Bert's Alerts—Oct. 9, 2020
In the Spotlight
A behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event broadcast live on the College’s Facebook page from the Diesel Technology Lab at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The event has raised nearly $70,000 so far for student scholarships!
News Highlights
Annual Opening Doors Event Raises Nearly $70k for Scholarships
Thank you to all who joined the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s 2020 Opening Doors live event on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Virtual for the very first time, this year’s event has raised nearly $70,000 so far for student scholarships!
Hosted live from CWI’s Diesel Technology Lab at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center by 2015 CWI Communication graduates, Shane Larson and Andde Mendez, was nothing short of inspirational. As they shared videos highlighting students, alumni, faculty, program, community members, and donors of the College – the true spirit CWI shined through.
“I’ve watched a handful of events pivot to an online format, none have been this engaging,” commented CWI Trustee, Molly Lenty. “The emcees were awesome! The best we’ve ever had, and each of the sponsor and speaker had an impactful message – all in recognition of supporting our students.”
“CWI provided me with a solid foundation built with education, relationships, and experiences which have helped me in my career and personal journey,” said Larson. “I was so happy to be able to give back to the College that gave me my start. The event was fantastic – a fun experience, with great people, for a great cause. Grateful to have been a part of it!”
Did you miss the live event? Watch the replay: 2020 CWI Foundation Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event Video
There is still time to take part in this year’s online auction, open now through Oct. 14. The auction is full of amazing items, experiences, services to bid on.
View Auction Items and Donate Now
"Opening Doors is a team effort that cannot be successful without each of you," said Director of Development, Michael Jensen. "Thank you for your dedication and passion for CWI, our students, and our community! #mightyCWI!"
VRT Begins On-Demand Service in Canyon County
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) rolled out new, on-demand service in Canyon County Monday, Oct. 5. Routes 51,52, and 55 – popular with College of Western Idaho students – will transition to the new service.
ValleyRide buses will no longer pick up passengers waiting at a bus stop using fixed time schedules in Nampa and Caldwell. Those needing transportation are asked to schedule a ride between any two existing bus stops or any of the 200 “virtual” bus stops using the VRT OnDemand mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Additional information can be found at the link below or by calling the VRT Help Desk at 208.345.7433.
Staff of the Month – August 2020
Congratulations to Shane Monroe, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for August 2020. Monroe is a Maintenance Craftsman for Facilities Planning and Management and has been with the College for over a decade.
“Shane has been a fixture here at CWI since 2008,” said a colleague. “He works hard behind the scenes to keep CWI running and looking great.”
As a Maintenance Craftsman, Monroe is responsible for the general maintenance, upkeep, and repair of buildings, grounds, and equipment with his primary area of responsibility and focus being the Canyon County Center.
“I get to try a little of everything, and what I don’t know I have access to learning more,” said Monroe. “It’s never the same thing over and over and over – from putting together lockers to hanging stuff on walls and everything in between.”
From students to staff and faculty, people are what Monroe loves most about his job.
“CWI is a great place to work. I look forward to being here every day. Everyone I work with is so nice and have excellent attitudes. They are all so dedicated to what they do which inspires me to be better. Because of CWI, I have increased my work abilities, ethics, and knowledge.”
“Shane is definitely deserving of the Staff of the Month award,” said Facilities Manager, Brian Dunaway. “I am very fortunate to manage such a dedicated and conscientious employee. Shane is a motivated self-starter and takes great pride in the work he does for CWI. He provides excellent customer service and takes personal responsibility to make sure each customer is informed and pleased with the outcome of his work. Shane often goes above and beyond what is expected of him to make sure each task is completed to his high standards. He always wants the buildings and grounds to look their best and works tirelessly to make them look great! Thank you, Shane!”
Monroe was born in Illinois and grew up in California and Idaho. He is married and has a daughter. Outside of work, he enjoys being outside hiking, fishing, and enjoying wildlife.
Faculty of Distinction – September 2020
Congratulations to Holly Paquette, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for September 2020. Paquette is an Assistant Professor for Biology – Microbiology, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences and has been with the College for six years.
“I teach because I am passionate and curious about science,” Paquette said. “My main goal teaching is to open doors for my students to explore biology and microbiology in a way that connects to them and encourages them to make a difference in their lives and the communities they live in. For me, the moments that really stand out are the ‘Aha!’ moments when I see students comprehend and connect with content. The excitement and pride is a great reward as an instructor.”
