CWI Compass Connect - March 15, 2022
Spotlight
Idaho Power CEO, Lisa Grow, and members of her leadership team toured the Nampa Campus Academic Building and Micron Education Center Friday with President Gordon Jones, left, and other staff. The tour showcased campus facilities and programs available at the College. Thank you to Idaho Power for their ongoing partnership and continued support of CWI and its students.
President's Message
I am already two months into my time at CWI, and what a positive whirlwind it has been. I'm beyond excited to be serving as President and am still bouncing out of bed each day with enthusiasm. Over the past 60 days, I have met people across the Treasure Valley, from Legislators to community members, who are interested in the story of CWI and are extremely excited to learn what's next.
I find sharing the story of CWI is easy, thanks to all of the faculty and staff because our message is one that involves empowering students to access their dream of a better life. We help students find social and economic mobility, and this is accomplished through the great work you are doing, past and present. The magic that occurs here includes high-quality instruction, premier programs, services that support, and a culture that embraces a mission centered around empowering our community, one student at a time. I am honored to not only be a part of this culture, but to share the magic of our culture with those in our community and beyond.
My time has also been dedicated to fully engaging with the legislative session through presentations, one-on-one meetings, as well as attending a number of community events. This tour of advocacy has allowed me the opportunity to meet with statewide political leaders, business professionals, key stakeholders, and pillars of our community. In addition, I have been able to visit with our local media, affording me the chance to share our message even more broadly and bring even greater awareness to our cause.
An integral part of this campaign includes building and strengthening existing relationships, as well as identifying where I can bring others into awareness, support, and collaboration with CWI. In support of that, I am excited to share news of a partnership project with Harvard Business School. Over 100 Harvard students will be traveling to work with 12 organizations in Idaho later this year. CWI will be the only educational institution they are working within Idaho. They will be working with our team on goals related to retention. Retention of our student body is critical for students to achieve their educational and career goals. I can’t wait for them to learn from us, and I anticipate they will have ideas that we can also learn from and implement.
Lastly, I would like to thank all of you in the community for engaging in our campus visioning and planning process. These are exciting times for CWI as we prepare to move into the next phase of the process, so stay tuned in the months to come.
News Highlights
CWI Launches Work-Based Learning Center
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) new Work-Based Learning Center is an exciting resource connecting students and the business community to combine classroom learning with hands-on work experience.
"This is such a great opportunity for the CWI student population," said John Russ, Director of the Work-Based Learning Center. "Students feel supported, encouraged, and are able to see how their education connects directly to career opportunities. I’m excited to lead the vision of the Work-Based Learning Center and look forward to students and employers benefiting from the Center.”
The Work-Based Learning Center offers a connection between students and employers by combining instruction with practical work experience. Students choose the correct academic pathway to support their goals by working with staff through one-on-one assistance, finding hands-on internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and providing employers with tools for financial assistance.
"I can't thank the staff enough at the Work-Based Learning Center for all their encouragement and wonderful resources," underscored CWI Biology graduate Rachel Pender, who recently accepted a full-time position in the anatomic cytology lab at St. Luke's as an apprentice. "It's made this whole process so much more enjoyable, feeling like I have people rooting for me."
Assistant Vice President of Economic Development, Christi Gilchrist adds, "Students succeed when the classroom learning experience connects to employment and career opportunities. With faculty busy teaching and businesses busy running their businesses, the Work-Based Learning Center is the connector for students and employers. The center would not be possible if the Idaho Workforce Development Council had not engaged in a statewide endeavor to focus and define Work-Based Learning."
The development of this center illustrates CWI's commitment to empowering the community by providing this student and employer centric center focusing on connecting CWI students to employers in key sectors of the economy.
Russ added, "The creation of the Work-Based Learning Center, will also strengthen CWI's impact on the local economy, employment and community engagement. Employers are excited to have a single point of contact with the College to get the word out about the many opportunities they have to offer."
Visit the Work-Based Learning Center online, or call 208.562.2562 to learn more.
Hanson Named Faculty of Distinction for February
Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Business, Ryan Hanson, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for February 2022. Prior to CWI, he worked in the IT Services industry for a decade while earning a master’s degree in Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene University.
“Education runs in my family,” Hanson said. “Both of my parents worked in the Nampa School District and believed every child had the right to a good education. I found that same mission at CWI focused on adult learning. I believe education is the great equalizer. It opens doors for individuals and their communities.”
Over the past seven years as CWI faculty, Hanson has taught a variety of Business courses including Business Communication, Business Statistics, Personal Finance and Business Math, and Business Software Applications.
“Ryan has been a fantastic teacher throughout the various semesters I was fortunate enough to learn from him,” said student, Gabby Minor. “The availability and flexibility he offers his students is essential in our educational success at CWI, and for that, I cannot thank him enough. He is a stats wizard and truly shows instructional excellence while providing a go-getter attitude each day. As stats course content begins to rear its teeth, he is encouraging supplying his students with the tools necessary to conquer it. I will always recommend Ryan to current and future students. Thank you!”
“I am always amazed at the caliber of students we have at CWI,” said Hanson. “Community Colleges are often perceived as being for lesser students, but that is just not true at CWI. Despite being open to all, CWI attracts and develops very capable individuals who go on to succeed in their chosen fields, both professionally and continuing on to a four-year degree.”
