CWI Compass Connect - May 21, 2024
News Highlights
Graduates Celebrated at the 2024 CWI Commencement Ceremony
Families and friends came together Friday, May 10, to honor the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,700 College of Western Idaho (CWI) graduates. Held at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, CWI’s 15th Commencement Ceremony celebrated graduates as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
“Graduates, you have pushed yourselves, worked hard, and uncovered the potential within you,” said Chair of CWI’s Board of Trustees, Molly Lenty. “Today, we celebrate your achievements and look forward to the incredible future that awaits you.”
“I'm reminded of one of Idaho’s most celebrated athletes, Picabo Street. As an Olympic skier, she demonstrated exceptional courage, perseverance, and determination. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary things that can happen when we set our sights high and pursue our dreams with passion.”
The 2023-2024 academic year saw 1,478 CWI students graduate from the College, ranging in age from 17 to 76 years old, and earning 1,798 degrees and certificates. Other highlights included:
- 594 Graduates with Honors
- 229 Graduates with Multiple Degrees
- 100 Veteran Graduates
- Average Graduate GPA 3.215
- 277 Apprenticeship Graduates
- 40 Associate of Arts Degrees Awarded to Dual Credit Students
- 41 GED Candidates
The success of this year’s graduating class prompted remarks from Idaho State Board of Education Executive Director, Matt Freeman. He reinforced the message to graduates they are ready for what comes next in life, thanks to the education and resources they received at CWI.
Freemen emphasized the positive impact and far-reaching effects of earning a college certificate or degree.
“Education is foundational to the future of our state, communities, and families. I want to personally thank each one of you and your families for the tremendous personal and financial sacrifices made to earn a credential of value that sets you up for success.”
CWI President Gordon Jones shared his immense pride and gratitude to be able to have been witness to the graduates’ hard work and dedication.
“Today, we celebrate not just your academic achievement but also your resilience and determination,” he said. “We are a community college. Community is at the heart of what we do, and we are defined by those of you whom we serve.”
"Today marks both an ending and a beginning. It is the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and countless exams, but more significantly, it is a journey you took into the unknown when you started at CWI — a journey where you soared to new heights and found success.
Before Commencement came to a close, Jones reminded graduates they are not just walking away with a degree or certificate, but with the power to shape their own future."
“You have the tools, the knowledge, and the skills to take on whatever challenges come your way,” Jones said. “Whether you choose to continue your education, enter the workforce, or pursue other passions, you have the ability to make a difference in the world. You are not alone, and you now have a community that supports you every step of the way.”
Party! Graduating Students and Family Gather for the 2024 Grad Fest
The Nampa Campus Academic Building at College of Western Idaho (CWI) was bustling with excitement on Friday, May 3, as Grad Fest took center stage, marking the commencement festivities for CWI graduates and their supporters. The annual extravaganza was filled with activities, food, and heartfelt celebrations.
The party featured food from BIG Daddy’s Barbeque, photo opportunities courtesy of Alpha-Lit, cap decorating courtesy of CWI Foundation, giant yard games and an inflatable obstacle course, music and a DJ provided by Rocky Mountain Roll, merchandise from the CWI Bookstore, giveaways, grand prize drawings, and more.
There was even more to celebrate at this year’s Grad Fest as CWI’s Workforce Development hosted Certificate Celebrations for their Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship graduates.
Each of the three apprenticeship programs had its certificate celebration where over 250 apprentices received their certificate of completion from their respective four-year program.
- HVAC – 66 apprentices
- Electrical – 145 apprentices
- Plumbing – 66 apprentices
All student apprentices are required to have a minimum of 576 hours of classroom (in-person or online) training to complete a four-year program. Workforce Development also aims to have students earn 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience throughout their four years to be able to take Idaho’s Occupational and Professional License exam to become a licensed Journeymen.
Also celebrated were dozens who worked diligently to complete their GED — prepared now for higher education and future career growth.
Lastly, Hispanic student graduates were honored at Nuestra Celebración — family and friends in attendance — with each student receiving a unique stole to wear at Commencement representing their achievement.
With hundreds in attendance and a good time had by all, 2024 Grad Fest was a success!
Next up is CWI’s Commencement, which will bring together and recognize this year's degree, certificate, GED, and apprenticeship graduates as they walk across the ExtraMile Arena stage on Friday, May 10.
For those with questions or in need of more information, visit the Commencement page.
Cyber Summer Camp Open for Registration
Do you know a high school student interested in breaking into the cybersecurity industry? Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) for Cyber Summer Camp on July 22 – 26!
This week-long, daytime event is aimed at teaching high school students the basics of computing, cybersecurity, and information technology through a hands-on, fun, and engaging experience. Students will learn about CWI Dual Credit opportunities, Cyber Blue Teams, operating systems, gamified cybersecurity education, and computer hardware.
Cyber Summer Camp
July 22 – 26
9 a.m – 3 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), room 1425
Cost: $200 per student
Register for Cyber Summer Camp
If you are interested in the scholarship opportunity for this course, please contact Sara via e-mail at SaraHoyt@cwi.edu prior to registration.
CWI Computer Science and Information Technology faculty and students are needed to assist during these week-long camps, held during the summer. To volunteer, please email cyberdefense@cwi.edu.
Learn more about Computer Science and Information Technology from CWI.