Paquette earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from University of California-Berkeley and a Master of Science in Microbiology from University of Montana. She additionally completed post-graduate research in epidemiology for the Canadian government. Beyond the close and productive relationships among faculty, staff, and students and the enriching diversity found at CWI, opportunities her students have to complete research is among the top reasons Paquette believes CWI is a great place to get an education.
“CWI prepares students with quality, affordable, and outstanding instruction with opportunities for biology research that are rare even at a four-year institution. CWI empowers students to pursue their interests with passion. Our Biology graduates are welcomed into labs at transfer universities because of the skills they have learned here.”
This past year, Paquette has invested her expertise into discussions related to COVID-19 at CWI.
"Holly has contributed training information for the Center for Teaching and Learning's COVID module and has provided information to administration. Her work with HIV and her training in microbiology has given her relevance and credibility," explained a colleague. "In addition to her work on COVID, Holly is an excellent professor. She is kind, helpful, funny, and explains material well. Students know she cares. She is fair and gives homework that prepares students for exams. Students learn a lot and get excited about science."
Paquette is a fourth-generation Idahoan, married to a French Canadian, and a mother of two. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running in the Boise foothills, spending time with her family and dog – a mini Golden Doodle named Leo – at their cabin in McCall, and eating great food.
September 21-Day Challenge Results
Thank you to all who participated in September’s Walk into Fall 21-day challenge! A total of 3,877 miles were walked between Sept. 1 and 21 by 63 participants. Congratulations to the top mileage winner, Kristin Cook, who walked a total of 197 miles!
Walk into Fall 21-Day Challenge Results:
- Top Mileage Winners
- Prizes include a hip belt for runners/walkers and set of LED reflective clip on lights.
- Kristin Cook, 197 miles
- Dave McEwen, 171.32 miles
- Prizes include a hip belt for runners/walkers and set of LED reflective clip on lights.
- Participant Prize Drawing Winners
- Set of reflective lights:
- Morriah Marks
- Hip Belt for runners/walkers:
- Maggie Saye
- Heather Schoenherr
- Jorene Batali S
- Shannon Grimsley
- Tennly Paul-Bowden
- Susan Kodesh
- Courtney Santillan
- Ted Daniels
- Erica Compton
- Diana Rhinehart
- Coupon for free juice or smoothie at Tree City Juice and Smoothie Café:
- Cathy Carson
- Tenisha Eastman
- Bibiana Ramirez
- Heather Grayson
- Liz Otterness
- Stacy Hardy
- Carol Crothers
- Sara Matson
- Juliet Gibson
- John Shaskus
- Set of reflective lights:
“I enjoyed being able to reflect on how much I'm moving my body throughout the day prior to hitting the gym,” said Assessment and Testing Specialist, Maggie Saye. “I became a lot more consistent in taking daily walks during the work day which in turn also greatly helps my mental health as well as my productivity while in office.”
“This challenge motivated me to get back in the habit of walking throughout the day," said Jordan Mendoza, Senior Research Analyst in Institutional Effectiveness. “When working from home, it's so easy to do the dishes or start a load of laundry during breaks. This challenge gave me a reason to prioritize exercise over chores; so, thank you!”
The October Mindfulness and Yoga Challenge is underway. Visit the Culture and Employee Engagement Committee site on myCWI for all the details on this month’s challenge and to get involved!
2020 Halloween Costume Contest
Something is brewing! It is time to showcase your creative costuming and spooky talents by participating in College of Western Idaho’s Culture and Employee Engagement Committee’s annual Halloween Costume Contest.
Contest categories are:
- Best Zoom Group Photo
- Best Individual Costume
- Best Individual Costume with Themed Zoom Background
- Most 2020 Individual Costume
- Best CWI Team Spirit Costume – You “otter” do this one!
- Best Dressed Pet
- Most Creative Zoom Halloween Story (follow the link below for details)
To enter, send your photo(s) along with the category you would like to enter to ceec@cwi.edu by end of day Wednesday, Nov. 4. Employees will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorites! Prizes will be awarded to individuals. Group winner can claim bragging rights. Stay tuned for more details!