Bert's Alerts—March 12, 2021
News Highlights
Students Document Pandemic with New Tools
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) COMM 261 Multimedia Storytelling classes embarked on an exciting opportunity this semester.
Dan Garrity, Marketing & Communications faculty, uses an element of the Onramp program known as Everyone Can Create in the class, and his students will use Apple's media platforms on iPads to generate thought-provoking stories benefiting the CWI community.
"Every student is their own producer, and their iPad is the capture device and with editing they are cable of being the authors of their own story – to clarify and empower their storytelling capabilities," he said.
Garrity has more than 100 students participating in his classes, so he thought, 'Why don't we fix some stuff,' and the classes began a project called COVID's Head Games, with students exploring the effects of the pandemic on fellow students. Instead of working on just one project the entire semester, students produce various content throughout the semester including memes, logos, videos, and stories.
"This is the epitome of teaching when you can assist a student, and they can make a difference in the community by applying the skills they are learning in school," he added.
Garrity uses a real-world newsroom approach to the storytelling endeavor. Students elected one of their peers to be the Executive Producer. Justina Sexton, a second-year student, is passionate about the mission.
"Storytelling is at the core of the human experience when it's done right," Sexton said. "It transcends time and place because all of human history has had people telling stories of their world and culture. I want real, tangible solutions for our community despite COVID's challenges. I want people to look at negatives and be able to turn them into positives."
By taking on challenges during the pandemic, CWI students are making a difference in the Treasure Valley with the skills they are learning in COMM 261.
“The beauty of Everyone Can Create is helping students to put a bunch of tools in their tool belt and then I turn them loose in the community,” Garrity said.
The Onramp program is a partnership between Boise State University, Idaho Distance Learning Academy (IDLA), Apple, and CWI. Visit CWI's Onramp webpage to learn more about the series of courses offered and connect with an advisor.
Nagel Foundation Continues Commitment to Students
Representatives, from the John F. Nagel Foundation met with College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation Board members, Ivan Castillo and Mike Peña, in March to present the Foundation with an additional $154,000 donation for student scholarships.
The Nagel Foundation scholarship fund was established at the College in 2019 to keep the legacy of the Nagel Beverage Company alive by enriching and giving back to the community through education and service. CWI appreciates Nagel’s commitment and continued support in empowering second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.
To date, thousands of dollars have been awarded from the fund as scholarships to second-year career and technical education students.
“The Nagel Foundation supports CWI and the students through scholarships,” said Nagel Vice President, Ryan Fornstrom. “We feel this is a good way to ease the financial burden on students wanting to better their lives and also help the community in providing a proficient workforce.”
“This generous donation will make a very positive impact to our community in many different ways,” explained CWI Foundation Board Vice President, Mike Peña. “It will help our students achieve their education goals by reducing or eliminating financial challenges in getting their associate degree or CTE certificates, help our local businesses with a trained worked force, and can act as a catalyst for generational change by allowing CWI alumni to increase their lifetime wage earnings providing financial security and better opportunities for their families. On behalf of the CWI Foundation, we are very grateful for the Nagel Foundation’s support and look forward to working with them in the future.”
The scholarship application period for the 2021-2022 academic year is open through March 31, 2021. Nagel Foundation scholarships are open to CWI students in the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Welding and Metals Fabrication, Machine Tool Technology, Drafting Technology, Automotive Technology, and Network and System Administration programs. Students interested in applying this and additional scholarship opportunities must have the CWI admission application completed, be accepted, and have myCWI login information. Visit the Grants and Scholarships page to learn more or apply.
CWI Trustee Opening
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Board of Trustees announced during their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 11, the opening of the application process to fill a recently-vacated trustee position.
If you live in CWI’s Zone 3 district and would like to apply for the Board opening – visit the Board of Trustee Vacancy and Appointment Process webpage highlighting the eligibility criteria, application materials, and the submission process. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2021. Applications are subject to Idaho’s Public Records Law.
“The Board is excited to receive applications from those interested in serving as a trustee,” said Board Chair Molly Lenty. “We know there are many dedicated leaders within Zone 3 who strive to serve students and our community, and we welcome additional skills and expertise to the College through their service on the Board.”
Please contact 208.562.2222 or trustees@cwi.edu with any questions.
Student Achievement Award Recipient – February 2021
Congratulations to Jennifer Hernandez Gutierrez, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Achievement Award recipient for February 2021.
Gutierrez is in CWI’s Elementary Education program and is thrilled to be at the College.
“I always knew I wanted to go to college,” she said, "I just didn't know how I would get to college or if it was even an option for me. What prompted my decision to enroll was to make my parents, who emigrated from Mexico, proud and to make their sacrifices worth it.”
Gutierrez is also thankful to the Enrollment team and staff at CWI, who helped the first-generation student start classes. “CWI has great resources and opportunities,” she added.
Sitlaly Hernandez, a Latinx Student Services Coordinator at CWI, has watched Gutierrez succeed as a student and encouraged her to become a Presidential Ambassador at the College.
“Not once has she shied away from asking questions or seeking support from our many resources, and for that, I commend her,” Hernandez said. “Now, as Presidential Ambassador, every week she shows up with a smile, eager to learn, and ready to help. To witness her growth as a student leader is truly inspiring, and I look forward to watching her continue to make an impact at CWI.”
