Bert's Alerts—Oct. 2, 2020
In the Spotlight
The College of Western Idaho Foundation kicked off their Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event this week in support of student scholarships with an online auction. Register today to start bidding on a variety of items including outdoor experiences, CWI program packages, and more! Additionally, plan to join us for the live event on Facebook Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m.
2020 Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event Promo
News Highlights
Farm to Fork Delivers a Sweet Success
Eighty people across the Treasure Valley devoured a savory, four-course meal in their homes on Friday, Sept. 25, as part of this year's Farm to Fork dinner, supporting College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Campus Garden.
Hosted by Agriculture faculty and students, this year's event came with a twist thanks to COVID-19. Rather than joining friends and family at the College to enjoy the meal featuring produce grown in the Campus Garden, each took their boxes of fresh food home to prepare the meal in the comfort of their homes. Dinner boxes, complete with a bouquet of flowers from Leaning Barn Farms, were picked up at the Nampa Campus Academic Building near the Campus Garden where guests were given an opportunity to enjoy an appetizer and tour the garden. Guests were additionally provided with step-by-step video instructions on how to make the four-course meal.
The meal kicked-off with an appetizer – a crusty baguette from ACME Bakeshop with sliced Eden Creamery’s labaneh, a thick yogurt-like cheese, and pepper preserves from the Campus Garden. A tasty soup followed made from a variety of squashes from the garden prepared by The Tower Grill. The main course was a delicious gyro stacked high with Gutierrez Family Farms ground lamb and beef with red onion, tomato, tzatziki, and Eden Creamery feta cheese. The meal wrapped up with a sweet treat – ice cream from Stella’s Ice Cream made with pumpkin pie filling from pie pumpkins grown in the garden topped with pie crust crumbles. Several also enjoyed pairing their meal with wine from Fujishin Family Cellars.
“We enjoyed every part of the Farm to Fork dinner,” said Shelly Moore, Department Chair of Business. “The videos were informative and helpful in putting the meal together. All of the food was delicious, and we loved that it was all locally sourced.”
Farm to Fork is another example of CWI continuing to adapt and thrive during the pandemic, illustrating the importance of the College’s role in the community.
“While this event is a ton of work, without you all, it wouldn't be possible. It is truly a labor of love," said Andrea Schumaker, Department Chair of Physical and Agricultural Sciences. "A crazy vision has morphed into something very special to the CWI community and Treasure Valley. We sold out in one week from going live and earned just over $3,500 for the Campus Garden! Along the way, we gained more valuable partnerships in the community and showed our supporters how rich the valley is with its diversity of food production, sustainable practices, and love for feeding people."
Thank you to all who made this year's event a success! Visit the CWI Facebook page for additional photos of the event.
Speech and Debate Begins 2020-2021 Competitive Season
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Speech and Debate team completed their first tournament of the 2020-2021 season, the Fran Tanner Invitational hosted virtually by College of Southern Idaho. Despite the absence of Novice or Junior divisions and many competing for the very first time against individuals with years of experience, CWI’s team took home several awards taking third place overall.
“It was odd,” said CWI's Director of Forensics, Luke Yeates. “It was the first time in the long history of forensics competition that the entire process had to be done remotely. It was difficult, but fortunately the team adapted with grace and patience, and the results speak for themselves.”
FRAN TANNER INVITATIONAL RESULTS
Individual Events
Extemporaneous Speaking
Bronze – Albina Khouzina, Will Young
Editorial Commentary
Silver – Will Young
Impromptu Speaking
Bronze – Tristin Andrae
Informative Speaking
Bronze – Flora Koenig
Persuasive Speaking
Silver – Xandra Miller
Bronze – Sophie Burgess
Poetry
Silver – Dayanna Mora Jauregui
Dramatic Interpretation
Gold – Dayanna Mora Jauregui
Debate Events:
IPDA Debate
Silver – Max Izoita
Bronze – Mariah Roy
Debate Speaker Points
4th Place – Flora Koenig
5th place – Max Izoita
Team Awards
3rd Place Overall
“Teams earn points collectively,” explained Yeates. “Normally, teams are divided into divisions allowing smaller schools to be recognized alongside larger institutions. This tournament did not break down their sweepstakes points in such a manner, and yet, CWI still took third overall. This is a monumental feat and speaks to the talent and work ethic this team has. I look forward to what they will accomplish this year.”
The team is now preparing for the Steve Hunt Classic, Oct. 9-11, hosted by Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Following suit of the first, speech and debate events for this tournament will take place virtually.
Law Enforcement Class Steps-Up in Time of Need
In mid-September, students in College of Western Idaho (CWI) Law Enforcement program were made aware of a critical incident in which a Kootenai County Deputy Sheriff lost his home, pets, and all of his family’s belongings to a wildfire. The initial report indicated the man, his pregnant wife, and four-year-old daughter were barely able to escape the devastating fire with only the clothes on their backs. After hearing of the tragedy, this group of students decided to work toward contributing funds to help the displaced family. Law Enforcement student, Carissa Nelson, spearheaded the fundraising operation raising $500 within just a few days which was sent directly to the family.
“This was an opportunity to do the right thing and help someone in need,” said Law Enforcement Program Director, LeRoy Forsman. “Our students are involved in two or three charity events each year, not including short-notice emergencies such as this. Involvement has included hosting a golf tournament to benefit the Nampa Family Justice Center and participating in Canyon County’s Shop With a Cop event for underprivileged children. We teach our students the importance of community service and selfless sacrifice as a cornerstone of what being a guardian of the community is all about.”
