CWI News – April 18, 2025
In the Spotlight
Students, volunteers, and community members gathered at CWI’s new arboretum to plant 40 trees in celebration of Arbor Day, helping grow Nampa’s first true arboretum and supporting hands-on learning at CWI. The new arboretum is located near CWI’s Agricultural Sciences Complex and will serve as a living classroom and community resource.
President's Message
Greetings CWI Faculty and Staff,
Last week at CWI was both productive and energizing, yielding impactful outcomes in several areas. Today’s message serves as an update, with more details to follow.
At their meeting last week, our Board of Trustees addressed several key issues with both immediate and long-term implications for our campus. First, the Board approved moving forward with a public-private partnership with Ahlquist Development for our Boise Campus. This marks a significant step in finalizing plans for the new facility at Whitewater Park Boulevard and Main Street, which will centralize student resources and better serve our community. We anticipate breaking ground in June, with the facility opening in fall 2027.
The Trustees also began their review of the FY26 budget, which includes a tuition increase for our students as well as salary increases for our employees. Specifically, the Board approved a 5% tuition increase, along with adjustments in fees, resulting in an overall shift of $17 per credit hour. And, for the first time, the Board set tuition and fee rates for upper-division coursework to support our new BAS degree program. These changes will take effect in fall 2025, and details will be shared with students in the coming weeks to assist with their planning. This marks the first tuition and fee increase at CWI in eight years.
We also sought the Board’s approval for a 5% Change in Employee Compensation (CEC). As you may know, the Legislature set the bar at 5% for state employee salary increases this year, and it is essential for us to align with that standard at CWI. Managers will have discretion within the 5% allocation to determine merit increases based on individual performance. Additionally, all pay ranges will increase by 5%, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining competitive and fair compensation for all employees. This year, managers will also have discretion regarding the evaluation system. We are currently reviewing our evaluation processes based on feedback received. While this review is underway, there is no mandate to use the current system in PageUp; however, we strongly encourage managers to engage in some form of evaluation or review process with employees to support communication and continual improvement. Further guidance on this will be provided.
Lastly, we are pleased to share the success of another CWI Giving Day, which raised a total of $43,593 to support student clubs, programs, and the CWI Foundation. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members came together to show their Otter pride and make a meaningful impact. Thanks to everyone who participated, CWI students will benefit from additional scholarships, enhanced learning experiences, and expanded campus involvement opportunities.
Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping the decisions that continue to move us forward. We deeply appreciate your hard work and dedication, and, as always, thank you for your ongoing support of our students during these last weeks of the spring term!
Best regards,
CWI in the News
Boise State University News: Researchers publish first-of-its-kind sagebrush microbiome analysis
KIVI: College of Western Idaho and City of Nampa plant 40 trees at campus expansion ahead of Arbor Day
Idaho Education News: CWI signs agreement to develop Boise campus site
News Highlights
Jose Martinez Finds His Future in Automotive Technology
CWI - Let's Get Started | Automotive
This is a true story about someone from our community who, despite long odds and those saying, “you can’t,” stood defiant and dared to anyway — launching a new career that began at College of Western Idaho.
This is the second of a series of stories from our Let’s Get Started 2.0 spring recruitment campaign. In it we feature innovators, builders, healers, and protectors, each of which capably demonstrate what’s possible when we exercise a grain of grit. After all, if our neighbors can do it, so can you.
Always Under the Hood
Jose Martinez’s love for cars began in his hometown of Bellevue, Idaho. As a child, he was captivated by vehicles — a fascination that quickly turned into hands-on experience during high school. “Whenever I could, I was under the hood,” Martinez recalled. “First with my own vehicles and then others’.”
That early interest paved the way for his decision to pursue automotive technology as a career. When it came time to consider post-secondary education, he knew a traditional four-year university wasn’t the right path. “I found out that CWI had an automotive program, and that grabbed my attention,” he said. “I’ve always had a love for cars and trucks, and it was a perfect fit.”
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Experience
Now in his second year at College of Western Idaho (CWI), Martinez is thriving in the Automotive Technology program. Designed to prepare students for employment in the automotive repair industry, the program blends classroom instruction with hands-on training in a state-of-the-art lab environment. Students gain practical experience diagnosing and repairing everything from engines and brake systems to electrical components and emissions controls.
“CWI had exactly what I needed,” said Martinez. “I knew that I wanted to become a real technician and help people with their vehicles.”