CWI Students Garner Multiple Awards at National Business Professionals of America Conference
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) attended the annual BPA National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois.
6,500 students, ranging from middle school- to college-level and from around the globe, participated in competitions and service events, with CWI students demonstrating business and information technology skill proficiency — gained from CWI’s Career and Technical Education programs. Nine students from CWI participated, eight of whom achieved top ten finishes in multiple competitions.
Business Professionals of America is a career and technical student organization providing opportunities for students to progress in and expand their professional and technical skills, giving them opportunities not provided simply by obtaining a degree. The College's local chapter is guided by advisors from the Computer Science and Information Technology department, Seth Akers (Assistant Professor, Network Administration) and Linda Otto (Professor, Cybersecurity).
Students achieved the following awards:
First Place
Connor Betz – Computer Network Technology
Ben McCoubrey – Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
William Young – Information Technology Concepts
Second Place
Ken Blankenship – Server Administration using Microsoft
Ken Blankenship – Network Administration using Cisco
Third Place
Cody Ibarra – Server Administration using Microsoft
Andrew Toombs – Intermediate Word Processing
Andrew Toombs – Basic Office Systems & Procedures
Connor Betz – Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
Top 10
Cody Ibarra – Computer Security
Cody Ibarra – Computer Network Technology
Cody Ibarra – Information Technology Concepts
Connor Betz – Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
Connor Betz – Information Technology Concepts
Ken Blankenship – Linux Operating System Fundamentals
Ken Blankenship – Administrative Support Concepts
Reese Murphy – Intermediate Word Processing
Reese Murphy – Basic Office Systems & Procedures
Stanley Ward – Server Administration using Microsoft
Stanley Ward – Linux Operating System Fundamentals
Stanley Ward -Information Technology Concepts
William Young – Linux Operating System Fundamentals
William Young – Computer Security
William Young – Administrative Support Concepts
William Young – Computer Network Technology
Students Receiving Industry Certifications as Part of Competitions:
Cody Ibarra
Connor Betz
Ken Blankenship
Ben McCoubrey
Reese Murphy
Andrew Toombs
William Young
Duck Valley Students Explore STEM with CWI
Representatives from College of Western Idaho (CWI) attended the Duck Valley STEM Fair on May 7, held at the Owyhee Combined School on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Home to Shoshone-Paiute Tribes — one of the 5 tribal nations located in Idaho — Duck Valley is the closest reservation to the Treasure Valley.
The CWI team promoted Onramp, Automotive Technology, the CWI Honors Program, and other STEM related programs to over 300 K-12 students and community members.
Also available was a CWI-owned Telsa Model 3, used for training Automotive Technology students, and on site for attendees to explore. The Onramp program featured interactive STEM activities that used iPads and robots to highlight creativity and coding skills. “CWI was pleased to provide a hands-on look at the technology and high-quality educational options that are work force ready for Duck Valley residents,” said Justin Vance, Dean of CWI's School of Arts and Humanities.
Annual Connections Project Honors Student Achievements
College of Western Idaho’s Nampa Campus Academic Building was full of excitement, Thursday, April 28, as the campus community came together for the seventh-annual Connections Project, an annual event showcasing the hard work and accomplishments of students. Kevin Chase, a Political Science major and member of ASCWI and the College’s Speech and Debate team, presented winners of this year’s Connections Excellence Awards during an awards ceremony. Finalists were determined by a panel of judges and each received $100 and $150 prizes.
Congratulations to this year’s Connections Excellence Award Winners:
Live Mini Talks
Connect Category
- 1st Place – Craig Peterson, Speak Up Ink Up Charity Event
Inspire Category
- 1st Place – Sawyer Ellis, Google Vision AIY
- Runner-up – Mercades Nelson, Is Social Media Compromising Our Self-Regulating Behaviors?
- Runner-up – Kennedy Cole, Growth and Fixed Mindset: A Survey About Mindsets and Their Relationship to Symptoms of Mental Illness, the Internalization of Problems, and Emotion Regulation Strategies
Recorded Mini Talks
Connect Category
- 1st Place – Bryce Thompson, Extroversion & Shyness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Runner-up – Zane Cooper, Redlining in America
- Runner-up – Hallee Barney, Group Dynamics
Inspire Category
- 1st Place – Logan Adams, The Struggles of Life at the Minidoka War Relocation Center; Zane Cooper, Plato’s Virtues & the Tripartite Soul
- Runner-up – Andison Fluckiger, The Republic of Plato Poetry and Imitation
Posters
Connect Category
- 1st Place – Mercades Nelson, Is Social Media Addiction Compromising Our Self-Regulating Behaviors?
- Runner-up – Kaw Paw, Karen People of Burma
- Runner-up – Angie Apreotes, MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus
- Runner-up – Anna Miles, Development of Early Detection Technology of Botulism
Inspire Category
- 1st Place – Lia Montes & Natalie D’Agostino, PTK Latinx Postcards
- Runner-up – Alana Stewart, Resistance of Mycoplasma pneumonia to Macrolide antibiotics
- Runner-up – Kennedy Cole, COBS Community Outreach Behavioral Services Raising Awareness About Human Trafficking and Providing Resources to Its Victims
- Runner-up – Brittany Jamison, Greater Than, Less Than and Equal to for 1st Grade
Thank you to the judges, instructors, and participants of this year’s Connection Project, and congratulations, again, to the winners!
