5, 2015
In the Spotlight
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is celebrating alumni, Lisa Webb, who received a national recognition that is a first for Idaho. Webb was honored with the state’s first President’s Volunteer Service Award through SkillsUSA after volunteering more than 500 service hours this past year. For the complete story on Webb’s recognition, read the press release below. Watch the video to hear how CWI changed her life.
News Highlights
CWI Graduate Receives Award from President Obama
CWI Impact - Lisa's Story
A recent graduate from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) is being honored with a national recognition that is a first for Idaho. Nampa resident Lisa Webb, who graduated from CWI’s Drafting Technology program in May, has received the state’s first President’s Volunteer Service Award through SkillsUSA. Webb volunteered more than 500 service hours this past year—making her one of 74 SkillsUSA participants nationally to receive the gold award.
Webb served the majority of her volunteer hours with the Nampa Optimist Football program, while also enrolled as a full-time student at CWI. She served in a number of capacities with the organization, which ranged from fundraising to data entry to on-field assistance during game days. Webb says when she started volunteering with the organization three years ago it was a welcome new adventure.
“I actually lost my job a couple of years ago,” Webb said. “I’m the type of person who has to be doing something. It helped me… and it also helped the kids. I do a lot of it because I get to see these kids who change, so it’s a lot of fun for me.”
Webb completed the rest of her volunteer hours through CWI and local SkillsUSA chapter activities such as Rake Up Nampa and free oil change events for military veterans. She will be honored for her volunteer service at the national SkillsUSA competition held in Louisville, Kentucky, June 22-26.
In addition to receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Webb will also be competing in this year’s event—representing Idaho in the Prepared Speech category. She earned her second trip to compete at nationals after winning first-place at the state SkillsUSA conference earlier this spring.
SkillsUSA is a national, nonprofit organization that works to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has more than 300,000 students and advisors who participate annually. Each year, nearly 6,000 students compete at the national level in 99 occupational and leadership skill areas. CWI has celebrated its share of success participating in SkillsUSA with students capturing nine top-10 finishes at nationals since 2010.
Watch the video to learn how CWI has impacted Lisa's life.
CWI Represented at Military Event
In May, College of Western Idaho (CWI) was invited by the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee to attend an exclusive event that recognizes Idaho employers for their support of the National Guard and Reserves. CWI was selected for a number of reasons to attend the 2015 Statewide BOSSLIFT event, held May 14-15, at Gowen Field. In addition to hiring military personnel, CWI students have also participated in Internship opportunities at Gowen Field.
Gloria Keulman, administrative assistant for CWI’s School of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, participated on behalf of the College. The event provided an opportunity to learn what the National Guard and Reserves do when they are on duty and the rigorous training and technology they use in preparation to protect and defend the United States. Attendees experienced multiple training simulators, operated various military hardware and equipment, and were able to fly in a Blackhawk helicopter over Boise.
The first day’s activities culminated with a flag ceremony and an evening award dinner acknowledging the National Guards and Reserves and thanking employers who support their activities. The second day ended with a ceremony honoring the cities of Boise and Meridian with nose art on two A-10 Thunderbolt Two airplanes. Boise Mayor, Dave Bieter, and Meridian Mayor, Tammy de Weerd, helped unveil the “Pride of Boise” and “Pride of Meridian” artwork on the airplanes.
Fast-Track Training Event for Healthcare Careers at CWI
On June 25, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Workforce Development (WD) will invite the community to campus to explore the healthcare career opportunities that are available through WD’s fast-track training programs and classes. Instructors and students will be on-hand to talk with attendees and help answer questions about the programs and careers.
The event will take place:
Thursday, June 25
5-7 p.m.
Ada County Campus Quail Court, Room 2210
1450 S. Eagle Flight Way, Boise – View Map
Programs and classes through WD Healthcare and Emergency Medical Services can be completed in as little as eight hours, and up to eleven months. Classes are taught throughout southwestern Idaho, from Donnelly to Fruitland and Boise to Caldwell. For even more flexibility, some classes are offered online and via distance learning.
CWI WD offers a variety of fast-track healthcare programs and classes:
- Medical Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- CPR
For more information about the event or questions, call 208.562.2700.
Sharing in Bert's Alerts
Each semester at College of Western Idaho (CWI) means the return of a number of wonderful activities occurring throughout the College. The Marketing and Advancement Department encourages employees to share these happenings through Bert’s Alerts. Activities may include events, recognition of employees and students, changes in processes or policies that affect employees, or simply letting peers know what is going on in departments or campus locations.
Bert’s Alerts requests can be submitted through Help Desk, by selecting “Marketing” under the Request Type drop down menu. Bert’s Alerts is distributed every Friday and the deadline for submitting content is end of day Thursday. Please direct all questions regarding Bert’s Alerts to communications@cwi.edu.
