CWI Compass Connect - August 2, 2022
Spotlight
This year’s INBRE Scholars are immersing themselves in scientific research working with Assistant Professor of Biology, Suzanne Oppenheimer, as part of the Idaho INBRE Research Program. Their project this summer focuses on hormonal basis to behavior associated with competition between native and invasive trout species.
News Highlights
Introducing Expansion of 8-Week Sessions
College of Western Idaho is excited to announce the addition of an 8-week session for Fall 2022 semester. Providing optimized focus and boosted flexibility, this new course option empowers students to stay on track to reach their goals.
FALL 2022 SEMESTER
Second 8-Week Session
Oct. 17 – Dec. 17
- Aug. 1 – Registration Begins
- Oct. 8 – Admission Deadline
- Oct. 14 – Last Day to Register
Visit the 8-Week Sessions page to see if 8-week classes are right for you, explore course options, view frequently asked questions, and more.
Dando 300 Scholarship Honors Late CWI Student
A new scholarship opportunity is now available for Machine Tool Technology students at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Named after late CWI student, Nathaniel Stewart Dando, a 2019 graduate of the program, the Dando 300 Scholarship was created by Nathaniel’s father, Ross Dando.
“This scholarship is in honor of my amazing son,” Ross said. “Nathaniel was an awesome young man full of dreams and plans for his future. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle no matter how bad the weather was or how deep the mud was. We lost Nathaniel to suicide on March 2020. His motorcycle race number was 300.”
Nathaniel’s college journey began like many other students in search of a better job and future.
Ross instilled in his son if you want something, start with a dream, then work hard to achieve it. With a little patience and determination, he landed the job he wanted, however, he was in need of the education and training to go along with it. Nathaniel admitted school was not his thing, and was often a struggle. However, his belief in dreams coming true through hard work kept him going. After two and a half years, he completed the Machine Tool Technology program and graduated from not only CWI but from the manufacturing floor where he had been working.
Tragically, in March 2020 Ross lost his son, Nathaniel, to suicide. This loss inspired Ross to support future students in pursuit of their dream job.
“Sometimes grades don’t show the strength and perseverance of a student,” shared Ross. “This scholarship is aimed at individuals, like Nathaniel, who just need an extra hand to ensure success in their educational experience.”
The Dando 300 scholarship assists second-year Machine Tool Technology students. In addition, Ross requested a match from his current employer, Micron. The company responded to this request with a match, elevating the value of the scholarship to $2,400; awarded annually.
To apply or learn more, visit the Grants and Scholarships page. Apply by July 30 for Fall 2022 classes which begin Aug. 22!
Auction Items Needed for Annual Benefit Event
Do you own a business, have a service or hobby you can share, or know someone who does? We would love to connect with you!
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation is currently looking for auction items for this year’s Opening Doors Benefit Event, an annual event to raise money for student scholarships.
Past auction items have included gift baskets, vacation stays, gift certificates, art, sculptures, sporting event packages, adventure experiences, etc. Items created or donated by students, faculty, and staff are always a highlight and are a great way to show off the amazing talent and skills we have at the College.
Please spread the word about this exciting opportunity – we would love to see the entire CWI community involved! Donate today by contacting the CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu or 208.562.3100. All donations must be received by Aug. 31, 2022.
New CWI Honors Program Now Accepting Applications
Maximize your educational experience and receive a $1,000 scholarship in College of Western Idaho's (CWI) new Honors Program. Applications for Fall 2022 are open now through Saturday, Aug. 13, to first time, full-time, degree-seeking students.
Students accepted into the Honors Program will have the opportunity to supplement their degree with diverse courses, work closely with honors designated faculty, hear from President Gordon Jones, connect with classmates who share similar goals, and participate in events each semester within the CWI community. Transfer partnerships between local and regional institutions are available, and students will receive intentional advising and mentoring from CWI faculty and staff. Students in the Honors Program will also be eligible for membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and have the opportunity to engage in community service both within the CWI community as well as the Treasure Valley at large.