In addition to the staff at CWI, Gutierrez also credits faculty for helping her to thrive in her higher-education journey.
“There are educators that go out of their way for their students. This inspires me to one day be an educator myself,” she said. “My current English102 instructor, Roni Rankin, is one of those educators. In class, after class via email she is always available for her students. She has stayed after class to help me with essays, she gets back to emails, and she is so dedicated. Instructors like Roni Rankin make you want to attend class and learn. CWI has great instructors!”
After graduating from CWI next year, she plans on attending Boise State University to get her bachelor’s degree.
She added, “Because of CWI I am in college beating the odds against me and working on making my dreams a reality. At times it still feels surreal to me that I am here.”
Local Agencies Hire CWI Law Enforcement Students
All six members of Class 9 of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Law Enforcement (LE) program are now successfully employed at local agencies. The students, who graduated this past December, were hired on at Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Army Reserve, and Idaho Department of Corrections within 30 days of completing the program.
Tomas Gomez, a 2020 graduate of CWI’s LE program, began working at Canyon County Sheriff’s Office prior to completion of the program.
“At CWI, each student is installed with the utmost professionalism and exercise the highest level of ethics, empathy, and energy. We finish feeling highly motivated and determined to be the difference and impact our community positively,” Gomez said. “I am very excited to be in this career. I enjoy the experiences I get to have and meeting so many great people. My future goal is to be successful leader and leave a legendary mark in the state of Idaho.”
Gomez’s classmate, Fatuma Oweid, now works as a Corrections Officer at the Idaho Department of Corrections.
“The Law Enforcement program taught me to give 100% and to train as much as I can,” said Oweid. “I’ve learned so much from my brothers and sisters in the program. I will always have their six.”
The LE program provides well-trained students to agencies throughout Idaho and the Northwest region. Entrance into the program is highly competitive. Recruiting for the Fall 2021 academy is currently taking place now through the first of June. Persons interested in applying are encouraged to visit the LE program page on the CWI website to learn more or contact Director LeRoy Forsman at leroyforsman@cwi.edu.
CWI Introduces Brand Splash Page
To provide a centralized location for communication, information, and updates related to the rollout of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) new brand to the internal and external community, the College has created a brand splash page. Visitors to the brand splash page can view the refreshed logo, learn about the rationale behind new brand elements, see a timeline of brand rollout, and read brand-related communications.
In the future, the page will additionally serve as an internal resource providing links to the College’s brand style guidelines and branded templates.
Please keep in mind, CWI’s new brand will be rolled out in phases. The new brand will be visible in the College’s fall recruitment campaign materials launching in April while internal, college-related materials will be live in August.
Baylon-Mendoza Resigns from Board
College of Western Idaho Board of Trustees met Monday, March 8, 2021, in an emergency session to accept the resignation of April Baylon-Mendoza as trustee for Zone 3.
“The Board will be focused on identifying someone from Zone 3 who is committed to upholding the values and ethics that we as an institution and a board hold ourselves to,” said Board Chair Molly Lenty. “We are deeply dedicated to the very important work of advancing the College and to serving our students and communities here in the Treasure Valley.”
Persons interested in the open seat, and who live in Zone 3, mid-Meridian, Kuna and portions of Nampa (see map for zone boundaries) should contact the Board at trustees@cwi.edu.
Photography Lighting Workshop
Have you ever attempted to photograph your artwork? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Department of Visual and Performing Arts is proud to present a virtual, photography lighting workshop March 16 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. The workshop, held via Zoom, will be led by CWI Art faculty, Shawna Hanel, and will focus on helping individuals learn how to light and document artwork for reproduction. All are invited to come learn tips and secrets from a pro!
Contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu to learn more or with questions.
Zoom Link: Photography Lighting Workshop
Password: 916996
February 21-Day Challenge Results
Thank you to all who participated in the February Move More Challenge! We had 55 of our participants submit their results for the goal of doing a minimum 15 minutes of intentional exercise each day Feb. 1-21. The total amount of exercise from all data submitted was 31,108 minutes!
Participants who completed all 21 days for the challenge were entered to win a foam roller and fitness bands to help keep their muscles in top shape. Congratulations to this month’s winners, Ted Daniels and Jana McCurdy!
Participants who completed 15 or more days of the challenge were entered to win a set of fitness bands. Participation prize winners for February are:
- Diana Rhinehart
- Patrick Tanner
- Maggie Saye
- Sara Matson
- Angela Zaugg
- Tessa Calip
- Shannon Grimsley
- Jorene Batali
- Brittney Hernandez
- Renee Watson
- Jennifer Pope
- Deidra Bowman
- Holly Bazarski
The March Springtime, Greens Time Challenge has taken off with the goal of eating the daily amounts of vegetables and fruits for 21 days as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Participants will use the FDA MyPlate app or myplate.gov website to get their personalized plan for these amounts.
Don’t forget to check out how you can get access to free personal training as a CWI Employee! Deadline to sign up is March 19.
Visit the Culture and Employee Engagement Committee site on myCWI for all the Employee Wellness Challenge details!
