CWI Compass Connect - Dec. 17, 2019
Spotlight
Governor Brad Little visited campus Tuesday, Dec. 10, to present the College with a Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award. More than $23,000 a year will be saved in utility costs thanks to a new chiller installed at the Nampa Campus Academic Building.
News Highlights
Workforce Development Receives Award for Excellence
Christi Rood, Assistant Vice President of Economic Development at College of Western Idaho (CWI), accepted the 2019 LERN International Award for Excellence in Management Practice on behalf of the College’s Workforce Development program at the Learning Resources Network (LERN) Annual Conference, Nov. 19-22 in San Diego, California. LERN is the world’s largest association in continuing education and lifelong learning. As recipient of this award, Rood and her team, were recognized for demonstrating implementation of better operational practices to increase efficiencies and cost-effectiveness.
“The key to improving operations is the key to improving performance,” LERN President, William Draves, stated. “After getting a program review from LERN, [CWI’s Workforce Development program] made more decisions that were data driven, made plans by division… made a $400 thousand dollar reduction in operating costs, provided better oversight, and increased registrations in targeted programs.”
Give the Gift of Education
Give the gift of a college education this holiday with CWIDeal Boost. College of Western Idaho is proud to partner with the IDeal-Idaho College Savings Program to promote education and increase opportunities for post-secondary success with CWIDeal Boost, a matching scholarship program.
CWIDeal Boost offers incentive to students and families saving for college through IDeal, including a matching scholarship opportunity of up to $500 per semester for qualifying students.
Learn more about CWIDeal Boost by visiting cwi.edu/ideal.
Education Sparks Future
“CWI has empowered me by showing me I can do amazing things if I put my mind to it,” said 2019-2020 scholarship recipient, Bradley Dougal.
Bradley, a student at College of Western Idaho (CWI), earned his Welding and Metals Fabrication certificate in 2019 and is now working on a certificate in Machine Tool Technology.
“My passion for welding started in high school during my junior year. Once I started welding, I fell in love with it. The metal working, making things out of nothing – it was really amazing to me. It was like heavy-duty Legos basically, and I really enjoyed that part.”
While learning to weld at the College, Bradley’s stellar performance stood out to Mike Wheeler, Department Chair of Manufacturing and Welding.
“Brad was a great student that made the most of his time here at CWI. He worked very hard to build his skills and it has paid off for him in the welding trade—he had a great job lined up before he graduated and has been doing great work ever since,” said Wheeler.
Since earning his Welding certificate, Bradley has launched a career he thrives at and finds meaning in. As a welder for Shilo Automatic Sprinklers, Inc., he says the training he received at CWI opened doors for him he didn’t think were possible.
“I work for a company who welds for Lowe’s and many other businesses all over the country. Less than six months after starting school at CWI, I became head welder. Hopping right out of high school, I wouldn’t have been able to do that for sure.”
Bradley is a 2019-2020 recipient of the Nagel Foundation scholarship. The Nagel Beverage Company, started in 1895 by John Henry Nagel, became the Pepsi franchise for the Treasure Valley in 1935. Prior to selling the business in 2009, Nagel built a brand new facility in Nampa.
“When we built that facility,” said Curt Goldgrabe, Executive Director of the Nagel Foundation, “we had to hire welders from other parts of the country to come in and do specialized welding on stainless steel tanks. We had to hire people to come in and train our people how to use modernized and computerized equipment.”
Keeping the legacy of the Nagel Beverage Company alive, the Nagel Foundation is focused on enriching and giving back to the community through education and service.
“We have so many new companies coming into our valley and so many opportunities for people to take advantage of with all the growth happening here, but in order to take advantage of it they need skills. We know that what CWI is doing in terms of training is working, and we want to be a part of it.”
During the 2019-2020 academic year, the Nagel Foundation awarded 36 scholarships to second-year career and technical education students at CWI. Bradley, one of this year’s recipients is grateful for the financial boost to his education.