“We're delighted to welcome a diverse group of students into the Honors Program cohort and are excited to walk alongside them as they develop into life-long learners both in and outside of the classroom,” said Honors Program Coordinator, Michal Yadlin. “We're looking forward to the Honors students working to achieve their program degrees along with an opportunity to hone the skills that are vital in becoming active and curious global citizens.”
Apply by July 29 for free CWI swag! Visit the Honors Program page for more information including benefits, admissions requirements, scholarship opportunities, expectations, and more. Contact honorsprogram@cwi.edu with questions.
Dickinson Named Faculty of Distinction for May
Congratulations to Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for May 2022. Faculty at the College since the doors opened to students in 2009, Dickinson’s courses have included Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Ethnic Studies, Sociological Research, and more.
“In the past 20 years, I have taught over 8,000 students,” he said. “I teach as a way to pay forward all the support and mentoring I received as a student, to help make the world a better place, magnify a positive impact on society, and empower students as citizens, as workers, and as human beings.”
Dickinson loves the work faculty at CWI do to nurture students in helping them build confidence, skills, and opportunities for the future.
“CWI empowers students to grow to their potential. We provide students tools to build their own path. Because of CWI, more students have access to higher education in the Treasure Valley. Because of CWI, thousands of lives have been improved.”
As a professor, he sparks a passion for learning with students in the classroom.
“I found his class to be very important,” said one of his students, “I think everyone should be required to take sociology at some point. It isn't just crucial to learn about sociology for one’s degree, but for life in general.”
Dickinson keeps active at the College participating in Faculty Senate and serving on the Inclusive Excellence Committee. In 2021, he was named one of the Idaho GEM Innovative Educators of the Year.
Dickinson was born and spent his childhood in a small town in western Oregon and came to the Treasure Valley as a teenager. After graduating from Nampa High School in 1985, he spent several years working in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before attending Boise State University (BSU), graduating with a BS in sociology from BSU in 1993, and he completed a masters from Idaho State University in 2002.
He and his wife of 23 years have two children, and they enjoy traveling on family trips to the beach. He said, “My favorite is the beach – whether it is cold water of home on the Oregon Coast or the warm water beaches of Florida, I just love the beach.”
Argyle Named Staff of the Month for June
Congratulations to Web Content Strategist UX, Jessica Argyle, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for June 2022. Argyle started at CWI in May of 2011 and worked as an Administrative Assistant supporting several departments across the College before becoming a Communications Representative in 2017 and transitioning into her current role July 1 of this year. Argyle is inspired by the opportunity she has to work on a vibrant campus and loves the culture at CWI.
“From my very first day as a CWI employee more than 11 years ago to today, I have felt inspired and empowered by the people surrounding me. From fellow employees to the students I have met along the way, my life is better because I am here.”
Out of the workforce for 10 years before coming to CWI, Argyle credits her success since then to those who believed in her along the way.
“I decided to go back to school after my supervisor, Jac Webb, offered the advice, 'Time is going to pass no matter what, so you might was well just do it.' After earning an associate degree in Communication from CWI, I went on to earn a bachelor's degree at Boise State University. Because of the education I received, I was able to land the job of my dreams which led me to the position I am in now – both of which have allowed me to share the CWI story. I am living proof CWI changes lives.”
In her role over the past five years as a Communications Representative, Argyle excelled as a storyteller helping to optimize the communication channels the College uses to share its message with the community.
“Argyle has done a stellar job sharing all of the amazing things happening here at CWI," said Audrey Eldridge, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing. "I am so excited for her new adventure as our Web Content Strategist. Her attention to detail, care for the student experience, and desire to utilize content to tell a story and streamline the student journey will be greatly utilized in this position."
Argyle was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from Centennial High School. She lives with her husband in Kuna and has four teenage children, a dog, and two cats. She loves few things more than having a house full of her kids and their friends. Also a professional photographer, Argyle enjoys taking photos for individuals, families, and several businesses in the community.
"One of my favorite times of year is "Farmstead season". If you don't know what that is, you are missing out!"