CWI Compass Connect - October 28, 2014
In the Spotlight
On Monday (Oct. 13), College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted the latest installment of the 2014 Visiting Scientist Series with a presentation by Dr. David Roon from the University of Idaho (UI). Dr. Roon talked about the valuable undergraduate research opportunities available at UI, including his research with students in Ecuador. The presentation is the second of five guest speaker events this fall. Visit cwi.edu/events for the remaining Visiting Scientist Series schedule.
News Highlights
Free College Application Week Returns to College of Western Idaho
On Monday (Nov. 10) College of Western Idaho (CWI) kicked off its third-annual Free Application Week waiving the $25 application fee for admissions to CWI. CWI’s Free Application Week, which coincides with Idaho College Application Week, is intended to encourage first-generation and low-income students to take the important first step toward pursuing a college degree or certificate. The initiative has been extended to automatically waive the fee to anyone who submits an application to CWI through Nov. 21.
To date, more than 2,700 people have taken advantage of the free application to advance their education. This year CWI hopes to help even more students explore higher education options and benefits.
As part of Free Application Week, CWI will also host an Admissions Express event at the Nampa Campus Academic Building on Tuesday (Nov. 11) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will provide additional opportunities to connect with advisors, discover college resources, take a campus tour, learn more about college programs, and meet other students.
Patriot Range Returns to CWI with 300 Flags on Display
For the second consecutive year, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Nampa Campus will provide the back-drop for a moving patriotic display with the return of the CWI Patriot Range. On Nov. 5, the CWI Veterans Association and Student Enrichment will partner to cover the west lawn of the Nampa Campus Academic Building with 300 American flags. The field of honor was introduced in 2013 with a 200 flag display. The Eagle Field of Honor has generously donated the flags for use by the Veterans Association.
The Patriot Range provides an incredible visual display with flags that are three by five feet in dimension and stand on eight foot poles, and are precisely constructed to ensure equal distance between each flag and row. The field is lit at night and this year will stand until Nov. 12. The public is invited and encouraged to visit this powerful tribute.
“The Eagle Field of Honor committee is dedicated to helping as many veterans as possible,” says Eagle Field of Honor Project Chair, Kathy Coburn. “The CWI Veterans Association Patriot Range allows us to reach hundreds of veterans through this great partnership. It is an honor and a privilege to pay tribute to our veterans and this is another great opportunity to do that.”
The Patriot Range will also provide a fitting stage for CWI’s Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Student Enrichment will be presenting activities at the CWI Nampa Campus Academic Building, starting at 1 p.m., which will feature a student speaker, student choir, guest speaker, and refreshments.
CWI Visiting Scientist Series Welcomes UI's Dr. Nagler
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is happy to welcome Dr. James Nagler to campus for the next Visiting Scientist Series event on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at the CWI Library in the Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Nagler, Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Idaho (UI), will be discussing factors that affect fish reproduction and opportunities for undergraduate students who transfer to UI. The event is a great way for students to gain visibility to possible future studies while making connections with research faculty and students with mutual interests.
Dr. Nagler has conducted work for the National Science Foundation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and universities here in the U.S. as well as at institutions and agencies in Canada and the United Kingdom. He received his doctorate from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, in St. John’s; he earned his master’s degree from Concordia University in Montreal and his bachelor’s degree from University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Nagler’s work deals primarily with the reproductive biology of a family of fishes called the Salmonidae.
In its fourth year, the Visiting Scientist Series is bringing a diverse group of Idaho scientists and teachers to CWI to discuss their work and opportunities for students when they transfer to a four-year college or university in Idaho. Employees and the community are also invited to attend and enjoy refreshments and discussion. For more information, please contact Steve Lysne at 208.562.3360 or stevelysne@cwi.edu.
CWI Visiting Artist Series Presents Free Concert
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is pleased to invite the community to experience the College of Idaho Langroise Trio in a free public concert presented by the CWI Visiting Artist Program. The renowned classical group will perform:
Thursday – November 13
7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Room 206
This marks the second free performance at CWI by the College of Idaho Langroise Trio. The group performed the first-ever Visiting Artist Program concert in April. This concert will feature the music of Haydn, Dotzaur, and Dvorak. The Trio will also host a “talk back” session with the audience and an intimate reception immediately following the performance. The event is made possible thanks to a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
"We are thrilled to have the Langroise Trio return to CWI,” says Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair, Brenda Fisher. “The opportunity to present this acclaimed group is tremendous for our students and the community. I believe our studio setting provides a unique and perfect way to experience chamber music.”
The CWI Visiting Artist Program features professional visual and performing artists of state, regional, and national acclaim who visit the College throughout the year for public performances, lectures, and workshops.
Horticulture Club Presents 2014 Poinsettia Sale
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Horticulture Club is hosting its' annual Poinsettia Sale. The club is currently taking orders and will continue to do so until 3 p.m. on Oct. 31. The poinsettias are locally grown and offer a variety of colors and sizes ranging in price from $8 to $39.50. The poinsettias will be ready for pick-up Dec. 2 and deliveries will be made to specific locations on Dec. 5. For more information on selection and pricing or to place an order, view the poinsettia order form.
All orders must be prepaid by cash or check made payable to: CWI Horticulture Club. Sale proceeds will help support Horticulture Club students attending the 2015 National Collegiate Landscape Competition; PLANET Annual Student Career Days. All order forms and payment should be mailed to CWI Horticulture Club, attention William Habblett, at mail stop 8000. Please contact William at 208.562.2469 or williamhabblett@cwi.edu with questions.
Healea Wins Staff Award for October
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is pleased to announce CWI’s October Staff of the Month has been awarded to Rob Healea.
Healea joined CWI in November 2009 and has worked as a Technical Support Specialist at the Canyon County Campus since. His approach to “Serving All in an Atmosphere of Caring” includes taking pride and ownership in the work he does, and always helping others whenever the opportunity arises. In fact, it was that serving attitude that helped him attain his nomination this month, helping change a student’s flat tire. He also regularly helps staff and students with their personal computers and helps facilities and security when they could use a hand, as well.
Before coming to CWI, Healea worked at MPC Computers. He has also worked at Hewlett Packard and Capital One. He has been employed in all sorts of computer support positions from call center to web developer to server admin to IT manager. After 21 years doing so many different jobs, he realized that his favorite was working directly with people and helping them hands-on. He found that role at CWI.
"This position wasn't just a job for me,” Healea says. “It was the job I really wanted to do; a job that would make me happy. Every day I go home feeling that I really made a difference."
Healea has been married to his wife Cherri for 16 years and has a 15 year old daughter, Kaetlyn. After 15 years in the auto industry, Cherri is currently attending CWI working towards a teaching degree. Kaetlyn is a volleyball player at Nampa High School and is about to take driver's training.
Please join in congratulating Rob. Thank you for your commitment and continued dedication to CWI and its faculty, staff, and students.