The spirit of the CWI community is something Hanson finds unique.
“Offering low barriers to a first-rate education, CWI empowers students from all walks of life to reach their goals. I think one of the best things about CWI is we have former students who have come back to teach here. Our impact on their lives was such they wanted to come back and be a part of the CWI community again. The legacy we are beginning is going to be amazing to watch!”
Hanson was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. He and his spouse have four kids ages 16, 14, 13, and 8. He enjoys camping with his family, reading, and woodworking when he can find the time.
Business Students Meet President Jones
College of Western Idaho (CWI) President Gordon Jones had the opportunity to speak to 80 students Wednesday, Feb. 9, as part of the Business department’s Local Speaker Series. President Jones answered questions from students attending in-person and via Zoom about his background and path to CWI and posed the question, “What’s your why for CWI?”
“What an incredible opportunity this was to connect with students and hear from the new leader of our vibrant community here at CWI,” said student, Flora Koenig.
Next up in the Local Speaker Series is Adam Haynes of Rolling H Cycles who will speak to students Wednesday, March 2.
A Novel Life – March 25
Storyfort and College of Western Idaho are proud to present A Novel Life – a dive deep into processes, practicalities, passions, and how the conception and writing of a novel gets done. This year’s event will feature bestselling authors Jason Mott, Jennifer Haigh, and Jonathan Evison.
Friday, March 25
FireFusion Studio & Delia Dante Gallery
14th and Main in Boise
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
A Novel Life, geared toward writers and readers 16 years and over, is free and open to all.
Contact Dave Nicholas at davenicholas@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.
One Stop Hours – Spring Break 2022
Planning to visit One Stop Student Services during Spring Break?
College of Western Idaho’s Ada County Center Lynx Building (ALYN) and Canyon County Center (CYNC) One Stop locations will be open as outlined below the week of Spring Break, March 21-16.
Monday, March 21 – Thursday, March 24
8 – 5 p.m.
Friday, March 25
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 26
Closed
The Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) One Stop will be closed during Spring Break for painting.
Regular business hours will resume Monday, March 28. Visit One Stop Student Services online to view additional hours and locations.
Join CWI in Celebrating Women’s History
College of Western Idaho’s Student Affairs and Latinx Student Services invite you to celebrate Women’s History Month in March.
Learn about the history, achievements, and strength of women by watching the following films, available March 1-31 for free using your CWI login:
She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry
Then, plan to join Poder of Idaho and guest speaker, Estefania Mondragon, March 29, as she shares stories and experiences of migrant women with toxic masculinity and assaults.
Women's History Guest Speaker – Tuesday, March 29
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, 2nd Floor Atrium
Contact Student Engagement and Programs Coordinator, Natalia Rojas, at nataliarojas@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.
CWI Food Pantry Heroes
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) food pantries are a vital source of support for our campus community. As our students may know, focusing on your studies while wondering where your next meal is coming from is difficult. In 2019, a CWI survey revealed that 40% of our students have experienced food insecurities, which negatively impacts student success.
The CWI food pantries are stocked on a volunteer basis, and for this reason, it is not always easy to keep them filled. Fortunately, ours is a generous community. A number of students, faculty, and staff have generously given from their hearts and their wallets to help ensure students have the food and hygiene items they need.
Recent CWI food pantry heroes include:
- Courtney Santillan
Dean of Social Sciences and Public Affairs
At the beginning of Spring 2022 semester, Courtney donated $250 worth of food and hygiene goods to help us kick off the new year with full pantry shelves.
- Jaime Barajas
Assistant Director, Admissions and Recruitment
Jaime’s family buys noodle cups and ramen each time they go grocery shopping and collect them in a box at home. Once the box is full, they donate it to a shelter. This past fall, they chose to donate to the CWI pantries.
- Joe Welker
Associate Professor, Accounting
Joe holds food drives in his classes every semester. He and his students have donated many bags of goods to the pantries.
- Steven Fairweather
Security Guard, Canyon County Campus
Steven and his wife watch for sales and regularly buy an extra case or two of canned goods to share with CWI students.
- Kory Sparks
CWI Graduate, Professional Nursing
Last semester, Kory was looking to complete a community health project assignment for one of her nursing classes at Boise State. Lucky for us, she decided to partner with CWI’s Student Nurses Association to coordinate a food donation competition between the two nursing cohorts, faculty, and staff. The competition resulted in close to 500+ food and hygiene items for our pantries.
- Stephanie Ritchie Breach
Former CWI faculty and Faculty Senate President
During the holiday season, Stephanie and her family created and donated approximately 100 hygiene kits filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving products, soap, and shampoo.
We want to shout a loud and grateful THANK YOU to these members of our CWI com
munity and many others who privately add items to the pantry shelves, care about our students, and help where they can. Your donations do not go unnoticed, and we appreciate you!
Those wishing to donate to the CWI food pantries, please do! Grab-and-go lunch items and snacks are the most utilized items. Canned vegetables, pastas, sauces, and other items a person might take home to make a meal do not move as quickly through our pantries. Please be sure to check expiration dates on donated items.
The College is actively seeking local businesses and organizations who might want to sponsor the pantries for a month. If you know of a potential sponsor, please contact Christy Babcock in Counseling and Wellness Services at christybabcock@cwi.edu or 208.562.2371.