“Having the Nagel scholarship under my belt has relieved so much financial stress,” Bradley said. “Being able to relieve some of that stress has helped me to focus more on school, to work on my grades, and make my welds better without having to worry.”
Bradley and Goldgrabe met for the first time at CWI Foundation’s annual Opening Doors Benefit Event, Nov. 12.
“Brad is one unbelievably talented man,” said Goldgrabe. “He is going to go places.”
“Having someone put so much belief in me was amazing to me,” said Bradley. “I’m just another kid who is trying to go to college – you know, nothing special. Having someone put belief and trust in what I can do was super inspiring for me.”
After earning his Welding certificate and now as he works on his Machine Tool training, Bradley has zero student debt.
“Thank you to the Nagel Foundation and to CWI for the opportunities I have been given. Without CWI, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Following graduation, Bradley plans to work hard, buy a house, have a family, and build a trophy truck.
During the Opening Doors event, Goldgrabe announced the Nagel Foundation will be renewing their scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Currently, Nagel Foundation scholarships are open to CWI students in the Welding and Metals Fabrication, Machine Tool Technology, Drafting Technology, Advanced Mechatronics, Automotive Technology, and Network and System Administration programs.
Jensen and Anderst to Lead CWI Foundation
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is pleased to welcome Michael Jensen, CWI Foundation’s new Director of Development, and Foundation Operations and Database Coordinator, La Dawn Anderst.
Michael Jensen
Michael Jensen was born in Malad City, Idaho. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University in Parks and Recreation, Jensen spent 28 years in the non-profit world. The last 15 years he served as COO/Director of Field Service for the Ore-Ida Council BSA in Boise, Idaho. Jensen also served as a commissioner for the Idaho Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism, Serve Idaho, for 10 years, including a term as President, Vice-President, and Chairman of the Governor’s Brightest Star Recognition Event.
Jensen has been married to his wife, Trudi, for 29 years. They have three children: McKenna, a graduate from University of Utah; Shad, a senior at Mountain View High School; and Sarah, a fifth grader at Christine Donnell School of the Arts. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, reading, and spending time at Disneyland.
La Dawn Anderst
La Dawn, or “LD” as she prefers, is a 30-year transplant from the state of Washington. She made the Treasure Valley her home after attending Northwest Nazarene University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.
Prior to joining the CWI Foundation, Anderst served the last two years as the Idaho Bankers Association’s Executive Vice President. She boasts a 26-year career with the Idaho REALTORS®, the last four as the CEO. While there, she also assumed the roles of Education Director, Membership Services Director, Policy Coordinator, Convention Coordinator, Idaho REALTOR® Leadership Academy Coordinator, Director of Operations and Interim CEO.
Anderst lives in Nampa with her family. They volunteer and support several non-profit organizations in their community, especially the Boys and Girls Club of Nampa and 208 Cares veterans organization where she also serves as a founding Board member.
The CWI Foundation, in partnership with the community, is dedicated to empowering student success and affordable access to education. The Foundation, governed by a Board of Directors, is made up of community members dedicating their time and professional expertise to support the mission of the college. Funds raised by the Foundation support student scholarships and provide vital educational opportunities.
“Supporting students through the Foundation goes beyond helping one individual,” said Jensen and Anderst. “The ripple effect is felt by those who support them, including their community. The opportunity to pursue post-secondary education at CWI creates a pathway for future success. Together, those contributions add up to an optimistic future for us all.”
Learn more about the CWI Foundation and giving opportunities by visiting cwi.edu/foundation or calling 208.562.3100.
One Stop 2019 Holiday Hours
One Stop Student Services will be open reduced hours Dec. 16-27.
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday, Dec. 16 – Thursday, Dec. 19 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Monday, Dec. 23 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Wednesday, Dec. 25 | CLOSED |
| Thursday, Dec. 26 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 27 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Monday Dec. 30 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Jan. 1 | CLOSED |
| Thursday, Jan. 2 | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Jan. 3 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Saturday, Jan. 4 | 9 a.m. – noon |
Visit One Stop Student Services online to view additional hours and locations.