In addition to learning how vehicles work, Martinez enjoys the process of solving problems — especially when it comes to the complex technology found in today’s cars. “There’s so much technology and so many systems that it can get very complicated, but I love chasing the problem,” he said. “In this field you never stop learning.”
Overcoming Challenges with Support
Transitioning immediately from high school to adulthood while juggling work and school responsibilities wasn’t easy. Martinez faced the realities of budgeting, time management, and a demanding academic schedule all at once. Fortunately, he found support in CWI’s faculty and learning environment.
“My professors always listen and give me good advice,” he said. “They want me to succeed as a person and that’s not limited to just in the classroom.”
He also leaned on his family, who remained his strongest source of motivation. “They’ve done so much for me and helped me when things got tough,” said Martinez. “I’ll always be grateful for their support.”
Success at School and in the Field
CWI’s Automotive Technology program is driven to open doors for students and build a connected community, both through high-quality education and by facilitating introductions between students and local businesses. With a strong focus on standards, safety, and certifications like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), students are enabled to enter the workforce with confidence.
For Martinez, the result was landing a job at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Boise while still enrolled in the program. Working part time, he’s able to apply what he’s learning in real time, gaining valuable experience with one of the most recognized names in the automotive industry.
“Getting that job while still a student has been huge for me,” he said.
Advice for Future Technicians
As he continues to build his career, Martinez has a message for students just starting out: “Don’t give up,” he said. “Things are going to get hard and difficult, but you can’t give up the first time. Hard work does pay off, and it will. You just have to trust the process.”
For those who share his love of vehicles and want a career rooted in hands-on problem solving, Martinez’s journey is proof that success is possible — with the right support, training, and determination.
Turn your passion for cars into a career. Explore CWI’s Automotive Technology program today.
CWI Launches Campaign to Train Students for High-Tech Careers
Mechatronics is a rapidly growing field in Idaho and across the U.S., offering exciting career opportunities in automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing for those with technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
As manufacturers and companies implement large-scale technology upgrades, the demand for highly trained workers with this skill set continues to rise. College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program provides students with the training and hands-on experience needed to succeed.
To educate people about Mechatronics — a new term for many — and attract new students, CWI has launched a new marketing initiative called “What is Mechatronics.” After completing the program, graduates will fill critical positions at Micron, Lactalis, GoGo Squeeze, Autovol, and more. In addition, Micron apprenticeship positions are available — allowing students the opportunity to “earn while you learn” — with the possibility of having education costs covered while gaining relevant industry experience. Across the Treasure Valley and online, here are some of the campaign assets you can expect to see.
What is Mechatronics?
Campaign Video: What is Mechatronics
The Mechatronics Bus
A Feature Article
Student Story: From Art to Automation: Kathleen Burns-Wick’s Mechatronics Journey
Graduation: 2025
“There’s so much the program strives to give you, and that requires you to find a balance,” Burns-Wick explained. “I’ve had to adopt new study techniques. I now read and take notes completely differently. I’ve discovered how to learn faster, and I’ve grown more comfortable doing it.”
A Webpage
Informational Article: Mechatronics is the Brain Behind the Machines
"Whether it’s conveyor belts moving online orders, robots assembling houses, or medical tools saving lives, mechatronics is the brain behind the machines that keep our work in motion — it’s what the future runs on."
Let’s Get Started at CWI
Ready to take the first step toward a career in Mechatronics? College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a comprehensive Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology (AMET) program designed to prepare you for high-demand roles in industrial automation.
Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology Request More Information
Rewiring Her Future: Kathleen Burns-Wick’s Mechatronics Journey
As Idaho’s tech industry expands, the demand for mechatronics technicians is rising. To educate people about Mechatronics — a new term for many — and attract new students to the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, CWI has launched a new marketing initiative called “What is Mechatronics.” This student feature is one part of that campaign.
From Art to Automation
For those wanting a career on the front lines of innovation, Mechatronics provides that and more, blending mechanics, electronics, and automation into one dynamic field. From robotics and smart systems to advanced manufacturing, this rapidly growing field offers students a gateway to high-demand, high-tech careers and students like Kathleen Burns-Wick have chosen it for that reason.
Before studying Mechatronics at College of Western Idaho (CWI), Burns-Wick earned a degree in Art Education. But her interest in engineering and automation was sparked in an unexpected way — by watching her husband, Lee, go through the very program she would soon call her own.
