CWI Compass Connect - Oct. 14, 2020
In the Spotlight
A behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event broadcast live on the College’s Facebook page from the Diesel Technology Lab at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The event has raised nearly $70,000 so far for student scholarships! There is still time to take part in this year’s online auction, open through TODAY, Oct. 14, visit cwi.edu/OpeningDoors.
News Highlights
Annual Opening Doors Event Raises Nearly $70k for Scholarships
Thank you to all who joined the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s 2020 Opening Doors live event on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Virtual for the very first time, this year’s event has raised nearly $70,000 so far for student scholarships!
Hosted live from CWI’s Diesel Technology Lab at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center by 2015 CWI Communication graduates, Shane Larson and Andde Mendez, was nothing short of inspirational. As they shared videos highlighting students, alumni, faculty, program, community members, and donors of the College – the true spirit CWI shined through.
“I’ve watched a handful of events pivot to an online format, none have been this engaging,” commented CWI Trustee, Molly Lenty. “The emcees were awesome! The best we’ve ever had, and each of the sponsor and speaker had an impactful message – all in recognition of supporting our students.”
“CWI provided me with a solid foundation built with education, relationships, and experiences which have helped me in my career and personal journey,” said Larson. “I was so happy to be able to give back to the College that gave me my start. The event was fantastic – a fun experience, with great people, for a great cause. Grateful to have been a part of it!”
Did you miss the live event? Watch the replay: 2020 CWI Foundation Opening Doors Virtual Benefit Event Video
There is still time to take part in this year’s online auction, open now through Oct. 14. The auction is full of amazing items, experiences, services to bid on.
View Auction Items and Donate Now
"Opening Doors is a team effort that cannot be successful without each of you," said Director of Development, Michael Jensen. "Thank you for your dedication and passion for CWI, our students, and our community! #mightyCWI!"
Farm to Fork Delivers a Sweet Success
Eighty people across the Treasure Valley devoured a savory, four-course meal in their homes on Friday, Sept. 25, as part of this year's Farm to Fork dinner, supporting College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Campus Garden.
Hosted by Agriculture faculty and students, this year's event came with a twist thanks to COVID-19. Rather than joining friends and family at the College to enjoy the meal featuring produce grown in the Campus Garden, each took their boxes of fresh food home to prepare the meal in the comfort of their homes. Dinner boxes, complete with a bouquet of flowers from Leaning Barn Farms, were picked up at the Nampa Campus Academic Building near the Campus Garden where guests were given an opportunity to enjoy an appetizer and tour the garden. Guests were additionally provided with step-by-step video instructions on how to make the four-course meal.
The meal kicked-off with an appetizer – a crusty baguette from ACME Bakeshop with sliced Eden Creamery’s labaneh, a thick yogurt-like cheese, and pepper preserves from the Campus Garden. A tasty soup followed made from a variety of squashes from the garden prepared by The Tower Grill. The main course was a delicious gyro stacked high with Gutierrez Family Farms ground lamb and beef with red onion, tomato, tzatziki, and Eden Creamery feta cheese. The meal wrapped up with a sweet treat – ice cream from Stella’s Ice Cream made with pumpkin pie filling from pie pumpkins grown in the garden topped with pie crust crumbles. Several also enjoyed pairing their meal with wine from Fujishin Family Cellars.
“We enjoyed every part of the Farm to Fork dinner,” said Shelly Moore, Department Chair of Business. “The videos were informative and helpful in putting the meal together. All of the food was delicious, and we loved that it was all locally sourced.”
Farm to Fork is another example of CWI continuing to adapt and thrive during the pandemic, illustrating the importance of the College’s role in the community.
“While this event is a ton of work, without you all, it wouldn't be possible. It is truly a labor of love," said Andrea Schumaker, Department Chair of Physical and Agricultural Sciences. "A crazy vision has morphed into something very special to the CWI community and Treasure Valley. We sold out in one week from going live and earned just over $3,500 for the Campus Garden! Along the way, we gained more valuable partnerships in the community and showed our supporters how rich the valley is with its diversity of food production, sustainable practices, and love for feeding people."
Thank you to all who made this year's event a success! Visit the CWI Facebook page for additional photos of the event.
2021-2022 Financial Aid Application Now Open
Are you planning attend College of Western Idaho during the 2021-2022 academic year? If so, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Completing your FAFSA gives you access to more than $120 billion in Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for college, and we are ready and here to help you along the way!
Various forms of financial aid are available:
- Grants
- awarded to students based on need
- do not need to be repaid
- Scholarships
- awarded based on merit, skill, unique characteristics, or other criteria
- eligibility and restrictions may apply
- Student Loans
- borrowed funds
- must be repaid
- Work Study Programs
- need-based employment opportunities for students
Ready to apply?
- Visit Financial Aid online for additional information and instructions on how to complete your FAFSA.
- Apply for financial aid from your mobile device with the myStudentAid app.
- Find information on and apply for scholarships.
- Contact One Stop Student Services with questions or to meet with a Financial Aid representative.
VRT Begins On-Demand Service in Canyon County
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) rolled out new, on-demand service in Canyon County Monday, Oct. 5. Routes 51,52, and 55 – popular with College of Western Idaho students – will transition to the new service.
ValleyRide buses will no longer pick up passengers waiting at a bus stop using fixed time schedules in Nampa and Caldwell. Those needing transportation are asked to schedule a ride between any two existing bus stops or any of the 200 “virtual” bus stops using the VRT OnDemand mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Additional information can be found at the link below or by calling the VRT Help Desk at 208.345.7433.
