Bert's Alerts—May 10, 2019

College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated the Associate of Science Professional Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, at Saint Alphonsus in Boise. Hundreds of family and friends cheered for the 29 graduates as they received their hard-earned pins.

As the College celebrates 10 years of student success the Professional Nursing program has a special significance, according to Cathleen Currie, Dean of Health, because it was one of the first the programs specifically designed for CWI.

“When I became a nurse I realized how much it meant, because it’s body and soul, you take care of people and they trust you,” Currie said. “I feel really honored to stand witness to these students stepping into the profession.”

Following opening remarks from Allison Baker, Nursing Department Chair, and President Bert Glandon, Brad Bigford, owner of Table Rock Mobile Medicine, took the stage for the keynote speech. Highlighting nursing as one of the most trusted professions, according to a 2019 Gallup poll assessing ethics and honesty, for the past 17 years, Bigford told graduates it was now up to them to keep it that way. The audience had a good laugh as he had family and friends raise their hands and promise not to ask the graduates to look at rashes, moles, or other awkward ailments.

Of the 29 graduates, 85 percent already have job placements including graduate, Mike Tinker. Mike, who is continuing his education at Lewis-Clark State College, has been hired as a Registered Nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian. He and his wife, Danielle, who graduated from CWI’s Professional Nursing program in 2016 and is currently working as a Nurse for West Ada School District, give credit to Mike’s classmates for getting them through his last semester after experiencing the loss of their daughter, Paige, in January who was born several weeks premature.

“You have all been amazing – taking notes for him when he couldn’t be there, sending our family cards and gifts for Paige, and even honoring her in the program,” said Danielle. “Thank you all so much for the love and support you have shown our family!”

“It’s been a long road to get to this point,” said Mike. “I’m very grateful for friends and family who have surrounded me with love and support during the hard times and the fun times. People always ask me how I got through school after the passing of our little Paige, and I have to give credit to her for the fight she showed everyone. She made me realize I have no excuse not to finish something I start. This degree is for her, my boys, and my wife. Never give up on a dream, and don’t let anyone or anything tell you you can’t or get in the way of that dream.”

Well done class of 2019. Best of luck to all the graduates as you venture out into the workforce!

The Emerging Scholars Committee is pleased to announce College of Western Idaho’s 2019-2020 Emerging Scholars. Recognized during the Connections Project awards ceremony on April 25, students were nominated by faculty for their commitment to learning, demonstration of excellence in their discipline or program, and creative approaches to assignments. Selection is based on perseverance, innovative thinking, and professionalism both in and outside the classroom – not primarily on academic status. Each of this year’s 15 Emerging Scholars will receive a $600 scholarship to be applied toward their tuition for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Myckol Rodriguez
English, Spanish
(nominated by Abby Wolford, Assistant Professor of English, and Janel Holt, Assistant Professor of Spanish)
“Myckol consistently brought a unique perspective to English Literature. Some of the stories were dense for native English speakers, and he always worked through them and brought his joy for learning to class.”

Krymsun Schaefer
Psychology
(nominated by Liza Long, Instructor of English)
“One of Krymsun’s academic strengths is her empathy. Because of her own life challenges, she accepts others regardless of their views with truly extraordinary equanimity and compassion. She has also demonstrated this kind of resilience through significant life challenges that will benefit her not only in her schooling but in her future career.”

Erin Lemp
Public Health
(nominated by Liza Long, Instructor of English)
"Erin's passion and perseverance are truly exceptional. When she started at CWI, she planned to earn a B.S. in Nutrition, but as she conducted outside research about careers that fit her academic strengths and personality, she changed her goals to pursuing a medical degree as a doctor of osteopathy. Her commitment to extracurricular research is truly extraordinary.”

Ashton Syed
Engineering
(nominated by Karl von der Ehe, Instructor of English)
“Ashton has expanded upon knowledge learned in English 202 and has begun to implement it outside the classroom. He has embraced many facets of technical communication to assist him in building the foundation for his start-up business.”

Jeff Cullers
Communication
(nominated by Johnny Rowing, Associate Professor of Communication)
“Jeff is a remarkable person and student. I certainly hope that is above and beyond effort in his courses will be honored. He is the epitome of an Emerging Scholar.”

Jared Fairbanks
Liberal Arts
(nominated by Kevin Rensink, Instructor of Business)
“Jared is very helpful and professional in class and out side of the classroom - he is dedicated to whatever job he is taking on, helpful in many situation and very professional in his mannerisms, conversations with other students and helpful to anyone in need.”

Morgan Overton
Drafting Technology
(nominated by Jo Greer, Instructor of Drafting Technology)
“Morgan is the most committed student in our class. She completes her work and asks for additional assignments in order to generate a stronger skill set. As a first year student, Morgan is one of the few students that have obtained employment as a student drafting intern. She exceeds all expectations and tackles every task with a focused drive that motivates other students.”

Nathan Kipping
Heavy Duty Truck Technician
(nominated by Alex Beal, Department Chair of Diesel Technology, and Rocky Church, Instructor of Heavy Duty Truck Technician)
“Nathan is a non-traditional student changing careers and has faced significant challenges taking time off to complete the truck technician course. He has been untiring in asking questions and really wanting to understand the material and complete projects.”