“A few years back, my husband was in the Mechatronics program, and I kept finding myself getting interested in what he was learning,” she said. “Even before he’d graduated, I decided that Mechatronics was the career path I wanted to take.”
Learning to Solve Real-World Problems
Now in her final semester at CWI and preparing to graduate in May 2025 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree, Burns-Wick has not only embraced the technical rigor of the program but is thriving in it. The Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, referred to as Mechatronics, teaches students how to work with robotics, electrical systems, and automated equipment — skills that are powering some of the fastest-growing industries in the nation.
“Right now, we’re learning about Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and I’m really enjoying it,” she shared.
Though excited by the material, the transition hasn’t always been easy. With no prior experience in STEM fields, Burns-Wick initially felt out of place.
“There’s so much the program strives to give you, and that requires you to find a balance,” she explained. “I’ve had to adopt new study techniques. I now read and take notes completely differently. I’ve discovered how to learn faster, and I’ve grown more comfortable doing it.”
A Career with Endless Possibilities
Students like Burns-Wick are preparing to enter a high-demand, high-tech workforce. The field of Mechatronics blends mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to support advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation — industries seeing steady job growth in Idaho and across the U.S. due to investments like Micron’s $15 billion semiconductor fabrication expansion in Boise.
Graduates can pursue careers as industrial maintenance technicians, automation technicians, robotics technicians, or even mechatronics engineers. Job growth in these roles' ranges from 10% to 25% through 2030, depending on specialization. Mechatronics professionals are in demand in sectors like aerospace, renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and smart technologies.
Support, Growth, and Giving Back
Despite the steep learning curve, Burns-Wick found encouragement through her instructors and classmates.
“I’ve often felt like I was hearing and reading a completely different language, but the instructors and my classmates have helped me every step of the way,” she said.
She now works part time as an embedded tutor at CWI, helping others navigate the same challenges she once faced.
“I’m always so thankful for the help I receive from tutors and, by tutoring myself, I have a way to pass that gratitude forward.”
Advice for Future Students
At CWI, students don’t just pursue exciting and challenging programs — they become part of a connected community, supported by dedicated faculty, fellow students, and a wide range of resources and services designed to ensure their success.
To future students considering the program, she offers honest encouragement: “This program will challenge you. Stay on top of your work. If you ever feel confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. What you’re learning isn’t easy — and that’s why your degree is valuable.”
For Burns-Wick, Mechatronics isn’t just a new career — it’s a lifelong skillset rooted in adaptability and innovation.
“This program gives you the opportunity to learn how to solve problems,” she said. “You learn to use what you know to solve something new, and that’s an incredibly valuable skill to carry into the workforce.”
Explore the Mechatronics program and train for a future in advanced technology and innovation.
CWI Board Greenlights Public-Private Partnership for New Boise Campus
College of Western Idaho (CWI) continues to build toward the future with the approval of a new public-private partnership that will shape its footprint in downtown Boise. During the April 10 meeting at CWI’s Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), the Board of Trustees approved a collaboration with Ahlquist Development to transform the College’s 10.3-acre property at the intersection of Whitewater Park Boulevard and Main Street into a vibrant hub for education, innovation, and community engagement.
With plans to house programs in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Business, the new CWI Boise location will bring students closer to emerging industries and high-demand career paths. The campus will also help the college consolidate resources by phasing out leased facilities in Ada County, providing a more centralized and efficient student experience.
“This project will be a catalyst for creating opportunity, supporting local employers, and providing our students with the environment they need to succeed,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “We’re excited to take this important step forward.”
The new development won’t just be about academics. Ahlquist Development’s plans include residential units, a hotel, and retail spaces, transforming the site into a dynamic, mixed-use environment designed to enrich both campus life and the broader community.
“It is an honor to work with CWI in creating a place where students and our community will benefit from a mixed-use environment anchoring Boise’s west end of downtown,” said Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of Ahlquist Development. “This unique riverfront property will bring vibrancy and commerce in an accessible setting off the connector and along existing public transportation routes.”
Partnering with Hummel Architects and ESI Construction, the project brings together some of the region’s leading firms to design and build a campus reflective of the College’s commitment to innovation and growth. The 101,000 square foot facility is anticipated to open in fall 2027.
“This investment represents our vision for a stronger, more connected future,” said Jim Reames, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “It’s a win for students, for employers, and for the community.”
As Boise continues to grow, CWI’s expansion into the city’s core is a timely response to the increasing demand for workforce development and postsecondary education. The new Boise location is poised to become a launchpad for student success and a vital part of the Treasure Valley’s evolving educational and economic landscape.