Anyone interested in donating to help this family may do so by sending funds to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, PO Box 1391, Hayden, Idaho, 83835, in the name of the Harvey Ballman family.
Be Safe, Be Mighty Updates
In addition to College of Western Idaho's (CWI) on-campus COVID-19 Case Information, a Positive Case Dashboard has now been added to the Be Safe webpage. The dashboard view reflects all positive student and employee cases reported to Rapid-Trace, on and off-campus. Our goal is to provide the CWI community with as much transparency as possible during this time.
As a reminder, CWI has partnered with Rapid-Trace to assist in receiving reports of positive or probable COVID-19 cases from employees and/or students. Rapid-Trace will assist with guidance, resources, and contact tracing. To report positive case, call 813.699.3551.
Please be aware the COVID-19 Self-Screening symptom list has been updated. This self-assessment applies to all students, employees, faculty, and approved on-campus visitors. You should complete this self-assessment before every trip to campus. Symptoms can be wide ranging from person to person, it’s imperative everyone error on the side of safety; stay home and quarantine if there is any concern of exposure.
The COVID-19 Operational Guidebook for employees is a great resource and is continually updated, please reference this often for guidance.
Your cooperation and commitment to keeping our CWI community safe is appreciated, and your efforts are noticed. Please keep up the good work as we continue successfully moving through the fall semester in mighty fashion. For assistance, resources, or questions, email COVID19_Questions@cwi.edu.
COVID Help Now Line
As part of the Idaho Strong campaign, a COVID Help Now Line has been established to offer support for anyone facing challenges related to the pandemic including in areas of behavioral health, food insecurity, and housing. The line was created to help Idahoans with immediate crisis needs, provide emotional support, assistance identifying coping strategies, and to connect those in need with community resources.
COVID Help Now representatives are trained crisis responders who will help callers assess their current situation and reaction to provide coping mechanisms to reduce stress. The COVID Help Now Line is anonymous. Responders do not classify, label, or diagnose people, and no case records are taken.
The Help Now Line is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week; the service is free, state-wide, and confidential. Responders are available via phone or text, with a chat feature coming soon. Callers may also leave a message during off-hours and receive a return call the following day.
2021-2022 Financial Aid Application Now Open
Are you planning attend College of Western Idaho during the 2021-2022 academic year? If so, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Completing your FAFSA gives you access to more than $120 billion in Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for college, and we are ready and here to help you along the way!
Various forms of financial aid are available:
- Grants
- awarded to students based on need
- do not need to be repaid
- Scholarships
- awarded based on merit, skill, unique characteristics, or other criteria
- eligibility and restrictions may apply
- Student Loans
- borrowed funds
- must be repaid
- Work Study Programs
- need-based employment opportunities for students
Ready to apply?
- Visit Financial Aid online for additional information and instructions on how to complete your FAFSA.
- Apply for financial aid from your mobile device with the myStudentAid app.
- Find information on and apply for scholarships.
- Contact One Stop Student Services with questions or to meet with a Financial Aid representative.
Fall 2020 Virtual Transfer Fair
Join us for College of Western Idaho’s Fall 2020 Virtual Transfer Fair Tuesday, Oct. 6! College and university representatives will be available online, via Zoom, to discuss programs, majors, and transfer requirements. Students are invited to drop in at any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Contact Brittney Hernandez in Student Advising and Success at brittneyhernandez@cwi.edu with questions.
National Depression Screening Days – Fall 2020
Not feeling like yourself lately? Learn more about mental health and emotional wellness during College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) National Depression Screening Days, Oct. 7 and 8, as we join in educating the community about depression, help fight the stigma around mental health, and most importantly, bring help to those who need it.
“Each year CWI holds depression screening events to help raise awareness of mental health within the CWI community,” said Jodi Hickenlooper, Interim Assistant Director of Counseling Services at the College. “Students will have an opportunity to privately assess their own symptoms of depression and learn more about how to manage those symptoms through self-care strategies, coping skills, or counseling.”
Complete a confidential depression and/or anxiety questionnaire or speak with a mental health professional during drop-in consultations Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 8, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Both sessions will be held via Zoom. Visit Counseling Services online for Zoom links, mental health information, and self-help resources, or email counselor@cwi.edu for additional assistance or questions
2020 Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation will host its seventh-annual Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, from 7 – 8 p.m., on the CWI Facebook page. This year's event, hosted by two CWI alumni, will be a wonderful opportunity for the entire CWI community to come together to raise money for student scholarships. Plan to join us online for an inspirational evening recognizing our donors, scholarship recipients, and all the amazing things happening at CWI as we open doors to education and the future.
In addition to the live event, there will also be an online auction. Bidding for the auction begins Wednesday, Sept. 30 and will run through Wednesday, Oct. 14. Auction items include concert tickets, passes to Sun Valley and Bogus Basin, a Traeger Grill Pro package, family experiences, and more!
Registration for this year's Opening Doors event is now open. Register early to be entered in prize giveaways, view auction items, have early access to auction bidding, and to receive updates.
Stay tuned, and contact the Foundation at 208.562.3159 or foundation@cwi.edu for more information and ways to get involved!