Samuel Stone
(nominated by Danielle Alba, Instructor of Biology)
“Sam's commitment, kindness, and talent drives me to be a better instructor. Mentorship is one of my most fulfilling experiences in my profession and students such as Sam inspires me to push my professional development and innovation in the classroom each week.”

Zahra Rahmani
Computer Science
(nominated by Janel Holt, Assistant Professor of Spanish, and Gary Thomas, Instructor of Math)
“Zahra understands the vital necessity of education for her success and it is immediately apparent that she will do whatever it takes to realize her dreams. I have no doubt that she will complete her studies with excellent scholarship and help those around her as she does so.”

Nickola Chin
Biology-MMBS, Biology-Healthcare
(nominated by Jana McCurdy, Instructor of Psychology)
”Nickola is professional, thoughtful, and willing to share unpopular or unique viewpoints. She is brave in speaking up even when her perspective is in the minority.”

Sara Knowlton
Biology-Human Biology,
(nominated by Kate Orduno, Instructor of Math, and John Shaskus, Instructor of Chemistry)
“Sarah is an enthusiastic and engaged student. She comes to class prepared and is happy to come early or stay late if there's something she wants to clarify further. I am impressed by Sarah's work ethic and her interest in learning, not just passing the class. She has a great attitude and willingness to help others.”

Erin Gee
Psychology
(nominated by Heather Schoenherr, Associate Professor of Psychology)
"Erin is mature, professional, sensitive, and a leader. She can confront her teammates without isolating them. She can delegate tasks while simultaneously promoting cohesion. She can advocate for her team’s needs without complaining. Her attitude about learning is contagious to all around her. She exemplifies what it means to be a student.”

Annahi Cantu
Liberal Arts
(nominated by Liza Long, Instructor of English)
“The challenges that Annahi has already overcome as a student would never be evident to the casual observer… (“It was like a switch had been turned on and I could finally see what was possible if I worked hard enough,” she told me.) …they contribute to her extraordinary abilities as a student – she is that motivated, positive, and bright.”

Christopher Valenzuela
Business
(nominated by Ed Pack, Instructor of Business)
“Chris is a single father and working two jobs while trying to make a better life for his son. By knowing that an education is the right path to making that happen, Chris is also currently delaying his opportunities for additional current income by working hard in his current classes. Chris's efforts both within and outside the classroom are among the best that I have recently witnessed.”

Read more about these outstanding students by visiting the Emerging Scholars webpage.

Years at CWI: 10
Department: Psychology
Education: MS in Experimental Psychology and BS in Psychology, Idaho State University

“Because of CWI, students realize their potential for success,” said Associate Professor of Psychology, Heather Schoenherr.

As one of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) founding faculty, Schoenherr has fond memories of helping to build the College from the ground up.

“The months prior to our doors opening to students required all hands on deck. The ideas, energy, and commitment were unlike any other work experience I have witnessed. It was hard to go home at the end of the day because we were all enthralled in creating something wonderful.”

Working in developmental therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and statistics consultation, prior to her career as a professor, she said she became enamored with teaching after facilitating her first class.

“It was the first time in my professional life I felt challenged while simultaneously knowing I was in the right place.”

As a professor, Schoenherr hopes to help her students discover their potential by providing opportunities for them through dynamic activities and engaging experiences in and out of the classroom.

“This discovery helps students make decisions about their future be it education, career, or personal lives that they otherwise would not experience in a typical undergraduate education. The moment I love most is when a student faces something that feels unattainable or fearful and they not only do it, but they succeed. As professors, it is easy to believe in students. The challenge is getting students to believe in themselves.”

Sara Williams, a 2015 graduate, spent time working with Schoenherr as a work study while attending CWI and later a teaching assistant as a student at University of Idaho. Elevating her understanding of psychology, these opportunities helped Sara to become a better student allowing her to complete her education and find a rewarding career as a Psychiatric Technician at Intermountain Hospital.

“As a student you spend so much time shoving as much knowledge into your brain as fast as possible that you don't really get a chance to look back and see the changes in yourself,” said Williams. “The two semesters I worked with Heather gave me such a boost of empowerment. She finds so much value in her students and always goes the extra mile.”

Over the past 10 years at CWI, Schoenherr and her colleagues have helped thousands of students, like Sara, reach their goals.

“The faculty are all here for one reason… our students. CWI empowers students to thrive. I teach because I want others to succeed.”

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Communications and Marketing department is partnering with DePalma Studios to perform a navigation research study for the College’s external website, cwi.edu, beginning May 20 and ending by June 30. 

The goal of this research project is to receive recommendations on how to simplify the site’s navigation and organize pages to help students find information quickly and efficiently. DePalma will conduct user experience research with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to better understand their use of existing navigation on the site, their expectations, where they get lost, and any terminology used that may be confusing. Volunteers from each user group will perform different user experience activities including card sorting, tree testing, surveys, one-on-one interviews, and user testing. DePalma will meet with CWI stakeholders and product owners at the end of June to explain data collected and give recommendations. 

Stay tuned for information on how you can get involved. Contact Stacy Hardy at 208.562.2113 or stacyhardy@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.