To stay up to date on the project’s progress, visit CWI Campus Development.
Countdown to Commencement: Get Your Regalia
Spring graduates, your moment is almost here! As you gear up for College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) 2025 Commencement Ceremony, be sure to take care of one essential detail — your regalia. Now is the time to order everything you need to walk with pride.
Regalia is officially available to purchase at the CWI Bookstore March 31 through May 9, in store during regular store hours or online.
- Full regalia (cap, gown, tassel) – $32.50
- Gown – $21.75
- Cap – $6.00
- Tassel (Associate or GED) – $4.25
- Honor Cord – $11.15
- CWI Stole – $23.70
Grab your gear early while supplies last. This is your time to shine — let’s make sure you look the part.
If you have questions or need help with your order, the CWI Bookstore team can help. Contact them at bookstore@cwi.edu or 208.562.2402.
Congratulations, grads — let the countdown to Commencement begin!
CWI and Community Unite to Plant 40 Trees for Arbor Day at New Arboretum
College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted a community-wide Arbor Day celebration on April 16, welcoming over 150 participants to what will be a new arboretum in Nampa for a day of planting and connection. Organized in partnership with the City of Nampa, the event was part of the city’s 27th annual Arbor Day recognition and included the planting of 40 trees representing more than 20 different species.
Students from Birch Elementary School and Rocky Mountain High School joined CWI Horticulture Technology students, faculty, and volunteers from across the community to dig in and make a difference. Among the volunteers were employees from the Amazon Fulfillment Center, Clarity Credit Union, Idaho Power, Peppershock Media, Franz Witte, ESI, Republic Services, and more. Together, this group contributed to what will become Nampa’s first true arboretum.
The new arboretum is located near CWI’s Agricultural Sciences Complex and will serve as a living classroom and community resource. For CWI students, especially those in the Horticulture Technology program, the site represents more than just landscaping — it’s an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
Much of the arboretum’s layout and design came from the creativity and hard work of CWI Horticulture Technology students Koti May, Angel Decker, Sarah Hammond, and Keena Rice. With mentorship from faculty and support from community partners, these students helped bring the space to life — an experience that exemplifies CWI’s commitment to hands-on learning and strong connections to industry.
“This Arbor Day event celebrates more than trees — it celebrates growth, learning, and community,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “These trees, planted with care by students, volunteers, and staff, represent a long-term investment in our campus and our region.”
The event highlighted CWI’s third year as a Tree Campus Higher Education and continued its tradition of working alongside the City of Nampa to promote urban forestry and sustainability.
2025 Grad Fest – Let’s Celebrate Our Grads!
Congratulations, 2025 graduates! The time has come to celebrate your accomplishments and prepare to graduate! Gather your friends, family, and classmates, and plan to join us for a good time and good food as we kick off the countdown to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) 2025 Commencement Ceremony with Grad Fest, Friday, May 9.
GRAD FEST
Friday, May 9
4:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
The event will feature:
- Food from BIG Daddy’s Barbeque
- Photo ops courtesy of Alpha-Lit
- Caps, gowns, and CWI swag for purchase from the CWI Bookstore
- Cap decorating
- Giveaways and grand prize drawings
- Giant yard games
- Inflatable obstacle course
- Caricature artists & face paintings
- Music and a DJ provided by Rocky Mountain Roll
- and more!
In addition to all the fun, CWI’s Workforce Development will also be hosting ceremonies for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing apprenticeship graduates. There will be guest speakers and students will be presented with their certificates of completion.
APPRENTICESHIP CERTIFICATE CEREMONIES
Friday, May 9
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 102E
- Plumbing | 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
- Electrical | 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
- HVAC | 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
We look forward to celebrating you and seeing you there with your friends, family, and support system!
The event is free and open to the entire CWI community.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Amber Eubanks at ambereubanks@cwi.edu. Visit CWI's graduation page for more information about the 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
2025 Commencement Seeking Volunteers
The 2025 CWI Commencement Ceremony is fast approaching, and we are looking for volunteers to help staff the event and celebrate this important moment with our students!
What Volunteer Help is Needed?
Volunteer shifts vary based on the role assigned. Some positions are busiest during graduate check-in and lineup, while others are more active during the name-reading portion of the ceremony and the recessional.
How Do I Sign Up?
Click below and choose a slot that works best for you. The deadline for selections is April 25.
