CWI Compass Connect - July 9, 2019
Spotlight
More than 60 people joined the College’s Latinx Student Services Coordinators (LSSC) for Carne Asadaen el Parque Wednesday, June 19. The event, held at Lakeview Park in Nampa, gave students an opportunity to meet the LCCS team and Navegando Mentors while enjoying carne asada, volleyball, music, and prizes.
10-Year Celebration
Don’t miss out on the celebration as we share the stories of our 10th class of graduates.
News Highlights
Collins Named Idaho Writer in Residence
Malia Collins, an Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing at College of Western Idaho, was named Idaho Writer in Residence by the Idaho Commission on the Arts.
“Collins writes splendid prose full of warmth and vivid imagery," said a panel of judges who reviewed her work.
According to a press release from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, Idaho’s Writer in Residence is the highest literary recognition accorded an Idaho writer and those selected embody preeminent quality in the literary field, complemented by the ability to deliver compelling readings.
Collins joins literary luminaries such as Diane Raptosh (2013), Brady Udall (2010), Anthony Doerr (2007), and Kim Barnes (2004). She will receive $10,000 and serve a two-year term, beginning July 1.
Pursuing Something Better
Hometown: Nampa, Idaho
Major: Liberal Arts
Graduation: 2019
“College of Western Idaho (CWI) empowered me to pursue and obtain an education,” said 2019 graduate, Brendan Hansen, “—an education that will be a springboard into a future filled with learning and self-improvement.”
After graduating from high school, Brendan felt a lot of pressure from himself and those close to him to do something with his life.
“My family went through some rough patches with finances and employment. That, combined with golden opportunities for life experience, helped me realize I wanted something better.”
Unable to put forward a large amount of money to attend school, Brendan was grateful CWI was not only affordable, but provided him support through financial aid to help make his dream of an education possible. Once enrolled, physical and mental demands placed on him in and outside of school were overcome by relying on help from those around him, including his instructors.
“So many instructors made a huge impact on my life and learning. I love the student/teacher interactions I had at CWI. Every instructor I had was fantastic in so many ways – they were upbeat, had a lot of insight, were willing to indulge me in my questions, and always made time to talk with me after class.”
Brendan graduated this past May with an associate degree in Liberal Arts. He plans to transfer to Brigham Young University-Idaho to major in Horticulture or Computer Science.
“I hope to make a better future for both myself and the family I hope to have one day. CWI helped make that possible for me. For those just starting out, you can do it! I am proof of that. It is not always the big stories or trials that make getting an education difficult. It is the silent stories or untold troubles. Chin up, you got this!”
Application for 2019-2020 Scholarships Open
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation scholarships application period is open once again for the 2019-20 academic year. One application makes applying for scholarships at CWI easy and provides students with a number of scholarship opportunities in the College’s academic and career-technical programs. More than 200 students received scholarships through the Foundation last year.
New scholarship opportunities are available for the 2019-20 academic year including the new Nagel Foundation Scholarship for second-year Career Technical Education students. Students interested in applying for scholarships must have the CWI admission application completed, be accepted, and have myCWI login information. The application closes July 31, 2019.
Visit the Grants and Scholarships page to learn more or apply.