Law Enforcement Class Steps-Up in Time of Need
In mid-September, students in College of Western Idaho (CWI) Law Enforcement program were made aware of a critical incident in which a Kootenai County Deputy Sheriff lost his home, pets, and all of his family’s belongings to a wildfire. The initial report indicated the man, his pregnant wife, and four-year-old daughter were barely able to escape the devastating fire with only the clothes on their backs. After hearing of the tragedy, this group of students decided to work toward contributing funds to help the displaced family. Law Enforcement student, Carissa Nelson, spearheaded the fundraising operation raising $500 within just a few days which was sent directly to the family.
“This was an opportunity to do the right thing and help someone in need,” said Law Enforcement Program Director, LeRoy Forsman. “Our students are involved in two or three charity events each year, not including short-notice emergencies such as this. Involvement has included hosting a golf tournament to benefit the Nampa Family Justice Center and participating in Canyon County’s Shop With a Cop event for underprivileged children. We teach our students the importance of community service and selfless sacrifice as a cornerstone of what being a guardian of the community is all about.”
Anyone interested in donating to help this family may do so by sending funds to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, PO Box 1391, Hayden, Idaho, 83835, in the name of the Harvey Ballman family.
Be Safe, Be Mighty Updates
In addition to College of Western Idaho's (CWI) on-campus COVID-19 Case Information, a Positive Case Dashboard has now been added to the Be Safe webpage. The dashboard view reflects all positive student and employee cases reported to Rapid-Trace, on and off-campus. Our goal is to provide the CWI community with as much transparency as possible during this time.
As a reminder, CWI has partnered with Rapid-Trace to assist in receiving reports of positive or probable COVID-19 cases from employees and/or students. Rapid-Trace will assist with guidance, resources, and contact tracing. To report positive case, call 813.699.3551.
Please be aware the COVID-19 Self-Screening symptom list has been updated. This self-assessment applies to all students, employees, faculty, and approved on-campus visitors. You should complete this self-assessment before every trip to campus. Symptoms can be wide ranging from person to person, it’s imperative everyone error on the side of safety; stay home and quarantine if there is any concern of exposure.
The COVID-19 Operational Guidebook for employees is a great resource and is continually updated, please reference this often for guidance.
Your cooperation and commitment to keeping our CWI community safe is appreciated, and your efforts are noticed. Please keep up the good work as we continue successfully moving through the fall semester in mighty fashion. For assistance, resources, or questions, email COVID19_Questions@cwi.edu.
Faculty of Distinction – September 2020
Congratulations to Holly Paquette, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for September 2020. Paquette is an Assistant Professor for Biology – Microbiology, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences and has been with the College for six years.
“I teach because I am passionate and curious about science,” Paquette said. “My main goal teaching is to open doors for my students to explore biology and microbiology in a way that connects to them and encourages them to make a difference in their lives and the communities they live in. For me, the moments that really stand out are the ‘Aha!’ moments when I see students comprehend and connect with content. The excitement and pride is a great reward as an instructor.”
Paquette earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from University of California-Berkeley and a Master of Science in Microbiology from University of Montana. She additionally completed post-graduate research in epidemiology for the Canadian government. Beyond the close and productive relationships among faculty, staff, and students and the enriching diversity found at CWI, opportunities her students have to complete research is among the top reasons Paquette believes CWI is a great place to get an education.
“CWI prepares students with quality, affordable, and outstanding instruction with opportunities for biology research that are rare even at a four-year institution. CWI empowers students to pursue their interests with passion. Our Biology graduates are welcomed into labs at transfer universities because of the skills they have learned here.”
This past year, Paquette has invested her expertise into discussions related to COVID-19 at CWI.
"Holly has contributed training information for the Center for Teaching and Learning's COVID module and has provided information to administration. Her work with HIV and her training in microbiology has given her relevance and credibility," explained a colleague. "In addition to her work on COVID, Holly is an excellent professor. She is kind, helpful, funny, and explains material well. Students know she cares. She is fair and gives homework that prepares students for exams. Students learn a lot and get excited about science."
Paquette is a fourth-generation Idahoan, married to a French Canadian, and a mother of two. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running in the Boise foothills, spending time with her family and dog – a mini Golden Doodle named Leo – at their cabin in McCall, and eating great food.
Staff of the Month – August 2020
Congratulations to Shane Monroe, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for August 2020. Monroe is a Maintenance Craftsman for Facilities Planning and Management and has been with the College for over a decade.
“Shane has been a fixture here at CWI since 2008,” said a colleague. “He works hard behind the scenes to keep CWI running and looking great.”
As a Maintenance Craftsman, Monroe is responsible for the general maintenance, upkeep, and repair of buildings, grounds, and equipment with his primary area of responsibility and focus being the Canyon County Center.
“I get to try a little of everything, and what I don’t know I have access to learning more,” said Monroe. “It’s never the same thing over and over and over – from putting together lockers to hanging stuff on walls and everything in between.”
From students to staff and faculty, people are what Monroe loves most about his job.
“CWI is a great place to work. I look forward to being here every day. Everyone I work with is so nice and have excellent attitudes. They are all so dedicated to what they do which inspires me to be better. Because of CWI, I have increased my work abilities, ethics, and knowledge.”
“Shane is definitely deserving of the Staff of the Month award,” said Facilities Manager, Brian Dunaway. “I am very fortunate to manage such a dedicated and conscientious employee. Shane is a motivated self-starter and takes great pride in the work he does for CWI. He provides excellent customer service and takes personal responsibility to make sure each customer is informed and pleased with the outcome of his work. Shane often goes above and beyond what is expected of him to make sure each task is completed to his high standards. He always wants the buildings and grounds to look their best and works tirelessly to make them look great! Thank you, Shane!”
Monroe was born in Illinois and grew up in California and Idaho. He is married and has a daughter. Outside of work, he enjoys being outside hiking, fishing, and enjoying wildlife.