Additional Information:
Training: We will provide training during the first week of May via Zoom.
Paid Time: While you will be volunteering, this will count as paid time. Please coordinate with your supervisor to adjust your work hours accordingly.
Meals: We’ll provide dinner during your shift.
We are deeply grateful to everyone willing and able to assist with this event. Your support is vital to making the ceremony a success!
Converging Connections: 2025 CWI Capstone Artist Exhibition
Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Studio Art graduates at the exhibit, Converging Connections, on display, beginning Wednesday, April 16, at Boise State University’s Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery.
The 2025 CWI Capstone Artist Exhibition celebrates the artistic and academic achievements of these Studio Art graduates: Kaleb Belknap, Thordis Boeker, Chelsea Capps, Alison Colacchio, Wendy Dickinson, Isabel Dominguez, Jessica Fisher, Ari Foy, Jordan Grove, Lakiah Howell, Michelle Jenkins, Mackenzie Macky, Kae Martini, Avery McDonald, Dally McEwen, Shaun Miller, Jacesana Peeples, Emma Prescott, Bryant Varley, and Jordan Wittchow.
The exhibit will run from April 16 – May 12 and can be viewed between 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. In addition, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to an opening reception Wednesday, April 16, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 16
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Boise State University, Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery
Converging Connections Exhibition
April 16 – May 12
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Boise State University, Student Union Building Fine Arts Gallery
CWI’s Studio Art program promotes the development of artistic skills and practice, craftsmanship, and aesthetic discernment. The Associate of Arts degree in Studio Art provides students with a foundational understanding of the history of visual culture, provides opportunities to grow as artists, and prepares students who are interested in transferring to a four–year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in Art.
Contact Goran Fazil at goranfazil@cwi.edu to learn more about the College’s Studio Art program or this year’s exhibit.
Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Joseph Haskin
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Studio Art students are getting real-world insight into what life may be like as a professional artist and the steps to get there! CWI's Studio Art Capstone (ARTS 290) course will meet with local artist, Joseph Haskin, as part of the College's Visiting Artist Series Wednesday, April 23.
Joseph Haskin is a time-based artist within the realm of digital arts, specializing in immersive and interactive installations. He views his creations as visual explorations of philosophical and scientific concepts, carefully translating his creative journey into captivating encounters for the audience. He invites viewers to engage not only with the visual aesthetics of his art but also with the underlying philosophical and scientific concepts that fuel his creativity.
Haskin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Boise State University and an Associates of Art degree in Studio Art from College of Western Idaho. Haskin is a participating artists and curator of local art events such as Illuminate in the Garden City Arts District, Hackfort in conjunction with Treefort Fest, and Gleam Art & Light Night at Catalyst Arts Collaborative.
Haskin’s lecture will discuss his art practice and career path. He will provide students with advice for developing their careers post-graduation, informed by his career path as an artist, event coordinator, and curator in the Treasure Valley.
CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
Apply for Available 2025-2026 ASCWI Positions
Students ready to make a difference on campus are encourage to join the Associated Students of College of Western Idaho (ASCWI) team for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. Being an officer in student government is an incredible opportunity to:
- Have a direct impact on the student body
- Gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills
- Help shape the future of the College
The following positions are needing filled:
- Chief of Staff
- Treasurer
- Public Relations Officer
- Senators (6)
Application Details
- Applications open: Friday, April 18 at 8 a.m.
- Applications close: Friday, May 9 at 5 p.m.
Ready to Apply? Complete the application by visiting cwi.edu/ascwi.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
Annual CWI Horticulture Plant Sale – May 7
Spruce up your yard and garden this spring with plants grown and cared for by College of Western Idaho (CWI) Horticulture Technology students. The entire CWI community is invited to attend the program's annual plant sale to purchase annuals, perennials, floral hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, and more.
CWI HORTICULTURE PLANT SALE
Wednesday, May 7
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
CWI Horticulture (HORT), East greenhouses next to the Idaho Firewise Garden in Boise
Offerings include, but are not limited to:
- Flowering annuals for beds, containers, hanging baskets, and cut flowers
- Vegetables – variety of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants
- Herbs – perennial varieties
Bring your own box or container to bring your plants home in. A limited amount of boxes will be available. Cashiers will accept cash, card, or check. Parking is limited.
Questions? Contact Agricultural Sciences Department Chair, Andrea Schumaker, at andreaschumaker@cwi.edu.
